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The battle was decided.
Under the watchful eyes of millions of Aiden's live stream viewers, the victory emblem soon materialized before him.
The victory settlement interface then popped up.
Due to work commitments, Cynthia hadn't played much during the Mega Evolution season. Unlike her third-place ranking last season, her current points weren't particularly high—but she still ranked in the middle tiers of the Master Ball division, a significant gap from Aiden's previous Ultra Ball standing.
Thus, this cross-division victory sent his ranking climbing steadily from 105th...
Until...
The leading "1" gradually faded, finally settling at 91st place.
As the scrolling numbers stopped, a prominent pop-up appeared on countless viewers' screens.
This time, it displayed the familiar "Master Ball" icon alongside Aiden's ladder rank.
This meant—
Despite his lazy "one-hour weekly stream" approach, Aiden had steadily climbed into the Master Ball tier thanks to his absurdly high win rate! Witnessing this, viewers collectively sucked in their breath, contributing modestly to global warming.
[Hiss—Teacher Azure actually made it to the Master Ball tier? My youth is back!]
[A decade-old fan is already in tears—today of all days!]
[Since you've reached Master Ball rank, pushing into Top 8 shouldn't be hard, right? Teacher Azure can't rest yet (no mercy)]
Chat density remained sky-high, with continuous gift showers from supporters making the stream lag slightly. Even Gym Leaders from other regions joined in congratulating Aiden's promotion.
Staring at the Master Ball icon, Aiden fell into thought.
He wasn't worrying about post-match teasing from Cynthia—that private matter could wait until after the stream.
After all, during streams, he was the world's rookie trainer mentor—his professional duties came first.
His dilemma was—
This battle's mind games were too complex for new trainers to grasp.
Cynthia hadn't held back. Every command exchange reflected instincts honed through countless battles.
Aiden himself was fine—he'd been a hardcore Pokémon player in his past life, battle strategies ingrained in his DNA.
When Paldea's starter Grass cat first appeared, while others debated "new waifus" and fan art, he alone wondered—
Is this generation's Grass-type starter broken? Its hidden ability is Protean?
Only to discover later—damn Game Freak nerfed Protean! Unforgivable!
As a pure competitive player, he'd focused solely on winning during the match.
But Cynthia wasn't like the anime's veteran Champion considering retirement. She'd only recently cleared the Champion's Path to become Sinnoh's new Champion.
Though it seemed counterintuitive, Cynthia's decisions had kept pace with his rhythm, pressuring him at every turn—genuine surprise.
Is this what a true "genius" is like? My cheat codes aren't as absurd as hers!
Aiden helplessly facepalmed.
"Students, do you think this match needs a replay analysis..."
After deliberation, Aiden decided to let viewers choose.
Replaying it would be massive—today's stream time might be spent frame-by-frame analysis.
But if students needed strategic expansion, he'd accommodate them.
He could always record more footage after streaming.
[Yes! Even if we don't understand, matches at this level are rare. Teacher Azure, no slacking!]
[I admit Champion Cynthia is strong, but compared to our Teacher Azure? Now teach us Sandstorm Team strategy!]
[If this were before, I'd doubt it—but now... Teacher Azure just being awesome is enough~]
[Wouldn't exceeding stream time be better? If Teacher Azure worked harder, he'd have dominated Pokémon TV long ago!]
Contrary to Aiden's expectations, viewers unanimously demanded replay analysis.
"Alright then..."
Aiden nodded.
Since viewers insisted, he'd comply.
Just as he lowered his head to organize his thoughts into beginner-friendly terms, his Rotom phone began vibrating on the table.
Aiden instinctively raised an eyebrow, glancing at the screen.
Who would call him at this hour?
Without overthinking, he reached for it—then froze upon seeing the prominent caller ID.
A Navigator video call request.
The caller—
Cynthia!
...
"I lost."
Facing the vivid red "Defeat" emblem, Cynthia shook her head helplessly, an inexplicable smile on her lips.
