Teacher Lu’s livestream room was filled with an atmosphere of excitement.

The opponent was none other than the world champion known for ‘winning the championship through tactics’!

In the finals between Dan Emperor and Lance, Dan Emperor had made a fierce comeback using Charizard with Thunder Punch, overpowering Lance’s red Gyarados, and ultimately winning with Gigantamax Inferno Hellfire.

Whether it was his bond with his Pokémon or his tactics as a trainer, Dan Emperor was regarded as one of the top trainers at the pinnacle.

Right now, Teacher Lu and Dan Emperor were about to engage in a trainer’s battle—a top-tier psychological warfare.

“Lu Bao, kill it for me!!”

“Rainy Water Pulse one-shotting every Charizard… if it doesn’t miss.”

“For Teacher Lu, having Perish Song means it’s the only true T0!”

Just as the fans said, Rainy Perish Song was Perish Song, but not entirely.

The precise control of weather tested the fundamental skills of the trainer, while constantly restricting the opponent’s output.

If necessary, they could rely on Kingdra’s powerful Max Geyser to take down Dan Emperor’s Charizard in one hit.

However, Dan Emperor would never make the rookie mistake of giving away Charizard so easily.

One thing was certain: Dan Emperor’s Gigantamax spot would always be reserved for his Charizard.

Although bringing Incineroar in the backline might be slightly better than Haunter, Teacher Lu still chose to bring Haunter.

After all,

Lu Ye said: “If you can’t even trust your own Pokémon, what kind of bond are you talking about!”

He had battled Dan Emperor before, but that time he was playing as a substitute for Master Ma. This time, he was on his main account.

From the fans’ excitement, it was clear how popular Dan Emperor was as a world champion.

“I have the advantage in the weather system.”

Lu Ye analyzed objectively: “Can Gigantamax Blastoise steal the weather? It can’t. Gigantamax Inferno Hellfire can’t start sunny weather!”

No sooner had he spoken than the first lineups from both sides appeared.

Teacher Lu’s lineup: Haunter, Gothitelle, Kingdra, Politoed.

Dan Emperor’s lineup: Charizard, Dragapult, Rillaboom, Coalossal.

“Hahaha, Dan Emperor is also a sunny team player!”

“Teacher Lu’s keyboard must be about to smoke!”

Lu Ye glanced at the lineup, somewhat surprised: “He actually brought a Primal Groudon.”

Who would have thought Dan Emperor, that big-browed guy, also played sunny teams!

“The Lava Squad members express strong condemnation!”

“And it even matches the earlier Water Fleet!”

It made sense;

Kabu was a weather master and a friend of Dan Emperor. Dan Emperor had definitely learned the essence.

Moreover, Dan Emperor’s lineup was exceptionally strong: Rillaboom bringing Grassy Terrain, the T0-level pseudo-legend Dragapult...

To win, they still had to put effort into switching.

“Switching, huh—”

Lu Ye’s eyes grew focused.

“I play with micro-operations!”

On Isle of Armor, Master Ma was reprimanding Lu Ye for his dirty tactics.

“Lu Ye really has no manners... playing Stealth Rock Perish Song again!”

“Besides the battle for weather, you also have to watch out for Teacher Lu’s Perish Song.”

Dan Emperor smiled, sensing a challenge, and said softly:

“Go, Dragapult, Rillaboom!”

Lu Ye sent out Gothitelle and Politoed.

Politoed croaked loudly on the field, water vapor continuously condensing and eventually forming a pouring downpour.

In the misty rain,

Gothitelle’s expression was cold, and two shadows extended from beneath its feet, one firmly locking down Rillaboom.

But when the other shadow stretched toward Dragapult, cold light flashed in Dragapult’s eyes, and its tail easily flicked the shadow away.

“Ghost types aren’t affected by Stealth Rock.”

Dan Emperor maintained absolute confidence, smiling as he commanded:

“Dragapult, Thunderbolt at Politoed!”

Dragapult soared like a jet into the air, thunder roaring in the skies. The lightning in the rain was set to hit without fail!

Gothitelle seemed to make a move, and Dan Emperor smiled grimly.

