Chapter 358: Chapter 358
Even though it was just an exhibition match, Lu Ye’s showdown with Leon stirred up massive waves. Especially that team composition — nearly identical to Cynthia’s — had the fandom buzzing.
Speculation exploded:
“Wait, is this Lu-sensei’s ranked climb team?” “He did say he’s a Cynthia fan. Maybe it’s a tribute?” “There’s only one truth: Cynthia is adorable!” “D*mn, Lu-sensei just straight-up entered a sacred bond with her!”
In the group chat, reactions were equally stunned.
“That’s Cynthia’s team, right?” Lance said, surprised. “I thought she’d be the one to go on stage,” Steven added. “But maybe Lu-sensei didn’t want her catching a cold.”
Thinking of the heavy snow last night, Lance nodded thoughtfully. True — that kind of weather was a major type disadvantage for him too...
“That spinning Muddy Water… does it have a name?” Ash asked, eyes sparkling. “So cool!”
“It’s called Counter Shield,” Lu Ye coughed. “If you want to use it, go ahead. No need to ask.”
Lu Ye muttered in his heart: You came up with it in the first place...
“How’s the ‘One-Day Champion’ doing?” Yellow asked, concerned.
“He’s gone back for treatment.”
Lu Ye thought back to the moment Jon had nodded at him with determination — and smiled. “I even gave him a few UR cards. Hope they bring him luck.”
In media reports, Jon’s name was kept private — replaced with “One-Day Champion.” Even the Modu Evening News refrained from clickbait, reposting Galar Daily’s article.
Lu-sensei versus Leon — it shocked readers in Donghuang as well.
Just after becoming a Master-ranked Trainer, Lu Ye turned around and solo’d the strongest Champion?
With that kind of power, what were you doing nuking newbies in the Baby Cup!?
Though to be fair, a match against an Elite Four member was plausible. A full-on Champion duel? Bit of a stretch for Lu-sensei…
But since it was an exhibition match, fulfilling Jon’s dream was what truly mattered.
Leon pulling his punches made sense — especially since Lu-sensei was Jon’s idol.
But only Leon himself could fully understand the thrill — and pressure — of that battle.
Even with a rental team, Lu Ye wielded it like an extension of his own arm.
No bonds, no training — just perfect command, pushing Leon into multiple tight corners.
And that Gengar, clearly retrained… still shared a deep emotional bond with Lu Ye.
Leon closed his eyes and smiled slightly.
With Lu-sensei’s strength… even becoming Champion within a year wasn’t impossible. After all, Red, Iris of Unova — even Leon himself — had risen that fast.
When the real battle comes…
That might just be the moment Charizard takes the stage again!
January 14, Thursday.
Leon waved farewell to Jon outside the ICU.
His next plan: Invite Lu-sensei and Cynthia over for dinner at his home in Postwick.
It wasn’t much, but it was his way of expressing gratitude.
It was also a good opportunity for Sonia to deliver the Dynamax Band to Lu Ye.
Sure, he was probably more familiar with Mega Evolution or Z-Moves. But trying out other mechanics was part of being a top-tier Trainer.
Leon dialed Sonia, rubbing his head awkwardly.
“Sonia, think you could swing by Wyndon?”
“I’m worried I’ll get lost… again. Might not make it back before nightfall...”
A rural town far from the cities, with beautiful scenery and vast grazing fields.
At Leon’s home, a celebration was underway.
Leon raised a glass of homemade Berry wine and smiled.
“Lu-sensei, truly — thank you so much!”
Coming all this way for a child’s wish — it left Leon with newfound respect.
Lu Ye clinked his glass lightly. “It was nothing,” he said, smiling.
He, too, liked Leon — quite a bit.
Every Champion had their own unique appeal:
Steven was strong and brilliant, Cynthia was lazy and unbeatable, Alder represented tradition and legacy…
And Leon — unwavering duty, love for battle, and an undefeated official record.
After the heavy snow, the winter sky cleared — blue and vast, with wisps of clouds.
Outside, everyone was gathered around a backyard BBQ.
Meat skewers sizzled on the grill, Berry kabobs released fragrant aromas.
“Gahhh…” Sirfetch’d swallowed hard, staring at the leek in his own hands. Nope. I can’t grill this. It’s my soul weapon.
