I Really Didn’t Want to Be a Trainer

Outside the school gate, dust filled the air.

Yuto Sundae clenched her teeth, unwillingly staring at the blonde-haired boy before her.

“Your Cubone is already injured.”

The boy said indifferently, his eyes fixed on Cubone’s wounds.

“If you treat it now, there’s still time.”

Yuto Sundae bit her lower lip. Just as she was about to forfeit—

“Kara!”

Cubone shakily pushed itself up from the ground, glaring at the man in front of it with rage.

“You still want to keep fighting?”

The blond boy looked momentarily stunned, his eyes gradually turning cold. “Sorry. If it’s to get stronger, I have no choice.”

“Awoo—”

The blonde boy raised his hand. His Midnight Form Lycanroc howled at the sky, razor-sharp stones gathering in front of it.

“Rock Slide!” the boy shouted as he swung his hand down.

The stones shot toward Cubone. If they hit, the damage could be devastating—even fatal.

“I forfeit!”

Though Yuto Sundae blurted it out, she was too late.

She watched, horrified, as the stones crashed down. Her breath caught in her throat.

“Cubone!!”

Dust burst up—but a flash of white darted through like a bolt of light, yanking Cubone out of the impact zone.

“Buuii” Sylveon gently set the unconscious Cubone down, gracefully shaking its ribboned bow.

“Made it just in time.”

Lu Ye let out a breath and glanced around.

“No one else got hurt, right?”

Everyone nodded.

Seeing the situation on the field, Lu Ye quickly grasped what had happened.

He patted Yuto Sundae on the shoulder and said reassuringly:

“All right, if you’re outmatched, that’s how it is. Don’t worry about it.”

Since Lu Ye had stepped in, Cubone avoided a serious injury.

But according to the rules, Yuto Sundae had still lost the Pokémon battle.

“Teacher, I…” Yuto Sundae’s eyes reddened, her voice caught in her throat.

The words I embarrassed you hadn’t yet made it out when—

The blond-haired boy, a fringe hanging over his brow, spoke coldly.

Gladion, from Alola.

“If you risk letting your Pokémon suffer serious injury just to keep fighting… that’s being irresponsible.”

“As a Trainer, you’re a bit unqualified.”

What Gladion said wasn’t wrong—but his tone was undeniably sharp.

This cold-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside boy was actually incredibly gentle toward Pokémon.

But in his quest for strength, he sometimes took things too far.

Lu Ye, remembering what he knew about Gladion’s personality, crossed his arms.

Well damn… another blonde tsundere, huh.

“I…”

Yuto Sundae wanted to defend herself.

But her hesitation during the battle had indeed been a sign of immaturity.

In the end, she hung her head, dejected.

Gladion returned Lycanroc to its Poké Ball, then looked straight at Lu Ye.

“You’re their battle class teacher?”

“Technically, simulation battle class.” Lu Ye nodded, curious what Gladion was going to do next.

“I see…”

Gladion posed dramatically with a hand to his fringe, looking deep in thought.

To get stronger… I have to battle someone even stronger!

“You—Teacher—battle me!”

Gasps erupted from the students nearby.

“This guy… is he nuts?”

“There’s no way Teacher Lu would agree, right?!”

Among the crowd, the seasoned viewer—the student with the ‘poker-faced hairstyle’—looked uneasy.

Knowing Teacher Lu’s personality, there was a real chance he might go full savage!

Gladion, after all, was Ash’s rival in the Alola Region.

Right now he was only about 14 years old. Even without a Z-Ring, his strength was no joke.

Lu Ye stroked his chin.

He’s a promising kid, but… his personality needs some tuning.

“You’re not there yet,” Lu Ye said, shaking his head.

Gladion’s gaze sharpened.

“I’ve already beaten everyone here!”

Lu Ye froze, glancing behind him at the shivering students.

You guys are that useless?!

Looks like Teacher Erika’s been too easy on them lately!

Time to bring in Gengar for some proper training. Lu Ye thought grimly.

“What’ll it take for you to battle me?” Gladion asked.

Lu Ye: “Simple. Beat Yuto Sundae one more time.”

Every student suddenly lifted their head.

Beat Yuto-senpai again?

Didn’t you see how hard Cubone just got stomped?

Another round would probably just be handing the win over!

Yuto Sundae’s expression also held confusion.

Could it be… Teacher Lu has something planned?

Gladion glanced at Yuto Sundae, then looked back at Lu Ye:

“If I beat her again, you’ll battle me?”

That Sylveon’s strength… was terrifying. So strong it made Gladion tremble slightly.

But that tremble came from excitement at facing a powerful opponent.

Even if he lost, a battle with a strong Trainer would be worth it.

“Of course.”

Lu Ye smiled and gave Yuto Sundae a pat on the shoulder.

“Let’s go heal up Cubone first.”

As class break ended, more and more students gathered near the square.

From a distance, Teachers Wen Zi and Erika arrived at the edge of the crowd.

