March 18th, Thursday, Sunny.
As temperatures gradually rose with the vibrant breath of spring, cherry blossoms bloomed across the mountains surrounding Masago Town. Lu Ye carried his backpack while calling the "Ice Cream Princess" to discuss his return to Kanto.
"You can stay at that villa in Goldenrod City," Cynthia said, resting her chin on one hand as golden hair cascaded across the desk. A beam of sunlight illuminated her delicate profile. "You already have the keys anyway."
"I won't be gone long," Lu Ye replied. "The filming should take about three or four days at most."
"Then let's vacation at Masago Beach afterward."
"But I still have work..."
"We can have Aaron cover for you," Lu Ye coughed. "It's not like he'll miss that little bit more hair..."
A faint smile curved Cynthia's lips as she propped her slender arm on the desk, fingers resting against her temple. "Then we'll meet in Eterna City."
"Swimsuit. Absolutely mandatory."
"!!!" Lu Ye's mind short-circuited for a full year.
Cynthia maintained her composed smile. She'd already considered booking the entire Masago Beach to ensure privacy. Lu Ye's flustered reaction only heightened her anticipation.
"Come back soon," Cynthia said.
A spark of anticipation kindled in Lu Ye's heart, light as willow catkins floating on a spring breeze, warm as the lakeside wind at three in the afternoon. But Cynthia's next words froze him in place.
"There's a research summit in early April we need to attend," Cynthia added with a smile.
"I never joined Professor Rowan's team though?"
"Not his team - my team. Just the two of us." Cynthia explained gently, "Those documents I had you translate earlier were actually part of this paper."
Realization dawned on Lu Ye. Cynthia had mentioned this before, but he hadn't paid attention at the time. Coincidentally, this summit seemed connected to that long-dormant system task he'd ignored.
With a strange expression, Lu Ye checked his mission list:
[Mission Objective: Win gold at the Canalave Research Summit]
[Reward: Gengarite*1]
So this was that mission! Wait... did Mengmengda just say she registered me for this summit?!
Lu Ye's face stiffened as he licked suddenly dry lips. Mega Evolution required perfect synchronization between trainer and Pokémon, channeling their bond into immense power. The tremendous mental and physical strain made sustained Mega Evolution impossible - more exhausting than entertaining ten wealthy socialites.
After Blastoise's single Mega Evolution last time, Lu Ye needed two weeks to recover. Given his bond with Haunter... one Mega Evolution might literally dehydrate him to death.
"Al-already registered?" Lu Ye stammered.
"The April summit should work with your schedule," Cynthia smiled.
Lu Ye forced a laugh. "Thanks for handling it... though I might not have time for more translations..."
"That's alright," Cynthia's eyes sparkled. "We've collected plenty of valuable case studies recently~"
Her research focused on Sinnoh's legendary Pokémon. Between the Unown ruins, the Twin Dragons legend, and Regigigas's awakening, they had more than enough material for gold medal consideration.
Lu Ye nodded slowly. Beating teams led by Professor Oak and other eminent researchers with just two people seemed impossible. But he fully supported Cynthia's academic ambitions.
Besides, the chances of actually winning the Gengarite were microscopic!
"Go for gold!" Lu Ye cheered with forced enthusiasm. "I believe in you!"
Cynthia smiled softly. "Mm~"
After hanging up, Lu Ye resumed packing for his Kanto trip to film Ash's music video. Locations included nostalgic landmarks like Pallet Town and Viridian City, featuring classic characters like Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny.
He'd already coordinated with Goldenrod's Nurse Joy and Celadon's Officer Jenny - the two professionals he knew best.
"That Celadon Officer Jenny was the one from the siege drill..." Lu Ye's eye twitched at the memory.
"And Goldenrod's Nurse Joy seems... slightly yandere?"
Impossible! No such thing as a black-bellied Nurse Joy, just like Teacher Lu would never use Ally Switch!
"Gengarrr~" Haunter slung a backpack over its shoulder while dragging a tiny suitcase, waving from the doorway.
"We're working, not vacationing!" Lu Ye scolded.
"Blastoise?" The tank Pokémon squatted with crossed arms around its water cannon, muscles bulging in question.
"No water cannons either!"
"Sylveon~" The Fairy-type rolled an exercise wheel between its front paws like a giant ball.
"...Fine, bring the wheel." Lu Ye sighed before messaging Ash in their group chat.
"Let's head out when you're ready."
"No problem, Pikachu and I are set~!"
"After filming," Gold rubbed his hands eagerly, "Can I come over for another meal?"
"Absolutely! You must come!" Lu Ye's enthusiastic invitation made Gold pause suspiciously.
This felt like a trap... but Teacher Lu's cooking made it an offer he couldn't refuse.
"Can we avoid filming at Vermilion Gym?" Lt. Surge pleaded. "It's only been three months since last renovation... some areas aren't finished..."
"Relax, we're filming, not demolishing," Lu Ye assured.
Sabrina's icy expression flickered with doubt. Last time he'd claimed they were just training, yet Goldenrod Gym still needed repairs! Hmph, men's words deceive like ghosts!
"If time permits, please visit Celadon University," Erika smiled. "The students miss you."
"Will do." Lu Ye felt unexpectedly touched. Without realizing, he'd accumulated so many roles - but "Teacher" remained his favorite.
This trip might also let him reclaim those UR cards he'd gifted students through some friendly PTCG matches...
After confirming arrangements with Professor Oak, Lu Ye boarded the flight to Kanto with Ash and Team Rocket. The trio bickered endlessly with Ash, sparks practically flying between them. Despite years of collaboration, their love-hate dynamic never changed.
Lu Ye nodded sagely. Team Rocket wasn't truly Team Rocket until Pikachu blasted them off! (Alola region excepted)
As night fell after the day-long flight, the plane descended upon familiar Goldenrod City. Neon lights wove between skyscrapers in the metropolis, the terminal's red lights blinking rhythmically.
"Tomorrow we film with Professor Oak, then battle sequences." Lu Ye checked his schedule, coughing at one entry: 'Date with Mengmengda (swimsuit)'. "We're on tight schedule - filming starts first thing tomorrow!"
"Absolutely! But I've prepared the script - just follow it." The original series' opening played in Lu Ye's mind - beyond Charizard and Pikachu's iconic appearances, one key team member stood out: the early-game workhorse later tragically "released" - Pidgeot.
Ash's original promise echoed: "I'll come back for you after my errand." Twenty years of anime later, Pidgeot still waited! The injustice nearly moved Lu Ye to tears.
This production presented the perfect opportunity to remind Ash of his neglected promise.
"Ash, we're filming an aerial battle tomorrow. First we're visiting Professor Oak's ranch."
Lu Ye gave Ash a meaningful look.
"We're going back... to get Pidgeot!"