Chapter 253: Battle Me, Teacher Lu!
Kanto – Cinnabar Island.
A large island in southern Kanto, home to natural volcanoes and hot springs, it consistently ranks among the top tourist spots. The salty sea breeze blew as Wingull soared over the vast blue ocean. Lowering his travel guide, Lu Ye gazed toward the horizon, where a lush green island was coming into view.
Buzz—
Red: Teacher Lu, Yellow and I have already arrived!
Lu Ye blinked. Hmph, just because you have a Pokémon that can fly, you think you're all that?
That said… he had to admit, when it came to handling awkward romantic situations, Red seemed quite skilled. After a moment of thought, he glanced to his side. Sylveon's snowy-white fur shimmered, its feelers fluttering in the breeze. A long horn sounded. Tourists began disembarking. Lu Ye gave Sylveon a light pat. "Come on, let's go enjoy the hot springs!"
"Bui~⁄(⁄⁄•⁄ω⁄⁄)⁄"
Though winter had arrived, Cinnabar's volcanic activity kept the island pleasantly warm. The bustling streets were filled with souvenir shops and tourists in kimonos. With a suitcase in one hand, Lu Ye walked leisurely as Sylveon padded alongside, its feeler curled lightly around his wrist. Behind him, Gengar and Wartortle, wearing sunglasses and floral shirts, strutted with beach-ready confidence. Up ahead, Growlithe carried Togepi on its back, dashing excitedly.
"Wrong way! The resort's over there!" Lu Ye called out.
"Awoo~"
Cinnabar Island was home to several luxury resorts. But since this trip was planned with Red, Lu Ye followed the address to a secluded hot spring inn on the outskirts. What greeted him was a row of simple, wooden lodges.
"Pika-chu~!"
Pulling aside the curtain, Lu Ye spotted two Pikachu playfully roughhousing inside. Their tails, one heart-shaped and the other notched, revealed their genders.
"Teacher Lu, over here!" Turning, he spotted Yellow. She had changed into a light-colored yukata, her ponytail falling naturally down her back. Beside her, a young man in dark attire extended his hand with a polite smile. "Teacher Lu, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Lu Ye blinked. Standing before him was the legendary Battle Legend, Red!
Lu Ye grasped Red's hand in a firm handshake. "Red-senpai, I've heard so much about you!" In just one year, he had cleared out Team Rocket, defeated the Elite Four, and claimed the Kanto Championship… This was a main character so strong that even Ash would have to bow!
As Lu Ye sized up Red, Red was also analyzing him. From his Substitute-Protect-Toxic strategy to his Hypnosis tactics… he had demonstrated strength on par with the Elite Four. He tied with Lance and even defeated Professor Oak. For that reason, Red felt an instant sense of familiarity. "Just call me Red." Scratching his head, he grinned. "Actually, I should be the one thanking you, Teacher Lu."
"Huh? Thank me for what?"
Red glanced at his wrist. "Coming all the way to Cinnabar… It must've been a hassle."
"Ahaha, it's nothing!" Lu Ye mentally scoffed. I obviously came for the gossip! "I was already headed to Cinnabar anyway!"
Yellow blinked. "Teacher Lu, did you have other business here?"
Red paused before suddenly going, "Oh! You're here to challenge Blaine, right?" He'd heard rumors that Lu Ye was challenging Kanto's Gyms. Thinking back to Mewtwo and Entei, Red smirked. If he was aiming to challenge Blaine, he must be extremely confident.
Lu Ye was momentarily stunned. "Challenge Blaine?" In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Blaine had deep connections with Mewtwo and Entei. If he suddenly pulled out a legendary, I'd be screwed! "Uh… maybe I'll pass for now…" he coughed. "I'm just here for the hot springs."
"Besides, it looks like Mr. Blaine isn't available right now," Yellow added. "He told us to head to the springs first."
Red nodded. "He's probably busy with his research. We shouldn't disturb him."
Yellow obediently agreed, then turned to Lu Ye. "If you have other important matters, you don't have to worry about us. I'll take good care of Red-senpai!"
You're obviously trying to get rid of me! Lu Ye mentally rolled his eyes but had no intention of being a third wheel. "Well, after the hot springs, I'll take care of my business. What about you guys? Any plans?"
Red hesitated. "Maybe we could find a gym and do some training?"
Lu Ye: … Why is that even a question?! You come to a resort with a girl, and the first thing you think of is training?!