Aiden's in-battle reaction speed and command skills seemed to surpass even hers.
During ranked matches, she rarely went all out—treating them as relaxation. Like sparring with weaker trainers, she often led with Spiritomb or Roserade.
But this time, after successfully sniping Aiden, she'd given her all.
Moreover, the match wasn't entirely fair.
Having watched Aiden's stream first, she knew his team in advance—giving her preparation time.
From the start, she'd meticulously analyzed each Pokémon's role in his team, preparing counters.
For example, she'd predicted his Skarmory lead before the match began.
The reason was simple—
Aiden was naturally gifted in battles—even Champions found his skill absurd.
He'd always make rational judgments based on team composition.
And rational meant predictable.
True to prediction, he'd led with Skarmory to prevent Lucario from crushing Tyranitar, the weather setter.
The early turns unfolded as Cynthia expected—she'd held slight advantage initially.
The only miscalculation was Aiden countering with Garchomp.
Moreover, his Garchomp was bulk-focused—surviving Outrage against all odds.
Unconventional but effective.
From that moment, the balance shifted.
Though fleeting opportunities to reverse the game appeared, Aiden always sealed his openings before she could capitalize.
Mid-game devolved into pure mind games—their early preparations proving useless.
Result-wise, Aiden emerged superior.
However...
Though he'd lost in-game and dropped ranks, Cynthia felt only happiness for Aiden—and slight regret.
Perhaps inheriting a Gym Leader position was Aiden's true path, not returning to Sinnoh?
Had past events not occurred, his talent might have bloomed earlier...
Shaking off nostalgic thoughts, Cynthia resolved—
The past was past. Aiden now walked his chosen path.
She'd simply continue supporting him.
She quickly took out her phone.
Curious—
Aiden usually analyzed battles post-match. After defeating Wallace, he'd rationally explained Wallace's strategies.
This match should be no exception.
Entering his stream, Cynthia confirmed her suspicion—Aiden had just agreed to replay analysis but seemed hesitant.
Was he struggling to grasp her thought process? Or unsure how to present it to viewers?
She leaned toward the latter.
But there was a simpler method to boost replay efficiency—
Why not invite the opponent from this very match to join the analysis?
Since Aiden hadn't thought of it, she'd give him a gentle nudge~
Smiling, Cynthia tapped the call button.
"Garchomp?"
The Garchomp crouching in the corner—trying to minimize its presence—looked up, seeing its trainer's smile.
And...
The dialing interface.
Connecting recent events, it knew exactly who was on the other end.
Garchomp's expression instantly darkened.
Damned Aiden!
Without him, why would I be hiding in this corner, utterly embarrassed?
If he dares mock me again on this call, I'll make him regret it next time we meet!
...
The unexpected video call startled Aiden.
But he quickly realized—Cynthia must be watching his stream. She'd called immediately after he agreed to replay analysis, essentially requesting a "rematch."
Though they'd never explicitly stated their relationship on stream, most viewers likely knew.
Revealing he was actually from Sinnoh—working in Paldea temporarily—might shock his Naranja Academy students.
But their close friendship was obvious.
Since Cynthia had called, why hide anything?
"Fam, due to unforeseen circumstances, we'll try a different replay format today."
Aiden spoke meaningfully.
As chat puzzled over this, he pressed accept.
Navigator's connection chime sounded. The Rotom phone's screen projected a holographic image—Cynthia now visible to all viewers.
[???? Teacher Azure is serious? Inviting the Sinnoh Champion? How absurd!]
[In connections, Teacher Azure always delivers. Not just humans—even legendary Pokémon seem on his contact list...]
[No, I came to learn skills, and you're force-feeding me dog food? Want me to unsubscribe right now?]
[What does "Sinnoh Champion and Teacher Azure analyzing together" mean? Is this really happening? Chat, am I the chosen one?]
Chat spiraled wildly, but Aiden no longer cared about his viewers.
