"If you're going to battle, I'll referee."
The homeroom teacher did not stop them.
He wanted to see Gu Qiu's true level.
Something about this student—
Never felt simple.
"Battle begins!"
Although Froakie had a type advantage over Torchic—
Not many students favored Gu Qiu.
Everyone knew the situation.
Yu Hao had owned Torchic for three days.
He had already trained it.
Built coordination.
Gu Qiu?
He had just received Froakie.
Fresh partner.
No experience together.
On paper—
Yu Hao had the advantage.
"Torchic!" Yu Hao shouted confidently.
"Use your level advantage! Close the distance—Scratch!"
Starter Pokémon didn't have many moves.
This wasn't a game.
Moves required real training.
Even with a TM, learning took time.
Only through repeated practice could skills stabilize.
Gu Qiu's Pika-Itachi had so many techniques—
Because of long-term cultivation.
And divine-level aptitude.
Early-stage battles?
They were mostly about base stats and fundamentals.
Gu Qiu remained calm.
"Froakie."
"Use Growl. Lower its Attack."
"Then Quick Attack."
He had no intention of dragging this out.
End it fast.
Collect reward.
Leave.
Protean activated.
Growl echoed sharply.
Torchic's momentum faltered mid-charge.
Its attack aura visibly weakened.
Before it could recover—
Froakie flashed forward.
Quick Attack.
Its type shifted instantly.
Speed spiked.
Impact landed.
Bang!
Torchic was sent flying.
Yu Hao froze.
That was too fast.
"Torchic! Get up!"
"You can't lose! You're higher level!"
Torchic struggled to stand.
Stubborn.
Gu Qiu's eyes showed faint appreciation.
Good spirit.
Wrong trainer.
"Froakie."
"Bubble."
Type shifted again.
Water-type.
Boosted.
Dozens of water spheres shot forward—
Direct hit.
Torchic screamed.
Collapsed.
Eyes spiraled.
Battle over.
"Torchic is unable to battle."
"Winner—Gu Qiu."
Silence.
Then an eruption.
"That was instant!"
"He completely controlled the rhythm!"
"Was that ability just now?"
[Froakie defeated Torchic.]
[Gained 47 EXP.]
[Level Up → Level 7.]
[Ding!]
[Mission Complete.]
[Reward: 1,000 Chakra + 100,000 Poké-dollars.]
Warm energy surged through Gu Qiu's body.
Chakra increased.
Funds replenished.
Ten thousand Poké-dollars may seem small.
But in early development?
It was fuel.
And now—
With two Pokémon—
Expenses would skyrocket.
Energy cubes.
Training supplies.
Recovery sprays.
Money burned fast.
If he wanted rapid growth—
He would have to travel.
Hunt.
Capture mid-grade Pokémon.
Sell to the Pokémon Center for resources.
Previously, he avoided doing that.
Because he was underage.
Because he didn't want to expose Pika-Itachi.
Pokémon Center data wasn't absolute secret.
A normal citizen's records?
Easy to check.
But now—
Froakie was legitimate.
Clean origin.
No major faction would target him for a High-Grade Froakie.
It was time to move.
"I lost…"
Yu Hao stood pale.
No one paid attention anymore.
The crowd had already shifted.
"Boss! That was insane!"
Fatty Luo Yi rushed over.
"My admiration flows like a river—like—"
"Stop."
Gu Qiu cut him off.
Better safe than hearing something disgusting.
Serena walked up, smiling brightly.
"You were amazing."
Her happiness was genuine.
As if she had won herself.
Above, in the viewing corridor—
Kona's eyes shimmered slightly.
"Interesting."
His timing still had immaturity.
But—
He had just partnered with Froakie.
Even if she used that Froakie herself—
The result might not be much cleaner.
"This boy isn't from a major family," the principal said softly.
Kona smiled faintly.
"You still care about me, Teacher."
"You know the League isn't as simple as it looks."
"Recruit him?" the principal asked.
Kona shook her head.
"Not yet."
"Let him grow."
Then—
She began walking toward the field.