I Really Didn’t Want to Be a Trainer

March 23rd, Tuesday.

While the buzz about the new MV continued, with many Bilibili users still discussing Teacher Lu's latest lyrics and composition, a red notification dot suddenly appeared in their follow list—it was Teacher Lu who hadn't updated in weeks!

"Grandpa, the content creator you follow just uploaded!"

"Holy cow, this is a real 'meal companion' video!"

"It's the Midnight Canteen series—Teacher Lu's kitchen is open again!"

Fortunately, this episode of Teacher Lu's Midnight Canteen wasn't encountered during late-night browsing.

But thanks to skyrocketing coins, favorites, and views, the video quickly topped the food section's rankings with the editor's recommendation:

【Hell-Level Cuisine! The Terrifying Chili and Astonishing Culinary Skills You Never Knew!】

In the Galar region, 【curry】 is the sole standard for judging a chef's skill.

Curry levels are ranked from highest to lowest as: Charizard-class, Copperajah-class, Milcery-class, Wobbuffet-class, and Koffing-class. Rumor has it that beyond these levels, Kalos' "Chef Heavenly King" Siebold once cooked an even more exceptional curry during a culinary competition.

Judges recalled seeing a blazing Moltres so vividly it seemed real.

Thus, this "legendary curry" became known as Moltres Curry.

This episode titled 【Black Moltres Curry】 inevitably made people think of Galar's Dark-type Moltres.

"Is this a comedy video? Specializing in dark cuisine?"

"I believe Teacher Lu could beat Siebold in battles. But cooking? No way."

"Only Siebold can make Moltres Curry—who even are you?"

Such teasing comments filled the bullet chats.

But when viewers actually watched the video carefully, they were stunned.

Teacher Lu's episode... actually seemed legit?

Whether it was professional cooking techniques or ingredient selection, no flaws could be found.

Industry professionals stared dumbfounded at Teacher Lu's skills before leaving a comment:

"I'm a seven-star hotel head chef. In our field, Teacher Lu's culinary level is called 'Special Grade Chef.'"

For laymen, this food video had too many highlights—it even featured Professor Oak!

"Is this filmed in Professor Oak's backyard?"

"This is a crossover event!"

"Professor Oak—the ultimate hard worker writing senryu, hosting radio shows, and now mukbang!"

The latter half made viewers exclaim "Holy shit!"

"Is that Typhlosion using its ultimate move 'Blast Burn'?"

"Teacher Lu said 'I know this well—my Growlithe wrecked the house like this back then!'"

"Holy shit! Chimchar evolved already!?"

Bathed in dazzling evolution light, the unruly Monferno roared skyward.

The explosive entertainment value made coins flood in instantly.

Galarian breeders watched in stunned silence.

(In Pokémon Sword/Shield, curry provides EXP to Pokémon.)

Using cooking to nurture Pokémon wasn't unfounded.

But causing immediate evolution like Teacher Lu? Unprecedented!

Top comments further shattered breeders' confidence:

"What's the big deal? Teacher Lu's Gastly also evolved through cooking."

"I was there—Gastly evolved into Haunter mid-plate-licking just to get claws!"

As everyone knows, music and gaming are just Teacher Lu's hobbies.

His real profession is being a... (scratched out) chef.

This long-awaited return of the Midnight Canteen series elevated its already superb quality further!

...

Kalos, Lumiose City.

The romantic city basked in spring florals, with accordion street performers everywhere.

In a top-tier restaurant along Prism Boulevard:

Water-type Elite Four member Siebold, dressed in white, bowed gracefully:

"I hope the dishes satisfy you—it would be my honor."

A guest chuckled: "Mr. Siebold, have you heard about that 'Black Moltres Cuisine' rumor?"

Siebold smiled wryly: "You're the third guest today to ask me that."

"Oh? So what's your actual opinion of Teacher Lu?" the guest pressed curiously.

Closing his eyes, Siebold recalled yesterday when a regular shared that cooking video with him.

Even as a culinary specialist, he'd learned valuable techniques from it.

Calling him "Teacher Lu" felt entirely deserved.

The so-called 【Black Moltres Curry】 likely used rare berries and special cookware to create that spicy flavor.

While he could make Moltres-class curry, the "Galarian variant" eluded him completely...

"Perhaps he is a truly respectable..." Siebold mused before smiling, "...chef."

This wasn't disparagement.

In fact, compared to being a Water-type Elite, Siebold preferred introducing himself as a "head chef."

Much like how Champion Diantha was better known as an "actress."

All of Kalos exuded a tranquil, lazy romanticism—

sometimes making its trainers slightly weaker than other leagues...

The guest laughed heartily: "Mr. Siebold, you're already Kalos' Water-type Elite!"

"If your cooking rivals Teacher Lu's, surely battling him would be easy?"

As Kalos' Water Elite, Siebold's ace was a Mega Blastoise.

Siebold didn't answer, gazing at clouds outside the window instead.

After a long pause, he smiled faintly.

"If possible... I'd like to challenge Teacher Lu's Blastoise too."

But finding time to visit Teacher Lu...

That would have to wait for the distant future...

...

On the day of the video's release:

Kalos Water Elite and star chef Siebold reposted this Midnight Canteen episode.

