Chapter 442: I Came Back—for Those Who Can’t
“Hunter J?”
Professor Lu raised a brow in surprise.
That woman actually managed to escape from Lance?
Gotta admit—her escape skills are top-tier!
“She ditched her subordinates and escaped alone on her Salamence.”
Matori said grimly, “If we let her go unchecked, it could lead to bigger problems...”
Lu Ye’s eyes narrowed slightly, mentally reviewing everything he knew about Hunter J.
In the Diamond & Pearl arc, this woman had once forcefully awakened Regigigas—and escaped unscathed right in front of Pyramid King Brandon.
She was also one of the rare characters in the anime who was truly evil.
Even the likes of Cyrus from Team Galactic and Lysandre from Team Flare—
These villains, at least, were chasing their own ideals, fighting for a better world in their own twisted ways. But Pokémon hunters?
They were driven purely by greed and selfishness.
That’s one of the reasons Professor Lu had convinced Giovanni to reform Team Rocket and implement the “Rainbow Project.”
Evil like that... needed to be eliminated by all!
Lu Ye nodded lightly.
“I understand.”
Matori sensed the shift in his tone and tensed up, quickly trying to dissuade him:
“You don’t need to get personally involved. Worst case, we can leave it to the League prosecutors!”
“Are you doubting me?”
The icy tone sent a chill down her spine—
It was like she was facing that suited, commanding leader once more. She instinctively flinched.
“N-not at all.”
Matori swallowed hard. “It’s just… she’s very strong...”
After all, Hunter J was a poacher capable of going toe-to-toe with an Elite Four.
Especially in her element—wild terrain battles.
Even Professor Lu… might be at risk.
“Relax, I know what I’m doing.”
Lu Ye smiled faintly, his voice tinged with something deeper.
“Some things… I have to handle myself.”
When he heard that even Pokémon hunters were now adopting his tactics—
Lu Ye knew there was no avoiding this.
Even Giovanni had once stepped in personally when the Three Beasts betrayed him.
And Lu was still far from that level...
But even so—
Lu Ye closed his eyes, recalling the moment he first met Growlithe.
Back then, Meowth had translated Growlithe’s wish:
“I want to become a hero like my mother.”
Since they’d formed a bond—
Since people now called him “Professor Lu” with respect—
Then often…
Lu said, “Send me her Pokémon data and any predictive intel you’ve got on her movements.”
…I have no excuse not to act.
“Understood…”
Matori felt a strange pang in her chest. Her legs squeezed together as she flushed and adjusted her glasses.
“Wishing you a victorious mission.”
While Professor Lu was planning, raids across the region continued.
The battles felt like one massive final exam.
The subject? The strategies designed by the very man everyone respectfully called “Professor Lu.”
Across both Team Rocket and local police forces—
Almost every Officer Jenny blushed at the photos in their family chat groups, studying the pincer tactics he created.
And every Rocket member knew:
In the shadows stood a mentor as strong as any Champion—guiding them like a rainbow beacon.
“I came back—for those who can’t.”
Some missions, Lu Ye had to handle himself.
Because he was Professor Lu.
“We’ve received the data. Calculating win rate, Loto!”
Rotom’s screen flickered rapidly as it compared both sides’ lineups and factored in potential variances.
Lu blinked. “You can analyze that kinda thing too!?”
“Don’t underestimate me, Loto!”
Rotom folded its mechanical arms, gave a proud little hum, then spun a full circle in the air.
“Beep beep… Analysis complete, Loto!”
Rotom mimicked Lu’s voice and cleared its throat:
“How could I lose to noobs!? I’m gonna wreck them, Loto!”
Lu’s expression turned odd. “Is that… really how I talk?”
The little ones all looked up at him in unison—
Their expressions: 30% confusion, 70% shock.
“Ahem… Got it.”
Lu coughed, then settled back into his usual calm and muttered:
“Even if Hunter J isn’t quite on Elite level, she’s probably not far off—”
“This’ll be a field battle… should I have Gengar lead with Hypnosis? Or maybe I should just punch her myself?”
“Gengaaa!” Gengar grinned wide and scampered off.
A while later, he came back with a pile of chips, jelly cups, chocolates, and other snacks—stuffing it all into his spatial pouch.
“This isn’t a school picnic! Try taking this seriously!”
Lu Ye rubbed his forehead. Then—
“Gimme two packs of chips, and don’t forget the cat teaser toy.”
Hunter J’s weapon of choice was a handgun that fired petrifying “Stone Pulse” beams.
But Lu had his own dirty tricks.
Sylveon’s cat teaser—imbued with “Mental Herb”—could cancel out the petrification.
Worst-case scenario, just have Sylveon use Misty Terrain and dive straight at Salamence.
Fairy-types teach dragons who’s boss!
Lu looked up at the sky.
Field battles, huh… I’ve got some experience now. Kind of.
Still, just to be safe, I’d better call in some help.
Last time I had Mimi by my side when fighting the king of Portlantis.
Now Mimi’s back working for the League, and Steven’s probably off mining who-knows-where…
“So today’s day-off candidate is…”
Lu rubbed his chin. Suddenly, his eyes lit up.
