I Really Didn’t Want to Be a Trainer

Night fell over Snowpoint City as snowflakes drifted slowly downward.

Upon hearing the news that the emergency drill had concluded, citizens chatted and laughed while hurrying home, just in time to prepare dinner.

As countless household lights illuminated the city...

"Gengarrr~" Haunter floated through the night sky with a drowsy Togepi balanced on its head, keeping pace beside Lu Ye.

"Gym Leader Candice prepared a victory banquet for us," Aaron glanced at the chat group before looking up. "Teacher Lu, it's at that restaurant we visited before."

Lu Ye nodded.

"You all go ahead first. I need to stop by the Pokémon Center."

Cynthia: "I'll go with you."

"I'll come too... mmmph!"

Ash barely got the words out before Aaron covered his mouth. Aaron wiped sweat from his brow with an awkward smile. "You two go on ahead. We'll head to the restaurant first."

Brandon adjusted his gentleman's hat, speaking somewhat sheepishly:

"Might this humble one also join the evening banquet?"

"You're all heroes who saved Snowpoint City—of course you can!" Brandon crossed his arms, eyes widening emphatically.

Brandon nodded thoughtfully, watching Lu Ye and Cynthia's retreating figures with a hint of emotion:

"Those two... really do suit each other well."

Brandon maintained his stern expression but nodded in agreement:

"A myth scholar and ancient language expert... I can't imagine a more compatible team."

Aaron chuckled: "I don't think Mr. Aogen meant it that way."

"What? They're both top-tier archaeology professionals!" Brandon protested.

Aogen neither confirmed nor denied, simply smiling.

"The more important thing is how harmoniously their auras interact," Aogen observed the fading silhouettes.

"Only those who've lived together for a long time, or are naturally compatible, can achieve such perfectly attuned auras."

Ash scratched his head in complete confusion:

"Senior Aaron, why wouldn't you let me go to the Pokémon Center?"

Aaron cleared his throat and turned away.

"Let's go to the other restaurant."

"But you haven't explained! Wait up, Senior Aaron!"

......

At Snowpoint City's Pokémon Center.

With most citizens still returning to the city, only one Nurse Joy remained on duty.

Chansey pushed a cart while wearing nurse's scrubs, motioning for Lu Ye to place the Poké Balls inside.

After some time, Nurse Joy returned with a tray holding the Poké Balls.

"The external injuries have completely healed," Nurse Joy said gently. "But regaining full strength will require more recovery time."

"Additionally, the cracks in Blastoise's shell can only heal gradually with proper care."

Having already prepared himself mentally, Lu Ye nodded. "Thank you for your hard work."

I'll need to prepare extra treats for the little ones when we get back, Lu Ye thought. And we should prioritize getting Blastoise that Revival Root.

That's the only way to properly repay their efforts!

"Not at all," said Nurse Joy with a bow, knowing the full story.

"Snowpoint City owes its safety to you—thank you so much, Teacher Lu!"

Cynthia smiled as they stepped outside, quietly remarking:

"Your reputation among the Joy family might rise even higher now."

"Why would I care about that?" Lu Ye declared heroically.

"Oh?" Cynthia arched an eyebrow.

"I only care about you," Lu Ye said, "and Haunter, Sylveon, Blastoise..."

As Lu Ye listed each of his Pokémon, Cynthia listened quietly.

With the snowfall intensifying during their walk to the restaurant, Cynthia mentioned:

"I'm planning to request special rewards for you from the League... but I'm still considering options..."

She displayed obvious 'indecisive shopper' facial expressions.

Lu Ye waved it off: "No need for me—just prepare something for Haunter and the others."

Cynthia blinked in surprise, tilting her head slightly.

"But you're always talking about wanting prize money?"

"I realized any money I get ends up being spent on them anyway," Lu Ye chuckled helplessly.

"Honestly, I'm not that interested in money."

"It might be better to prepare things for them directly."

