The roar of the crowd echoed through the stadium.

Spectators holding high banners and flags continuously shouted;

trainers in the competitor sections watched with excited eyes.

On one side of the field, an elevator platform revealed the figure of the Unova Champion.

Dazzling lights shone down.

Alder had unruly red hair, arms crossed, with a string of Poké Balls hanging from his shoulder, grinning toward the camera.

"Champion Alder!" Trip's gaze burned intensely, as if he was seeing the scene where he would challenge Alder after winning the tournament.

Paul watched coldly from the sidelines;

Ash and Alice cheered enthusiastically;

the trio dressed as vendors passed by with merchandise baskets hanging from their shoulders.

"Fresh chilled Oran juice, anyone want some Meowth?"

"Wait a moment, it seems like the officials are about to appear next!"

The audience seats grew restless, with an undeniable anticipation spreading through the stadium.

Many spectators had come specifically for Cynthia and Teacher Lu.

For the local Unova audience, even if Teacher Lu's deeds facing the 'Tao trio' weren't widely known, they were deeply aware of his heroic act saving Twinleaf City!

Before the exploding, falling Plasma Destroyer, this champion's Darkrai tore open a black hole, while Sirfetch'd's lance illuminated the heavens!

Some spectators had learned about this champion through videos.

Sylveon, Togepi, Meloetta... Teacher Lu's Pokémon combined strength, elegance, and cuteness!

"Next, let's welcome the special guest for this opening ceremony!!"

Cheers resounded through the stadium. Lu Ye listened to the audience's cheers for Ducklett, Sylveon, and other little ones, feeling slightly embarrassed.

At that time, the situation was actually that Ducklett's "Meteor Assault" had missed... but it wasn't a big problem.

This time with Victini's "Victory Star" accuracy boost, I don't believe I can miss at point-blank range!

Gears turned, the platform gradually rising.

Lu Ye squinted, sensing the first line of light, the cheers gradually becoming more intense and real.

After the platform stabilized, cheers swept in from all directions.

The large screen showed this trainer in black and gold windbreaker, the coat tails fluttering to both sides, black hair styled with hairspray.

Different from his usual shirt attire, this was the formal wear style to be debuted at the World Championships!

Whether fans or casual viewers, everyone was equally amazed at this moment, just like when Dan Emperor threw off his cloak and pointed to the sky with that line—

'Come, witness the champion moment!'

Lu Ye had one hand in his pocket, reaching up to grasp the cape on his left arm, lifting his eyes to gaze at the shining lights and audience seats, as if expecting everyone's response.

The next moment, a unified chant rose from the audience seats.

"As expected of you—"

Lu Ye raised a slight smile, pulling off the windbreaker and throwing it into the air, just like the essential Pokémon world skill 'instant outfit change'.

With a fluttering sound, the jacket floated in the wind.

Haunter was already standing on the field in front of Teacher Lu, eyes crimson, grinning as it raised a smile!

"Gengarrr~! (⁎˃ꌂ˂⁎)"

"Hope I don't have to pay for losing the jacket..." Lu Ye thought randomly.

The stadium shook again. Alder stood with arms crossed, wearing a wry smile that seemed to say 'Isn't this supposed to be my home turf?'

Among the competitors below, Trip averted his gaze as if stung;

Paul's dead fish eyes slightly brightened;

Manchong almost screamed in surprise.

"It's really Teacher Lu!"

He would be participating in the opening ceremony of the World Juniors tournament, having an exhibition match with Unova Champion Alder!

"I knew someone would come to the Juniors Cup!"

"Teacher Lu already had an exhibition match with Dan Emperor... Could the champion matches also be called casual tournaments?"

"Hehe, Teacher Lu, my Teacher Lu~"

In the enthusiastic battle atmosphere, Victini 'invisibly' hovered beside Lu Ye, curiously looking around.

Modern large-scale competitions were a novel experience for little V from Ein Doach.

What concerned little V more was that Teacher Lu, who usually made mistakes even in practice matches, was now radiating intense waves of victory.

"Not missing moves counts as winning!" Lu Ye thought to himself.

Since it was an exhibition match, there was no referee to determine victory, with the host announcing procedures instead.

Seeing Haunter had already taken the field, the host looked inquiringly at Alder.

