Chapter 165: A True Acting Veteran, Teacher Lu
After assigning the roles for the drill, Officer Jenny saluted and took her leave. The clueless little Growlithe, dangling from Lu Ye's grip, stared into space with its big, round eyes.
Lu Ye couldn't help but recall a famous dog breed from his previous life—one that, like himself, always had thick dark circles under its eyes, seemingly boundless energy, and a mysterious mind that no one could quite decipher. A husky.
"A husky among police dogs… That must be tough on you," Lu Ye sighed, bouncing the Growlithe lightly in his arms.
"Arf!" Growlithe bared its teeth, letting out an utterly non-threatening bark.
"It's saying, 'Put me down already, meow!'" Meowth translated.
"Huh? You can understand Pokémon speech?" Yellow turned her curious gaze toward the trench coat-clad, hat-wearing "strange man."
Meowth froze for a second.
James immediately started sweating. "Uh—he's just guessing!"
"Yeah! You can kinda tell by their expressions, meow!" Meowth laughed awkwardly.
"I can sense Pokémon's emotions too, but to translate from just their expressions…" Yellow's eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled. "That's really amazing!"
Beneath his coat, Meowth scratched his suddenly burning-red cheeks. This girl… she's glowing, meow!
"You want me to let you go?" Lu Ye glanced at Growlithe and sneered coldly. "You're a hostage now. Behave!"
"Arf…" Growlithe kicked its little legs helplessly, panting with its tongue out in defeat.
Erika, who had stayed to watch, covered her mouth with a smile. Teacher Lu is quite the acting veteran!
The Team Rocket trio's eyes lit up. No wonder he's our boss—he's a natural at Pokémon abductions!
Afternoon, overcast skies.
All positions were set, and the search-and-rescue squad was on high alert. James peeked out from the abandoned building's window and shivered. "So many officers… This is terrifying!"
Erika, dressed in a Team Rocket uniform for fun, snapped a selfie and posted it in the chat group.
Yellow: Today, I'm in a drill with Teacher Lu! So nervous!
Erika: Please be careful!
Blue: That uniform suits you surprisingly well. (Covers mouth, laughs)
Lance: Teacher Lu is there too?
A moment later, Yellow uploaded a picture of Lu Ye sitting on a couch. Dressed in a jet-black uniform, his eyes were deep and unreadable. In his arms, Sylveon wore a fierce scowl. Haunter grinned menacingly, floating nearby, while Squirtle stood stiffly with sunglasses over its eyes, looking like a hardened criminal. A full squad of villains!
Sabrina blinked in slight confusion. Somehow… Teacher Lu looks more suited to this uniform than I ever did as a former Team Rocket officer…
Of course, that was just the filter talking. From Lu Ye's perspective—Sylveon was dozing off. Squirtle looked guilty as if it had stolen something. Haunter floated around excitedly, completely unaware that it was supposed to be a menacing kidnapper.
Sigh… I'm nowhere near Giovanni's level yet… Lu Ye rubbed his temples.
Meanwhile, Jessie and James, now in full Rocket uniforms, were feeling nostalgic. Lu Ye gave the orders: "There are three floors in total. Let them fight their way through and rescue Growlithe in the end. Make sure to act—portray the villains as evil, cunning, and reluctant to lose. Understood?"
"Understood!" the trio saluted.
"When it comes to acting, I, Jessie, am a globally recognized actress! Ohohoho!" Jessie cackled.
"Here we go again, meow," Meowth sighed.
"Jessie always gets fired up when it comes to performances," James muttered with a wry smile.
Lu Ye paused for a moment. Honestly, Jessie's passion for acting was undeniable. Maybe if he ever made a movie, he could cast her…
"Alright, take your positions in the building." Standing by the window with his hands behind his back, Lu Ye said coldly: "Team Rocket's ambitions will not fall here!"
The trio froze for a moment, suddenly seeing Giovanni's silhouette overlapping with Lu Ye's. Eyes misting up, they saluted again. "Yes, sir!"
Internally, Lu Ye cringed. The mix of secondhand embarrassment and dramatic flair made him shudder. But this was a drill, after all. Gradually, he straightened his posture, his expression growing serious. Being a full-fledged dramatic villain… feels kind of awesome!
Outside the abandoned building, accompanied by Nurse Joy, the injured officer hobbled forward on crutches.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Officer Jenny asked with concern.
The officer chuckled, wincing as pain shot through his wounds. "Teacher Lu is here—how could I not come?"
At that moment, the previously restless Arcanine suddenly froze. The officer stepped forward, resting his forehead against Arcanine's. "Remember how we used to watch Teacher Lu's videos together?" he said softly. "Our idol is right up ahead. Join the drill, Arcanine. And make sure you win against Teacher Lu—oh, and get me his autograph!"
