The snow-white, glossy Sirfetch'd stood tall, gripping its fragrant leek like a lance, eyes razor sharp.
"Is it…" Crystal blinked. "Challenging Teacher Lu?"
Professor Oak smiled warmly. "Just as Trainers choose Pokémon, Pokémon also choose their Trainers. Looks like Lu Ye's strength as a Trainer has earned its approval!"
At that, Professor Oak couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
Since arriving at the lab, this Sirfetch'd had been approached by no fewer than ten Trainers hoping to catch it.
But without exception—they all failed.
Maybe it was a clash of ideals.
This Sirfetch'd had rejected every single challenge thrown its way.
And now… it was initiating a battle against Lu Ye.
This must be that rare bond—mutual recognition between warriors!
"As expected of 'The Tactician' I picked out," Professor Oak chuckled to himself.
Lu Ye looked conflicted.
This isn't just an emergency food ingredient!?
Even Squirtle—you dare pick a fight with Squirtle?
You're bold, green onion pancake!
But deep down, Lu Ye became even more alert.
As a Galarian evolution of Farfetch'd, Sirfetch'd could only evolve after landing three critical hits in battle.
And three crits? For Lu Ye, that may as well be a myth.
Which meant—If this one had evolved in the wild, it had definitely fought countless battles.
Swallowing nervously, Lu Ye opened his system Pokédex.
This Sirfetch'd… might really be absurdly strong!
[Sirfetch'd – Fighting type]
[Gender: ♂]
[Ability: Guts]
[Moves: First Impression, Thrash, Rock Smash, Detect…]
[Egg Moves: Feint, Counter]
[Taught Moves: Coaching]
'That... didn't look strong at all.' Lu Ye blinked.
It hadn't even learned Swords Dance, let alone its signature move, Meteor Assault.
How do you have the nerve to 1v1 Squirtle!?
Wait—maybe it's because of the Guts Ability!?
"Squirtlee!"
Squirtle adjusted its shades and wiped the sweat from its brow.
Such intense combat power!
I must be steady—can't embarrass the boss!
The battle was seconds from ignition.
"Sir~fetched" Sirfetch'd glanced sidelong at Lu Ye, but its sharp eyes quickly refocused on Squirtle.
Hmm… ever since moving here, this was finally a weaker opponent.
But in truth, Sirfetch'd was already zoning out: Those previous Trainers? Charizards, Blastoises. Only an idiot would fight those!
Now finally—a Trainer with a Squirtle. A fellow slacker!
Sirfetch'd couldn't help but laugh.
And this Trainer… kinda looks as handsome as me.
Maybe I should just let him catch me?
But first—gotta bully that Squirtle a little!
"Sir~fetched!" Sirfetch'd swung its giant leek, wind scattering the fallen leaves.
Its fierce aura made Lu Ye gulp.
With heavy steps, Sirfetch'd charged at Squirtle.
Charge~!
"That's First Impression," Professor Oak commented with arms crossed. "One of the strongest priority moves."
"W-What about Teacher Lu's Squirtle?" Crystal asked.
Professor Oak glanced over, hesitating a bit. "Looks like... Rocket Headbutt?"
"Sir~fetched!" Sirfetch'd slashed down—but before the leek could land, a Squirtle cranium came flying straight at it.
Sirfetch'd broke into a sweat, hurriedly raised its shield—and was still blasted into the air.
BOOM!
"Sir~fetched!" Sirfetch'd crashed into a boulder, leaving cracks spidering from the impact.
It was completely knocked out.
A breeze rustled the field.
Total silence.
Lu Ye and Crystal were both stunned.
It got one-shot!?
Wasn't this Sirfetch'd supposed to be strong? How did it go down in one hit!?
Even Professor Oak froze, taking a long moment before clearing his throat: "Ahem… P-Perhaps Lu Ye's Squirtle is just too strong!"
Well… that made some sense.
Lu Ye rubbed his chin—suddenly realizing something!
Wait a second!
Could this Sirfetch'd be… the long-lost slacker I've been looking for!?
But how'd it even evolve in the wild…?
Aside from countless battles, a lucky string of crits could also trigger evolution.
Lu Ye looked at the unconscious Sirfetch'd, still tightly clutching its leek—and felt a jolt, 'This leek… carries GREAT fortune!'
Crystal stepped up and fed it a Max Revive.
Moments later, Sirfetch'd stirred awake.
It glanced at the stoic Squirtle—and shivered.
O holy light… This Squirtle plays dirty!
"Sir~fetched!" Sirfetch'd glared at Lu Ye.
What's with this guy!?
Aren't you a rookie Trainer!?
Bringing a starter Squirtle—was that bait!?
Too shady! I got played by this human!
"Sir~fetched!"
Sirfetch'd hugged its leek and climbed atop a rock, using its shield as a pillow, sulking hard.
Sirfetch'd: (:з」∠)
Lu Ye looked thoughtful, then said to Professor Oak: "Professor, could it be… it hasn't been caught yet because it's too weak?"
"That's not necessarily fair," Professor Oak said, coughing into his fist. "Strength depends on who you're comparing with. In terms of presence, Sirfetch'd absolutely outshines most of the backyard Pokémon."