“Clap Attack? Too naive, Teacher Lu!”

If Gothitelle’s Clap Attack had hit Rillaboom, Politoed might have escaped disaster by using Protect.

To prevent this,

The furry Rillaboom grinned confidently, raising a finger to Politoed.

A provocation!

“So rude, Dan Emperor! Hiding provocation in a Perish Song team!”

“Pokémon that are provoked can’t use status moves... This Perish Song user is doomed!”

“The Grass leader also brings provocation? As expected of you, world champion!”

Dan Emperor looked up at Dragapult in the air. Thunderbolt gathered and crashed down onto Politoed.

Even with max special defense, Politoed suffered or died from the double-effective Thunderbolt.

Amid the pouring rain, the lightning struck another shadow.

Dan Emperor’s eyes widened in shock. In the reflection of his golden eyes,

Gothitelle looked cold and expressionless, wiping scorch marks on its face from the electric shock.

It had taken the Thunderbolt instead of Politoed?

Suddenly, Dan Emperor realized and smiled with excitement.

At the moment Rillaboom provoked, Gothitelle and Politoed had swapped positions.

That meant Gothitelle hadn’t used Clap Attack but—

Lu Ye: “Ally Switch!”

I knew Dan Emperor was a dirty player hiding a provocation!

This stunning move stunned the fans in the livestream, who yelled out in amazement.

“When will move record 83 be removed?”

“Teacher Lu’s playing in the stratosphere this time!”

“Giving up the intimidation, blindly reading Ally Switch—this is the mark of a tactician!”

The continuous operation didn’t stop. After starting the rain, Politoed was withdrawn back into its Poké Ball.

Kingdra was sent out, flexibly maneuvering through the rain thanks to its Drizzle ability.

Dragapult flew like a jet through the rain clouds but found it impossible to keep up with Kingdra’s speed!

Lu Ye: “Kingdra, Hurricane!”

Kingdra’s eyes were cold, the Life Orb on its chest radiating dazzling light as tornado-like blades gathered around it.

“Dragapult, quick return!”

Dan Emperor waved and shouted: “Rillaboom, Grassy Slide!”

Rain fell loudly on the crisp grass, Rillaboom roared as it charged Kingdra, launching a sliding tackle that splattered mud everywhere.

The hit left a clear scar on Kingdra, whose eyes grew even colder.

The next moment,

The hurricane turned into sharp blades, slicing through Rillaboom like a blender, instantly knocking it out!

Before the fans could shout “Awesome,” Dragapult suddenly appeared behind Kingdra, narrowing its eyes.

Like a ghost jet, Dragapult’s head blade cut through Kingdra’s body, turning into a red light that returned to its Poké Ball.

“Go, Coalossal!!”

Dan Emperor sent out his sunny weather specialist. Behind Coalossal rose a dazzling sun disk, and the heavy rain began to clear!

Fans were dazzled, but the comment section exploded.

“Is this the weather battle between two tactical masters?”

“Wow, Charizard’s coming out!”

Dan Emperor’s gaze was sharp, flashing with excitement. At the spot where Rillaboom had fallen, a Poké Ball shone white.

“Roar!!” Charizard flapped its wings, standing under the brilliant sunlight, behind a man wearing a champion’s cape.

“Come on, Charizard!”

Dan Emperor tore off his cape, pointed upward with one hand, and cheers swelled from all sides of the stadium.

“Dragon Pulse!”

Charizard roared, summoning a pale green dragon shadow with its wings. The dragon shadow circled above the battlefield like a meteor falling toward the cold-eyed Kingdra!

At the same time, Coalossal squinted, its shell surging with roaring flames. Charizard’s fire under the sunny sky nearly covered the entire battlefield!

Lu Ye, with a try-it-out attitude, commanded Gothitelle:

“Use Hypnosis on Charizard.”

Gothitelle’s eyes glowed alluring blue. Dan Emperor grinned.

“A mere trick—”

With a ‘ding,’ the glow of Hypnosis enveloped Charizard but was disrupted by Charizard’s roar.

Fans sighed in disappointment.

“Bare Hypnosis is still too forced.”

