Chapter 323: Chapter 323

Pallet Town, Professor Oak’s Laboratory. Upon hearing the news that they’d soon be setting off, Ash clenched his fists, his eyes glowing with excitement. “So I’m going on a journey with Teacher Lu? That’s… that’s awesome!”

Professor Oak, dressed in his usual white coat, cleared his throat. “Ash, calm down. This is a mission, not a vacation…”

Before he could finish, Ash had already bolted out of the lab like a whirlwind. “That kid…”

Professor Oak chuckled helplessly—until Ash came running back. “Uh, Professor Oak…” Ash scratched his head sheepishly. “What’s Teacher Lu’s contact info, exactly?”

The sky was clear, and a herd of Tauros galloped through the courtyard, kicking up clouds of yellow dust. Green set down the files he’d been reading, one hand casually in his pocket. Helping out at the lab once in a while… didn’t feel so bad.

Suddenly, a quick blur dashed across his field of vision. Green called out, “Ash!”

Ash skidded to a stop and looked up. When he recognized who it was, he broke into a smile. “Senior Green! I’ve finished my training plan. I’m heading off now for Professor Oak’s Pokédex evaluation!”

Green gave a small nod. To think… this kid even managed to handle the doubled training load. Still a little green, sure, but the talent was clearly there.

Green stepped forward, straightened Ash’s collar for him, and said coolly, “Be mindful of your tone when you speak to Teacher Lu… don’t be so reckless, and don’t go challenging him on a whim.”

Ash’s smile froze for a second. He nodded like a bobblehead. He might be reckless, but he wasn’t stupid. If even his master was saying this, he had to take it seriously. Given how serious Green looked… Teacher Lu might be on the same level as Red-senpai.

“So that time I challenged him… Teacher Lu was probably just giving me pointers.” Ash scratched his head and mumbled, “Maybe I should bring more pocket money this time… as tuition?”

Green watched him walk away, a rare hint of sentiment welling up inside. It felt just like when he and Red had left Pallet Town all those years ago… Usually so aloof and proud, Green actually smiled. “Maybe… you really could become a Pokémon Master someday.”

His phone buzzed. Green glanced down at the chat group. “So sleepy… I was listening to Miss Walnut’s late-night radio show and went to bed way too late,” Gold yawned. “Why don’t you listen to my show instead?” Teacher Lu chimed in.

Gold’s mouth twitched as memories flooded back—he’d been dozing off peacefully during one of Teacher Lu’s lectures, when suddenly Lu had roared into the mic. No one could survive that kind of jump scare!

Erika: “Hmm? Is Teacher Lu not at Yuhong University today?” Teacher Lu: “Nope. Got a request from Professor Oak—heading out to help Ash with his evaluation, so I took a day off from Principal Initial.”

“Even if you didn’t, we rarely see you anyway…” sighed Erika-sensei.

Lu Ye cleared his throat. Come on now… I did win the championship for Yuhong University, you know! Okay, maybe I did blow up a few training facilities in the process… But hey, Principal Initial should probably be thanking me!

Daisy (Viridian City Girl): [Dancing Pikachu .jpg] Daisy: Where exactly is the evaluation taking place?

Teacher Lu: Somewhere near Kalos… feels like we’re practically in Scandinavia at this point.

No one in the group really had any Kalos connections. They joked around for a while before shifting the conversation to the upcoming League Conference.

A few hours later… Steven wiped the limestone dust off his forehead. Like a kid who’d just found his favorite toy, he smiled and slipped the rare mineral back into his pouch. Scrolling through the chat, Steven said, “I’m already over here in Northern Europe. If you need any help, feel free to reach out.”

Lu Ye paused for a moment. Sure, this was just a document pickup… But with Ash’s “drama magnet” tendencies, they could easily get pulled into something huge.

If Steven was around, though, their safety rating just went through the roof! “We’ll see how it goes,” Lu Ye said cheerfully. “Thanks, Steven-san.”

“No problem. I’ll get back to work now.” Clicking into voice chat, Steven replied with a smile—followed by the clinking of pickaxes and shovels.

A true rich kid, yet completely obsessed with rocks. Maybe it’s because… digging them up yourself just feels more satisfying than buying them.

Come to think of it… Steven’s probably already got a dozen Mega Stones stashed at home. Lu Ye stared up at the sky, thinking about his own Pokémon. With the company’s current cash flow, dropping tens of millions on a single Mega Stone… would be a big hit.

He glanced at the system’s “Key Stone Quest” and felt a chill. Only two badges left… He’d have to be extra cautious!

This trip with Ash would last about a week. Even though supplies could be bought from Friendly Shops… When traveling with the little ones, a camping set was absolutely necessary.

Might as well bring the Super Rod too—could help improve their meals. The rest of their traditional luggage included… Squirtle’s water tank.

“Let’s have Gengar handle it.” Lu Ye cleared his throat.

As Gengar’s strength had grown, so had his mastery of shadows. In other words, Dora-Ghost’s four-dimensional pocket just got a storage upgrade!

“Gengaaa~ (￣～￣)” Gengar floated cross-legged in midair, pulling a soda and bag of chips from his “pocket.”

“Duuu~(ﾉﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ” Togepi reached up on its tiptoes, waving both hands at Gengar.

Plop—Gengar settled onto the floor again, handing the chips to Togepi.

While those two were happily sharing snacks, Sirfetch’d and Squirtle stood off to the side, calm as ever—giving off big “strategic genius” vibes.

“Bui~” Sylveon sat atop the suitcase, cutely swaying her ribbons.

With his whole gang in tow, Lu Ye gave Arcanine a big ol’ head pat. It was time to head for Viridian City, to meet up with Ash at their agreed spot.

Wednesday, December 30. Lu Ye sat at the train station, gently stroking Sylveon in his lap. The station wasn’t too crowded; groups of giggling girls passed by, sneaking glances his way.

Sabrina messaged him: “What’s the plan from here?”

Lu Ye blinked, suddenly remembering that Gengar was still a coach at Saffron Gym. He coughed and replied, “Anywhere from three days to a week… I’ll get Gengar back as soon as I can.”

Sabrina’s lips curled into a slight smile. Then she said, “By the way, Mustard should be at Vermilion Harbor. If you’re looking to collect badges…”

“You’re killing me here!” Lu Ye hurriedly ended the call. Sabrina paused, then her expression relaxed.

Is he afraid of owing me a favor? But he’s also a mentor from Team Rocket. Mustard will likely make a move.

Recalling her last meeting with Mustard, Sabrina tapped her finger against the desk. Knowing his personality, he might actually initiate the challenge himself.

In that case… letting Mustard taste defeat might not be such a bad idea.

A playful smile crept across Sabrina’s face. “Mustard… let’s hope you don’t disappoint your mentor.”