Alder stood casually with arms crossed, but couldn't help being moved by Lu Ye's aura, light flickering in his eyes.

That Haunter... was one heart and body with its trainer, able to elevate each other no matter the circumstances.

This reminds me of my original partner, now resting at the Tower of Heaven in Floccesy...

Alder shook his head, speaking solemnly:

"Lu Ye, I sense infinite possibilities in you and Haunter."

"Similarly, I also hope that partner watching over me somewhere can be proud of my path as a mentor. So—"

As he spoke, light ignited in Alder's eyes, like an awakened lion, taking a Poké Ball from his loose clothing.

What makes a champion is simply someone who, more than anyone else, hopes to protect the happiness of other people and Pokémon!

"Go, my bond and sun, Volcarona!!"

Alder threw the Poké Ball skyward, the lid popping open with a 'pop' as a red beam shot out, shining with a sunlight-like radiance that illuminated the entire stadium!

"This is... Grandpa Alder's ace!" Alice said.

"Wow, such amazing presence."

Ash took out his Pokédex to scan Volcarona.

Volcarona had crystal-clear bright blue eyes, a pair of red antennae surrounding its cheeks, and a circle of white fluff on its upper body. Its three pairs of orange-red wings resembled the sun, pulsating with dazzling orange light.

As its wings flapped, fiery scales scattered, Volcarona's body burning fiercely!

The room temperature instantly rose. The audience was awed by Volcarona's presence—this was truly worthy of a champion's partner Pokémon!

Trip said: "I will win this tournament's victory, then defeat Champion Alder's Volcarona!"

Paul glanced at Trip with a look that said 'idiot'.

I was just as foolish back then... then got completely crushed by Garchomp!

Alice made a megaphone with her hands, shouting loudly: "Go Teacher Lu!!"

Alder, who had been full of momentum, showed a subtle expression upon hearing his 'designated successor' Alice's shout.

Hey hey, kid, why are you siding with the outsider?

"In Unova mythology, when volcanic ash covers the clouds bringing darkness and cold, Volcarona appears from volcanoes, bringing sunlight and flames. Therefore, Volcarona is regarded by Unova people as the embodiment of the sun."

In the guest area, Cynthia explained to Caitlin: "In Unova, Volcarona is usually considered a legendary Pokémon. But in Professor Oak's compiled Pokédex, Volcarona isn't categorized as a legendary Pokémon."

"Similar to how Arcanine is considered a divine beast in Donghua but isn't classified as a legendary Pokémon." 'Mythology scholar' Cynthia extended a finger, smiling as she spoke.

"Hmm..." Caitlin wrinkled her small face, "So complicated... plus the big moth is ugly, not cute."

"Well... I actually think Volcarona is quite handsome." Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, thoughtfully saying.

Caitlin glanced at Cynthia, whispering: "Are you worried?"

"Somewhat, indeed." Cynthia's eyes flickered slightly, seriously saying, "I'm worried Haunter might go too hard!"

Caitlin: "..."

The trust between them made Caitlin feel an indescribable sourness.

On the battlefield, the battle was about to erupt!

Alder's Volcarona flapped its wings, bright blue eyes fixed on Haunter.

Haunter grinned, standing fiercely on the field, eyes crimson.

Lu Ye remembered Alder's original partner was also Volcarona, currently resting at the Tower of Heaven. But the Alder family didn't have only one Volcarona.

After all, Volcarona's egg group wasn't 'Undiscovered' but 'Bug', theoretically able to breed with Caterpie together.

Staring at the fiercely burning Volcarona, Lu Ye suddenly snapped back to reality, feeling complicated emotions.

With only a 'thirty percent' win rate, I'm actually spacing out researching 'breeding'...

If we lose this match, it's definitely breeder A-Jin's fault!

"Rotom, activate live stream mode." Lu Ye said.

"Beep beep... received, Rotom~"

Little Rotom floated beside Teacher Lu, streaming the 'champion exhibition match' from a first-person perspective, broadcasting live in the stream and chat group.

Large numbers of fans flooded into the stream. The moment they saw Volcarona, they were momentarily stunned.

"Opening thunder strike!"

"Suggested rename: coming to champion tier to smash some low-level players."

"Holy crap, it's my favorite Pokémon, Volcarona!"