“Teacher Lu and Auntie’s bond is still a bit lacking...”

The blazing fire engulfed Gothitelle, and the pale green Dragon Pulse turned into a dragon shadow, plunging straight down!

Fortunately, Lu Ye had switched Kingdra out early, sending out Politoed to endure the Dragon Pulse.

Boom!!

Dragon Pulse hit like a meteor, and Politoed didn’t hesitate to croak loudly, condensing rain once again!

The weather battle resumed.

Watching the livestream, A-Jin couldn’t help but pump his fist: “Good job, Polibro!”

“Croak?” Polibro looked at A-Jin in confusion.

“I’ve made up my mind,” A-Jin’s eyes shone brightly, “I’m starting to train a rain team from today!”

Polibro, Togebro, Explosion Boy, and a bunch of other Pokémon fell speechless in a heap.

On Isle of Armor, Master Ma’s dojo.

Dan Emperor watched as Teacher Lu switched in Haunter, smiling and murmuring:

“This might... serve as a rehearsal for the finals.”

“What?” Master Ma shouted, “Hurry and command! If Teacher Lu uses multiple Pokémon against fewer... the Perish Song tactic will work!”

Dan Emperor was naturally aware of this, withdrew Coalossal, and sent out Dragapult.

The rarely seen switching in gym battles was now executed flawlessly by both.

“What? You actually need to switch in battles!”

“When I do gym battles... I usually wait for one Pokémon to faint before sending in another...”

“+1 upstairs.”

Sunny and heavy rain alternated continuously. It was now pouring rain, and Politoed was singing Perish Song!

Lu Ye and Dan Emperor both Dynamaxed, and the arena filled with the exclusive music for Dynamax battles!

A beam of red light shot up as Dan Emperor recalled Charizard into its Poké Ball. The Dynamax Band on his arm glowed brilliantly.

He threw the giant Poké Ball into the sky. The Gigantamax Charizard was covered in blazing orange-red flames, an ominous dark red aura swirling above its head.

“Roar!!” Like a walking volcano, Charizard’s wings turned into roaring flames, the fire on its tail rising several meters!

Lu Ye also recalled Kingdra, tossing out the enlarged Poké Ball.

The massive Kingdra gathered wild purple energy in its mouth.

Both gave commands simultaneously.

Lu Ye: “Max Dragon Claw!”

Dan Emperor: “Max Guard!”

The next moment, a beam shot from Kingdra’s mouth, but its target was not the Gigantamax Charizard.

Dan Emperor looked slightly surprised.

The dark purple light engulfed Dragapult, and the rising dark beam destroyed the ghost jet!

The entire livestream erupted, and fans began shouting wildly.

“Is Dan Emperor trying to defend against Kingdra’s Max Geyser?”

“It’s blocked, but not completely.”

“This is Teacher Lu’s pre-read!”

Dan Emperor frowned slightly and threw out Coalossal’s Poké Ball.

On Isle of Armor, Master Ma also became serious, muttering:

“Lu Ye is giving up the weather advantage, forcing a numbers game.”

“I have absolute confidence in Gigantamax Charizard.”

Dan Emperor frowned: “But I can’t switch. If Perish Song hits... I have to finish off that Perish Song user as soon as possible.”

So...

Dan Emperor’s golden eyes sparkled with light.

Which Pokémon was Teacher Lu’s Perish Song user...

Coalossal was sent out and instantly taken down by Kingdra’s Max Geyser.

Kingdra, having lost its speed advantage, was instantly killed by Charizard’s Max Dragon Claw.

Neither side gave way in the battle. When Teacher Lu’s backup Pokémon appeared,

Fans were surprised to find that both Haunter and Politoed were on the field—two Perish Song users!

Lu Ye explained:

“Entering phase two, today we’re taking on the Perish Song team!!”

Brilliant sunlight rose on the field, and Dan Emperor’s Gigantamax Charizard looked like a volcano about to erupt.

Though it was a 2v1 situation, this Gigantamax Charizard exerted intense pressure.

Known for its speed, Haunter flew up first.

Dan Emperor smiled.

Teacher Lu’s Perish Song user... found!

