Volkner narrowed his eyes, gazing at the Arcanine on the battlefield and murmured:

"Starting with Arcanine, huh..."

For a fleeting moment, two young boys appeared in his mind's eye - one with naturally curly red hair, the other with spiky yellow locks.

The two trained together, improved together, grew together.

The red-haired boy walked the path of a Champion, while the yellow-haired boy turned towards the Gym, constantly facing weak challengers.

'It's just not stimulating.'

Until a boy from Pallet Town, with the bond between him and his Pikachu, rekindled the fighting spirit Volkner had buried deep within.

Actively challenging powerful trainers, exerting his full strength without reservation—

Volkner suddenly raised his head, looking straight at Teacher Lu on the opposite side of the field, and shouted:

"Come at me with everything you've got, Teacher Lu!"

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow and cautiously commanded: "Arcanine, Flamethrower!"

At that moment, raging flames reflected in Volkner's eyes.

"Arrrooo!!"

The massive red-and-black striped body of Arcanine reared up as it roared, orange-yellow flames gathering in its maw.

Suddenly, a torrent of flames erupted forth, the scorching heatwave sweeping across the battlefield!

Volkner's blue vest flapped in the heatwave as his eyes sharpened, a smirk appearing:

"Electivire, Thunder Punch!"

Electivire looked ferocious with its yellow-and-black warning-colored fur, two crackling electric cables extending from its back.

"Roooar!!"

With Electivire's roar, the cables on its back flashed white.

Electricity surged into Electivire's muscular arms as two giant fists wreathed in blue lightning suddenly lashed out, meeting the incoming pillar of fire head-on!

BOOM!!

The audience gasped, their pupils contracting.

Electivire had actually swatted aside the raging flames, roaring as it broke through the sea of fire, its lightning-charged fists charging toward Arcanine!

Outside the arena, Ash looked at Flint who stood with crossed arms:

"Senior... Thunder Punch can be used like that?"

Flint grinned, drawing from his experience as a Fire-type Elite Four member: "Thunder Punch is also called Thunderbolt Fist... That guy leveraged Electivire's high Attack stat and Motor Drive ability to forcibly break through the flames."

As he spoke, Electivire's back cables flashed white, and with another roar, it closed the distance to Arcanine in an instant!

"After all..."

Flint's eyes gleamed as he smirked:

"No one knows how to counter Fire-types better than that guy!"

"Go, Electivire!" Volkner said sharply. "Use Thunder Punch!"

In that instant, Motor Drive was pushed to its limits, azure lightning erupting violently!

BOOOOM.

"How do you know my Arcanine isn't good at close combat?"

Volkner narrowed his eyes at the crouching, snarling Arcanine, a sense of danger instinctively rising within him.

Yet a trace of excited determination appeared on Volkner's face as he waved his hand: "Meet it head-on, Electivire!"

BOOM!!

A shockwave erupted beneath Arcanine's feet as its Extreme Speed explosive power brought the two Pokémon crashing together.

With an earth-shaking impact, the two Pokémon locked in stalemate at the center of the field, the ground cracking like a spiderweb beneath them!

"ROAR!!" Electivire brought its fists together, azure lightning surging as it roared, suddenly smashing them toward Arcanine's back!

At the same moment, Arcanine bared its fangs, its intelligent eyes suddenly taking on a savage glint.

"Close Combat!"

BAM BAM BAM!

A series of rapid impacts followed as Arcanine sent Electivire flying with a mighty 'CRASH', then savagely pounced, pinning it down with powerful forelegs.

THUD!!

Arcanine followed with a headbutt, but Electivire turned its head aside and punched Arcanine away, standing up as electricity began crackling along its back cables!

"Thunderbolt!!" Volkner commanded sharply.

BOOOOM!

Dark clouds gathered above the battlefield, drawing gasps from the crowd.

Darkrai, wrapped in his red cloak, frowned slightly beneath his gray hair.

The strongest Gym Leader in Sinnoh... truly not someone to underestimate.

Flint looked at Volkner in surprise.

"He's really going all out now."

"Because," Ash clenched his fist, eyes burning with excitement, "he's been inspired by Teacher Lu too!"

Volkner didn't even notice the excited smile tugging at his own lips.

This was the joy of battle... found when facing a strong opponent and giving it your all.

"Battling is really fun, isn't it?"

Lu Ye shook his head, muttering: "This guy can split fire pillars with his bare hands... that's totally illegal."

Then he squinted at the massive lightning bolt suddenly streaking down.

BOOM!!

The Thunderbolt shattered the floor tiles, sending debris flying as the audience watched wide-eyed.

Electivire grinned fiercely at Arcanine amidst the lightning, then suddenly froze.

