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Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: Tailed Beast Training

Jun Shafeng eyed the sleek device on Lu Xue's wrist. "That watch looks fancy," he said, curiosity piqued.

Lu Xue glanced at it. "This is the Trainer Pokétch, issued by the Pokémon League last year. Every D-rank trainer gets one for free. It's loaded with a Pokédex database, identifies Berries, and works like a mini-computer. It's linked to the League's main system, so you can call for help in emergencies out in the wild."

Jun Shafeng raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't it have a tracking chip?"

Lu Xue paused, then nodded. "It does, but unless you're breaking League laws, it's only there to help. Plenty of rookie trainers have been saved in the wild thanks to it."

Just then, her Pokétch pinged with a message. She glanced at it and stood. "I'm needed at Tianhong City Police Headquarters. I'll be back next month. I expect to see your D-rank badge by then."

Jun Shafeng nodded. From his inherited memories, he knew that when a trainer ranked up, the League issued a unique badge to mark their level.

As Lu Xue left, Jun Shafeng set a goal: get Growlithe to level 30 within the month.

Over the next few days, he focused on caring for Growlithe. With proper feeding, Growlithe's once-skinny frame began to fill out, looking healthier than ever.

Once Growlithe's condition improved, Jun Shafeng started training it to control its Fire-type moves. He spent a chunk of his prize money on sweet potatoes, using them as targets for Growlithe to practice its Ember attack.

At first, Growlithe's attempts were a disaster, charring the sweet potatoes to ash. It struggled to control Ember's heat.

"Growlithe," Jun Shafeng said patiently, "most trainers push their Fire-types to crank up the heat, but they overlook control. If you master the flame's temperature, you'll use less energy and fight smarter."

Growlithe tilted its head, seeming to grasp the idea.

Jun Shafeng picked up a sweet potato. "Use Ember on this, right in my hand."

Growlithe hesitated, worried about hurting him. Jun Shafeng met its gaze firmly. "If you trust your control, you won't hurt me. I believe your flames will protect me."

Encouraged, Growlithe carefully spat out tiny flames. They were too weak, barely singeing the sweet potato's skin.

Jun Shafeng grabbed a stick and stuck it into the sweet potato. "Okay, let's try this instead of my hand. Aim your Ember at the sweet potato."

Growlithe used Ember again. The flames were stronger but still too wild, setting the stick ablaze.

Growlithe's ears drooped in disappointment. Jun Shafeng crouched beside it. "Don't worry. That was way better than before. You're getting the hang of controlling your flames."

He ruffled Growlithe's fur. "In seven days, we're entering two back-to-back beginner tournaments at the Pokémon Battle Club. Win three matches, and I'll hit D-rank."

Next, Jun Shafeng taught Growlithe the Tailed Beast Ball skill. As soon as the command registered, Growlithe's eyes gleamed, and a fist-sized, swirling orb of energy began forming in its mouth.

"Whoa, Growlithe, stop!" Jun Shafeng shouted, waving his arms.

Growlithe froze, the orb dissipating. It barked in confusion.

"That move's way too strong," Jun Shafeng explained. "With your current strength, it'd drain you completely. Plus, if you used it here, our house would be toast!"

Growlithe lowered its head, looking sheepish. Jun Shafeng chuckled. "It's fine. That's why we're working on control. We don't want you accidentally torching the place."

Growlithe shook its head vigorously, promising it wouldn't.

Just as Jun Shafeng prepared to resume training, a loud explosion echoed from a nearby park. He noticed a crowd rushing in that direction.

"What's going on? Why's everyone heading to the park?" he wondered aloud.

A passerby overheard him and chimed in. "Two prodigies from Tianhong University, Dongfang Xing and Shi Long, are dueling in the park. They both hit B-rank recently. Normally, you'd need to buy tickets to a high-level arena to see B-rank trainers battle, so everyone's rushing to watch. Gotta go!"

The passerby tossed out a Poké Ball, summoned a Doduo, hopped on, and sped toward the park.

Jun Shafeng's eyes lit up.

"A B-rank battle? Come on, Growlithe, let's check it out!" He grabbed Growlithe and ran toward the park, eager to witness the clash of high-level trainers further.

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