Volcarona had extremely high popularity, with Professor Oak's accompanying senryu:

'So dazzling indeed, fiercely burning feathers, that is Volcarona!'

Alder watched the field: "Oh! Volcarona is full of fighting spirit too, then let's go all out!"

"Volcarona—" Alder's gaze suddenly sharpened: "Use Fiery Dance!"

Volcarona flapped its sun-glossed wings, circling in the air, scattering large amounts of fiery scales. Instantly, fiercely burning flames rose from the ground. Volcarona danced freely within the distorted heat waves, the sea of fire surging toward Haunter like waves!

Simultaneously, Volcarona's three pairs of wings grew increasingly dazzling, faintly rising with orange-red phantom images, bright blue eyes swirling with light!

"Fiery Dance" was Volcarona's signature move, scattering fiery scales to create seas of flame, even called 'the sun's wrath' by ancient people!

At this moment, Volcarona's rising momentum clearly indicated it had triggered Fiery Dance's additional special attack boost effect.

"The fire sea's range can cover the entire battlefield?!" Ash said.

"Grandpa Alder is a veteran champion, this level of strength is only natural." Alice said.

The audience was awed by this grand and spectacular "Fiery Dance".

"Haunter, Sucker Punch!"

Before the surging fire sea, the purple fatty's figure became indistinct, flashing ahead before Volcarona to face it directly.

The two Pokémon floated above the fire sea. Lu Ye abandoned the follow-up damage of "Sucker Punch", shouting:

"Use Dark Pulse!"

"Gengarrr~!" Black light shone from Haunter's body, dark energy suddenly transforming into rings spreading outward. The fire sea bowed outward like grass before a strong wind!

"Use Quiver Dance toward the high sky!" Alder shouted.

Volcarona flapped its wings at astonishing speed, spiraling upward while scattering glittering scales. Those scales contacting the air instantly turned into sparks, falling to the ground forming fierce flames!

As Volcarona performed Quiver Dance, strong air currents blew those sparks, transforming into "Heat Wave" surging toward Haunter!

"Quiver Dance can greatly strengthen Volcarona's stats, but during Quiver Dance is precisely when Bug-type Pokémon are most vulnerable."

Cynthia frowned, "Alder targeted this point, added Heat Wave, developing an offensive and defensive move combination."

The black ring-shaped fluctuation, "Dark Pulse" missed. Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.

Isn't little V's accuracy boost the same as having none?!

"Nimi!" Victini defended itself while 'invisibly' floating in the air.

I clearly tried my best!

Dark Pulse swept aside the fire sea, flames climbing the surrounding barriers. Volcarona and Haunter competed in the air at the field's center.

Heat Wave roared forth. Haunter looked up at Volcarona rising higher, fiercely and adorably grinning, extending its small hand to grasp empty air:

"Gengarrr!" (Come down you!)

Instantly, invisible gravity like a giant hand gripped Volcarona's wings.

Alder suddenly startled, Volcarona's Quiver Dance forcibly interrupted!

The audience looked at the field, seeing Volcarona suddenly like a kite with its string cut, falling toward the ground.

Boom!

As if crushed into the ground, the ground around Volcarona cracked in layers!

Haunter faced the surging heat wave, Teacher Lu's command sounding in its ears.

Swoosh swoosh—

The invisible heat wave was quite tricky, Shadow Ball couldn't completely neutralize it either, so use wind force to counter!

"Haunter, Icy Wind!"

"Gengarrr~~ Garrr!"

Haunter took a deep breath like Jigglypuff, leaning back while puffing its cheeks greatly, looking quite cute.

Then, Haunter breathed out chilly cold currents and ice crystals, meeting the dry, spark-filled heat wave!

BOOM!!

An explosion sounded, dark smoke rising. Haunter floated out unscathed from the explosion.

"Gengarrr~(ノ￣▽￣)"

In the silent field, the audience stared blankly momentarily.

They saw Volcarona break free from gravity's restraint, floating up awkwardly, three pairs of wings full of scratches.

The earlier explosion of flames and ice crystals had stirred water vapor. Hazy mist spread across the field, creating the peculiar sight of chaotic fire seas and hazy water mist!

At this moment, the audience came to their senses, spontaneously offering applause.