"Perhaps this is precisely..." Cynthia mused briefly before smiling, "the bond between you and your Pokémon?"

Teacher Lu didn't deny it, exhaling as he watched the falling snow.

Guess I still need to focus on my career...

If my income can't keep up with the training expenses, I'll go bankrupt!

Lu Ye: "Decision made—I'll finish developing 'Pocket Monsters' ASAP!"

"I want to test the beta version," Cynthia's eyes sparkled.

"Soon, just need to make one more MV."

Teacher Lu shamelessly added: "Then get some big names to promote it, and we're golden!"

......

At the victory banquet.

Ash challenged Gym Leader Candice again, scheduling their rematch for tomorrow.

"This time I'll definitely earn the Icicle Badge!" Ash clenched his fist.

"No problem," Candice smiled. "I look forward to your performance!"

Aaron sipped black tea while elegantly crossing his legs and reading.

After consecutive overtime shifts—apprehending Hunter J and pacifying Regigigas—even Elite Four member Aaron felt exhausted.

But the overtime days were finally over!

Let us raise our teacups to celebrate this slacker moment!

Just as Aaron smilingly raised his teacup for a sip—

Cynthia: "By the way Aaron, last season's Sinnoh Conference winner has decided to challenge the Champion League."

"According to the challenge schedule," Cynthia said apologetically, "you'll need to return to the League to accept the challenge."

"Cough! Cough!" Aaron choked violently.

"Are you okay?" Ash asked.

"It's fine, the tea was too hot..."

Aaron forced a strained smile through gritted teeth:

"I will... absolutely... give this challenger... a warm welcome!"

The restaurant had specially cleared space for everyone's Pokémon to mingle freely.

Sirfetch'd and Blastoise sat together, resembling the Kung Fu Panda dynamic between Mr. Ping and Po.

"Quack! (✪ω✪)"

Sirfetch'd was sharing its expertise about damaged armor with Blastoise.

After all, the leek shield often got sliced up—it had plenty of experience.

Had Meowth been present, it might've translated for Lu Ye:

"Scars are a warrior's medals. Just keep getting stronger to live up to your Trainer's expectations, meow!"

"Blastoise! ヾ(⌐■_■)"

Listening attentively to Sirfetch'd's advice, Blastoise nodded solemnly.

Truly worthy of being called 'Leek Sensei'—easily resolving my confusion!

"Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ" Sirfetch'd wept internally.

What do I know about getting stronger?

I'm just trying not to become tonight's dinner!

Noticing Lu Ye's gaze, Cynthia reassured him:

"Those cracks will heal naturally in a few days."

"But try to avoid Mega Evolution for a while—it places significant strain on both Trainer and Pokémon."

Lu Ye nodded.

Not like I use Mega Evolution much anyway.

After returning to Masago Town, we'll just rest at home for a few days.

As the night deepened, the banquet approached its conclusion.

Aaron remained seated with his head in his hands, inwardly lamenting.

Meanwhile, Brandon and Candice discussed plans for rebuilding Snowpoint Temple.

Teacher Lu took the opportunity to open two [Random Orange Items], obtaining a Dawn Stone.

He also unlocked a [Petaya Berry] with steel-resistant properties.

[Petaya Berry: Renowned for its intense spiciness, historically used medicinally. Reduces damage from Steel-type moves when held. (Flame Pokémon-level heat, devilish spiciness, chef's deadly choice.)]

Lu Ye's heart raced.

This thing... might be perfect for treating Gold and Ash to dinner!

According to Teacher Lu's 'basic knowledge' of berries:

The spicy Cheri Berry only has a paltry heat rating of 10.

After repeatedly using Cheri Berries to cure paralysis, Lu Ye had grown accustomed to that level.

But the Petaya Berry's heat level reached 25—making it perfect for stupid food challenges!

"As a chef, making spicy chicken noodles seems perfectly reasonable," Lu Ye thought cheerfully.

"Not some toned-down version either, but with ghost peppers... surely that's acceptable?"