At the rectangular table, a boy with a tuft of purple hair resembling Leon’s was rubbing a Wooloo’s fleece with bright eyes.
“Big bro, this is the Lu-sensei you fought last night?”
Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.
Bro, are you really gonna keep fluffing your Wooloo like that?
Leon downed his fruit wine with a laugh. “Yup! That was a tough match!”
“Roooar…” Charizard stood beside Leon, still sore.
It glanced at the Togepi in Cynthia’s arms and softened visibly.
“Duui~ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ” Togepi offered a Berry skewer.
Charizard blinked, then gingerly accepted it — chewing thoughtfully.
Yeah… it still hurt, but Togepi’s too darn cute to be mad.
Across the table, Sonia was gripping Cynthia’s soft hand, whispering curiously:
“Miss Cynthia, how did you and Lu-sensei meet?”
Cynthia rested her chin on one hand, her golden hair covering half her face. “Through gaming,” she answered with a smile.
She’d answered this question many times, but it never bored her.
She firmly believed every encounter wove a new bond.
For some reason, her mind wandered to last night.
A snowy battlefield… A black-haired man commanding Lucario, bringing down Dragapult — And the sky bursting into flames.
“Mm…” Cynthia’s cheeks tinged pink.
Sonia blinked her teal eyes. Then, hands over her mouth, she gasped.
So… these two Champions… Was it love at first sight?!
“Too romantic…” Sonia’s imagination burst into shoujo manga mode — fists clenched, eyes shimmering.
She and Leon were more like childhood friends, always bickering but close. But this… this spark at first battle? Ugh, so dreamy!
Compared to other Champions’ homes, Leon’s wasn’t fancy.
But the garden — carefully tended by his mom — was worth showing off.
Leon often had his Rillaboom use Grassy Terrain to spruce up the whole area.
The majestic, leafy-haired Rillaboom was tending flowers — Then paused at the sight of Sirfetch’d.
“Gah?” Sirfetch’d met his gaze, casually twirling his shiny leek.
Rillaboom glanced at the long stalk… then down at his own short stick. Silently, he tucked it behind his back.
Grass loses this round. Too embarrassing.
As the sun set, the feast neared its end.
Sonia was about to clear the table — But paused when Gengar picked up a cloth with practiced ease.
“Gengaa!” Splitting into four or five shadow clones, Gengar smoothly started cleaning.
Lu-sensei’s training methods… are on a whole different level.
With Gengar so efficient, she couldn’t even help. So she skipped off to find Cynthia again.
The two were both researchers, after all — Sonia studied Galar’s Dynamax phenomenon, Cynthia focused on Sinnoh myths.
It should have been an academic conversation…
“Miss Cynthia, how far along are you two?”
“Wh-what do you mean… how far?”
“Don’t be shy! Tell me!”
“Lu-sensei, if it’s okay with you…”
At that moment, Leon quietly said to Lu Ye:
“There’s something else I’d like to ask of you.”
Leon: “I want you to accept this — a Dynamax Band.”
Leon pulled out a band with a crimson crystal embedded in it and offered it.
“Honestly… I get lost too, sometimes,” Leon said, scratching his face. “Even emotionally.”
“As a Trainer, I should keep challenging the strong.”
“But as Galar’s Champion — for the sake of Galar — I can’t afford to lose.”
He looked Lu Ye in the eyes, golden gaze firm.
“Call it fake or cowardly — I need the title ‘Strongest Champion.’”
“That’s why… I’ve never challenged Red.”
Lu Ye looked at this violet-haired man.
Despite the scruffy beard, Leon was in his early twenties — even younger than Red.
Leon’s eyes burned with resolve. “If one day… I lose the Champion title and the duties that come with it…”
“I’ll come to Donghuang and challenge you. And then—”
His gaze intensified.
“I’ll go to Mt. Silver. Challenge the strongest king. Prove my Champion moment.”
Lu Ye froze for a moment.
Okay, that was cool and all… But why are you challenging me first?! Red’s already been waiting forever to duel me!
“Even if you’re not fond of using it…” Leon glanced at Gengar floating beside Lu Ye.
“I hope one day, we’ll clash in a full Dynamax battle.”
“So please — accept this!”
“Gengaa~ﾍ(;´Д｀ﾍ)” Gengar clutched his handkerchief, eyes brimming.
