Kanto Region, Viridian City.
"ROAR!!"
With muscles bulging, Rhyperior slammed the ground, unleashing a terrifying Earthquake that instantly engulfed the opposing Machamp.
The seasoned Trainer stared in disbelief.
"But... Rhyperior was paralyzed!"
Blue, with one hand in his pocket, said calmly, "A Trainer isn't just for show."
Smoothly recalling Rhyperior into the Poké Ball, the ball snapped back into Blue's palm. The veteran Trainer froze for a moment, tears welling up.
Is this Viridian Gym supposed to be this hard?!
The hallway buzzed with a phone vibration. Blue glanced at the screen — it was a call from Red.
Blue's tone was serious: "The arena needs repairs this afternoon, so no practice matches today."
"No, it's something else," Red chuckled. "Teacher Lu mentioned your tactics on his stream!"
"My... tactics?" Blue frowned.
Having trained under Bruno, Blue excelled at spotting opponents' weaknesses in battle. In terms of Pokémon training, Giovanni's Secrets of the Earth had given him great insights.
Hearing that Teacher Lu discussed his tactics sparked Blue's curiosity.
"He can't grasp the essence," Blue said flatly.
"I know." Red smiled. "But Teacher Lu is sharing strategies to beat Viridian Gym."
Blue: ??
Blue connected to the streaming platform, just in time to hear Teacher Lu confidently explaining: "Lead with Alakazam for a high-speed burst. Even if it's about to faint, force a Trick Room!"
"If you target Alakazam, you might just pass the challenge..."
Blue's cold face showed a hint of surprise.
The details were a bit off, but Blue had to admit — Teacher Lu had a deep understanding of Trick Room tactics.
The next second, Blue's expression turned complicated.
Does this mean a wave of challengers is heading for Viridian Gym?!
"Who's he battling?" Blue asked.
Red scratched his head. "I think... Sabrina?"
Curious, Blue watched the entire stream. He mused quietly, 'The key aspects of Trick Room tactics aren't overlooked...'
Yet Blue's pride lay in his Pokémon training. Without well-trained Pokémon, tactics were like water lilies without water — unlikely to overcome stronger opponents.
Still, purely in terms of strategy and command, Teacher Lu earned Blue'srespect.
"Thank you, 'BLUE,' for the Super Rocket gift! Much appreciated!"
Teacher Lu's voice echoed from the stream. Blue smirked slightly and stretched his neck before typing into the chat: "Viridian Gym will accept challenges all day tomorrow. Trick Room teams welcome."
A flood of question marks filled the chat.
"Blue just... acknowledged Teacher Lu's Trick Room?!"
"Whoa, if the Champion approves, Teacher Lu is incredible!"
"Nice, I learned something new!"
Just then, Blue's phone buzzed with a teasing message from Red.
"Didn't expect you to send gifts!"
Blue: "So?"
Red sighed, "Yellow's too strict... I don't even have pocket money."
Blue paused.
Your relationship progressed that quickly?
With a strange expression, Blue offered, "I can lend you some."
Red laughed. "No need, I already borrowed from Misty!"
Blue: ???
Is your brain made of steel?
"I'll come for the open challenge tomorrow!" Red grinned.
Blue sighed, then smiled. "I'll be waiting."
---
Meanwhile...
Lt. Surge crossed his arms, musing, "No wonder the Sinnoh Elite Four lost to that kid... He's got some skills."
Sabrina pouted. "Not fun."
Lt. Surge laughed. "Gotta stomp some noobs sometimes! I even beat Volkner from Sinnoh the other day — that guy's Electric types are decent!"
"I'm just curious."
Sabrina pulled up Teacher Lu's profile. "I never knew Donghuang had such a Trainer."
Lt. Surge shrugged. "You don't game... Oh, he even made his own game recently. It's pretty fun."
Sabrina's gaze was steady.
"Giovanni mentioned a new recruit from Donghuang."
"Are you saying he invited Teacher Lu?" Lt. Surge scoffed. "Come on, that's a stretch!"
"It's just a hunch," Sabrina replied.
With a thunk, Lt. Surge placed a cold can of cola in front of her, smirking.
"Finish this cola and leave. I'm a law-abiding citizen now!"
Sabrina elegantly sipped the cola, smiling.
"So am I."
She had just been passing through Vermilion City while on vacation. But in her specialty — Psychic-type battles — Teacher Lu's tactical skills had bested her purely through command.
That kind of strength unsettled her.
Frowning slightly, she stepped into a phone booth and called Team Rocket's secure line.
Matori's cold voice answered. "This is Matori. Go ahead."
"I want the full name of the new recruit," Sabrina said.
"You don't have clearance."
"Tell me."
After a long pause, Matori replied, "I'll be visiting Donghuang soon. Even I don't know his full name — just that he wins through tactics and command."
"The one with Substitute-Protect-Toxic and the Minimize team?"
"…No comment."
"Thank you, Matori." Sabrina smiled faintly.
Psychic intuition was rarely wrong.
She wanted to know — what kind of Trainer earned Giovanni's approval?
She clicked on Teacher Lu's profile, her expression shifting in surprise.
"A Master Group... chat for fans?"
---
Back in the stream...
Blue, having sent the Super Rocket, wasn't upset. It seemed he appreciated the Trick Room discussion.
Lu Ye sighed in relief and smiled.
"That's all for today's stream. I'll post a tutorial video soon."
"Don't forget to follow! See you next time!"
"Oh no, Teacher Lu's ending the stream... It'll be weeks before he's back!"
"Cries!"
"Bye-bye, Eevee-chan!"
"Everyone, rise!"
Ending the stream at lightning speed, Lu Ye glanced at his notifications.
In the friend request list, one familiar profile picture stood out.
Lu Ye paused.
In theory... this world's Sabrina... is the one who bathed with Grandpa Red on Mt. Silver!
Back then, she was no older than twenty. Now, as a film star, she was probably twenty-six.
Lu Ye stared at the sky.
Why are all these new members linked to Red?! This is supposed to be a fan group!
Feeling conflicted, he clicked 'Accept.'
With a nod, he whispered, "Now it's up to you, Battle Legend!"
[Group Member 'Saffron City Gym Leader' has joined the chat!]