Chapter 214: One-Punch Super Turtle
The arena was packed with people. Even for a mere drawing ceremony, over a thousand spectators had shown up.
In the VIP section, Tang Hui, slicking back his hair, scanned the arena. The Electric-type Gym Leader of Vermilion City, Lt. Surge, spoke in his deep voice, "Is your neck hurting?"
"I'm just wondering why Lu Ye isn't here yet."
"Who's Lu Ye?"
"The guy who steamrolled your top apprentice."
"…" Lt. Surge's face turned green. The scene of his apprentice getting utterly crushed in the junior cup was still fresh in his mind.
At that moment, a commotion erupted in the contestant tunnel. Flashes from reporters' cameras flickered wildly. "Raihan, I love you!!" "That's Lance, you fake fan!"
Lu Ye had just rushed over from his company, looking completely baffled. It was just a lottery draw—was all this really necessary? "Mr. Lu Ye, I'm a reporter from the Modu Evening News!" a journalist shouted. "Can you tell us about your goal for the tournament?!"
Seeing the sea of reporters, Lu Ye felt a little embarrassed and said, "I'll do my best."
The reporter's eyes lit up and he furiously scribbled: [Pre-Tournament Exclusive! A Lesson in Humility—The Championship Favorite Speaks…]
With all the online buzz, Lu Ye had become one of the most talked-about contestants. His looks alone were enough to generate traffic. Combined with his undefeated record, he had earned the nickname "Little Steven."
All eyes turned to him—some filled with envy, some with hostility, and some with admiration… One of the spectators was Qi Shishi, from a renowned martial arts family. Wearing a sleeveless black tank top and a ponytail, her toned, bronzed arms were on full display. She withdrew her gaze, a faint blush on her face. "Sis, do you have a crush on him?" "What nonsense!" Qi Shishi snapped, then subconsciously glanced at Gengar, who was grinning wildly. "I just… think he's kinda cute."
The Top 16 Qualifiers would still follow a 2v2 singles format. One by one, the contestants stepped up as the host announced the matchups. "Veteran Trainer, Yang Zhichang, versus Vermilion Gym's top apprentice, Ken!"
In the VIP section, Lt. Surge asked, "What's this Yang Zhichang's background?"
Tang Hui replied, "He made the Top 32 in the Kanto League before."
"Top 32? That's nothing," Lt. Surge let out a sigh of relief.
"Next match!" The host's voice suddenly rose: "Contestant Lu Ye—versus Qi Shishi from the Qi Fist Martial Arts Gym!"
To have a Gym named after your family was an incredible achievement. Qi Shishi's father was a renowned Fighting-type Master. As for Lu Ye… despite being the MVP of the University League, he only had six months of battle experience. Even if he had solid tactics, his real-world combat experience was lacking.
"This is basically a free win."
"Seriously? He's just a gaming streamer."
"Qi Shishi is almost a professional fighter! How does a college sophomore even stand a chance?"
In the VIP section, Lt. Surge smirked. "Some people rise too fast… and fall just as fast."
Tang Hui's face twitched. Please, shut up!
After the draw, Qi Shishi approached Lu Ye in the contestant tunnel and offered a handshake. "I'm looking forward to our match." Lu Ye glanced at her toned muscles and clicked his tongue. This one is the real deal… Losing wouldn't be so bad—at least it would give Gym Leader Tang an out.
Returning to the lounge, Lu Ye and Gengar grabbed popcorn and sodas to watch the first fight. It featured Ken against Yang Zhichang. Yang Zhichang was a warm-faced middle-aged man. He nodded at Ken before throwing out a Poké Ball. A violent sandstorm instantly erupted. "A T-Tyranitar?!" In the swirling haze, a massive green-armored Tyranitar lifted its fierce head and let out an earth-shaking roar. A drop of cold sweat rolled down Ken's forehead. Five minutes later, Ken, having been completely steamrolled, walked off the field in defeat.
Tang Hui and Lt. Surge sat in awkward silence.
"…That was unexpected," Lt. Surge muttered.
"Yeah… makes sense, though," Tang Hui agreed.
"Hmph! Lu Ye is up next… Let's see if he does any better!" Lt. Surge, red-faced, waved his hand dismissively.
Tang Hui furrowed his brows. Lu Ye was undoubtedly strong… but he had a tendency to hold back. If he didn't use his main team, he might really be in trouble against Qi Shishi…
As the next battle was announced, the crowd erupted once more. "Let's welcome both contestants!"
Lu Ye patted Gengar's head. "Alright, it's our turn!"
Qi Shishi, now in a karate gi, stepped onto the battlefield. She gave Gengar a fleeting glance before tossing her Poké Ball. "Go, Hitmonchan!" The brown Pokémon wore red boxing gloves, its sharp eyes filled with fighting spirit.
Lu Ye thought for a moment before tossing out a Luxury Ball. "AWOOOO~~!! (｀0´)" With a flash of red light, Growlithe leaped out, baring its fangs.