"Long time no see, Aiden."
Cynthia's gentle voice came first, making Aiden smile instinctively on stream.
"Hmm... but we'll meet again very soon!"
As Aiden spoke, he opened the battle replay.
"Since you're here, let's not waste time—straight to the main topic!"
[???? Wait—you'll meet again soon? Teacher Azure, are you hiding the cute Cynthia?]
[No, how many episodes did I miss? Who exactly are Teacher Azure and Champion Cynthia? I have zero memory of this...]
[If you'd watched Teacher Azure's Dragon-type Master Tournament commentary, you'd understand. Hard to explain—but these two are 90% suspicious. Definitely insider secrets!]
[After winning the tournament, Champion Cynthia specifically mentioned Teacher Azure. Now I realize... damn, I got force-fed dog food (third-wheeled) back then too?]
[To be honest, I can't decide whether to envy Teacher Azure or Cynthia...]
Chat scrolled furiously. Certain lines caught Aiden's attention.
"Don't speculate wildly," he cautioned. "Actually, this concerns you all. Might as well announce it early."
After deciding how to phrase it, he continued:
"At month's end, I'll compete in the Psychic-type Master Tournament in Johto. Sunshine Gym will temporarily close during this period."
"Naranja Academy students planning to challenge the gym—please come a few days earlier or later~"
This announcement stunned viewers.
[Wait? What does the Psychic-type Master Tournament have to do with you, Teacher Azure? Do you even have Psychic-types?]
[I know this one! Yesterday's Mew educational video—today's practical demonstration! But bringing a Mythical Pokémon feels like cheating...]
[Teacher Azure's versatility is unreal. How long since debut? Already competing in Type Master Tournaments! Next stop—the Master Tournament?]
[Logic checks out—but even if you somehow have two Psychic-types for entry requirements, what's this got to do with Champion Cynthia?]
[Psychic-type trainer Sabrina: ...]
At that moment, far away in Kanto, Sabrina's expression froze.
Teacher Azure joining the Psychic-type Master Tournament?
His team composition seemed obvious.
Mewtwo would definitely be included.
As for the second required Pokémon...
Surely not Mew?
Sabrina's mood suddenly turned complex.
With only Mewtwo, its growth potential was high—but probably not overwhelmingly strong yet.
But Mew... She'd witnessed Aiden use it.
Terrifying transformation abilities. Untraceable energy fluctuations making it uncounterable. That absurd moveset combined with disabling moves.
A Mewtwo+Mew duo would make this tournament utterly one-sided.
Shaking her head, Sabrina thought—
But facing Teacher Azure would be interesting. If I don't aim for Champion but focus on learning strategies and self-improvement...
This tournament suddenly seemed meaningful.
Her gaze returned to the stream.
Cynthia, video-calling while watching chat, spoke before Aiden could explain:
"A friend and Aiden are both competing. I'll attend to cheer them on~"
"After all, during last Dragon-type Master Tournament, I greatly benefited from Teacher Azure's guidance."
Few people earned Cynthia's "friend" title.
Only one fit all criteria—Caitlin.
Had Caitlin seen this stream, hearing herself called "a friend" would've sparked complex feelings...
Aiden's mood improved inexplicably.
Unfortunately, his relationship with Caitlin made her unlikely to watch his streams. Last time was probably accidental.
Still, he was curious what expression she'd wear.
But work came first.
Aiden paused the replay.
"Originally, I worried solo analysis would be inefficient."
"But with Cynthia as special guest, it'll be much smoother. Perfect chance to verify my predictions about opponents' strategies."
"Looking forward to your insights~"
Before analysis began, Cynthia smiled at the stream camera, waving both hands.
"First—the opening leads."
"Actually, before the battle even started, you knew I'd lead with Skarmory, didn't you?"
Aiden opened with an "appetizer."
During the stream, he'd visibly considered many possibilities before locking his lead.
