Chapter 472: Chapter 472

Viridian City, Viridian Forest.

"Follow the stream through the forest, and we'll reach Pallet Town," Ash led the way, speaking with familiar ease and pride. "It's a three-day journey, but Pikachu and I finished it in half a day back then!"

"Pika..." Pikachu drooped its ears with a resigned sigh.

Lu Ye also had some vague memories of this, his expression complicated.

This wasn't "finishing the journey" at all...

Didn't they jump into the river to escape a flock of Spearow and basically swim all the way to Viridian City?!

Haunter floated beside Lu Ye, occasionally drifting up to tree branches to make faces at the Caterpie below.

[Caterpie used String Shot!]

The damage was negligible as Haunter rubbed its face: "Gengarrr~(ﾉ)`ω´(ヾ)"

Lu Ye gave it a sidelong glance.

"Stop playing around or you'll attract its parent!"

Haunter obediently floated back, its red eyes narrowing into slits as it grinned toothily.

The forest sunlight was warm and comforting, the stream babbling softly.

At a fork in the path, James scratched his head somewhat sheepishly:

"Teacher Lu, I think I'll head home first..."

Lu Ye nodded, asking further: "Any particular reason?"

"Since we're back in Kanto... I want to see Growlie."

Growlie was the Growlithe James had raised since childhood, sharing an extremely deep bond with him.

"Meowth's coming with James too, meow!" Meowth announced, swinging its arms with hands on hips.

If they happened to run into James' fiancée, Meowth could at least back him up!

"Both of you are leaving?" Jessie blinked before crossing her arms. "Then I guess I'll go to the secret base!"

"Dummy! James' house is our Team Rocket operational base in Kanto!"

Teacher Lu couldn't help feeling envious.

Truly befitting rich boy James - mansions everywhere he goes!

"No problem, there's only one or two scenes. I'll contact you when needed."

The main purpose of this trip was still to get Professor Oak on camera.

Getting to witness Ash's Pidgeot return would also fulfill one of Lu Ye's long-held wishes.

"See ya later, twerp! And Pikachu!"

At the crossroads, Meowth proactively waved at Ash.

Ash blinked before breaking into a wide grin, raising his hand high.

"See you! Let's travel back to Sinnoh together later!"

Emerging from Viridian Forest, their view suddenly opened up to reveal Pallet Town just ahead.

Standing on the high slope overlooking the pristine white town lifted everyone's spirits.

Arriving at Professor Oak's lab, Kris in her round hat was already waiting at the entrance with a smile:

"Welcome, Teacher Lu and Ash! Professor Oak is expecting you!"

"Is Green here too?" Ash asked.

"Awesome!" Ash cheered, clenching his fists excitedly. "I can ask him for aerial battle tips!"

Lu Ye's expression turned somewhat helpless:

"You're planning to have Green as your aerial battle opponent?"

"Huh, is that not okay?"

"No... I'm just worried Pidgeot might start questioning its life choices right after rejoining you."

Months, maybe years apart, and the first thing you make it do is fight a Champion?

What kind of grudge is this?!

"Green won't go too hard on me~" Ash scratched his head with a laugh. "Besides, the Tailwind strategy was something you and Green taught me!"

You mentioning that reminds me...

Though this reckless Tailwind rush tactic does suit a 'regional bird master' like Ash.

Kris added with a smile: "Green also has a Pidgeot. I'm sure it could share some experience with the one in the backyard."

Ash's eyes widened: "Pidgeot! Can I see it now?"

Professor Oak's expansive backyard could easily take a full day to search if Pidgeot went looking for the Fearow leader.

"Of course! That Pidgeot is actually under Green's care now!"

Kris turned to lead the way.

"Let's go meet Professor Oak first!"

Inside the lab, Professor Samuel Oak in his white coat was discussing this year's research summit with Green.

"Professor Kukui from Alola researching Z-Moves seems to have made major breakthroughs," Professor Oak sipped his coffee cheerfully. "This year we'll see some extraordinary results."

"Professor Kukui..." Green pondered briefly. "He's actually quite a powerful trainer himself. I heard he once challenged Lance."

"Oh?" Professor Oak asked curiously. "And then?"

"He defeated the other competitors before losing to Lance."

Professor Oak laughed heartily: "Ha! Makes me want to spar with the young man too!"

Green looked exasperated when a knock interrupted them. "I'll get it."