For a Fighting-type specialist, Growlithe's Intimidate was an immediate problem. Qi Shishi frowned. "Hitmonchan, use Mach Punch!" Hitmonchan dashed forward, its fist a bullet-speed jab. BAM! Growlithe shook its head, then bared its teeth as flames gathered in its mouth.
"Detect!" Hitmonchan crossed its arms, blocking the attack, then countered with a powerful punch! BAM! BAM! BAM! Its blindingly fast punches landed in rapid succession. Yet, Growlithe simply let out a couple of exaggerated howls and even wagged its tail.
"??? How is this Growlithe totally fine?!" "This thing is way too tanky!"
Qi Shishi frowned, glancing at the panting Hitmonchan and its scorched gloves. Burned? But when…? Suddenly, a thought struck her. The move that had been "Detected" earlier… the power didn't feel like Flamethrower. It felt more like Will-O-Wisp!
With the burn sapping its strength, Hitmonchan's offense was now a liability. But… now that I've figured it out! Qi Shishi's gaze sharpened. "Hitmonchan, Guts Boost!"
Despite its unsteady breathing, Hitmonchan surged forward, a blinding white glow surrounding its fist. CRACK! The Protect barrier shattered instantly, sending Growlithe skidding back.
"Flamethrower," Lu Ye commanded.
"It's useless!" Qi Shishi shouted, "Guts Boost again!"
Hitmonchan punched straight through the flames, gritting its teeth as it swung with all its might. But then—Qi Shishi's eyes went wide. "It missed?!"
"Did it dodge by using Dig?" "No… Look up!"
Lu Ye's voice was calm. "Body Slam." Under the blinding sunlight, a large, well-fed Growlithe was soaring through the air. "Awoooo~~!! (｀0´)" CRASH! Growlithe slammed down onto Hitmonchan, pinning it!
A massive cloud of dust erupted. "…Why do I feel like I just saw a Snorlax?"
In the VIP section, Tang Hui casually glanced at Lt. Surge.
Lt. Surge coughed. "T-There's still another one left! To my knowledge, that's her ace!"
Qi Shishi recalled her defeated Hitmonchan, taking a deep breath. This… doesn't feel like battling a student. It felt more like facing a towering, immovable mountain. She bit her lip and threw out a Poké Ball. "Go, Swampert!"
A true powerhouse. The bulging muscles on Swampert's blue arms flexed as the spiky fins on its cheeks flared. With Intimidate already used, Lu Ye retrieved Growlithe. "Your turn, Wartortle!"
"Wartortle!ヾ(⌐■_■)" A Wartortle wearing sunglasses appeared, prompting the crowd to lose it.
"Lu Ye really is a die-hard 'No Evolution' trainer, huh?"
"Dude… this isn't some college league. And the type matchup isn't even in his favor!"
Lt. Surge snorted. "Look! He's panicking!"
Tang Hui had a complicated expression. If I recall correctly… Isn't this Wartortle actually Lu Ye's ace?
Qi Shishi narrowed her eyes. "Swampert, Ice Punch!" A massive ice crystal formed over Swampert's fist. The chilling aura made several Gym Leaders in the VIP section sit up straight. But when Lu Ye gave his command, the entire stadium fell silent. "Wartortle, Ice Punch."
Wait… what?! Wartortle is using Ice Punch?! It's going head-to-head with Swampert?! That's suicide!
The bitter cold swept through the battlefield. Wartortle took a deep breath. Then—it took off its sunglasses.
BOOOOM!!!
The clash of Ice Punch vs. Ice Punch sent a shockwave rippling outward. The battlefield instantly froze over, then violently collapsed. A massive crater formed, thick mist swirling inside. As the mist dispersed—a tiny figure stood alone, completely calm.
Crrrunch… Crrrunch… Wartortle stepped through the icy rubble, picked up its sunglasses, put them back on, and gave Lu Ye a small nod. Master. Mission accomplished.
"HOLY SH*T!!" The audience exploded. "It one-shot it?! Wartortle one-shot a Swampert?!"
Qi Shishi stood there, stunned. A Wartortle… How… Her pupils contracted as she stared at its back. Only… one single scratch?!
Lu Ye's expression was just as complicated. That's it?! I had five different counter-strategies prepared… and you just one-shot it?? He murmured, "…You never fail to amaze me, Wartortle."
Wartortle nodded slightly. Then, it glanced back at its shell—a single scratch. Looks like I'll need at least 100 Max Potions this time.
With an absolute landslide victory, Lu Ye advanced to the Top 8. The old headmaster of Imperial University, Sun Huai'an, even called to laugh, "Kid, your Wartortle reminds me of my younger days!" Wartortle's Ice Punch had been taught by Sun Huai'an himself.
Lu Ye sighed, looking at the bill in his hand and at Wartortle, happily carrying a bag full of Max Potions. His expression was complicated. Won the match… lost at life. Yeah. That sums it up perfectly.
[Inorin Note:
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