“Gym Leader, calm down, Gym Leader!” “You just got beaten, that’s all! Even Sabrina from next door lost too!” “Even though their Trainer didn’t step in, at least you held your ground in terms of presence!”
Inside the Saffron Gym, the Karate Master was sobbing while clutching a white sash, and his apprentices hurried to stop him.
He had only meant to put on a symbolic gesture of defeat. But hearing his apprentices’ words, he was instantly overwhelmed with grief.
First, he lost to that little girl from the neighboring Gym. And now, he couldn’t even beat a Sylveon. Even if it was a type disadvantage… it was just too humiliating!
“Don’t stop me! Anyone who tries gets a chop from me!” the Karate Master choked out.
“There’s no need to be so hard on yourself.” Bea stood up and said, “As far as I know, that Pokémon belongs to a master from Donghuang.”
“In fact… he might even be Champion-level,” Bea said seriously.
The Karate Master froze. A Champion’s Pokémon? Then losing didn’t seem that disgraceful anymore!
“Ahem… I’ve made a fool of myself.” The Karate Master composed himself and cleared his throat. “If it’s a challenge, please come back another day!”
The P1 Grand Prix was a large-scale tournament for Fighting-type Pokémon, though it wasn’t limited strictly to the Fighting type. Pokémon like Feraligatr or Snorlax—who excelled in close-quarters combat or sumo-style moves—could also participate.
Among the belt holders, greats like Bruno from Kanto and Marshal from Unova had once emerged. As such, for countless martial artists, the P1 Championship Belt was the ultimate glory.
Having witnessed Bea’s battle firsthand, the Karate Master sighed with admiration: “With your strength, winning the lightweight division’s championship belt should be a piece of cake.”
But Bea shook her head. “Compared to Teacher Lu, I still have a long way to go.”
“Teacher Lu?” “You mean the Trainer of that Sylveon just now.”
Bea fell into thought, frowning slightly. “The way it incorporated grappling techniques into its ribbon attacks…”
Teacher Lu… no wonder Master A’Si acknowledges him as a true Fighting-type expert…
Upon hearing that, the Karate Master suddenly had a revelation. So that’s what it was—grappling! No wonder I lost to that Sylveon!
“Well then, I won’t trouble you further.” Bea clasped her hands and said goodbye. “Once the P1 Grand Prix begins, I’ll come seek your guidance again!”
Just then, the Gym doors opened once more. The two of them turned toward the uninvited guest.
Bea’s pupils shrank. “Teacher Lu?!”
“T-This is…” The Karate Master stammered as he looked at the figure before him.
A Fighting-type expert, Champion-level Trainer? He looked way too young!
The handsome young man gave an apologetic smile. “Sorry… my Sylveon caused you trouble.”
“N-No trouble at all!” The Karate Master’s head shook like a rattle drum. “I was thrilled to have it challenge the Gym!”
Lu Ye paused in surprise. Well, well… just like Gym Leader Tang, another one with a masochist streak?
On the other side, Bea was doing her best to control her shaky breathing, her little fists clenched tight. But… this was her idol, the one she dreamed of meeting day and night—how could she not be excited!?
“T-Teacher Lu!” Bea’s voice was dry as she suddenly bowed at a 90-degree angle. “It’s an honor to meet you!”
Lu Ye was startled. We’re not even acquaintances… why such a formal bow?
But as he looked more closely, Lu Ye realized this dark-skinned girl looked familiar. Gray hair tied back with a headband of orange and black, bare feet showing off her strong calves and well-defined Achilles tendons…
Bea—the Fighting prodigy from Galar. Judging by the timeline, she was indeed still training in martial arts.
He hadn’t expected to meet her here. Lu Ye asked curiously: “You’re here… to challenge the Gym?”
Caught off guard by the question, Bea’s face tensed up, and even her dark skin showed a faint blush. “I’m preparing for the P1 Grand Prix in Kanto… so I came here to train…” Bea mumbled shyly.
Lu Ye had a bit of an impression of the P1 Grand Prix. Ash’s Primeape had been released because of that tournament.
Also, Ash’s Snorlax was a sumo specialist, with impressive showings in various martial arts competitions.
“I see.” Lu Ye nodded but didn’t think too much of it. This trip was mainly to follow up on Sylveon’s mess.
Lu Ye asked, “Gym Leader… do I need to pay for treatment?”
“Injuries are part of battle—how could we let you cover the cost?” the Gym Leader shook his head.
Lu Ye had a complicated look. I’m mainly worried that this little thing is going to come back and kick your Gym’s *ss every other day…
“Teacher Lu.” Standing nearby, Bea suddenly gathered her courage and asked: “Will you be entering the P1 Grand Prix?”
During lightweight training sessions, Bea had witnessed Teacher Lu’s incredible insight into Fighting-types. Even Master A’Si and Green had praised him highly.
If… if she could battle him in the P1 Grand Prix, it would definitely be a major breakthrough!
Lu Ye hesitated briefly, then shook his head. “I think I’ll pass…”
He didn’t even have any Fighting-type Pokémon. He probably didn’t even meet the entry requirements.
Bea let out a regretful sigh. As expected… with Teacher Lu’s strength, he probably sees this kind of tournament as beneath him…
In the end, the Gym Leader didn’t accept the compensation Lu Ye offered.
“If Sylveon wants to come by, it’s always welcome to challenge the Gym.” The Karate Master then tried inviting him: “There’s one more thing…” “I wonder if you’d be willing to take on the role of honorary instructor for this Gym?”
Before Lu Ye could respond, he quickly added, “I know it’s an unreasonable request for someone like you.” “You just need to lend your name… or, your Pokémon can represent you instead!”
Lu Ye’s expression turned odd. There are only two Gyms in Saffron City… And now Gengar and Sylveon are about to run one each?
But Lu Ye knew Sylveon’s personality. It might be fine with power leveling, but being a coach? That’d be pushing it.
Lu Ye politely declined, “I’m already employed elsewhere… It wouldn’t be convenient.”
The Karate Master didn’t insist and smiled, “If you ever want to come give some guidance, you’re always welcome!”
Lu Ye sighed. You said it, Gym Leader… Whatever Sylveon does next, I’m not taking responsibility!
With everything wrapped up, Sylveon unlocked a brand-new dungeon. Lu Ye finally let out a breath of relief and stepped out of the Gym—only to find Bea still following him.
“What are you doing?” Lu Ye blinked in confusion.
Bea clenched her teeth, looking utterly mortified, and gave a deep bow. “I—I want to ask you… to be my master!”
“Bye now!” Lu Ye waved and walked off.
Mentor Bea? This humanoid female Machamp?! You’re already punching it out with Machamps—what do you need me for!?
By the time Bea raised her head, Teacher Lu was already gone. The dark-skinned girl looked both disappointed and relieved.
Saying something so blunt… really was just too embarrassing!
Taking a deep breath, Bea’s eyes hardened with determination. She clenched her fists. If I can win the P1 Grand Prix and show Teacher Lu my dedication… Then maybe—just maybe—he’ll say yes!