"ARROOO!!" Arcanine charged through the lightning, slamming into Electivire again and sending it reeling back!

The crowd gasped in shock, Darkrai raising an eyebrow.

Ash said in disbelief: "It actually withstood that terrifying Thunderbolt directly!"

"Teacher Lu used Wild Charge to cover Arcanine in electricity, giving it some resistance to Electric attacks,"

Flint clicked his tongue: "Of course, that Arcanine of his is ridiculously tough to begin with..."

"Rrrgh..." Electivire clutched its charred chest, kneeling on one knee as it panted heavily.

Yet its eyes burned with fierce red light, mirroring Volkner's sharp gaze.

"This is our specialty too," Volkner smirked. "Attack with everything—"

"Electivire, use Wild Charge!!"

"ROOOAR!!"

Electivire erupted with power, blue lightning coursing over its body as the Motor Drive on its back emitted a burnt smell, pushed to its absolute limit with crackling intensity!

"Fire should meet lightning head-on."

Lu Ye looked at Arcanine: "Flare Blitz!"

Instantly, the Rainbow Wing on Arcanine's chest shone brilliantly, flames of life energy erupting over its body.

Flint gaped from the sidelines, exclaiming:

"Holy shit!"

Last time he thought he'd imagined it.

Teacher Lu really had obtained the Rainbow Wing's recognition—that Arcanine was actually wielding the Flame of Life!

How am I supposed to face this as a Fire-type Elite Four member?!

As Flint's close friend, Volkner could also recognize the special nature of these flames.

But now, the only option was to give it his all, casting aside all pointless hesitation!

Volkner clenched his fists, watching the explosion at the center of the field, his coat tails flapping.

BOOOOM!!

The audience held their breath as fire and lightning collided in a spectacular explosion.

Bathed in raging flames, Arcanine powerfully sent the azure-lightning-wreathed Electivire flying, landing with a triumphant howl—

"ARROOO!!(｀0´)"

The crowd's excitement ignited instantly.

"Now THIS is a battle between masters!"

"That Electivire could rival an Elite Four member's main Pokémon!"

"Strategy, tactics, training... even using fire to defeat the Gym Leader who specializes against Fire-types! Volkner's loss isn't undeserved!"

Amidst thunderous applause,

Volkner closed his eyes, recalling the battle—but what surfaced were memories of sparring with Flint.

He couldn't help but smile: "Teacher Lu, would you be interested in this year's Champion Tournament? Perhaps we could go together."

"I just want to compete in the Lily of the Valley Conference," Lu Ye said.

Volkner blinked.

The Lily of the Valley Conference... wasn't that for trainers above beginner level?

With Teacher Lu's skill, shouldn't he be competing in the Champion Tournament or World Coronation Series?

"I must have been cooped up too long... my information is outdated."

Volkner shook his head, coughing into his fist before looking at Lu Ye with burning eyes.

"There are still two matches left—be careful of a comeback, Teacher Lu!"

Lu Ye smiled, recalling Arcanine to its Luxury Ball before tossing a Commemorative Ball.

Inside, Sirfetch'd had been happily watching the battle when suddenly it was sent out.

"Quack?!"

Sirfetch'd hastily raised its weapon and shield, materializing in a flash of light at the center of the field, proudly puffing its chest.

"A rare Sirfetch'd..."

Volkner frowned slightly, eyeing the sharp-eyed duck: "We'll need to be careful."

"Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ" Sirfetch'd froze.

Let me explain—this isn't what it looks like, I'm actually really weak!

My greatest dream is to nurture reliable juniors and retire to a life of leisure...

Don't send out your main team against me!

Volkner sent out an orange-yellow Raichu, his starter Pokémon known for incredible speed and shocking power.

On the TV broadcast, Marshal puffed his cigar, unable to resist opening the chat group:

"Look at that scrawny Raichu of his—like a damn monkey!"

"Rai! Rai!" Marshal's own muscular Raichu beside him flexed showily.

Nassi adjusted her black hair, typing: "At least his Raichu wouldn't lose to a Pikachu."

Marshal: "..."

Ouch, that hurts!

"That Sirfetch'd of Teacher Lu's probably isn't his main, right? We rarely see it," Candice from Snowpoint City commented.

"Hard to say," Whitney tugged her pink pigtail. "Could be his main, or maybe he's giving Sirfetch'd battle experience?"

Green studied the Sirfetch'd, sensing something familiar yet elusive.

"It seems to have mastered the Essence of Steel."

Bruno answered Green's unspoken question. "Focusing on defeating the enemy in a single strike!"

Amidst the roaring crowd, Flint rubbed his chin puzzledly.

"This doesn't make sense... With Raichu's speed, a slow Sirfetch'd wouldn't even get a chance to attack!"