He shot a sideways glance at Squirtle.
Because… Lu Ye's Squirtle was just way too ridiculous!
"Squirtle…" Squirtle exhaled, eyes serious.
This Sirfetch'd… was strong indeed.
Catching it wouldn't tarnish the boss's reputation!
Lu Ye rubbed his chin, eyeing the glossy-feathered Sirfetch'd.
"Sir~fetched!"
Their gazes locked. Sirfetch'd immediately looked away.
But a second later, it turned back—meeting Lu Ye's eyes with intensity.
Lu Ye saw sincerity.
Sirfetch'd saw a man—just as handsome as himself.
This… was mutual recognition between slackers!
Finally... I've found you!
"I'll catch this green onion panca—ahem, this Sirfetch'd then!"
Lu Ye beamed.
"In a famine, it could serve as emergency rations!"
"Sir~fetched??"
Sirfetch'd leapt up in terror.
Professor Oak nodded, spontaneously composing a haiku:
"A noble knight,
The Galarian Sirfetch'd—
Leek in hand, fate sealed."
"True," Lu Ye mused. "Been a while since I updated Midnight Diner…"
"Professor, Teacher Lu…" Crystal interjected weakly. "While you two were doing your comedy routine—Sirfetch'd was trying to sneak off…"
"Sir~fetched!"
Facing the two of them, leek and shield in hand, Sirfetch'd slowly backed away.
Their synchronized stares froze it like a frog under a spotlight.
Sweating profusely, it cried inside: This is a tactical withdrawal—not sneaking off!
"Well, since you're planning to catch it," Professor Oak said, "Are you going to battle it again?"
Before Lu Ye could reply, Sirfetch'd furiously shook its head.
Already fell for that once—not battling this pretty boy again!
"I'm not big on battling to catch," Lu Ye scratched his head. "I'll ask if it's willing. I won't force it."
Professor Oak gave an approving nod. "In that case, try speaking with it yourself."
Lu Ye nodded and approached slowly.
"Sir~fetched?"
Sirfetch'd gripped its leek, tilting its head.
A Trainer coming over to talk personally? That's new.
Lu Ye crouched down, gaze sincere, "My friend, I think we're destined to meet!"
This might be the only slacker in the entire Modu University's Pokemon Breeding House.
A true freeloader—and it still managed to evolve?
That could only mean one thing:
Like Lu Ye… it just got strong by accident!
A Sirfetch'd this blessed with fortune—he couldn't let it go!
"Sir~fetched~~"
Sirfetch'd's eyes welled up. So many Trainers had come and gone and finally—a true slacker had come for me!
"Sir~fetched!"
Sirfetch'd extended its massive leek and shook hands with Lu Ye.
This marked the beginning… of a legendary freeloader bromance.
"Looks like it's accepted him," Crystal smiled. "Isn't this what it means to be a great Trainer?"
Strong Trainers and strong Pokémon naturally attract each other.
That's why Feraligatr continued following Silver.
"P-Perhaps," Professor Oak said uncertainly. "I've also considered another possibility… Maybe Sirfetch'd mentored the other Pokémon, and out of respect, they avoided encroaching on its territory."
Professor Oak laughed.
"Of course, more likely… it's just strong on its own!"
Crystal nodded thoughtfully, 'Given Teacher Lu's eye for talent, he wouldn't pick a weak one. Surely, this Sirfetch'd would be a valuable asset to his team.'
"After all, it evolved in the wild—battle-tested and experienced," Crystal said with admiration.
Theoretically, fortune alone could also trigger evolution.
But Professor Oak didn't dwell on it. Instead, he looked at Lu Ye crouching beside his new Pokémon.
"Only by connecting with your Pokémon can you unlock their true strength," Professor Oak smiled. "That, too, might be part of tactics."
---
Meanwhile, Lu Ye and Sirfetch'd had completed their negotiation.
"I got you a gift."
Lu Ye pulled a gleaming Scope Lens from his pocket.
"Sir~fetched!"
Sirfetch'd, like a proper British gentleman, slipped on the monocle and nodded politely.
"And which Poké Ball do you prefer?"
Lu Ye pulled out a pink Sweet Ball—Sirfetch'd smacked it aside with its leek in disgust.
A knight doesn't use such a princessy Poké Ball!
But then—when Lu Ye revealed a rare Commemorative Ball, Sirfetch'd's eyes lit up.
"Sir~fetched!" (That's the one!)
Lu Ye blinked, 'You little rascal—you're greedy too!?'
He gently tapped the Commemorative Ball to Sirfetch'd's forehead.
Bathed in white light, Sirfetch'd nodded solemnly to Lu Ye.
O holy light—my allegiance is sworn. I shall serve him unto death!
Beep—
Not a single shake.
Just like with Eevee—an instant, perfect capture.
Lu Ye grinned from ear to ear.
From every angle, this Sirfetch'd was clearly meant for him.
He picked up the pristine Commemorative Ball, perfectly matching its snow-white feathers.
Striking a dramatic pose, Lu Ye clenched the ball in his hand:
"Sirfetch'd! Get☆Daze!"