“It’s decided—Wusong, you’re up!”
He opened the chat group and pinged Wusong directly:
Lu Ye: “No more vacation.”
Lu Ye: “Got a mission for you!”
A moment later, Wusong replied:
Wusong: “You too!?” 😭
Lu Ye: “What do you mean?” 🤔
Wusong trembled, adjusting his glasses.
I was on vacation today!
First Lance, now Professor Lu—both at Champion level…
Do I even get a say? Can I have a break!?
I’m just an ordinary Psychic Elite Four who’s worked a full month straight and finally has a day off!
Ten minutes earlier.
“Well then, I’ll be taking my leave.”
Wusong elegantly closed his book, adjusted his glasses, and smiled.
“Ash, I look forward to seeing you at the Champion League.”
“I’ll be there, Mr. Wusong!” Ash replied enthusiastically.
Such a reckless, passionate boy.
Wusong smiled faintly. Beneath his lenses, his gaze seemed to see through everything.
With mentors like Professor Lu around, this kid would grow quickly.
“Yee-vui~”
Suddenly, his lavender Espeon lifted its face and gently tapped Wusong with its silky tail.
“What is it?”
Wusong followed its gaze—and saw his muted phone screen light up.
Lance: “No more vacation. I have a mission for you.”
“Ugh…” For the first time, Wusong’s usually calm expression faltered.
“Mr. Wusong?” Ash asked, puzzled.
“It’s nothing.”
Wusong forced a smile and typed a reply:
Wusong: “Champion Lance, I’m on break today…”
“I know.”
Lance sighed. “That’s exactly why I’m asking you. You’re available.”
Wusong: ❓❓❓
Do we not have labor laws for Elites!?
Just because I’m Elite-level, I can’t get a proper day off!?
Lance quickly filled him in on the Hunter J situation and frowned.
“She’s likely headed toward Snowpoint City. As a Sinnoh Elite, you know that terrain better than I do.”
“Plus, we’re still wrapping things up here. And you just joined the group. And you’re free…”
“So I can only rely on you.”
Wusong was silent for a moment, frowning.
“I understand.”
This was an emergency. Besides, Wusong already despised Pokémon hunters.
His break might be ruined, but with proper time-off policies, maybe he could make it up later… maybe.
“By the way, where’s Champion Cynthia?” Wusong asked.
Lance recalled the scene of Cynthia singlehandedly massacering an entire squad and spoke a bit awkwardly:
“I’d advise you… not to bother her.”
“Understood.” Wusong, the wise old hand, nodded immediately.
“She’s probably still enjoying the slaughter.”
“As long as you get it.”
Lance nodded righteously. “Don’t worry—the League will compensate you appropriately!”
Lies. All lies!
You’re a shady agent through and through!
Wusong cursed him internally and replied with a polite smile:
“Then I’ll take care of this mission.”
After accepting the task—
Wusong rubbed his temples and stepped outside the Pokémon Center.
“Where are you going, Mr. Wusong?” Ash asked in surprise.
“Heading to Snowpoint City,” Wusong said coldly. “Got a few Pokémon hunters to deal with.”
Ash’s eyes lit up and he jumped to his feet. “I’ll go too, Mr. Wusong!”
“You don’t need to tag along—”
“But Snowpoint has a Gym, right? Perfect for badge collection!”
Ash grinned. “Don’t worry, I won’t slow you down!”
And just like that, he dashed out the door, waving back.
“Hurry up, Mr. Wusong, or we’ll miss the train!”
Wusong’s hand trembled as he adjusted his glasses.
For a moment, he imagined someone shouting at him: “Hurry or you’ll miss overtime!”
He took a deep breath and calmed himself, then casually glanced at his phone—
Lu Ye: “No more vacation.”
Lu Ye: “Got a mission for you!”
Wusong’s face crumpled: (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)
“Mr. Wusong?” Ash asked again, concerned.
“I’m fine.”
Wusong smiled softly.
“But…” Ash hesitated.
Your eyes… they’ve lost their sparkle.
“Suppress emotions. Stay neutral…”
Wusong mumbled as he walked slowly toward the train.
He’d deal with Lance’s mission first.
Then take care of Professor Lu’s…
Suddenly, Wusong paused, realizing something didn’t add up.
“Professor Lu’s mission… is about Hunter J too?”
Wusong’s brows furrowed—then he grinned.
If I take this woman out, I can go back and rest!
Hunter J, you’re finished today!
Ash shouted, “Mr. Wusong, the train’s not that way!”
Wusong halted, composed himself, pushed his glasses with one finger, and said calmly:
“Ash, this next mission is very dangerous. I hope you’re mentally prepared.”
Ash blinked, exchanged a look with Pikachu, then shouted:
“Whatever danger it is—I’m not afraid!”
Wusong smiled faintly.
This boy might be Professor Lu’s student—but he was still far too green.
He probably hadn’t seen the brutality of field combat…
Still, Wusong rested a hand on Ash’s shoulder and smiled.
“We’re just here to intercept.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Because—”
Wusong adjusted his glasses, eyes glinting with confidence and calm:
“Professor Lu will be joining us.”