“Shouldn’t we stop this?” Wen Zi asked nervously.

Erika gently shook her head.

“If Teacher Lu stepped in, it means he’s fully confident.”

Whether it was spotting a tactical flaw or a move selection gap—

As long as Teacher Lu gave Yuto Sundae a few pointers, a comeback wasn’t out of the question.

More importantly… Teacher Lu was a Trainer known as the Tactics Master.

With him there, the situation would stabilize soon enough.

…

“That Lycanroc’s specialty is close combat and Counter. So keeping your distance is the best move.”

Lu Ye continued, “Also, use Cubone’s Bonemerang for maneuvering—stick to ranged attacks as much as possible…”

Listening to Teacher Lu’s explanation, Yuto Sundae was shaken.

This was… all from just a few minutes of observation?

Even Teacher Erika might not have this kind of insight.

“Didn’t your Cubone know Protect?” Lu Ye glanced sideways. “Why didn’t you use it, huh? Slacking off in class!”

You’ve only taught one class so far, okay?! Yuto Sundae mentally grumbled, swallowing nervously.

Still… maybe I can win!

Yuto Sundae pulled out a Poké Ball. A flash of white light revealed Cubone’s battered form.

Though covered in injuries, its eyes burned with determination.

“Kara!” Cubone panted, swinging its thick bone club, as if trying to prove itself.

Yuto Sundae’s eyes reddened, but her gaze firmed.

“In the end… trust your Pokémon.”

Lu Ye smiled. “It’ll answer you.”

Yuto Sundae nodded slightly, and suddenly, Lu Ye handed her a red Pokéblock.

“What’s this?” she asked, puzzled.

“Made with Pecha Berries and Wenju Berries—restores stamina.”

Lu Ye hesitated, then added, “Gengar’s not really a fan.”

“Gengarr~” Gengar lazily waved a hand.

Pfft, I wouldn’t touch that junk!

Cubone stared wide-eyed at the red Pokéblock, drool trailing uncontrollably from its mouth.

“Kara! (¯﹃¯)”

“Pokéblocks can boost a Pokémon’s physical vitality—so there are definite benefits…” Lu Ye was just thinking.

Cubone gulped down the red Pokéblock—and its body suddenly erupted in a brilliant white light!

Lu Ye & Yuto Sundae: “???”

“What the h*ll is happening?!”

The surrounding students all froze.

Teacher Lu only said a couple things to Senpai, and now Cubone evolved?

What kind of cheat move is that!?

The crowd buzzed, disbelief in their eyes.

“Cubone really evolved!”

“We’ve got a shot now!”

Teacher Wen Zi’s eyes widened.

She’d never heard of a Pokémon evolving just from a pep talk!

Still puzzled, Wen Zi looked to Erika, who smiled and explained:

“It’s the Pokéblock effect.”

“Teacher Lu’s breeding skill is world-class.”

“And besides…” Erika looked toward Marowak, her tone soft, “That little one didn’t want to lose either.”

Lu Ye stood there, totally lost.

It was just for stamina recovery…

That was enough to evolve it?!

Wait a sec… was the Pokéblock too strong?

After causing a Pokémon to evolve via cooking, Lu Ye had now achieved yet another bizarre milestone!

The newly evolved Marowak spun its thick bone club in its hand, its eyes full of fighting spirit.

Gladion furrowed his brows.

It was that man’s influence…

Such a dramatic boost in strength—it was honestly enviable.

Gladion shook his head, clenching his fist.

Even if it evolved, the match wasn’t over yet!

“Lycanroc, Rock Slide!” Gladion barked.

The flying stones slammed into Marowak’s glowing green barrier.

Using Protect to block and counter, Marowak hurled a spinning Bonemerang that struck Lycanroc hard in the knee with a thud.

“Awoo!” Lycanroc’s red eyes flared as it dropped to one knee, shaken.

No good—he still couldn’t use Counter at this distance!

Gladion gritted his teeth. “Charge in—Crunch!”

“Protect!” Yuto Sundae shouted.

Marowak’s Protect shimmered again, deflecting the fanged assault. The screech of grinding teeth echoed.

The watching students erupted into cheers. Gladion’s expression darkened.

This style… was totally different from before!

Could it really all be from that man’s guidance?

No way.

It was like… he completely saw through my tactics!

In his shaken state, Gladion slipped up on a command. Yuto Sundae didn’t miss the chance.

Amidst the crowd holding their breath—

After several rounds, the Midnight Form Lycanroc collapsed with a boom!

The battlefield fell utterly silent.

The students still hadn’t processed it.

That Lycanroc—the one that wiped the floor with everyone—just lost?

Was that really Yuto-senpai’s true strength?

No… she was nearly crying earlier!

Everyone gulped nervously.

Their eyes turned to Teacher Lu, arms crossed, calm as a breeze.

Teacher Lu… that live coaching was too damn cool!

