Located on the outskirts of Yuhong City, the campus was vast and expansive.
In front of the main entrance lay a circular plaza, flags fluttering in the breeze. A few Pidove perched atop a fountain sculpture, drawing the eye upward to the grand and imposing school gate.
“The campus is divided into several sections—Medical School, Art School, Research Institute…”
As they walked, Erika explained, “The Trainer Academy isn’t here. I’ll take you there after we meet the principal.”
Lu Ye nodded, his gaze shifting toward a row of bronze statues in the distance.
“Each school builds statues to honor its distinguished alumni,” Erika replied. “That one belongs to the Business School—Zinnia Tzukihara’s statue.”
“And over at the more renowned Research Institute, you’ll find statues of Professor Oak, Professor Yamana, and others.”
“The Business School, maybe,” Lu Ye mused, stroking his chin. “But the Trainer Academy? No chance.”
“I was a Finance student, after all,” he shrugged.
Erika paused momentarily before realization struck—Lu Ye was the mastermind behind the massively successful Pokémon card game.
Achieving such remarkable success in both the Trainer and business world…
She lowered her gaze, deep in thought.
So this is what they call… a true all-rounder!
After arriving at the principal’s office, Lu Ye completed his employment paperwork.
Scanning the faculty list, he noticed several familiar names—Erika was a lecturer at the Trainer Academy, and Bill was teaching a communications course.
Like Lu Ye, they only taught a few classes per week, spending most of their time on their primary careers.
After a brief visit to the Research Institute, Bill, fresh out of class, grabbed Lu Ye and took him to the student cafeteria.
“Order whatever you want—it’s on me!” Bill grinned, waving his meal card.
“Hm?” Lu Ye sensed something off.
“Gengarrr?” Gengar rubbed its belly, its eyes gleaming with eerie light…
A few minutes later, under the bewildered stares of the students, Gengar licked its plate clean and silently gave a thumbs-up.
Bill, on the verge of tears, mumbled, “M-my card’s out of money… Let’s save the rest for next time.”
Lu Ye patted him on the shoulder. “Thanks, Bill!”
Bill scratched his head and chuckled.
Watching Gengar, he could see Lu Ye’s genuine love for Pokémon.
That was one of the reasons they got along so well.
“By the way, are you teaching at the Research Institute?” Bill asked.
“No, the Trainer Academy.”
“Ah… what a shame. I was hoping to discuss some academic theories with you.” Bill sighed dramatically.
Erika, however, looked at Lu Ye with newfound curiosity.
So… he’s also a researcher?
On top of being a Trainer, a Breeder, and a business prodigy…
It was getting harder and harder to figure out Lu-sensei’s true identity.
Bill suddenly remembered something. “Lu-sensei, if you have time, you should visit Professor Oak.”
“He’s a titan in the academic world and a spiritual leader for Trainers in Kanto.”
“Since you’re already here, it’d be a good opportunity.”
It was only polite to visit the honorary principal.
His classes wouldn’t start for another three days—plenty of time.
After parting ways, Erika returned to Yuhong Gym, and Bill headed toward the lighthouse near Vermilion City.
Lu Ye returned to his villa in Goldenrod City and opened the group chat.
To his surprise, before he could say anything, Green sent a message.
Green: Lu-sensei, are you free tomorrow? Professor Oak wants to meet you.
Gold: Huh? Why is Professor Oak looking for Lu-sensei?
Earlier that afternoon, after getting utterly wrecked by Red at Mt. Silver, Gold had temporarily switched off his ‘reckless mode’ and even used honorifics when referring to Professor Oak.
Brock: Trainers visiting a new region usually stop by to meet the local professor. It’s tradition.
Gold: But Professor Oak was the one who brought it up.
Gold rubbed his chin.
“Could it be… he’s taken an interest in Lu-sensei?!”
Silver: …Do your thought processes always work ?
Green’s expression turned odd.
“Well… technically, you’re not wrong.”
Everyone in the chat: ???
Green coughed. “Just come over tomorrow, and you’ll see.”
Pallet Town, Professor Oak’s Laboratory.
Green, hands in his pockets, strolled past the lab, glancing at the light shining through the windows.
He muttered to himself and pushed open the door.
Inside, the elderly Professor Oak, his hair now streaked with gray, stretched as he spotted Green.
“Oh, it’s you. Still up so late?”
“You’re the one who should be sleeping earlier.”
Green’s eyes flicked toward the desk, cluttered with various documents.
A bright red Pokédex stood out among them.
Oak chuckled. “At my age, a few hours of sleep is plenty. I’d rather spend the extra time working.”
He gestured for Green to come closer.
“Here, take a look at the new Pokédex I made!”
As Green approached, his own Pokédex vibrated in his pocket with a familiar ‘beep beep beep.’
“Another special edition?” Green asked in surprise.
Each year, Professor Oak distributed Pokédexes to Kanto’s new Trainers.
However, he had only ever personally crafted a handful of special edition ones.
These were reserved for Trainers who had earned the recognition of regional professors—those with exceptional skills.
For example, Red, known as the ‘Battle Legend,’ and Gold, known as the ‘Hatching Prodigy.’
Now, seeing yet another new special edition Pokédex, it was no wonder Green was surprised.
“Oh, I’ve got to keep up with the times!” Oak grinned.
“I added smartphone functions to this one—it’s an upgraded version of the previous models. I’ll be upgrading yours later, too.”
“You’ve already picked a Trainer to receive this?” Green asked.
The special edition Pokédex wasn’t just more accurate; it was a symbol of recognition.
Whether it represented courage, perseverance, or an unyielding spirit akin to gold—
Red, one of the previous recipients, was a perfect example of these values.
To preserve this legacy, Professor Oak was incredibly selective about who received one.
Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“I originally wanted to give it to Ash, but he left in such a hurry… and with the Lily of the Valley Conference coming up, I didn’t want to disturb him.”
Green pondered for a moment before nodding.
“…I do have a candidate in mind.”
Oak looked intrigued. “Which region is the Trainer from?”
Green took out his phone and scrolled through the chat.
“He’s already in Kanto… and with his skills, I’d say he’s more than qualified for your Pokédex.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Oak nodded, then smiled.
“Hearing you talk about him … now I’m actually looking forward to meeting him!”