Arcanine let out a low whimper, then nodded firmly.
Jenny smiled gently and lifted her radio. "Drill, begin!"
The search-and-rescue squad moved in formation, cautiously entering the building. Arcanine, teeth bared and steps unsteady, slowly followed.
First Floor.
Face flushed red, Yellow clutched the script and read in a stiff, monotone voice. "K-Kukuku… You will never rescue Growlithe…!"
"More emotion! More evil!" Jessie yelled into the microphone. Acting is so hard!
Wiping the sweat from her forehead, Yellow puffed up her cheeks, took a deep breath, and shouted: "A-Anyway! If you want to save it, you'll have to get through me first!"
"Perfect!" Jessie clapped her hands. "Kid, you've got a knack for playing villains!"
"Ehehe… You really think so?" Yellow scratched her head, giggling.
Jenny, serious-faced, gave her orders. "Shield units up front! Watch out for Butterfree's String Shot!" The narrow interior was now completely covered in sticky silk threads, causing massive trouble.
"Arcanine, use Flamethrower!" Jenny gave an encouraging nod toward Arcanine. It bared its teeth and trembled—but in the end, only sweat dripped from its fur.
Jenny sighed softly. Overcoming trauma isn't so easy after all…
Five minutes later, the strings were burned away by other Growlithe. Following orders, Yellow dramatically shouted, "Oh no! This officer is so strong! I've been defeated!" She wobbled before dramatically collapsing onto her Pikachu.
"Pika~!" Pikachu, playing along, stuck its tongue out and pretended to faint.
Watching from the third floor, Lu Ye felt speechless. If only Ash's Pikachu were here to show them how it's done…
Second Floor.
"You've made it this far," James murmured, twirling a rose. "As expected of the League's elite officers."
"It seems we'll have to get serious," Jessie sneered.
Three minutes later, lying on the ground in defeat, James whispered, "Jessie… did we pass?"
Jessie didn't respond.
"Jessie, say something!" James panicked.
Jessie, committed to her role as a corpse, lay still, filled with a sense of purpose. Even as a corpse, I, Jessie, will be the most dramatic one!
Third Floor.
Footsteps echoed. Jenny cautiously kicked open the door, and the officers filed in. Sunlight streamed through, illuminating the dust in the air. A lone figure, hands clasped behind his back, slowly turned around, radiating sheer dominance.
"To think even my best subordinates failed to stop you." Lu Ye's voice was cold. "I must admit, I'm impressed, Officer Jenny."
Jenny's face instantly turned red. He called my name in front of everyone… How embarrassing!
"A-Anyway!" Face still flushed, she stammered, "Even if you capture me and humiliate me, I won't surrender!"
Lu Ye froze. …You sound way too eager about that!
Shaking his head, he smirked. "Squirtle, show them your strength."
Squirtle puffed up its cheeks and fired a powerful Water Gun. Despite the riot shields, several officers were blasted against the walls. The whole building shook, chunks of plaster falling.
Lu Ye blinked. "Didn't I tell you to use the weakest power setting?"
Squirtle was just as stunned. Wait, that was supposed to be low power?!
Jenny's green bangs stuck to her forehead, her uniform soaked from the water blast. She clenched her jaw and turned to Arcanine. "Can you still fight?"
Arcanine hesitated, stepping back. Staring at this Squirtle, it felt like it had developed a whole new trauma.
Lu Ye scratched his head awkwardly. If Arcanine won't fight, we can't continue the act!
Just then, the Growlithe that had been dangling from Lu Ye's grip suddenly began struggling violently. With a sudden leap, the round little Pokémon bared its teeth and lunged at Lu Ye! Thankfully, Haunter quickly blocked it with a hand, giving Lu Ye a smug look.
"Gengarrr!" (Aren't I amazing?)
But the next second—Growlithe chomped down on Haunter's hand. Haunter's expression went pale. "Gengarrr! ﾍ(;´Д｀ﾍ)"
Lu Ye sighed. "Cut the act—Growlithe hasn't even learned Bite yet!"
Haunter scratched its head sheepishly before quickly regaining its villainous grin. "Gengarrr! (｀∀´)Ψ"
At that moment, Arcanine suddenly moved. Like a blazing wind, its orange form dashed forward. Baring its fangs, flames igniting across its body, it lunged straight at Haunter! Everyone froze for a second before excitement filled their faces. Arcanine… can battle again?!
"Squirtle, Protect!" Squirtle stepped forward, raising a green barrier that easily neutralized Arcanine's charge.
Lu Ye placed a hand over his face and let out a classic villainous laugh: "Hahaha! If you want to save Growlithe, prove it to me through battle!"
