The competition begins.

A-Jin shouts: "Explosion Boy, Smoke Screen!"

In an instant, thick black smoke erupts from Typhlosion's back, throwing the field into chaos.

"Cough cough, who's playing dirty like this?"

"I can't see anything..."

"Damn, that Miltank is starting to roll!"

The race immediately splits into two groups. Whitney collides with the main pack at the rear.

In bicycle races, such chain collisions are common. But this time, A-Jin and Whitney share equal blame for the black smoke.

Finally someone thinks to use "Defog," but half a minute has already passed—enough to create a significant gap.

The commentator exclaims: "We can see contestant A-Jin leading the pack by a wide margin!"

A-Jin rides on Explosion Boy's back, looking behind in surprise:

"Teacher Lu, how are you keeping up too?"

"Just out for a stroll."

Lu Ye, wearing oversized sunglasses, rides leisurely on Arcanine's back, drafting behind them. Arcanine had used "Extreme Speed" to burst through the smoke screen completely unaffected.

"This..." A-Jin looks to his left and suddenly widens his eyes.

"Waaah, Tauros, Quick Attack!!" Ash closes his eyes as he charges wildly on Tauros's back, "Just hold on until the swimming section, then we can see!"

"Rooar!!" Tauros erupts with sharp white light, overtaking both Arcanine and Typhlosion to take the lead!

"Incredible! Contestant Ash has come from behind to take the lead!" the commentator shouts.

Lu Ye &

A-Jin: "..."

This Tauros, being the herd's leader and raised under Professor Oak's care, displays astonishing speed.

Ash arrives first at the swimming section, recalls Tauros, and dives into the water to wash his eyes.

Lu Ye and A-Jin arrive at the swimming segment almost simultaneously.

But A-Jin, using a 'relay' tactic, recalls his Pokémon faster. Sending out Winged Boy, he uses his pool cue as a glider frame to skim across the water's surface, instantly overtaking Ash.

"A-Jin retakes the lead!"

The commentator continues: "Wait a minute. Contestant Ash has sent out... Pikachu for the swimming segment?!"

Under the astonished gazes of thousands of spectators, Ash removes his shirt and stands on a surfboard. Pikachu stands at the front, looking both adorable and skilled.

Behold, Surfing Pikachu!

Lu Ye's expression twists: "This isn't swimming at all... damn gliders and surfboards!"

"In that case." Lu Ye leans low against Blastoise's shell, "Turtle, use minimal power Water Gun for propulsion. Remember, Water Gun!"

"Blas...ヾ(⌐■_■)"

Blastoise gives a 'leave it to me' look.

The cannon barrels erupt with torrential water, carving a white wake across the surface. Riding Blastoise's back, Lu Ye hears the splashing water and thunderous roar.

"Whoa, this is actually pretty fun!" Lu Ye's eyes sparkle.

The wave crashes toward Ash and A-Jin. Ash can't dodge in time, and his surfboard flips over.

A-Jin barely avoids it, saying seriously:

"Winged Boy, hang in there, we can win!"

Mantine creates a whirlpool on the water's surface, trying to slow Blastoise down.

But Blastoise breaks through instantly, charging toward the next segment at high speed!

"Originally in third place, contestant Lu Ye surges ahead to first! Can he maintain his lead in the final stretch?"

The commentator says: "Now let's look at the second group. Uh... they're still affected by the chain collision, and contestant Whitney seems to be withdrawing from the race."

"Go, Tail Boy!" At the last moment, A-Jin uses his pool cue to bat a Poké Ball onto a tree by the shore, then leaps.

Ambipom emerges from the ball, extending its tails to grab A-Jin!

With this move, A-Jin closes the gap with Teacher Lu and begins sprinting in the final running segment!

"The final segment requires trainers to rely solely on their physical fitness for running."

The commentator declares: "This showcases the trainers' physiques and embodies the charm of Pokémon sports! Let's see who will win this tournament's gold medal—Lu Ye or A-Jin!"

Meanwhile, at the swimming segment's shore, Ash picks up a drenched Pikachu.

"Are you okay, Pikachu?"

"Pika pi..."

"I understand." Ash's eyes gleam as he nods firmly. "I'll definitely get that gold medal!"

Lu Ye jogs at a steady pace.