So that was Master’s dream… Not just to become a Champion — But to defeat this man and become the world’s strongest Trainer!
“Gengaa!” Gengar clenched his fists and nodded hard.
Your will… has been received!
“Gengaa~!” He formed a heart with his hands toward Leon — then took the Dynamax Band.
“Hahaha, Lu-sensei, you’ve got a great partner!” Leon laughed.
Lu Ye twitched an eyebrow.
It’s just a Dynamax Band — sure, Galar exclusive.
But wait... Didn’t Gengar stash a Jirachi’s Wish Star in his four-dimensional mouth?
Like Eternatus, Jirachi is a space-born Mythical. If that star can fuel Dynamax…
Lu Ye’s face turned odd.
A Gigantamax Gengar… With a tongue the size of a battlefield…
A single Lick from that — Even a Pecha Berry wouldn’t save me!
“So… this Band…” Lu Ye suddenly remembered. “Was this the one Sonia meant to give me earlier?”
Leon nodded. “That’s the one.”
“For top researchers, Galar grants Dynamax Bands.”
He’d heard from Sonia that Lu-sensei had a research background. After all, Cynthia was a renowned myth scholar — And both had been assistants to Professor Sakuragi.
So he wasn’t surprised by their relationship at all.
Lu Ye clutched his chest.
He’d thought they’d forgotten that part of his resume…
“Gengaa~” Gengar grinned and handed him the Band.
Not usable yet — But I’ll figure it out in no time!
Lu Ye patted Gengar’s head, thinking deeply.
Just as Leon said… Maybe he wasn’t the strongest Champion after Wyndon. But he needed the title — and the duty it entailed.
Perhaps it’s only after shedding the cape that Leon’s truly his strongest.
In the post-game, Leon switched to a Chairman outfit and guarded the Battle Tower — Even stronger than before.
Lu Ye tucked away the Band and sighed.
“Thank you, Mr. Leon.”
“Haha — no, thank you!”
Lu Ye pulled out his notebook and jotted down a weather note.
Yup… I can’t beat Leon right now.
Yesterday, I borrowed my wife’s team just to fight him to a draw.
Even Cynthia might struggle against Leon’s full Dynamax force.
This grudge… I won’t forget. I’ll ambush him someday.
Hop (crossed out) — Wooloo! I’m blaming you for this!
“Baa~” The chubby Wooloo bleated softly.
Leon smiled as he saw Lu Ye accept the Band.
Different Trainers walk different paths.
For Leon, Dynamax was his domain. For Lu-sensei — it was team-building, refining tactics — that defined him.
Accepting the Band meant mutual recognition.
Leon slung an arm over Lu Ye’s shoulder, excited.
“Lu-sensei, have you fought Red before? What was it like?”
“Uh… I can’t beat him.”
Lu Ye considered inviting Leon to the group chat…
But thought better of it.
He was too busy finding sponsors. Not like a certain prosecutor who drinks tea at work.
Even if he joined, he wouldn’t have time to chat.
Instead, they exchanged contact info — Lu Ye promised to visit Jon again sometime.
“Lu-sensei,” Leon said seriously. “I don’t mean rental battles. I don’t mean holding back.”
“I look forward to the day we battle for real!”
Lu Ye: “Next time, for sure!”
Galar journey — complete.
Lu Ye looked to Cynthia — her expression serious.
Sirfetch’d and Rillaboom stood on the lush green grass — Tension crackling in the air.
“ROAR!!” Rillaboom let out a mighty roar, then skidded forward, smashing upward with his drumstick.
“GAA!!” Sirfetch’d slid in, cutting a wooden table clean in half with a leek swipe!
“…What was that?” Lu Ye looked at Leon.
“Oh… they’re teaching each other moves,” Leon said. “Looks like they’re getting along.”
“That’s Sirfetch’d’s new move — Grassy Glide!”
My duck… can slide-kick now?
“Gaa~” Sirfetch’d gripped his leek and nodded to himself.
Very good. Even against Rhyperior, one slide kick will settle it!
Lu Ye’s expression was complicated.
He imagined a plump, roast duck sliding in, fragrant and golden-brown…
And involuntarily swallowed.
This wasn’t Grassy Glide.
This was DuckDash Delivery™.