"If you're going to battle, I'll referee."
The homeroom teacher did not stop them.
He wanted to see Gu Qiu's true level.
Something about this student never felt simple.
"Battle begins!"
Although Froakie had a type advantage over Torchic, not many students favored Gu Qiu.
Everyone knew the situation.
Yu Hao had owned Torchic for three days.
He had already trained Torchic and built coordination. Gu Qiu, on the other hand, had just received Froakie—a fresh partner with no experience together.
On paper, Yu Hao had the advantage.
"Torchic!" Yu Hao shouted confidently.
"Use your level advantage! Close the distance—Scratch!"
Starter Pokémon didn't have many moves, and this wasn't a game—moves required real training.
Even with a TM, learning took time.
Only through repeated practice could skills stabilize.
Gu Qiu's Pika-Itachi had so many techniques because of long-term cultivation and divine-level aptitude.
Early-stage battles were mostly about base stats and fundamentals.
Gu Qiu remained calm.
"Froakie."
"Use Growl. Lower its Attack."
"Then Quick Attack."
He had no intention of dragging this out.
End it fast, collect the reward, and leave.
Protean activated instantly.
Growl echoed sharply.
Torchic's momentum faltered mid-charge.
Its attack aura visibly weakened.
Before it could recover—
Froakie flashed forward.
Quick Attack—its type shifted instantly, speed spiked, and the impact landed.
Bang!
Torchic was sent flying.
Yu Hao froze.
That was far too fast.
"Torchic! Get up!"
"You can't lose! You're higher level!"
Torchic struggled to stand.
Stubborn.
Gu Qiu's eyes showed faint appreciation.
Good spirit—wrong trainer.
"Froakie."
"Bubble."
Its type shifted again to Water, boosting the attack.
Dozens of water spheres shot forward—
Direct hit.
Torchic screamed, collapsed, its eyes spiraling—the battle was over.
"Torchic is unable to battle."
"Winner: Gu Qiu."
Silence—then an eruption.
"That was instant!"
"He completely controlled the rhythm!"
"Was that ability just now?"
[Froakie defeated Torchic.]
[Gained 47 EXP.]
[Level Up → Level 7.]
[Ding!]
[Mission Complete.]
[Reward: 1,000 Chakra + 100,000 Poké-dollars.]
Warm energy surged through Gu Qiu's body.
His chakra increased, and his funds were replenished.
One hundred thousand Poké-dollars may seem small.
But in early development?
It was fuel.
And now—
With two Pokémon—
Expenses would skyrocket.
Energy cubes, training supplies, recovery sprays—money burned fast.
If he wanted rapid growth—
He would have to travel, hunt, capture mid-grade Pokémon, and sell them to the Pokémon Center for resources.
Previously, he avoided doing that.
Because he was underage.
Because he didn't want to expose Pika-Itachi.
Pokémon Center data wasn't absolutely secret—an ordinary citizen's records were easy to check.
But now—
Froakie was legitimate.
A clean origin meant no major faction would target him over a High-Grade Froakie.
It was time to move.
"I lost…"
Yu Hao stood pale.
No one paid attention anymore—the crowd had already shifted.
"Boss! That was insane!"
Fatty Luo Yi rushed over.
"My admiration flows like a river—like—"
"Stop."
Gu Qiu cut him off.
Better to stop him before hearing something disgusting.
Serena walked up, smiling brightly.
"You were amazing."
Her happiness was genuine.
As if she had won herself.
Above, in the viewing corridor—
Kona's eyes shimmered slightly.
"Interesting."
His timing still showed some immaturity.
But—
He had just partnered with Froakie.
Even if she used that Froakie herself, the result might not be much cleaner.
"This boy isn't from a major family," the principal said softly.
Kona smiled faintly.
"You still care about me, Teacher."
"You know the League isn't as simple as it looks."
"Recruit him?" the principal asked quietly.
Kona shook her head.
"Not yet."
"Let him grow."
Then she began walking toward the field.