A-Jin ahead shows impressive stamina and explosive fighting spirit.

After a moment's thought, Lu Ye uses Aura to buff himself again and overtakes A-Jin.

A-Jin's eyes widen: "Holy—Teacher Lu, are you cheating?!"

Lu Ye is about to respond when he freezes.

The commentator screams hoarsely: "It's contestant Ash from Pallet Town, charging up from behind!!"

Lu Ye &

A-Jin: "..."

Seemingly radiating blue light like a Super Saiyan, Ash roars as he swings his limbs, overtaking both of them.

Leaving afterimages, Ash crosses the finish line first, grabbing the red tape!

Lu Ye &

A-Jin: "..."

Spectators: "OHHHHHH!!"

Bruno watches with cold sweat:

"This kid... is he a monster?"

While A-Jin is stunned, Teacher Lu cleverly crosses second to claim silver.

A-Jin: "..."

Teacher Lu, please have some humanity!

...

The racing event concludes with Ash winning gold as the dark horse.

After a quick dinner, Ash rushes to the next venue for the strength competition.

Lu Ye treats Meowth and the trio to dinner, moving them to tears—they nearly offer Meowth's golden coins to Teacher Lu.

"What's the strength competition about?" Lu Ye asks through a mouthful of spaghetti.

"Brick Break!" James answers.

"Isn't that a move name?" Lu Ye blinks.

"It's about counting how many special tiles you can break," Meowth explains. "Made from special materials—the record's only 13, meow!"

Lu Ye nods thoughtfully.

Brick Break... that's right up Ducklett's alley.

After all, the leek is part of Ducklett's very being and power!

That evening, the lively venue hosts the strength competition.

Judged by Fighting-type Elite Four member Bruno, Lu Ye competes against Lily, along with Ash, A-Jin, and other all-event participants.

Lily wears only a thin tank top. Before the match, Lu Ye hears her muttering something.

After a moment, realization dawns on Teacher Lu.

Lily is saying: "So hungry... so hungry..."

"You didn't eat dinner?" Lu Ye asks.

"Ate one berry." Lily sniffs.

Logically, as a Gym Leader, she shouldn't be this poor...

Lu Ye: "If you win gold, you're not planning to sell it, are you?"

Lily: "..."

He guessed right!

"Well, it's also about training willpower," Lily scratches her cheek with a grin. "Saving money means more treats for my Pokémon!"

Suddenly, Teacher Lu's vision blurs with tears.

In Lily, he sees his past self—burdened with debt yet scraping together resources for his little ones...

"I understand!" Lu Ye nods emphatically.

"R-really?" Lily's eyes light up before she laughs sheepishly. "Oh, Teacher Lu, last time I forgot to give you the badge—"

Doo—

The competitor gate opens, spilling light inside. Cheers grow louder until they become a roaring tsunami.

"Go Teacher Lu!!"

"A-Jin will definitely set a new record this year."

"Damn, did you see this morning's match? I think Ash performs better than his Pokémon!"

Each contestant faces stacks of special tiles.

Heavyweight Pokémon like Nidoking, Rhyperior, and Snorlax stand ready before their trainers.

Lily sends out Lucario, scoring 8, 9, then 8 tiles broken—already a good performance.

Ash uses Snorlax, shattering 11 tiles in the first round. But perhaps due to hunger, the next two rounds are mediocre.

"Contestant A-Jin takes the stage!"

Cheers erupt as the commentator announces: "He's sent out Sudowoodo... using 'Mimic' to copy Machamp's Bulk Up! Rock Smash incoming!"

"12 tiles! Nearing the record—what else to expect from a rare Grand Slam winner!"

A-Jin blows his bangs, shoulders his pool cue, and grins while high-fiving Sudowoodo.

The scoreboard shows A-Jin temporarily in first.

Bruno in the stands recalls his own All-Around Contest days.

Crossing his muscular arms, Bruno murmurs:

"Just like back then..."

He gazes at the black-haired youth shouldering a pool cue and whispers:

"This anomaly... might be related to Arceus again... A-Jin."

"Last but not least, the highly anticipated contestant Lu Ye!"

The commentator announces: "He's sent out... Galar's knight, Sirfetch'd!"

"Quack?" Sirfetch'd eyes the thick stack of tiles, then looks questioningly at Lu Ye.

