Chapter 224: Teacher Lu – Debt-Free and Carefree
On Togepi's head sat the King's Rock. The spikes on its head could release toxins, which was why Togepi was able to learn Toxic. Under Gengar's guidance, Togepi had successfully begun learning the Substitute + Toxic combo, now heading down the path of "Dirty Togepi" with no turning back…
Lu Ye snapped out of his imagination and shuddered. Such an adorable little angel must never learn from Gold!
"Chaki-prii~~" Togepi watched the Move Tutor video, laughing so hard it tumbled over, kicking its tiny feet. Gengar helped it sit upright again, smiling like a proud father. Ghost-types can be nurturing too, huh?
"As expected, Pokémon really do take after their trainers…" Lu Ye glanced at Gengar thoughtfully and nodded.
Togepi's eyes sparkled as it gazed at the video, envisioning its own future. Even back when it was still in its egg, the thrill of battle and victorious cheers had immersed it in that world. A kind trainer, adorable companions… That was why it wanted to repay Teacher Lu. It was said that Togepi's body was filled with happiness energy. If… if it could keep getting stronger—Togepi wiggled its tiny fingers and giggled. "Chaki-prii~~~(❁´◡`❁)✲ﾟ" Then my trainer will smile happily too!
As Togepi used Metronome, a glimpse of the future unfolded before its eyes. Seeing itself dominating the battlefield, Togepi's eyes widened, holding its breath… "Prii~ Zzz…" Togepi tucked in its spikes, curled up into an egg, and fell asleep.
"Already asleep?" Lu Ye looked at the little thing snoozing on the couch and chuckled. "Well… it's still a kid, after all. These move tutorials are a bit dry."
Gengar scratched its head, pondering Lu Ye's words. Move tutorials are boring? Master, are you hinting that I should personally train Togepi? If I teach it myself, then it definitely won't be boring! "Kokeke~~o(≧▽≦)ツ" Gengar grinned and patted its own shoulder.
Sunday, November 1st.
Three days had passed since the East China League Finals. People were still buzzing about Teacher Lu's flawless victory. That morning, Gengar, wearing its Wise Glasses, was studying moves as usual when it suddenly scratched its head. "Kokeke?" Was it just my imagination? Why does it feel like my learning efficiency just skyrocketed?!
Lu Ye placed Togepi on a booster seat. But before he knew it, Togepi had wriggled free and scurried over to Gengar, eagerly studying the move manuals with it. Everyone knew that Togepi liked to imitate its trainer. "This little one is working way too hard…" Lu Ye stroked his chin. "Could it be… I really am a training genius?"
The Fire Stone had been put away for when Growlithe needed it. As for the Charcoal, it now hung around Growlithe's neck, enhancing its Fire-type senses. Although this slightly increased the risk of property damage, trust was essential. Worst case scenario, he'd just have Gengar train Growlithe until it was too exhausted to wreck anything…
The ever-cautious Aura Warrior, Wartortle, had locked itself away to study Aura Sphere. Its method? Curling up inside a safe little fish tank, sensing the aura of all things, and condensing its own sphere. The whole scene looked way too much like Kamehameha training, making Lu Ye twitch.
All things considered, it seemed like the only one without any gains was Sylveon. The little one didn't complain, but it did turn its head away sulkily. Lu Ye pondered for a moment. Since Jasmine was a future Steel-type master, maybe he should ask her if there was anything Sylveon could learn…
After breakfast, Gengar closed the move manual and glanced at Togepi. "Kokeke~!" Out of all my students, this one satisfies me the most!
Togepi beamed and pulled out a Present, handing it to Gengar. "Kokeke?" Gengar scratched its head, opened the box, and immediately froze. Inside were potato chips and cola—Togepi's most treasured offerings.
"Chaki-prii~~(๑＞ڡ＜)☆"
"Kokeke! (´థ౪థ)σ"
Lu Ye's expression turned odd. The move Present had a chance of dealing damage. With my luck… if I were the one opening that gift, there'd probably be a bomb inside. Curious, he pulled up the Pokédex and scanned both Pokémon's move lists.
Lu Ye: ???
Togepi's talent was insane—it had learned Protect in just one night. As for Gengar, at some point, it had picked up Nasty Plot, a move that drastically boosted Special Attack. Looking at the master and apprentice duo on the couch, seriously studying Koga's Toxic Strategies, Lu Ye gazed up at the ceiling. Are my Pokémon… just naturally gifted monsters?!
Ding! You have received a new deposit! A notification popped up—it was last month's earnings from the Pokémon Company. With the prize money from the finals added in, it was just enough to pay back Cynthia's loan.
Lu Ye nodded in satisfaction. "Financial freedom, here I come!"
Sinnoh, Celestic Town.
The sound of rushing water echoed from the bathroom. A blonde woman, wrapped in a towel, was drying her damp hair. Despite the autumn chill, Cynthia was licking an ice cream as she checked her messages. The first was from Caitlin, saying she had matched with Teacher Lu again. Now she wanted to buy a new console and was asking for recommendations. The second was from Shauntal, Unova's Ghost-type Elite Four, recommending a novel. Cynthia replied to each before her eyes landed on the most recent one.
Lu Ye: The 5 million I owed you is in your account now!
Cynthia blinked. Oh, right… she had lent him 5 million. "That was fast."
Lu Ye: Ahem, well… it's from my tournament prize money.
Cynthia competed in commercial tournaments, where appearance fees alone could reach 5-6 million, so she quickly understood. "That makes sense…"
Lu Ye: I also caught a new Togepi. It's a really cute little thing.
Cynthia: "I saw your social media post," she smiled. "I even liked it."
Lu Ye: Really? Ahem… anyway, the 5 million is paid off. Not ruling out that I might borrow from you again.
Cynthia: "No problem."
One tournament earning him 5 million… Despite that, he neither indulged in luxury nor hoarded his wealth. He's truly dedicated to his Pokémon.
Lu Ye: By the way, my company just made a new game. You should come try it out.
Cynthia's golden eyes lit up. "What kind? A single-player game?"
Lu Ye: It's a tabletop game. The physical cards will be released after the promo campaign.
Cynthia: "Don't worry, I'll definitely check it out!"
Hearing the excitement in her voice, Lu Ye chuckled. "One more thing."
Cynthia: "What is it?"
Lu Ye: It's autumn now. Cut back on the ice cream, or you'll catch a cold.
Cynthia: "Mmm…" She instinctively pulled the ice cream away from her lips. Wait—why am I listening to him? Since becoming Champion, she had always lived independently. No one had ever told her what to do. But… he wasn't exactly wrong. "Okay…" she murmured.
"Alright then, see you in-game!" Lu Ye laughed. Now that his debt was paid off, he could start earning his battle companion fees again! Financial freedom, here I come!
"See you…" Hanging up, Cynthia sat in a daze. She glanced at her ice cream with reluctance, then turned to Garchomp. "You want it?"
"Graaaw!" Garchomp happily took it.
Moonlight bathed the rustling trees. As Cynthia recalled the moment Lu Ye had signed that IOU, she smiled. "Togepi just hatched… I should prepare a gift." Tucking a loose strand of golden hair behind her ear, Cynthia murmured, "He also has a Sylveon… Dazzling Gleam would suit it well…"
[Inorin Note:
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