“Charizard, Gigantamax Inferno Hellfire!”

“Roar!!”

The volcano-like Charizard roared, flames spilling from its mouth, forming a soaring fiery bird that instantly engulfed Haunter!

Fans widened their eyes.

“Did it hold up? Teacher Lu’s Haunter was carrying the Air Balloon.”

“Useless... Inferno Hellfire continues to cause damage around!”

Just as everyone was sighing, Haunter’s eyes glowed alluring blue, baring its teeth in a grin:

“Gengarrr!”

Dan Emperor was stunned.

“Haunter isn’t my Perish Song user.”

Lu Ye said gravely: “That was Hypnosis just now!”

The blazing fire engulfed Haunter, but Hypnosis successfully put the Gigantamax Charizard to sleep!

Lu Ye said sincerely: “Thank you, Haunter!”

“Gengarrr?” Haunter flicked its tongue in response.

“Didn’t I say you...”

Meanwhile, only Charizard and Politoed remained on the field.

Politoed sang Perish Song skillfully while Charizard’s fighting spirit gradually waned!

The comment section exploded, and fans pounded their desks.

“Damn, turns out this is actually a Hypnosis team!!”

“Exploded! Is this psychological warfare? Teacher Lu is too dirty!”

Boom—

Charizard returned from Gigantamax form to normal.

Lu Ye breathed a sigh of relief: “Next is the classic Protect-Not Protect-Protect...”

“The classic torment phase.”

“It’s back! The youth of old fans has returned!”

Dan Emperor stared blankly at the sleeping Charizard, smiling helplessly.

He stretched and said to Master Ma:

“Sorry, Master. I might not be able to outplay Teacher Lu in tactics.”

“No worries.” Master Ma smiled warmly. “Dan Emperor, you’re smiling so happily.”

Dan Emperor was stunned, recalling the moment Gigantamax Charizard was put to sleep by Haunter’s Hypnosis.

He touched his beard, feeling the weight lifted off his shoulders, smiling.

“Sometimes letting go of the champion’s responsibility... feels pretty good.”

Meanwhile, in Teacher Lu’s livestream room:

[A party chose to surrender]

Lu Ye was about to finish off Charizard but froze at the screen prompt.

“Did I disconnect?”

The comment section immediately flooded with laughter.

“Classic advantage game disconnect!”

“So hard, is this the Heaven-Cursed One, hahaha!”

Lu Ye: “Oh... Dan Emperor surrendered.”

The next moment, Lu Ye slammed the table: “Damn... not even letting me have fun!”

“I can surrender, but I won’t let the opponent enjoy it.”

“Perish Song plus Hypnosis won’t bring smiles, Teacher Lu!”

Lu Ye watched his rising ranking, feeling complicated.

They said he took the endorsement, but Dan Emperor clearly didn’t throw the match!

Still, Dan Emperor was quite professional...

The stream time was up.

Never one to work overtime, Teacher Lu ended the stream quickly, leaving fans staring at a black screen.

“Awesome, I learned it!”

“Not completely Perish Song... it actually means Hypnosis...”

“I get it now. Dan Emperor is actually a high-tier sunny team player!”

“Teacher Lu gets a bonus against sunny teams, no wonder Hypnosis can hit!”

After the stream, A-Jin sent a message on time.

Lu Ye was surprised. He had just been preparing to gather materials...

A-Jin: “Teacher Lu, I learned it. Next time I’ll use Polibro as the weather specialist!”

Teacher Lu: “The fans will be very sad.”

A-Jin: “?”

Unconsciously, Teacher Lu’s videos had already gained a large fanbase for that sunny team player...

Perhaps it was a feeling full of pity.

“Oh, right.”

A-Jin remembered something: “Professor Samuel Oak asked me to accompany you to the Unown Ruins next month.”

“Professor Oak already told me.”

Lu Ye nodded, mood complicated: “You better not be careless in the ruins...”

“The young master is only here to save the world.”

A-Jin wiped his nose and grinned: “How about you teach me a few more battles? Then I can help you!”

Helping wasn’t necessary, just recording materials.

Lu Ye: “Logging in!”

...