"Just use your leek," Lu Ye smiles. "Like when you practice cutting [Metallic Sheets] at home."

Ducklett pauses, scratches its head, then steps forward with sword and shield.

The imposing aura makes the audience hold their breath.

This sharp-eyed Sirfetch'd might... just break the record!

"Quack!" Sirfetch'd raises its leek and swings down.

Crack!

Everyone freezes.

"Four?"

"That's it?"

"Hahaha, is this a flop?"

The referee blows his whistle: "Round two, begin!"

Sirfetch'd hesitantly glances back at Teacher Lu.

"Don't stress," Lu Ye says. "Winning doesn't matter—we're just here for fun. This time try the move 'Brick Break.'"

"Quack!" Sirfetch'd nods firmly.

Suddenly, it seems to transform into Galar's unconquerable knight, raising its sharp blade as white light erupts from the leek.

Brick Break lands with a resounding crack!

"Nine, still not enough..."

"Already overperforming, right?"

"Nine's decent."

Just as applause starts—

Bruno on the judge's panel suddenly widens his eyes.

He senses an entirely different aura—like an unsheathed sword aimed at the vital point!

"Quack!!" Red light surges around Sirfetch'd as a dark red aura swirls about.

The leek grows sharper, gleaming like metal.

Just tiles? Sirfetch'd narrows its eyes.

Even steel would split under my blade!

"That's Sirfetch'd using Focus Energy!" the commentator shouts. "Contestant Lu Ye has used a status move in round three!"

Since only one status move is allowed, Lu Ye forgoes further buffs.

Lu Ye commands: "Leaf Blade!"

"Quack!!ᕙ༼°益°༽ᕗ"

In that instant—a flash of cold steel!

The concentrated blade energy strikes downward with devastating force!

Bruno's expression shifts.

Focusing power to one point maximizes destructive force... exactly A-Jin's winning strategy years ago.

Moreover... that Leaf Blade just scored a critical hit!

CRACK!!

The entire venue seems to shake.

"Fifteen..." The commentator pauses before roaring: "A NEW RECORD! This All-Around Contest has rewritten strength competition history—set by contestant Lu Ye and his Sirfetch'd!!"

The stadium erupts in unending screams, cheers, and applause.

If Pokémon battles charm lies in defeating opponents,

Then Pokémon sports' magic is breaking records and surpassing limits.

When all events conclude, the commentator announces: "Our gold medalist is decided! The strength competition champion—Sirfetch'd!!"

"Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ" Sirfetch'd remains composed but secretly delighted.

This proud white knight earns everyone's applause.

Lu Ye teases: "How does it feel?"

"Quack! (o≖◡≖)✧"

"Remember you're on babysitting duty later," Lu Ye adds. "The Pokémon egg can't find its mom."

"Quack?! (´థ౪థ)σ"

All-star Lily presents the awards.

After reading sponsorships, she hangs the gold medal around Sirfetch'd's neck, smiling:

"Congratulations, Sirfetch'd."

"Quack~" Sirfetch'd remains unflappable.

"Oh, and please give this to Teacher Lu." Lily produces the Round Stone Badge from her pocket. "I forgot last time—he'll probably need it."

"Quack!" Sirfetch'd nods regally, extending its shield.

A trivial favor for a knight!

"Thanks~" Lily places the badge in the shield's groove.

Teacher Lu is "encouraging" silver medalist A-Jin.

"Keep at it—the future is yours!"

"Dammit, I'm getting gold this year!"

Mid-conversation, a familiar chime sounds.

[Ding! Quest progress updated!]

[Badges collected: (7/8)]

[Quest description: One step away!]

Lu Ye: ?

A familiar suffocating feeling grips his chest.

Teacher Lu's gaze shifts to Sirfetch'd beside Lily. The badge in its shield groove shines blindingly bright.

I can get badges like this too?

Teacher Lu's expression twists as he presses his lips.

Getting badges from Pokémon battles is one thing...

But getting one from sports? Another stab to the heart!

Damn Lily—

Wait, she's too pitiful, and shares my struggles...

"Teacher Lu, why do you look so pale?" A-Jin asks.

"Nothing."

Lu Ye pulls out his notebook and flips to a fresh page.

"What's that?" A-Jin peers over curiously.

"Your name." Lu Ye says flatly.

...