I Really Didn’t Want to Be a Trainer

Night fell.

The tranquil Pokémon Garden was filled with the sounds of Haunter and Darkrai feasting together.

Haunter &

Darkrai: (*⊙~⊙)

Lu Ye proudly remarked, "Good thing Haunter carries a microwave around. Rotom can heat things up anytime."

Darkrai, mouth full of fried noodle bread, could only silently give a thumbs up in response.

"Keep at it. I need to attend a closing ceremony," Lu Ye waved as he departed.

Haunter &

Darkrai watched him leave: (*⊙~⊙)

Darkrai swallowed hard. "Got anything to drink?"

Haunter rummaged through its pocket, producing a can of cola which it placed on the ground, then pulled out another. "Ta-da!"

Darkrai blinked in surprise. It seemed Haunter had surpassed even Darkrai's century-honed shadow storage abilities...

From Darkrai's hundred years of experience, legends spoke of entire worlds hidden within shadows.

Darkrai imagined someone casually tossing refrigerators, microwaves, and soda cans into such a realm...

Pop!

Expressionless, Darkrai popped open the can and guzzled the fizzy drink: (′▽`〃)

No big deal—next time it would stash some chilled cola too!

At Time Tower's main venue, spotlights crisscrossed the stage.

When Teacher Lu, savior of White Poplar Town, made his appearance, the crowd erupted in prolonged cheers.

The entire town had been thoroughly charmed by Teacher Lu's strength, character, and handsome features.

Lu Ye smiled graciously, his gaze settling on Wallace in his white cape.

As Wallace and his partner Milotic concluded their farewell performance beneath the intersecting spotlights, the Mikuri Cup officially drew to a close.

Clapping, Lu Ye remarked to Wallace returning to his seat, "Quite the elaborate affair."

"Indeed," Wallace sighed with a wry smile. "The most challenging tournament in years..."

"Blame Ash."

"Hmm?"

"Well, he's got this... affinity for Legendary Pokémon. Even Ho-Oh flees at the sight of him."

Wallace: (⊙ˍ⊙)

"And about this tournament's..." Lu Ye coughed lightly. "I know ticket sales were poor, but I won't ask for more..."

Understanding dawned on Wallace as he produced a small USB drive from his inner pocket, offering it with a smile.

"Of course, you deserve appropriate compensation."

Lu Ye blinked. "What's this?"

"After consulting with Steven," Wallace explained, "we agreed this would demonstrate our sincerity."

"Word is your Blastoise underwent special retraining." Wallace's smile deepened. "These improved Rain Dance techniques, refined by Sootopolis Gym Leader Juan and myself, should prove useful."

Lu Ye stammered, "R-Rain Dance?"

A Champion-level Rain Dance technique?

Holy shell! This could evolve into Primordial Sea!

Wallace nodded. "Additionally, Kalos Fairy-type expert Mallow will be visiting Sinnoh soon."

"If interested, I could arrange an introduction."

Teacher Lu immediately considered asking about advanced Fairy-type training methods for his Sylveon.

His team's rapid progress was undeniable.

Even with Rotom's data support, as a trainer he needed professional guidance.

As one of the few Fairy-type specialists whose ace was Sylveon, Mallow represented precisely the expertise Lu Ye currently lacked.

After thoughtful consideration, Lu Ye accepted.

The Rain Dance techniques' value far exceeded monetary compensation, making further requests inappropriate.

"Since Mallow's involved, I'll let Wallace off the hook," Lu Ye mused. "Saves me calling in favors anyway."

Then realization struck—

Knowledge was wealth. Obtaining Fairy-type techniques from Mallow would ultimately cost him!

"Ouch..." Lu Ye grimaced. "Sneaky!"

"Are you alright?" Wallace inquired.

"Fine. Just added you and Steven to my list. Remember to come for dinner next time."

Wallace paused, then smiled in understanding.

"Steven mentioned this... though I prefer the PokéNav—less phone usage..."

The Hoenn-developed PokéNav offered basic communication functions, aligning with Wallace's minimalist preferences.

Lu Ye: "Usage doesn't matter. Just send red packets with Steven."

Whether poor Lily could afford new clothes depended on them!

After brief hesitation, Wallace acquiesced.

Meanwhile, Teacher Lu consulted his 25-layer "murder diary" (crossed out)... notebook.

The grudge against Steven and Wallace could wait—red packet harvesting took priority.