"I just saw that the town has an open-air cinema showing movies tonight," Lu Ye suggested, dropping an obvious hint. "After the movie, you can come back for a soak… What do you think?"
"…Teacher Lu wants to watch a movie with me?" Red looked surprised.
"Pika!" Red's Pikachu, who had been playing, faceplanted onto the floor. My Trainer's emotional intelligence… is beyond saving…
Lu Ye was speechless. He had to be more direct. "I'll pass. You and Yellow should go together. I need to… uh…" He frowned, thinking hard. Then, his eyes lit up. "I need to challenge the Gym! Can't have anyone watching." What a brilliant excuse!
"I see," Red nodded in understanding. "In that case, I won't intrude. After the hot springs, Pikachu and I will go watch a movie in town."
Lu Ye & Yellow: ??
Fortunately, Red's battle instincts seemed to kick in. Turning toward Yellow, he asked, "Yellow, want to come along?"
Her face turned bright red as she nodded like a little chick. "Mm… okay."
Just as Lu Ye let out a sigh of relief, Red glanced outside. "There's still some time before sunset," he said, flexing his wrist with a bright grin. "Teacher Lu, let's have a battle!"
"Hah?!" Though Red was smiling, his sharp gaze radiated a fierce battle spirit.
Just as Lu Ye was about to refuse—"No way!" Yellow suddenly shouted.
"Huh?" Red blinked.
"Geez, senpai! You're an adult—why can't you take better care of yourself?!" Puffing her cheeks, she huffed, "This trip is supposed to be for healing! What if you aggravate your old injury battling Teacher Lu?!"
I might cause Red's injury to worsen? Lu Ye opened his mouth but quickly shut it. Honestly, if Red just sent out Pikachu, he'd probably get swept instantly.
Red, however, furrowed his brows. "…You're right." He knew Teacher Lu's strength. If they battled, he wouldn't hold back. But if that happened… this healing trip would be meaningless.
"That's what I've been saying!" Yellow scolded. "Instead of battling now, why not fully recover first—then invite Teacher Lu for a rematch later?"
Red thought for a moment before sighing. "You're right… My bad." If he couldn't battle at full strength, it would be disrespectful.
Watching them, Lu Ye felt a wave of emotions. On one hand, he avoided getting destroyed. On the other… why did he feel so sour?
"…Can't Entei's flames heal injuries?" Lu Ye suddenly recalled. "Didn't Mr. Blaine recover thanks to the Fire of Life?"
Both Red and Yellow turned to him in surprise.
"In theory, yes…" Red scratched his head sheepishly. "The injury from Jynx was actually mostly healed with Entei's help."
"…Then what's the problem?"
"It's muscle strain now," he admitted. "That can only heal naturally."
"Senpai throws thousands of Poké Balls a day," Yellow grumbled. "With that training, it's impossible for your wrist to heal properly!"
"Haha! It's not that many! Gold even joins me sometimes!" Red laughed.
"That's not a compliment!" Yellow pouted.
Lu Ye sighed. Red, as the "Strongest Champion," bore a responsibility few could understand.
"In that case, let's skip the real battle," Lu Ye suggested, flipping through a guide. "How about a game of Pokémon: Battle?"
As evening fell, in a cozy tatami-floored room, Lu Ye and Red sat focused on their game. The match ended with a final score of 6-5.
"Not being able to battle alongside my Pokémon feels… weird," Red mused. "Guess I lost this one, Teacher Lu."
"It's just a simulation," Lu Ye handed him a can of hot coffee. "This time, I just got lucky."
"Thanks." Red took the coffee. Professor Oak had once said—each Pokédex Holder excelled in different areas. Just as Red wasn't as skilled at breeding as Gold, Lu Ye had the upper hand in tactical simulations.
Even so, Red glanced at Gengar and Sylveon. In just six months, Lu Ye had trained them to an astonishing level. With a click, he popped open the can. His lips curled into a smile. He was looking forward to the day—when he could truly battle Lu Ye!
[Inorin Note:
If you wish to support me so I can continue to survive and afford proper food, you can join my membership on Patreon [patreon.com/InorinTL]. Be sure to check out "The Founding Pillars"—a special, limited-time tier that offers all the benefits of "The Plot Uncoverer" at a discounted price! Slots are limited, so grab yours before they run out. Besides membership, you can also donate via Ko-Fi [https://ko-fi.com/inorintl].
I hope I am still worthy of your support. My life truly depends on this... haha, I know I'm so shameless.]