Chapter 286

Inside the pristine Premier Ball, Sirfetch'd rests with eyes closed.

Luke nodded slowly, a subtle curve forming at the corners of his mouth.

With this faint smile, a resounding Thunderous Roar echoed.

A Pokémon Battle is a test of mentality.

And this eccentric Sirfetch'd, looking like a seasoned fan, brings its own flair to the show.

Whether it's a win or loss, it's all part of the wild and bold performance!

The dominating aura spread within a ten-mile radius.

Professor Oak chuckled, remarking, "It seems to have taken quite a liking to you."

"Yes." Luke nodded with emotion.

The Trainers around here are mostly genuine rookies.

Encountering a true scoundrel is a rare and exhilarating experience!

"The meeting between a Trainer and a Pokémon is truly a marvelous thing."

Professor Oak laughed heartily, suddenly recalling something.

"By the way, Luke, do you have any plans for this period?"

"Uh..." Luke reattached the Premier Ball to his belt.

Sirfetch'd and Squirtle exchanged glances through their Poké Balls.

Two Pokémon from Magic University Breeding House, nodded in acknowledgment with sharp gazes, sharing a common sentiment—this Pokémon isn't beneath me!

"What's the matter?"

"That's it."

Professor Oak explained: "The latest batch of Pokédex has been completed, but there's only one special edition Pokédex."

"With the help of Ash, we've compiled a lot of Legendary Pokémon information... so I'd like to give this Pokédex to him."

"He's also captured Legendary Pokémon?" Crystal, who had once tamed the Three Legendary Birds and the Three Legendary Beasts, blinked in surprise.

"No, to be precise, I witnessed it and relayed the information to me."

Professor Oak chuckled. "With a special Pokédex, it becomes much more convenient to record data."

Luke paused for a moment.

Even the foolish ones can become holders of special Pokédex!?

But on second thought, as the true rookie, and the star of the TV show for 20 years (although not for much longer), Ash indeed possesses such qualifications and credentials.

"It's another errand...I get it."

Luke reluctantly smiled, "But this time, you don't need to prepare a thank-you gift for me!"

"No, no, it's not just an errand this time."

Professor Oak clarified, "It involves the evaluation of Pokédex holders. The seniors, Red and Blue, find it inconvenient to appear in public, so I'd like to entrust you. When Ash undergoes the evaluation, your presence can provide support and guidance."

Am I considered a senior to Ash?

Teacher Luke was pleased.

Red might not act as a mentor, but I, Luke, can at least pretend to be knowledgeable!

"What does the evaluation entail? Is it risky?"

"It's merely a written exam, which isn't suitable for transmission or express delivery." Professor Oak explained, "Since Ash might return to Pallet Town, I'll ask him to bring it along."

Although it's said not to be an errand, it still turns out to be one.

From running errands to becoming a supervisor, it's just a slight shift.

Luke pondered for a moment and replied, "The timing works for me."

"Teacher Luke." Crystal tilted her head, "Aren't you planning to participate in the P1 Fighting Conference?"

Luke: "Uh!"

Oh boy, I almost forgot!

Slowly.

Luke gazed down at the Premier Ball on his belt, an odd expression on his face.

This fellow seems to be a Fighting Type?

"Well...the issue is not significant." Luke mumbled.

Just a plain scoundrel, no need to get worked up!

"In that case, you can decide after completing the P1 conference challenge."

Professor Oak nodded, smiling, "May your martial arts flourish!"

...

I've successfully captured Sirfetch'd, marking the most significant achievement during this visit to the laboratory.

When it comes to looks, Sirfetch'd stands out with its robust features and gleaming plumage, ranking among the top-tier ducks.

Whether it's braised or stir-fried, the flavor is unmatched–

Um... am I seriously considering culinary options?

Luke pursed his lips.

Contemplating Sirfetch'd's breeding direction, he weighed the options. Typically, Sirfetch'd plays the role of a space fighter.

However, its Speed Stat of 65 surpasses that of Sylveon. Utilizing a scarf or activating Tailwind opens up the possibility of a powerful attacking route.

With pre-set abilities like [Grassy Glide], it could execute memorable moves like the 'Leaf Blade.'

Equipped with exclusive items, Sirfetch'd boasts a strong crit rate.

Using the 'Leaf Blade' move with a 'crit rate +1' yields a 100% critical hit chance.

Combine this with Sirfetch'd's impressive base stat of 135–

"A full attack with a guaranteed critical hit. Do you approve of this Sirfetch'd?"