Teacher Lu perfectly utilized the Heat Wave move... and used the water mist to weaken Volcarona's fire sea range!

Just from a viewing perspective, this also created an audio-visual feast in exhibition matches!

"Keep burning, Volcarona!"

Alder excitedly grinned, shouting loudly: "While using Fiery Dance, use Hurricane!"

Lu Ye's expression slightly changed.

Your command isn't legal either, using two moves in one turn!

Volcarona flapped its shining wings, the field's water vapor actually evaporated completely. This time, the fiery scales weren't scattered toward the ground, but directly sprinkled in the air, using Hurricane to blow toward Haunter!

"Ssska——!!"

Volcarona's three pairs of wings flapped out two surging hurricanes. The hurricanes resembled cutting blades forming two wind pillars. The wind pillars ignited the airborne fiery scales. Instantly, two fierce violent flame hurricanes swept forth!!

The audience couldn't help swallowing saliva.

Stream viewers also inhaled sharply with 'hiss' sounds.

"This is championship level going all out?!"

"So much more tense than when fighting Lucian..."

"Lucian: Are you polite?"

Flames illuminated Lu Ye's eyes. If Alder displayed Volcarona's 'wind, fire, dance' to perfection, then I equally possess the bond with Haunter!

"Haunter—"

Lu Ye calmly reached toward the sky, in his hand a black-and-red fingerless glove, the glove's back inlaid with crystal-shining Keystone!

The audience seats collectively stirred.

"Is it coming?"

"Haunter's champion moment!"

Paul's eyes flickered, thinking of how Teacher Lu made him comprehend Mega Evolution;

Manchong nervously gripped his shoulder strap;

Ash's mouth hung open.

Cynthia chuckled elegantly, somewhat relaxedly saying to Caitlin:

"As long as you believe in Pokémon, they will respond to trainers with bonds too."

"Bond..." Caitlin lifted her calm, lazy eyes, gazing at the battlefield before the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Mega Evolution!!"

Dazzling light shone. Instantly, brilliant evolution light rose from Haunter!

Two blade-like cutting hurricanes wrapped in flames seemed about to tear Haunter apart.

However, the evolution light had already dispersed. Mega Haunter stood ready!

"After mastering it, Mega Evolution becomes increasingly easier and more casual..."

Lu Ye muttered to himself: "Could this be the so-called, transformation invincibility time?"

Mega Haunter's forehead protruded with spikes, a yellow single eye opening on its forehead, smile fierce and cruel, both fists covered with barbs. Black-red mist spread around it. Mega Haunter floated in the air, extending its right palm to meet one wind pillar.

"Mega Haunter, Dark Void!!"

Alder's eyes flashed with surprise. The legendary signature move of Darkrai, today seen on Teacher Lu's Haunter!

Boom!!

A swirling black hole condensed in Haunter's right palm. Dark Void transformed into a sphere flying out, colliding with the wind pillar. Powerful gravity actually continuously absorbed the wind and fire!

Simultaneously, in the Reversed World.

Giratina looked up at a flame-wrapped tornado streaking across the sky.

"Another day of diligent restoration work..."

The other wind pillar came simultaneously. Teacher Lu adopted a more violent approach.

Directly blasting it with Shadow Ball!!

"Gengarrr!!" Haunter raised its left palm with surging Shadow Ball, struggling against the wind pillar.

Black light and orange-yellow firelight illuminated together. Then the black light shattered into pieces, shining across the entire field like fission.

Shadow Ball decisively shattered the hurricane, relentlessly flying toward Volcarona!

Alder suddenly startled.

In direct confrontation, Mega Haunter completely gained the upper hand!

"Volcarona—" Alder roared: "Amnesia!"

Amnesia could greatly boost Volcarona's defenses. Simultaneously, Volcarona gathered its three pairs of wings, enveloping itself like a cocoon. Its shining flame wings desperately resisted the roaring Shadow Ball.

Struggle Bug!

Boom!!

Dust smoke spread. Teacher Lu commanded Mega Haunter to press forward:

"Hypnosis!"

Stream viewers' bodies jolted with excitement.

"It's here, finally waited for it!"

"You thought Teacher Lu played strong offense? Actually it's hypnosis da!"