As Sinnoh Champion with comparable commanding skills, Cynthia shared this analytical mindset.
"Correct. Other Pokémon had clear reasons not to lead."
Cynthia smiled warmly, her tone turning serious.
"Though it's a Sandstorm Team, leading with Tyranitar to set weather doesn't immediately convert to advantage—both Tyranitar and the Sandstorm-reliant Excadrill fear Fighting-type moves."
"So I led with Lucario to counter them—the safest choice. Lucario could battle any lead."
"Of course, Milotic was also a versatile backup option. With Ice Beam and Blizzard, it could pressure Garchomp."
"Wash Rotom in your team lacks recovery. It must preserve HP to counter Togekiss and clear Garchomp's path."
"Considering all this, our leads were virtually fixed, right?"
Her words resonated deeply with Aiden, who nodded repeatedly.
"See? This is professionalism!"
"Well said. My thoughts were similar. Though I predicted your Lucario lead, sending Skarmory was necessary—I nearly paid dearly for it."
After battling stream viewers and rookies, facing Cynthia—a trainer with rock-solid fundamentals—made Aiden strangely moved.
He'd chosen Skarmory expecting to survive two Lucario hits, finishing it with Body Press.
Who could've guessed... Lucario held Black Belt?
If it had held Life Orb instead, Aiden wouldn't have been so passive early on.
But these unexpected moments excited him.
Among all trainers he'd faced, Cynthia alone matched his tactical style and prediction depth.
Utterly unconventional.
This was also why she'd swept veteran Elite Four Lance during the Dragon-type Master Tournament.
Finally able to deeply analyze with a "battle soulmate," Aiden couldn't hide his smile.
"Our first rotation adjustments—probably eight hundred mind games combined. Ended with Garchomp mirror match."
"My Garchomp was meant to Mega Evolve. Facing its counterpart, I held back—afraid to reveal its true strength."
"Aiden... was this part of your plan too?"
"Of course. Bulk Garchomp is rare. I knew you wouldn't expect it."
"And the Milotic takedown—I felt you would..."
They conversed passionately, completely absorbed in replaying the battle.
Naturally, they entirely ignored the live stream chat.
[...I admit my earlier comment was loud. Maybe return to the flirting? Please stop discussing things normal humans can't understand (crying). Even if we're part of your show, give us some sense of participation!]
[No, I genuinely came to learn skills—but can even an Ultra Ball-ranked player understand this? Teacher Azure, be more detailed for us newbies...]
[Hard mode activated. Teacher Azure and Champion Cynthia have reached divine unity, forgetting reality. We can only wait for them to remember us mere viewers!]
[Hmm... I suggest locking this battle-romance couple together. Can't imagine their child hatching—would it crush the entire competitive scene like a demon child?]
[Is that egg comment necessary lmao?]
Thus, amidst viewers' alternating excitement and frustration over stealing Champion-level strategies they couldn't grasp, Aiden and Cynthia passionately analyzed for quite some time.
Only after exhausting every thought, sighing in satisfaction, did Aiden suddenly realize—
Crap, I forgot I'm live streaming!
Seeing chat, he nearly blacked out.
Glancing at the time, confirming he'd exceeded stream duration, Aiden decisively declared—
"Well then—today's stream ends here~"
"Due to today's hardcore content, this battle won't become Sandstorm Team video material. I need time preparing tomorrow's video!"
"See you all next week~"
His stream cut off precisely as he finished speaking.
[Woah, Teacher Azure, are you even human??]
[Chatted with Cynthia the entire stream! Only one ranked match! Learn from Teacher Azure's stream-padding skills!]
[Teacher Azure might not be god yet—but he's definitely no longer human!]
[Enough! Naranja Academy students—time for negative reviews!]
Amidst chat's "fervent praise," the stream ended perfectly.
Starving viewers exited, waiting for Aiden's next video while copying his Sandstorm Team to shock ranked opponents.
Then...
They got crushed by Rain teams. And that was the end of that.
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