Ash said: "With enough bonds, anything is possible!"

"Uh..." Flint suddenly noticed something. "That Sirfetch'd is holding a Leek?"

[Leek] could increase Sirfetch'd's critical hit ratio, but it still needed an opportunity to strike.

Recognizing this, Volkner adopted blitz tactics, commanding quickly:

"Raichu, use Agility followed by Electro Ball!!"

Instantly, Raichu became a white blur across the field, leaving afterimages.

The crowd chuckled, already imagining Raichu toying with its opponent using speed.

But Volkner remained solemn, maintaining vigilance.

The opponent is Teacher Lu... he must have a plan.

But if we can withstand his offensive round, we can find a solution!

Then—

Volkner's eyes widened in disbelief.

Everyone present gasped simultaneously:

"What just happened?"

"How did Sirfetch'd keep up with Raichu's speed?"

"No... it's like it predicted the movements—some martial arts technique?"

The stadium fell silent as Ash asked confusedly:

"What happened just now?"

Flint frowned slightly as everyone looked up at the replay screen.

The moment showed Raichu bursting forth with incredible speed, its tail glowing white as it charged Sirfetch'd.

But Sirfetch'd had closed its eyes, intuitively swinging its blade at empty air—the leek suddenly wreathed in sharp red light!

The telltale sign of a critical hit.

But how had it connected? Did Teacher Lu get lucky this time?

The audience gulped as they heard Teacher Lu's calm voice from the screen: "First Impression."

A move of absolute conviction, usable only at the start—with far greater priority than Quick Attack.

No luck involved—just a blade swung precisely where Raichu would be.

The Essence of Steel: unwavering conviction, all-or-nothing resolve, and supreme confidence.

Sirfetch'd closed its eyes and delivered First Impression, cleaving downward at Raichu, sending a dust wave across the field!

Blade cuts flesh, heart cuts soul!

The replay ended.

After the initial shock, the entire stadium erupted in cheers.

"One-hit KO! A true instant victory!"

"You thought Ducklett didn't have priority moves?"

"That's a wake-up call! You think you can blitz me?!"

In the chat group, Green privately messaged Bruno:

"That 'mind's eye' technique you mentioned in Essence of Steel—was it taught by your master?"

Bruno replied: "That Sirfetch'd's ability is Scrappy, perfectly aligning with Essence of Steel's philosophy of cutting through all obstacles with a single strike."

"Of course, this is inseparable from the trainer's own insight."

Meanwhile,

Volkner sighed emotionally.

Using a critical hit to counter and instantly defeat a speedster like Raichu.

So this was the battle style of Teacher Lu's Sirfetch'd...

Amidst the roaring cheers, Lu Ye recalled his composed Sirfetch'd.

The proud, noble white knight received a standing ovation.

"Not bad back there."

Lu Ye patted the Commemorative Ball, smiling. "Even learned to close your eyes for dramatic effect."

Sirfetch'd wanted to protest but ultimately stayed in its ball.

"Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ"

Don't misunderstand.

I only closed my eyes because I was scared!

The battle continued on the field.

Sirfetch'd's 'eyes-closed instant KO' left a deep impression.

This Galarian Fighting-type Farfetch'd...

Might just be the master swordsman (leek-wielder) in Teacher Lu's team!

"You thought I was a Sylveon fan, but actually I'm Team Ducklett."

"Ducklett for the win!!"

Volkner, having learned a lesson about blitz tactics, exhaled deeply.

Pressing a hand to his pounding chest, his gaze grew sharper.

The last time he'd felt such intense fighting spirit was battling that boy from Pallet Town.

And now this pressure... was exactly what facing Teacher Lu felt like...

Cheers rose from both sides of the stadium.

Volkner threw his last Poké Ball, the ace up his sleeve for this 3v3: "Jolteon!"

Another 'blitz' specialist, Jolteon's speed was remarkable.

Volkner also prepared Protect to stall the first turn against Sirfetch'd's First Impression.

But when he saw Teacher Lu's final Pokémon, he froze.

"Activating battle mode, Rotom!"

Rotom flew out from the Pokédex like an orange-red fairy, ionic arms extending from its body.

Many spectators gasped—this was their first time seeing Rotom.

"Using Electric against Electric?"

"I think Teacher Lu just wants to charge Rotom."

"Hey, don't spill the truth like that."

"Begin!" The referee blew his whistle.

Rotom hovered midair as the space around it warped strangely.

Simultaneously,

The barely visible Choice Scarf around Rotom's neck... disappeared.

"Jolteon, Protect." Volkner decided to learn from last round.

"Rotom, Trick!" Lu Ye smiled.

Trick swapped the items held by both Pokémon.

Rotom blinked at the Life Orb it received.