"Professor Oak! Green!"

Ash burst in energetically with a wide grin. "I'm here to take my Pidgeot back!"

Professor Oak thought for a moment before realization dawned.

"I was starting to think you'd forgotten about Pidgeot. Don't worry, we'll go get it shortly."

Lu Ye followed behind Ash, exchanging glances with Green. "Long time no see, Green."

Having heard about the Snowpoint Temple incident, Green's gaze held newfound respect for the strong as he nodded:

"Just Green is fine, Teacher Lu."

Lu Ye blinked in surprise.

Are we doing that "you call me this, I call you that" thing now?

"Green!" Ash turned with burning determination. "Please have an aerial battle with me later!"

Lu Ye & Professor Oak: ???

Did Gold infect you with his recklessness? This is way too bold!

But... challenging everyone is just classic Ash behavior.

Even Green was momentarily stunned by this audacity before crossing his arms, a slow smirk forming.

That trademark confident, slightly arrogant smirk of Champion Green.

"Let me see how much you've grown."

In the forested area of Professor Oak's backyard.

The magnificently plumed Pidgeot grew teary-eyed seeing its long-lost trainer after so long.

Have you finally finished your business after all this time?

"Long time no see, Pidgeot."

Ash stroked Pidgeot's broad wings, his gaze filled with conviction.

"Please lend me your strength. Let's give it our all in the upcoming battle!"

Pidgeot cried skyward, flapping its wings as its long crest shimmered golden.

All this time in Professor Oak's backyard, I never stopped training!

Whoever dares challenge me shall meet their end!

Watching this reunion, Lu Ye couldn't help feeling emotional.

If Pidgeot knew who its opponent would be... it might cry all its tears dry?

"So I only have one line?"

Professor Oak rubbed his chin while checking the MV script.

Lu Ye nodded: "Ash's aerial battle is the main focus... plus challenging Green fits our game's final boss theme."

"Ah, that would be Red defeating Green then."

Professor Oak laughed: "That truly was an spectacular match!"

Whether in games or manga, Red and Green shared a destined rivalry.

In the M20 movie, the solitary Ash lost his rival Gary but gained Green as mentor and friend.

Perhaps he'd grow even stronger this way.

Professor Oak cleared his throat dramatically while checking the script:

"That's how it's supposed to be (so-re so-ka)?"

Lu Ye couldn't help laughing: "That's the spirit!"

Getting approval, Professor Oak chuckled: "If it weren't promoting the Pokédex, I wouldn't bother helping you!"

The old professor's life work, the Pokédex, aimed to help people understand Pokémon better and prevent misunderstandings.

Appearing on Miss Walnut's show, giving lectures, writing Pokémon senryu... all served this purpose.

"Activating recording mode, Rotom!"

As Rotom switched to camera mode and started filming,

Ash and Green's battle officially commenced nearby.

Green borrowed one of Kris' Fearow - though slightly weaker, it still completely dominated the match.

Pidgeot and Fearow clashed repeatedly midair, their intense aerial combat making perfect footage.

"Use Tailwind!" Ash and Green commanded simultaneously, exchanging competitive grins.

For a moment, Green even saw glimpses of that red-vested figure in Ash...

"OK! Perfect shot, Rotom!" Rotom completed setup and twirled happily midair.

A red beam recalled Fearow as Green's expression turned serious: "Ash, I'm getting serious now."

"Go, Pidgeot!" One of Green's main team members.

"Scree!" The scar-faced Pidgeot gave a sidelong glance that practically said 'come at me bro'.

Ash's Pidgeot instinctively shrank back, tears streaming.

You make me fight THIS right after coming back?

Ash, have you no heart?!

With cameos from Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny and other acquaintances, MV progress advanced rapidly.

"You've been so kind looking after Ash!"

The beautiful Mrs. Ketchum pulled Ash along as she bowed to Lu Ye.

"Not at all, Ash has helped me plenty too."

Lu Ye was referring to Ash punching Regigigas.

"If you'd like, please visit us sometime! Mr. Mime would love to see you too~" Delia said cheerfully.

Considering upcoming promotional work, Lu Ye politely declined.

Back at Professor Oak's lab, Ash continued pestering Green for aerial battle tips until an exasperated Green sent out his Alakazam to telepathically lecture Ash instead.

Teacher Lu was impressed.

That's Green for you!

Not only does he have Pokémon run his gym, they even teach classes!