The flames on Arcanine's body burned even brighter, its golden mane shimmering like fire. With its spirit fully reignited, Arcanine once again launched itself toward Squirtle. For its child—its precious Growlithe—Arcanine had rediscovered its fighting will!
Jenny took a deep breath and commanded, "Everyone, support Arcanine!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Lu Ye's face twitched. Officer Jenny, this isn't in the script! But seeing how completely immersed Jenny was, Lu Ye could only roll with it.
"If that's the case…" He tossed out another Poké Ball and smirked. "Everyone, let's go all out!"
Sylveon excitedly charged into the fray, practically glowing with imaginary EXP gain. Haunter split into Substitutes, cackling wildly as it spread status effects like a plague.
Lu Ye clicked his tongue. Uh-oh… playing the villain might be addictive!
Amid the chaos, James dragged Jessie's "corpse" up to the third floor, his mouth agape. "N-No way! Wasn't this just a drill? Why is everyone going all out?!"
Yellow also arrived, eyes sparkling as if possessed by the spirit of an actor. "Ooooh! Boss, I'm here to assist you!" With that, she charged in, leading her Pokémon into the battle.
"Arrooo—!!" Arcanine roared as it weaved through the battlefield, flames burning brightly.
Jenny watched her partner, relieved beyond words. As expected… if it's Teacher Lu, he can definitely make it happen!
As Arcanine charged forward—the Team Rocket trio failed to dodge in time. CRASH! They were sent flying out of the window, becoming three streaks across the sky.
"Blasting off agaaaain!"
"Wobbuf-fetttt!"
As the battle reached its climax, Lu Ye recalled his rampaging Pokémon and gritted his teeth. "Damn it! My Pokémon are exhausted… Looks like you win this time!"
Inside its Poké Ball, Sylveon tilted its head. Huh? I was just getting started—who said I was exhausted?!
Seeing Lu Ye surrender, Jenny stepped forward. "Accept your punishment in the name of justice!"
Lu Ye's brow twitched. Wait—why are you taking off your jacket?! Oh. It was just wet. Never mind, then.
At that moment, Arcanine—towering at nearly two meters—strode toward Lu Ye. He tensed. "Hey, this is just a drill—don't do anything crazy!"
But amid the laughter, Arcanine simply stuck out its tongue and affectionately licked Lu Ye's face. The warmth against his cheek caught Lu Ye off guard. He looked up at Arcanine and smiled. "As long as you're okay… that's all that matters."
Growlithe rolled happily at Lu Ye's feet. Yellow watched with gentle eyes. Teacher Lu… has the same brilliance as Red. Maybe that's why he's so strong.
By now, the sun had begun to set. The golden light cast a brilliant glow over Arcanine's thick mane. Mimicking its mother, Growlithe gazed at the horizon and let out a tiny howl: "Arrooo—!!"
Jenny smiled and lifted her radio. "The drill… is officially complete!"
Outside the building, the waiting officers erupted into cheers. This also meant that Arcanine—now fully recovered—would soon return to duty! The officer with the crutches tossed them aside and clenched his fist. "Nice! I knew it! Because he is Teacher Lu!"
Hanging from the treetops, Team Rocket listened to the cheers from afar, lost in thought.
"I dunno why, meow…" Meowth muttered. "But…"
"This feels kinda nice!"
"Finally done…" Lu Ye gazed at the sunset, muttering to himself. "Those three… they'll probably be fine, right?"
Jenny glanced at Lu Ye's profile and felt a sudden warmth in her chest. A man who carries the expectations of many—yet never lets them down… Being a fan of Teacher Lu is such a privilege.
With a bright smile, Jenny saluted. "Teacher Lu, thank you so much!"
"Just doing my part." Lu Ye cleared his throat and pulled out a wrinkled plane ticket. "By the way… when will I get reimbursed for my flight?"
Jenny blinked, then chuckled. "It'll be covered, of course. But there are two more things—"
"As long as the travel expenses are paid, I'm all ears!" Lu Ye grinned.
Jenny smiled playfully. "First, we'd like to hold a signing event. Many of our officers are big fans of yours!"
"That's fine. What's the second thing?"
Jenny looked down at the round little Growlithe. "Honestly… it's too gentle to be a police dog. In fact, we're looking for a reliable trainer to take care of it…" Her gaze locked onto Lu Ye. "Teacher Lu, what do you think?"
"Arf?" Growlithe pawed at its face, looking between the two of them in confusion.
Lu Ye's jaw dropped, his mind a whirl of emotions. I came all this way just to fulfill a fan's wish… And now you're about to hit me with THIS?! Jenny, you really don't hold back, do you?!
[Inorin Note:
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