Chapter 261

Thursday, November 26.

Gladion, the distinguished son from Alola, completed the enrollment procedures and gave Teacher Luke a call.

"Um... where do you live?" Luke inquired.

"Renting in Celadon City, not far from the school," replied Gladion.

"Train hard, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask Teacher Erika. I have high hopes for you," Luke encouraged.

Being alone in Kanto, Gladion felt a warm current in his heart.

"No problem," affirmed Gladion solemnly.

After hanging up, Luke pondered.

The three students participating in the competition were almost ready.

With Gladion's strength, winning at Celadon Academy posed no significant challenge.

This was truly a worthy gesture from Principal Earl.

Satisfied, Luke leaned against the head of the bed and nodded.

Surveying the room, he spotted Arcanine lying on the bedroom carpet, poking its tongue out in an innocent manner.

Of course, appearances could be deceiving.

The previous night, the energetic husky had howled at four o'clock in the morning.

Luke suspected that if it weren't for Gengar intervening during training, giving Arcanine a shot of Hypnosis, it might have continued its rigorous regimen.

Today was a day off, and the noon sun lazily streamed into the house.

Luke opened the quilt and noticed an oval-shaped egg spinning round and round.

Togepi joyfully extended its limbs. "kek ke ke ke~~~!"

"I found you! If you're playing hide-and-seek, go play with Arcanine," Luke suggested.

Togepi playfully slapped Luke's head with its tiny hands: "kek ke ke ke~~ … Life isn't easy!"

"kek ke~~?" Suddenly, Togepi felt itself levitating.

Looking back, Luke was holding it.

"First, let's play for only half an hour," Luke insisted.

"kek ke ke ke~~ !٩(๑◡๑)۶" (good~!)

A faint blue light emanated from Togepi's fingertips.

Luke's expression changed slightly.

Suddenly, a sweet floral fragrance filled the air.

As the blue light enveloped the room, Luke felt his fatigue dissipating.

"Metronome-Aromatherapy."

Today, there was no need for the stress of 'Rock Smash,' allowing Teacher Luke to relax.

To some extent, Pokémon's own desires might influence the performance of Metronome.

The concept of "mind" could potentially have a parallel existence in the Pokémon world.

Apologizing to Togepi, Luke smiled and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you."

"kek ke ke ke~~~(๑•.•๑) "

In the water tank.

Squirtle immersed itself in the blue liquid, eyes closed in repose.

Theoretically, with the addition of Mystic Water and Water Stone powder, this 'medicine bath' was worth several million.

In its contemplation, Squirtle began to comprehend "Dark Pulse," a move acquired from Karen during their last encounter.

Every entity possessed an Aura, and the blending of different Auras resulted in Aura moves with distinct Attributes.

However, Aura without a specific Attribute could assimilate the fluctuation of other Attributes.

For instance, combining Dark Pulse and Aura Sphere.

Thinking it through, a bright light flashed in Squirtle's eyes.

Lord, do you want me to understand this!

"uirt~!"

If Teacher Luke understood Pokémon language, he might have been dumbfounded at this point.

You've got to be kidding me; you're still trying to comprehend the killer move?!

Teacher Luke, unaware of the language, glanced at the serene Squirtle practicing Calm Mind and smiled with satisfaction.

It seemed... having more Pokémon at home had helped the seniors mature to some extent!

...

Approaching noon, Gengar plans to playfully tease Sabrina later.

No, he's actually heading to work at Saffron Gym later.

While preparing lunch for his Pokémon companions, Teacher Luke also crafts a new batch of dog food, specially tailored for Arcanine.

After its evolution, Arcanine's appetite has doubled, and its food bowl is consistently licked clean every day.

Teacher Luke has concocted a blend with "Ganlon Berry" for enhanced defense and "Apicot Berry" for boosted special defense. Mixed with honey, this creates a delectable and nutritious dog food.

As the finished product sits in front of him, Teacher Luke hesitates, realizing it's not that he won't share it with Arcanine. Although the ingredients are edible for humans, he's not in dire straits at the moment.

"vui~~"

Under the noon sun, Sylveon nudges a yarn ball toward Togepi.

Togepi grabs the yarn ball and excitedly rushes over to Luke, presenting it like a precious treasure.

"vui~~" Sylveon's expression immediately turns forlorn.

They engage in a game of Pokémon Trading Card with Togepi for a while.

Meanwhile, the chat group starts buzzing with activity.

Luke clicks on the '99+' chat history, and the first message is from Gold.

"Teacher Luke, I'm heading to Kanto to visit you! Let me stay for one night; I'll cover the room expenses."

"No way!" responds Teacher Luke.

"It's for Togebo; he wants to meet Togepi," pleads Gold, scratching his head. "Just one night, and I'll pay for the room."

"It's not about the room fee; the key is to fulfill Togebo's wish," Luke nods.

Of course, collecting money is just a jest. Friends visiting from afar should be welcomed, regardless of any expenses.

"Hmm? Doesn't seem like it?" Luke wonders.

"Kanto is having many celebrations these days," Green remarks, checking the memo for various event details to conduct business.

"Recently, this Saturday, there's a large fishing convention with quite generous prizes."

"A fishing convention!" ignites Yellow.

"I'm skilled at fishing too," Gold brags, flipping his bangs. "Getting a ranking won't be a problem!"

"What are the prizes?" Luke, unusually interested, asks.

With [Fishing Lv3], he should have the skills to rival peak professional players, even if he's not on the level of Grandmasters like Yellow and Misty.

"Dive Ball, Top Rank fishing rod set, Mystic Water..." Green lists, surprised. "There's Mystic Water! There'll likely be many participants!"

"I plan to enter as well," Brock interjects suddenly.

The chat group falls silent.

Jasmine, cautiously, says, "Mr. Brock... if I recall correctly, aren't you a Rock Type Gym Leader?"

In the Gym battle between Kanto and Johto, Jasmine once faced Brock. The two had an exchange about this.

A Rock Type Gym Leader participating in a fishing tournament seems a bit off-theme!

Brock coughs awkwardly, scratching his cheek. "Honestly, the prizes for the fishing tournament are quite enticing..."

Understanding Brock's perspective, Teacher Luke nods. "I get it!"

"Oh?" Brock's eyes light up, and Teacher Luke once again shares a camaraderie with the macho men.

"Then let me sign up for Teacher Luke; I happened to be following the competition," Green suggests.

"Are you sure you want to participate?" Green questions.

Luke nods. "Of course, I appreciate your help!"

"Then we'll go together on Saturday," Gold chimes in.

Even Yellow, usually calm, shows a spark of fighting spirit. When it comes to this, she also has a certain degree of confidence.

Far away, cultivating in the Seafoam Islands, Cerulean City's Water Type Gym Leader, Misty, contemplates.

The fishing convention is being held in Cerulean City, right?

"Um... this should align with Teacher Luke's itinerary," Misty nods, muttering to herself. "I should inform the elder sisters to be prepared in advance..."