"All tactics switch to hypnosis? Love it love it!"

Alder stared blankly for a moment, feeling somewhat puzzled inside.

Without boosts, Hypnosis has extremely low accuracy... Rather than using status moves, better to continue pressing the attack.

Could Teacher Lu be doing it for the exhibition match's viewing effect?

The next moment, Alder was speechless.

"Gengarrr!" Blue light flashed in Mega Haunter's eyes. The shadow extended from Shadow Tag firmly locked onto Volcarona. Hypnosis light shone toward the spreading-winged Volcarona.

For a moment, Volcarona's bright blue eyes flickered, eyelids opening and closing—

Hypnosis successfully hit!

"Ohhhhhh!!"

"What's called a tactical master?"

"Stop it, this isn't champion battling!"

"Oh... this champion is Lu Ye, then never mind!"

"Nimi nimi~!" Victory-symbolizing little V flew around joyfully.

Great great, I finally helped!

Alder frowned tightly. In champion-level confrontation, every second counted. Being hypnotized equaled declaring defeat.

But must persevere.

"Volcarona." Alder's gaze flickered, looking at the Lu Ye and Haunter before him, saying solemnly, "The light shining from that pair's eyes is truly beautiful... To not let that light be dimmed, we must also display strong hearts too!"

Volcarona closed its eyes, still flapping wings hovering in air. Wing temperature gradually rose, continuously scattering sparks!

Lu Ye's eyelids twitched.

Bond can remove hypnosis?!

Not legal, this is very illegal!

"Haunter, Dream Eater!" Lu Ye seized the time, quickly pushing for the main crystal.

The sleeping Volcarona showed signs of awakening.

Mega Haunter's back shadow extended a grinning phantom like Haunter. The phantom extended two hands, directly sinking into Volcarona's body!

The classic Hypnosis and Dream Eater combo!

Thud!!

Volcarona fell from the air. Alder suddenly realized Teacher Lu had shown mercy, because Volcarona still had room to act.

The re-floating Volcarona hovered awkwardly in the air.

Then, according to tournament rules, the host's explanation sounded.

"Time's up... thank you exhibition match battle guests!"

Anyone could see clearly that continuing the battle, Champion Alder only had room for defeat.

But in Unova Alliance, and at the Juniors Cup opening ceremony, timely withdrawal might be more 'high emotional intelligence'.

Just like how in table tennis world championships they usually implement the 'let one ball' principle.

If you let the opponent have it and they still lose, it's because you truly didn't expect the opponent couldn't even receive this ball...

"Gengarrr..."

Haunter 'weakly' released Mega form, mouth corners drooping, sighing as if exhausted.

So tired, I've already burned out completely...

Lu Ye's mouth twitched.

Haunter, don't learn some 'acting' skills from Pikachu!

Only when the host announced did the audience wake up as if from a dream and applaud.

Everyone remained immersed in the earlier battle.

Volcarona skilled in fiery dance, Haunter skilled in Shadow Ball (cross out)... skilled in Hypnosis.

Being able to witness two champions' battle at the opening ceremony undoubtedly made it worth the ticket price!

"Champion Alder..." Trip murmured, "...actually almost lost..."

Ash and Alice lowered their heads, each with their own thoughts.

The future Alola champion and Unova champion were still just kids now... but Teacher Lu and Alder's exhibition match was enough to inspire both.

Caitlin reckoned she probably couldn't defeat this guy.

But... Caitlin glanced at the smiling Cynthia beside her, cheeks blushing.

Being able to see Bamboo Lan smile like this already made the trip worthwhile...

On the battlefield, Alder and Lu Ye shook hands.

"A battle that made my blood boil with passion."

Alder smiled saying: "You also have outstanding tactical ideas beyond my reach... Inviting you to the opening ceremony was clearly the right choice. More new trainers will be inspired by you, Teacher Lu!"

"I also benefited greatly." Lu Ye said.

Alder laughed heartily: "Then, regarding your appearance fee, we'll settle it after the tournament!"

"No problem."

I've heard many trainers mastering Mega Evolution have started researching Z-Move techniques too.

Glancing at Teacher Lu with his deep bond with Haunter, Alder rubbed his chin.

"Wonder if Teacher Lu would be interested in Z-Crystals..."