Kanto Region, Yuhong University
A dignified woman stood in a refined kimono adorned with blooming floral patterns. A cherry blossom hairpin rested delicately in her neatly styled short hair.
"Professor Erika," a faculty member called out. "Tomorrow is the Grass-Type Specialist Tournament, isn’t it? Aren’t you one of the judges?"
"Yes," Erika replied softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I plan to finish today’s classes and depart tomorrow."
As the Grass-Type Gym Leader of Yuhong City, Erika also served as a professor at Yuhong University.
Renowned for her expertise in flower arrangement, perfumery, and battle strategy, she also excelled in archery and tea ceremony. Erika embodied the poise and resilience of a Yamato Nadeshiko, earning respect as a trainer of both virtue and talent.
"This afternoon’s class is on Grass-type moves and counters, correct?"
"That’s right." Erika smiled gently. "Recently, some students showed interest in Plants vs. Zombies, so I added it to the curriculum."
"Wait… isn’t that a game?"
She had tried the game herself after seeing Cynthia’s promotion on Twitter. The creator seemed fond of Grass-type Pokémon, turning that passion into a tower defense game. The inclusion of move effects and type advantages, though basic, was a rare educational touch.
Erika had also heard about the game’s creator—a tactical genius endorsed by Red, claiming to be a sophomore, and known for crafting devious strategies as an indie game developer.
Wearing her wooden clogs, Erika gracefully exited the office with a soft smile.
Yuhong University planned to add simulated battles to its trainer school’s curriculum next year.
Given the growing reputation of "Teacher Lu" in the field, inviting him seemed a promising idea.
"But first… I must evaluate his true abilities." Erika chuckled softly.
"Teacher Lu… surely won’t disappoint."
After completing her day’s lectures, Erika boarded a plane to Sinnoh to serve as a judge for the Grass-Type Specialist Tournament.
The tournament, spanning three days, had reached its final match.
Seated on the judges' panel, Erika spoke quietly to the elderly man beside her, who wore a round hat and had a kindly smile.
"Tsai So and Galar’s Milo are the final contenders."
The elderly man, a Grass-type Gym Leader from Kalos known as "The Ever-Blooming Tree," nodded sagely.
"Milo is strong, but without Gigantamax, I believe Tsai So has the upper hand."
On the battlefield, the orange-haired girl faced off against a towering man. Their Pokémon, Shroomish and Appletun, clashed fiercely.
"Shroomish, use Protect!" Tsai So commanded.
Shroomish blocked the Dragon Pulse, its body faintly glowing purple as its Toxic Orb activated. With the aid of two Substitutes, it launched rapid Mach Punches in tandem.
The elderly man’s eyes sparkled. "She’s mastered Poison Heal perfectly."
Erika smiled. "With the help of Substitutes, the Toxic Orb’s effects are now manageable. Tsai So has made significant progress."
Without Gigantamax, Milo ultimately lost. Scratching his head, he laughed. "I lost."
Relieved, Tsai So’s eyes welled with emotion.
Without Teacher Lu’s inspiration, I wouldn’t have rediscovered the Poison Heal strategy!
She took a photo with the trophy and uploaded it to the group chat.
Tsai So: I won! Thank you, Teacher Lu, for your guidance! [Picture]
Lu Ye scratched his head.
How is your championship even remotely related to me?
I’d probably lose to the gatekeeper of that tournament!
Still, he typed a reply of encouragement.
Lu Ye: Keep up the good work.
Erika approached the excited Tsai So, patting her on the shoulder with a warm smile.
"Your progress is evident to everyone. Don’t underestimate yourself."
Tsai So nodded, then suddenly asked, "Professor Erika, is it true that the trainer school will add simulated battle courses?"
"Yes," Erika nodded lightly, smiling. "Do you have someone to recommend?"
"I recommend Teacher Lu! He’s a trainer from Donghuang, with skills at least on par with a Master-level!"
Erika paused, then chuckled.
Teacher Lu was already on their shortlist.
Tsai So’s endorsement only reinforced his standing.
"He’s in Modu City, isn’t he?" Erika asked with a smile.
"Next week, I’ll negotiate with the Modu Association to personally invite him."
"You’re going there in person?" Tsai So exclaimed.
Erika nodded. "For outstanding talent, a personal invitation shows respect."
She winked playfully.
"Besides, it counts as a paid vacation!"
That’s the real reason, isn’t it, Professor Erika?
Still, Tsai So thought, as expected of Teacher Lu. Even Yuhong University, a haven for trainers, was willing to send a professor to invite him personally!
Back in Modu City, Lu Ye shared his concept for Gold Miner with Liang Dayou.
Liang was puzzled. "So, it just uses arrow keys? Isn’t that too simple?"
"The simpler a game, the easier it is to become popular!" Lu Ye shook his head. "Picture this—you and your girlfriend, each at half a computer, playing together…"
"Oh, wait." Lu Ye slapped his forehead. "You don’t have a girlfriend."
"Anyway, I’ll follow your idea and try coding," Liang grumbled. Then, as if struck by an idea, he said,
"Lu, I think we need to hire more help!"
While officially called "Pokémon Studio," their team consisted of just two people. Outsourcing artwork wasn’t sustainable, and they needed a dedicated team for promotion and design.
Lu Ye nodded. "I’ll consult a headhunting agency. I can handle the promotion; the priority is finding a solid artist."
Art style could make or break a game. Lu Ye planned to hire a skilled artist carefully.
That afternoon, he visited a headhunting agency in Modu City, explaining his needs.
When he handed over his business card, the agency’s owner became unexpectedly accommodating, personally escorting him to the door.
Confused, Lu Ye soon received a call from Jun’ō.
"The agency owner used to be a Team Rocket intelligence agent," she said flatly. "Rocket’s reach has always extended to talent markets."
You’re openly admitting this?!
"Of course," Jun’ō continued, "they’ll charge a fee but will recommend suitable candidates. I’ve heard of a trainer in Modu with excellent artistic skills. She won’t disappoint."
Looking skyward, Lu Ye sighed.
Only Team Rocket could transition so seamlessly from criminal operations to running a headhunting agency.
"Oh, and I heard traditional medicine helps with foo—"
Before he could finish, Jun’ō hung up, clearly embarrassed.
"Touchy topic." Lu Ye smirked, pocketing his phone.
Still, when it came to talent, Jun’ō’s recommendations were probably reliable.
After all, Team Rocket members—like their infamous trio—were multiskilled in the most bizarre ways.