Gladion took a deep breath, his fingers still slightly trembling.

He had actually… lost to someone he’d already beaten once.

That man… could he really see through all my intentions?

Gladion looked up, brushing the fringe from his face.

As if reaching a decision, his gaze sharpened.

On the other side—

Yuto Sundae spun around several times, hugging her Marowak with joy.

Not only had it evolved, it had defeated its opponent.

All of it, thanks to Teacher Lu’s guidance…

Yuto Sundae stole a glance at Lu Ye, cheeks flushing red. With a determined nod—

Even if it’s for Teacher Lu,

I’ll win the exchange tournament this year, no matter what!

“All right, everyone back to class!”

Lu Ye waved, dismissing the students.

But after witnessing his live coaching, the students were practically begging for a real-time strategy lecture on the spot.

Erika walked up beside Lu Ye with a smile and said,

“Looks like my elective class sign-ups are gonna drop again.”

“Don’t say that.”

I don’t even get bonuses for opening new classes…

Lu Ye cleared his throat and turned to Gladion, who looked visibly conflicted.

Time to deal with this brat.

Erika tucked her short hair behind her ear and said seriously,

“Causing trouble without reason gives the school the right to hand you over to Officer Jenny… So, explain yourself.”

Gladion looked between the two.

Gritting his teeth, he finally said,

“For… personal reasons, I need more strength. Coming to Kanto to train is the reason I’m here.”

“Then why not challenge Gyms? What are you doing at a Trainer Academy?” Lu Ye asked, puzzled.

Gladion fell silent, glancing at Erika beside Lu Ye.

“Apologies,” Erika smiled apologetically. “I’ve been subbing classes recently, so I haven’t had time to be at the Gym…”

Lu Ye looked up at the sky.

Erika was subbing… because I went to Cinnabar Island…

So this mess still traces back to me, huh!

“Gym challenges aren’t a big deal.”

Gladion looked at Lu Ye, eyes burning. “I just want to know… can I transfer into your class?”

In Lu Ye, Gladion saw a real shot at getting stronger.

For his mother. For his sister. For the father who disappeared long ago…

Gladion needed power to fulfill his purpose.

And now, entering the Trainer Academy was a golden opportunity.

Lu Ye: “I refuse.”

Gladion: “Huh?”

Sure, he’d been thinking about making Gladion a “tool,” but—

You think transferring’s that easy? Where’s my pride?

“I can bring you water, tea, anything—whatever it takes to get stronger!” Gladion said, almost pleading.

Lu Ye thought:

If I asked for your sister’s number, I bet you’d hesitate.

“Go to the station first and finish your statement. Then I’ll consider letting you transfer.” Lu Ye said.

Gladion’s expression twisted.

If it means becoming his student…

Thinking of Marowak’s evolution, and Yuto Sundae’s sudden growth…

Gladion took a deep breath and said through gritted teeth:

“No problem! I’ll go confess and be right back!”

…

When Lu Ye said he’d take Gladion to see Officer Jenny, he was mostly joking.

After all, the kid didn’t have bad intentions—he was just a bit… intense.

He asked Teacher Wen Zi to escort him for enrollment paperwork.

Erika, seeming to have guessed something, asked:

“Are you planning to make him one of your exchange tournament picks?”

“Each teacher can bring three students.”

Lu Ye said, “If things go smoothly, he’s one of mine.”

“But isn’t he a little too… intense?” Erika tilted her head. “At that age, driven purely by the desire to win instead of curiosity about the world… it might not be a good thing.”

Lu Ye crossed his arms and watched Gladion walk away.

For Lusamine, for Lillie—Gladion carried a lot.

Only by growing stronger could he protect what mattered most to him.

“From what I know of him…” Lu Ye smiled, “He’s a tough kid.”

“For a first meeting,” Erika teased, tucking her hair, “you sure sound like his dad.”

Lu Ye froze.

“I don’t look that old, right…”

“I meant your attitude,” Erika laughed. “You’ve got that early-retirement vibe going on.”

“Well, my Pokémon train themselves. Aside from the occasional homewrecking, they don’t need much from me…”

Erika blinked, puzzled.

Pokémon that train themselves?

Could that be the secret to Teacher Lu’s strength?

After saying goodbye to Erika, Lu Ye caught up with Gladion and laid out his study plan.

“Are you sure?” Gladion asked. “I can really learn from you?”

“I’m just covering basic tactics.”

Lu Ye said, “From now until finals—one month. Learn what you can.”

Gladion smiled. “No problem.”

Seeing the rare, sunny grin on the blond boy’s face,

Lu Ye clapped a hand on his shoulder with a firm pat.

“I’m off—see you next class!”

Gladion froze.

His shoulder still felt warm. Watching Lu Ye’s back fade into the distance, he was briefly dazed.

Childhood memories surged up all at once.

Gladion shook his head, staring at the calendar, lost in thought.

The year-end exchange tournament, huh…

Teacher Lu—I won’t let you down!