Luke couldn't help but shudder.

However.

Those concerns are now a thing of the past!

If scallion pancakes backstab me, I'd happily consume the Leek with dipping sauce on the spot!

"Jie jie~!"

Gengar, levitating beside Luke, stared at the Premier Ball on his waist, a sudden realization dawning.

"Jie jie~! (✪ω✪)"

Not to be outdone by a new teammate, Gengar is determined!

Under the encouragement of new companions, training will be conducted with full force!

...

The initial task upon returning home is to acquaint the newcomers with the environment.

For Teacher Luke, the ability to integrate into the larger family is deemed more important than sheer strength.

As it's commonly known, the influence of a scumbag is contagious.

"Now that Sirfetch'd is here, everyone's bound to get a bit lazy... right?"

Luke couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

Indoors, the little companions lined up in anticipation, ready to partake in the welcoming ceremony.

"Uirt~!" Squirtle's Water Gun stood at the ready, ensuring Ditto hasn't transformed!

"Kek ke ke ke~~ ~ヾ(●´∀｀●)" Togepi, with a small gift box in hand, shook it up and down eagerly.

Who's prepared? I am!

"This is our newest member."

Luke cleared his throat lightly: "An emergency ingredient from Galar... No, it's Sirfetch'd!"

A burst of white light enveloped Sirfetch'd, showcasing its shiny coat and Leek, exuding an uncommon martial heroism as it surveyed its surroundings.

In an instant, a bead of cold sweat trickled down Sirfetch'd's forehead.

"Gaga…((;꒪ꈊ꒪;))"

Hey, buddy, didn't we agree to be scumbags together?

Just look at your Pokémon—

That's what a scumbag Trainer should do!

"Ao wu ~(¯﹃¯)"

The robust Arcanine lowered its furry head, revealing a toothy grin in a friendly manner.

"Ka! =͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪‧̣̥̇)"

Despite the initial panic, the [Guts] Ability allowed Sirfetch'd to ignore the negative effects of intimidation.

With a peaceful nod, Sirfetch'd's duck feet stiffened.

Uh-oh. This isn't a place for scumbags to stay!

Without diligent training, there's a real risk of being gobbled up!

"May everyone have a great time getting along."

Luke nodded contentedly, pleased with the successful progression of the 'scumbag infects scumbag' plan.

Though it might be a bit tear-inducing, it's the noble virtue of a Knight.

Sirfetch'd then nodded politely to Arcanine: "Ka!"

Suddenly, a stream of water hit, transforming Sirfetch'd into a 'wet duck.'

Sirfetch'd looked bewildered: (⊙ˍ⊙)

Squirtle and Gengar burst into laughter: o(*≧▽≦)ツ

" Kek ke~~~(o゜▽゜)o☆

Togepi rolled around on the floor, lifted by Arcanine's paws, and rolled back again.

Even the usually proud Sylveon couldn't help but crack a smile.

"Hey?" Sirfetch'd shook off the water droplets, looking back at Luke.

"Our family's welcome ceremony."

Luke reluctantly explained with a smile: "It's a friendly expression!"

Is that so?

Sirfetch'd paused for a moment, then graciously put down Leek and weapons, tidying up its feathers with its beak before solemnly nodding.

"Ka!" (Thank you!)

...

The night falls into darkness.

Teacher Luke drifts into a sweet dream induced by Sylveon's soothing [Yawn].

"Boss, roll a Leek with scallion pancakes…"

Gengar lounges on Luke's bed, carefully pulling up a quilt and adjusting its corners to cover Teacher Luke.

"Jie jie~!" Gengar nodded with a self-satisfied expression.

"Ka!" The gallant scallion warrior, Leek in hand, displays an expression of unwavering devotion to righteousness.

Gengar's eyes gleam.

"Jie jie~?" (Are you joining in the training too?)

"Ka!" Sirfetch'd proudly waves Leek, lifting its head in a display of confidence.

No one understands training better than I do!

Gengar suddenly realizes and can't resist patting Sirfetch'd's green onion pole.

"Jie jie~! (￣▽￣)／"

Impressive as always, Sirfetch'd!

Despite its heroic appearance, Sirfetch'd is secretly flustered.

It steals a glance at the robust and imposing Arcanine by its side.

Sirfetch'd can't help but shudder.

What if it doesn't join the group... What if it truly gets eaten!

"Ka! (ㄒoㄒ)~~"

I just want to be a scumbag, really!