Though captionless, it signified his recognition of Teacher Lu's culinary skills.

Siebold's endorsement meant this was genuine Moltres-class curry—possibly even superior!

"Holy shit! Teacher Lu really is a star chef!"

"No wonder his streams feel like state banquets—he's a professional!"

"Can fans eat first next time? No reason—just want my Charmander to evolve."

Teacher Lu was returning to Sinnoh.

Even he hadn't anticipated this episode's overwhelming reception.

Scanning comments, Lu Ye raised an eyebrow:

"Siebold? That's Kalos' Elite Four, right? Also a chef apparently..."

Seems he also uses cooking to train Pokémon...

Can't forget Green—the "Breeding Prodigy" who lets Pokémon train themselves and guard gyms.

Lu Ye chuckled happily.

I'm not alone in this path!

Using points from this video, he exchanged for several plump Pecha Berries from the system.

Munching on one, he mumbled:

"Gengar, let's head home first, then go find Mengmengda~"

"Gengarrr~!"

...

The flight landed at Jubilife City, Sinnoh.

Ash stretched drowsily: "We're here already?"

"Back in Sinnoh," Lu Ye confirmed. "What's your plan now?"

"I'll keep collecting badges!" Ash declared fervently.

He didn't mention wanting to battle Paul to Teacher Lu.

That was an opponent he had to defeat personally!

Lu Ye nodded slightly.

This Kanto trip brought massive attention to Pokémon and introduced him to the pink demon Jigglypuff and fierce-loli Roxie.

Next, he planned to rest at home before judging Wallace's Mikuri Cup at Lake Valor per Ruby's invitation!

Remembering his promise with Cynthia, Lu Ye looked skyward.

That light blue swimsuit from the anime seems nice...

But with this rare chance, I'd like more intimate time with Mengmengda.

"Is black too revealing?" Lu Ye rubbed his chin.

"Maybe I should reserve Shores Beach just for me?"

Though poor, this humble teacher still had some savings!

Decision made, Lu Ye strode confidently toward Sandgem Town.

"See you next time, Teacher Lu!" Ash waved behind him, Pikachu cheering:

"Pika-chuu~!"

This "Revenge Banquet" somehow made Chimchar evolve instead.

Teacher Lu felt complicated.

But he loved "Big Brother" too—seeing it evolve into Infernape early wasn't bad.

After parting with Ash, Lu Ye reached the outskirts and tossed a Luxury Ball:

"Let's go home!" He vigorously ruffled Arcanine's mane.

"Arf!凸(｀0´)凸"

The more Arcanine got roughed up, the more excited it became, prancing before eagerly carrying Lu Ye.

"Navigating to... Sandgem Town, Rotom!" The Rotom Dex floated ahead.

Jubilife's outskirts trainers only saw a crimson blur streak past—

too fast for even eye contact to initiate battles!

"Holy shit! You can dodge battles like that?"

"Noted! Where do I get an Arcanine?"

Only later did Teacher Lu realize his mistake while riding Arcanine:

"Could've earned prize money battling those trainers..."

"What a miscalculation!"

...

Sinnoh League, Fullmoon Island.

Cynthia covered a yawn, resting her cheek on one hand while eyeing her calendar.

Then she picked up a pen and circled a date again with a small checkmark.

A faint smile graced her flawless profile.

Knock knock—

Rubbing her temples, Cynthia spoke calmly: "Enter."

The door opened to reveal a lavender-haired man in burgundy suit.

Aaron entered with armfuls of documents, looking exhausted:

"These poaching case files... all processed..."

"Thank you for your hard work."

Cynthia nodded solemnly.

"Hah, it's fine," Aaron smiled weakly. "Used to it."

Since the Regigigas incident, overtime had tempered his resilience.

At least Sinnoh's usually absent Champion was diligently handling duties now—

which slightly comforted him.

"The workload will ease soon," Cynthia smiled, flipping through files.

"What became of the poached Pokémon eggs?"

"Sent to nurseries—most will be hatched and released."

Aaron adjusted his glasses. "Those with battle potential went to Officer Jennys or investigators."

Cynthia nodded.

The eggs included rare species—even pseudo-legendaries.

Though valuable resources, Sinnoh League prioritized humane treatment by returning them to nature.

"Some dangerous pseudo-legendaries aren't suitable for release or nurseries."

Aaron pondered. "I suggest finding trustworthy trainers to entrust these high-potential eggs to..."

"Trustworthy... trainers..." Cynthia's eyes flickered. "Any candidates?"

"Found several suitable ones already."

Aaron frowned. "But there's one grayish-green Ground-type egg still unassigned..."

"Or rather," he sighed, "none have earned its approval."

Trainers don't just choose eggs—

often, unborn Pokémon resonate with trainers first.

Like Teacher Lu's Togepi mastering backstabbing before hatching.

Moreover,

machine-testing unknown parentage could harm the egg.

Aaron could only guess its type from experience.

Plus, pseudo-legendary eggs take 3-6 months to hatch—

they needed courageous, upright, kind trainers for guardianship.

"I understand."

Cynthia tucked golden hair behind her ear, gazing at her calendar with a soft smile.

"Then I'll find a trainer for this egg myself."