In the manga, Green even had Porygon hack computers and used berries to boost its speed...

Is this what they call next-level creativity?

"Gengarrr!" Haunter's eyes sparkled seeing this, recognizing a fellow expert.

Filming locations focused mainly around Pallet Town and Viridian City.

Similar to the original series' opening, Pidgeot's return featured spectacular aerial combat footage.

(Getting wrecked by Green's Pidgeot wasn't included.)

The final shot showed Ash raising a Poké Ball high, symbolizing his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master...

That was Meowth's review after seeing the final product.

"Hey we're in it too!" Jessie and James grinned at their screen cameos. "Team Rocket's white uniforms look so cool!"

"Aren't they usually black?" Lu Ye asked.

"We customized these, so HQ doesn't recognize them, meow."

Your DIY skills are way too good!

With filming complete, Lu Ye's brief Kanto trip also concluded.

In the group chat, Gold announced he'd drag Silver along for a free meal.

"Wrapping party?" Brock smiled wistfully. "Too bad I'm stuck at the gym with my siblings."

"Unfortunately I have classes," Erika said regretfully. "The new semester just started - terribly busy."

Lu Ye: "Next time then."

Maybe they dodged a bullet by not coming...

Capitalizing on fan excitement,

Lu Ye sent the final product to Olivia for official release on Pokémon Company's website.

Views surpassed 1 million that very night, climbing steadily.

"Pokémon Company's first MV actually got Professor Oak!"

"Champion Green looking so badass! Hype!!"

Despite losing to Red, Green's arrogant personality and handsome looks gave him massive popularity worldwide.

If they can get legends like Professor Oak and former Champion Green...

"How is this small company so connected already?"

"Mind blown that Teacher Lu composed this too?"

"Save some talent for the rest of us!"

"Everyone knows Pokémon Company is actually a music label!"

That night, Roxie of the punk band Team Plasma shared the video with:

"Next time I'll win! @DidTeacherLuFeedToday"

Fans piled on as views skyrocketed.

"Team Plasma did the music? Epic!"

"Was there - Teacher Lu wrecked Gym Leader Roxie, the dirty tactics king!"

"Might not be battling he wrecked her at though. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)"

One Gym Leader's repost paled against Teacher Lu's connections.

Over in Galar, the internet exploded when Champion Leon shared it.

"The Galar Champion too?!"

"Leon, how much is Teacher Lu paying you for ads?"

"Leon: Sponsored content? My specialty!"

Leon stroked his stubble, golden eyes watching the comments with amusement.

Sponsorships... he only did occasionally.

Though Teacher Lu never explicitly asked,

For Teacher Lu's company? Duty calls!

A Champion's endorsement made the MV that night's hottest topic.

But the real shock came next.

Cynthia's long-dormant account (10M+ followers) also shared it.

Her last post had been promoting Pokémon Company's Plants vs Zombies—

"OMG Sinnoh Champion's account lives!"

"Cynthia doing ads? End of an era!"

"Both posts promote Pokémon Co... what's her deal with Teacher Lu?"

"Leon can get paid but Cynthia can't?"

Just counting Green, Leon and Cynthia... this tiny MV had three Champions backing it.

One could only imagine the frenzy when Pokémon officially launched.

"Target: Pokémon Master!" resonated deeply with trainers everywhere.

With Pokémon by their side, even the toughest dreams felt achievable.

In a Galar hospital room,

Galar's "One-Day Champion" John's condition improved after chemotherapy.

The door opened as Leon strode in, cape billowing.

"Mr. Leon!" John struggled to sit up.

"At ease." Leon sat and peeled an apple. "Want some?"

"More for me then!" Leon crunched into it while playing the song on his phone.

"I think Teacher Lu would want you to hear this."

John put on headphones against his pillow as white curtains fluttered and Rookidee chirped outside.

After a long while, he returned the phone with a smile:

"Thank you, Mr. Leon!"

Leon noted the tear tracks but smiled: "Not thanking Teacher Lu?"

John wiped his eyes fiercely and declared:

"I will become a Pokémon Trainer."

"My dream is to become a Pokémon Master!"

Leon grinned suddenly, swirling his cape to point skyward:

"Then challenge me when you're ready!"

"Yes!" John nodded vigorously.

Gazing at the blue skies outside, Leon's smile widened unconsciously.

Thank you... Teacher Lu.