"H-huge profit, Rotom!"

"We have to return it later."

Lu Ye sighed, commanding: "Use Nasty Plot!"

Instantly, a lightbulb appeared above Rotom's head, its blue eyes glowing yellow.

Nasty Plot sharply boosted Rotom's Special Attack, making its ionic body more active.

Jolteon, meanwhile, struggled with the Choice Scarf now around its neck—as if enraged by it, furiously trying to bite it off.

This delay lasted nearly a minute before even casual spectators noticed something odd.

Teacher Lu kept boosting, while Volkner... just watched?

"Holy shit, Trick Scarf? That's dirty!"

"In reality it can't stall for long... but enough for two boosts?"

"Stop! Battles like this bring no joy!"

Volkner had hoped for another exhilarating match.

But Teacher Lu came for an all-you-can-eat buffet, with no such intentions.

Fully boosted, Rotom crackled with violent electricity, its form seeming to expand.

"I am invincible, Rotom!" Rotom declared its own defeat flag.

Teacher Lu facepalmed:

"Little Rotom, mute mode."

At that moment, Jolteon finally tore off the Choice Scarf, its spines bristling with rage.

Volkner relaxed slightly, commanding firmly: "Use Thunderbolt!"

Confirming this Jolteon had Volt Absorb, Lu Ye said:

"Rotom, Hex!"

Jolteon's body surged with lightning, crashing toward Rotom in the air.

Simultaneously, Rotom's ionic arms gathered dark energy as the thunderbolt pierced the 'cloud'—both attacks landing simultaneously!

BOOOOM!!

The deafening explosion left the field cracked with residual electricity. Jolteon emerged from the dark fog coughing violently before collapsing with a thud.

Rotom trembled amidst the lightning:

"Rorororotom~~~ *hic*!"

Volkner: "..."

So you not only survived a Thunderbolt but got fully charged?!

This is insulting—not the Pokémon battle I wanted!

Sighing, Volkner gained deeper respect for Teacher Lu's skill and tactics.

"Bzzt—" Volkner's three Poké Balls darkened on the big screen. "Winner: Lu Ye!!"

Cheers erupted as the audience gave Teacher Lu a standing ovation.

"Gengarrr~" Haunter was conducting a post-battle review for the little ones.

"Yogi! (✪ω✪)" Larvitar tugged at Sirfetch'd, eyes full of admiration.

Clearly, Sirfetch'd's performance left a deep impression.

Sirfetch'd moodily examined its weapon and shield before resolutely raising its blade.

"QUACK!!"

"Yogi! （๑`▽´๑)۶" Larvitar eagerly agreed.

Sirfetch'd wept internally.

Accidents! They were all accidents! (´థ౪థ)σ

Teacher Lu had no time to comfort the duck's feelings.

After a short break, Volkner would battle Darkrai and Ash.

Now was the perfect time to make his request.

"Of course."

Volkner agreed readily: "Feel free to use the field—there's an Electirizer inside that might help too."

Lu Ye glanced at Rotom, then at the drooling Larvitar.

"Thank you, Volkner!" Lu Ye said sincerely.

"Haha, no problem."

Volkner scratched his head: "Thanks to Ash and you, I've found the courage to challenge the Champion Tournament!"

Flint grabbed Volkner in a headlock, grinning:

"Enough talk—after the Gym matches, we're sparring!"

"Anytime."

Leaving the friends to chat, Lu Ye headed to the training field.

During the short break, sounds of Ash battling Volkner resumed—with a different team.

"Ash should get the Beacon Badge now."

Lu Ye mused, then froze.

The Lily of the Valley Conference was still some time away... Once Ash collected his badges, he wouldn't head to Arceus' territory, would he?

"Please no... at least let my new game release first so I can earn some grocery money."

Lu Ye muttered, tossing a Poké Ball while flipping through Giovanni's Essence of Earth.

Much of the knowledge proved helpful even to Teacher Lu.

After all, this was what propelled Green to elite trainer status...

Today's training focused on Larvitar's Dragon Dance.

As one of Tyranitar's signature moves, its destructive power and speed could enable solo sweeps.

But.

Lu Ye watched Larvitar hopping around, rubbing his chin.

Don't tell me... you want to learn from Mad's Dragonite and dance to "Gokuraku Jodo"?

CRACK!

As Larvitar hopped, the ground cracked.

The little ones all looked at Lu Ye.

"It's fine."

Lu Ye coughed.

"Gym Leader Volkner said we could use the field!"

......

BOOOOM.

The arena continued rumbling behind them.

Battling Ash, Volkner's eye twitched.

After losing to Ash's Infernape using his secondary team, Volkner turned to the shaking building:

"What kind of training... requires THIS much power?"