The Temporal-Spatial Twin Dragons' rampage stemmed from Arceus' dimensional confusion...

Which Lu Ye suspected connected to A-Jin's reckless confrontation with the creator deity aboard Togebro.

His pen flew across the page, inscribing "A-Jin" repeatedly.

Satisfied, Lu Ye nodded.

Perfect opportunity to test new streaming strategies.

Last season's world champion title was secured, and the update approached...

Being matched with A-Jin allowed perfect practice—

Youthful excitement returned, and his scabbard trembled!

In the chat group:

[Group Owner 'Teacher Lu' invited 'Water Artist' to join]

Ash: Welcome~✿✿ヽ(°▽°)ノ✿

A-Jin recited mechanically: "New members must provide photos, measurements, and marital status..."

Ruby scratched his head awkwardly: "Senior A-Jin, that's my mentor..."

A-Jin crossed his arms, eyes closed: "Hmm... judging by the avatar, I assumed a green-haired beauty..."

Dead silence. The group collectively shuddered.

Challenging the Hoenn Champion? Classic A-Jin!

Lu Ye subtly observed Wallace's expression—

Impeccable smile, graceful demeanor, whitening knuckles...

Some people died at twenty but weren't buried until eighty...

Steven mediated: "I made the same mistake initially."

Lorelei's glasses flashed as she hyperventilated over undiscovered gossip.

Certain websites hosted "Steven X Wallace" fanfiction...

Which she'd accidentally... skimmed...

Lorelei blushed: "Welcome, warmest welcomes!"

Red: "Group rank -1"

Ami copied: "Group rank -1"

Lila copied: "Group rank -1"

...

Erika copied: "Group rank -1."

Something seemed amiss.

Teacher Lu pondered: "No admin slots left... We could remove Lance—he's always busy..."

Lance: "?"

"Fighting crime, serving the people—truly a reliable senior."

Lance huffed: "Welcome. Contact Green for assistance—he's available."

Green: "...I oversee Viridian Gym."

Lance exploded: "You leave it to Alakazam! Multiple trainers have complained!"

Green glanced at Red, who suggested an immediate return to Viridian.

Green massaged his temples: "Understood. I'll return promptly."

Buzz—

[Group Member 'Water Artist' sent a red packet!]

Teacher Lu: "Damn! Clicked too fast—should've let Togepi do it!"

A-Jin laughed maniacally: "Togebro's on my phone! I'm using my computer!"

Ash whispered: "A-Jin... Togebro didn't get it either..."

"What?!"

"Toge!" Togebro glared from A-Jin's phone, viewing incriminating photos of Togepi gaming at Lu Ye's home.

"Teacher Lu, you cheated!" A-Jin wailed.

Impoverished Lily: "Yay~o(╥﹏╥)o Dinner upgrade!"

Steven noted: "Huh. I'm luckiest this time..."

Wallace smiled: "Your turn to send packets."

Steven sighed: "I knew there'd be strings..."

Aunt Lorelei adjusted her glasses with a peculiar smile.

Today's chat concluded merrily.

After prolonged hesitation, Ruby finally asked:

"Master... about White Poplar Town..."

"It's resolved," Wallace smiled. "Thanks to Teacher Lu."

Nods of approval circulated as Teacher Lu's reputation approached Red-levels.

Red tipped his hat, regarding Teacher Lu with Green-level expectations.

Teacher Lu abandoned rational thought.

Poké Maniac Kris lamented: "Palkia and Dialga... Never caught them. No Pokédex data..."

Lu Ye: "This year's research summit should include their profiles."

Kris blinked: "Why?"

Teacher Lu's expression complicated.

Couldn't exactly admit Cynthia's legendary research materials came from his battles...

Fortunately the summit was scheduled for April.

A few months later, Ash might've added more specimens.

Old Man Ironspin excitedly interjected: "Lu Ye! Pokémon: Battle's updating soon—let's play!"

Teacher Lu: "Sure. What's new?"

Steven explained: "Collaborating with Galar's Macro Cosmos. Introducing Dynamax mechanics—significant changes."

Lu Ye froze.

Dynamax in-game?

This version upgrade practically crowned him T0 streamer!

"I'll prepare new streaming content after returning home," Lu Ye said.

With White Poplar Town's affairs concluded,

and Darkrai's training completing tomorrow,

Teacher Lu prepared to pack his belongings

and embark on the journey home...