Chapter 258: Three Misses in a Row Is Just Another Day
Wednesday, November 25th.
The trip to Cinnabar Island had come to an end. Teacher Lu returned to his peaceful, daily routine. Taking advantage of the time off, he lay on the floor, leaning against Arcanine's belly and reading a book in the sunlight. Arcanine was huge, and its warm fur made for the perfect pillow.
"Awoo" Arcanine yawned, eyes half-closed. The yawn passed to Lu Ye, and then to Sylveon, who was sprawled out on his body. The warm winter sun was incredibly cozy. After less than ten minutes, Lu Ye closed the book, reached out, and pinched Sylveon's cheek, only to be met with an indignant "Buee!"
Come to think of it… with a 23.5kg dumbbell lying on me every day, isn't my body about to evolve too? He picked Sylveon up, set it aside, and got ready to head out to the Trainer Academy.
Blaine's Fire Blast had left quite the psychological scar. Instead of letting Gengar secretly train on its own, it felt safer to bring Arcanine to the Sunlight Room for some drills. Of course, "training" was just an excuse—the real reason was not wanting to leave Arcanine home alone. At least it was one way to burn off some energy. Anyway, the principal had said the school's training facilities were free to use. Even if something blew up… it probably wouldn't be a big deal?
Grabbing his Poké Balls, Lu Ye walked toward the outer road. In the thick grass, you could spot quite a few wild Pokémon. But once the red light flashed and Arcanine howled, everything went dead silent. The Intimidate ability significantly reduced wild encounter rates. It saved time, sure, but… it also meant he couldn't snatch any pocket change from Bug Catchers. Lu Ye shook his head regretfully, then swung a leg over Arcanine's back. "Let's go! Off to the Trainer Academy!"
"Awooo~~"
"Wrong way, it's this direction!"
As a Legendary Pokémon in Donghuang mythology, Lu Ye had always had a soft spot for Arcanine. Riding it, the wind howled past. Ten or so minutes later, the Trainer Academy appeared ahead. Giselle was reviewing last week's lesson from Teacher Lu. Suddenly, a cloud of dust kicked up, and a massive Arcanine came to a halt in front of her.
"T-T-Teacher Lu!" Giselle stammered, then got annoyed: "No riding Pokémon at full speed inside the school grounds! That goes for faculty too!"
"But I'm not inside the school yet," Lu Ye laughed, recalling Arcanine. "How's Teacher Erika doing with subbing?"
"Not as good as you."
"Now don't go spouting harsh truths like that," he waved dismissively.
Giselle was speechless. You're clearly enjoying this, aren't you!
"Actually, I've got something to talk to you about," Lu Ye said. "There's a student portion in the year-end exchange match… If you're interested, you might want to start preparing now."
"Isn't there a staff match too?" Giselle blinked. "If Teacher Lu's participating… shouldn't you be preparing seriously too?"
"It's just a junior cup, no need to prep," Lu Ye waved his hand. "Catch you later."
Watching his back, Giselle blushed, then suddenly realized—Did Teacher Lu just say something kind of outrageous?
At the office, Erika wore her usual green furisode, working on her lesson plans. "Teacher Lu," she looked surprised. "You don't have class today, do you?"
"You subbed for me last time. Since I'm free today, I figured I'd make it up."
"No need," Erika smiled faintly. "My practical battle class… I worry you might leave those kids with psychological trauma."
"Now, come on, I'm not that inhuman," Lu Ye cleared his throat. "If I'm not needed, I'll go train then?"
Erika gave a slight nod, then suddenly recalled that he was collecting Gym Badges. Back in Modu, she had lost to him in a friendly match. Since he didn't seem eager to bring it up, she figured she'd just hand him the badge when the time was right.
Trainer Academy, Sunlight Room
The old man overseeing the facilities was growing anxious at the explosion sounds coming from inside. Even though the equipment was new, this intense usage… was it really okay? With trembling hands, he pulled up the surveillance feed. A handsome Trainer stood at the edge of the field, holding a Togepi, eyes fixed on the battle. A burly Arcanine bared its fangs, blazing flames gathering in its mouth!
The old man's expression changed. That's an Arcanine—why does it look familiar? Is this the same Growlithe that tore the place apart last time, now evolved and back for revenge?
BOOM!! A massive orange fireball in the shape of the kanji for "Big" (大) erupted from Arcanine's mouth, roaring toward the target. If it's just training, then no big deal… Just as the old man let out a breath of relief—BOOM! Another explosion. Fire Blast… missed? At that range?
Lu Ye was also stunned. "Let's… try again?"
"Awooo!" Arcanine howled confidently. This time, there's no way I'll miss!
BOOM!! Another Fire Blast exploded, slamming into the wall. The entire room trembled.
Two missed Fire Blasts in a row—Teacher Lu was getting fired up. I even brought Togepi for luck!
"One last time!" Lu Ye snapped. "Arcanine, Fire Blast!"
"Awooo~~" Arcanine howled, fire bursting from its mouth. The trajectory… was absurdly off. The attack veered toward the ceiling. The old man's eyes flew wide open. With a crashing rain of debris, a beam of sunlight poured down from the hole.
"Awooo~~凸(｀0´)凸" Arcanine shook out its flowing mane and grinned, full of swagger.
With sunlight pouring in, Teacher Lu stood in the beam, expression complicated. My house didn't blow up… but the school did again? Whatever. Better the school than my place… Wait, no. He shook his head. I really just came here to train a move! How was I supposed to know Fire Blast would miss three times in a row, with trajectories this ridiculous?!
Principal Samson Oak arrived in a hurry. It hasn't even been a week—how did it blow up again? "You're not hurt, are you, Teacher Lu?" he asked with concern.
Lu Ye: "I'm fine, just a little shaken…"
"Good, that's good," the Principal let out a breath. "I'll have a crew fix this… for now, just use the other facilities!"
"Let me cover part of the repair cost," Lu Ye said, guilt creeping up.
"No need—we talked about this," Principal Samson Oak smiled. "The value your teaching brings is far greater than any material thing."
Lu Ye froze, a little moved, and nodded. "I'll call the repair crew then, Principal. I've got VIP status!"
"Oh? That so? Then I'll leave it to you!"
By the end of the afternoon, Arcanine's Fire Blast was looking pretty solid. Lu Ye shook hands with the Kanto-style renovation team leader. After saying goodbye, he felt even more determined to join the exchange tournament. Just Principal Samson Oak's kindness alone… he had to repay that. Back at the office, he stared at the list of tasks. "Three students to enter the tournament, huh… Where am I gonna find them…"
Just as he was racking his brain, a student burst in. "T-Teacher Lu! Giselle-senpai is fighting an outside student at the front gate!"
"Some guy from Alola is challenging all our Battle Department students!"
Lu Ye blinked. "What does he look like?"
"Blonde hair, kinda edgy, and a stuck-up face that's just asking to be punched!"
Listening to the rant, Lu Ye thought for a second. That description… sounds awfully familiar?
Led by the student, Lu Ye hurried to the gates—where a Midnight Form Lycanroc stood, eyes glowing red. Teacher Lu's eyes lit up. A tournament prospect… looks like one just showed up!
[Inorin Note:
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