On Friday, November 9, Luke was abruptly awakened by a series of howls.
"ao wu ~~ao wu ~~"
The persistent and intermittent howling prevented any possibility of peaceful sleep, prompting Luke to angrily rise from his bed and affectionately rub Growlithe's head.
"ao wu? (O_o)" Growlithe opened its eyes, suddenly realizing the cause of its master's displeasure.
It must be that its moves were not proficient enough, resulting in the master's frustration. Training needed to continue to master the moves as quickly as possible.
"ao wu! (｀0´)" Growlithe responded with even more vigorous howls.
Fortunately, the private villa, coupled with efficient sound insulation, prevented the disturbance from reaching other residents.
Luke, however, found himself appreciating the value of the "mute function" in the group.
In the Pokémon world, items similar to a 'mouthball' (fog) exist. For instance, after Machamp employs 'Throat Chop,' it can prevent opponents from using voice moves.
Lowering his head, Luke gazed at Growlithe, lost in thought. Sensing Luke's gaze, Growlithe smiled innocently: (◑▽◐)
Today's schedule primarily involved bidding farewell to some friends.
Expressing gratitude for everyone's care was deemed appropriate.
Sister Liu, the landlord, expressed sadness upon learning of Luke's move to Kanto.
"Haven't you considered staying a bit longer?" Sister Liu inquired. "We can discuss the rent again."
Luke forced a smile. Rent was not the issue; he feared the house might not withstand the pressure.
Seeing Luke's determination to leave, Sister Liu reluctantly accepted it, saying, "Well, we'll keep this house for you. Whenever you return is fine."
"The rent..." she hesitated.
"It's just a small amount, no more."
The captain of the renovation company and others shared their sentiments, expressing sorrow at Luke's departure.
The neighborhood committee aunt worried about the future prevention of wandering Meowth, while the security guard uncle lamented the potential lack of valuable material in the security diary.
Tears streamed down the face of the interior decoration team leader, mourning the loss of a major customer.
This departure was indeed a significant loss!
In addition to Teacher Luke, Gengar also had its social circle. Giving Luke a meaningful look, Gengar gestured toward the house.
"Let's go, let's head over there," Luke suggested with a smile.
"Jie jie~!" Gengar, too, had sentimental feelings for the 'Taurus Club.'
From initial training to taking on the role of coach and then becoming a manager, the club was where Gengar took steps toward becoming stronger.
In essence, without this club, Teacher Luke's life might have been different.
Entering the club with Gengar, they received news of Gengar's departure. The little sister at the front desk appeared disheartened.
"What's happening?" Luke inquired, observing the prevailing gloom.
"The boss ran away with his sister-in-law," the little sister sighed. "We have no choice but to close the doors and go out of business."
Besides the stringent audits, the daily repair costs were also draining. Unable to make ends meet due to a sluggish market, the boss fled without taking any equipment.
Luke found the situation strangely reminiscent of some gym bosses' styles. However, the club's facilities were quite comprehensive.
Rather than reopening, taking over a registered and compliant training club seemed like a more practical option.
Luke looked down at Gengar, who responded with a tearful look.
"Jie jie~! (இωஇ)" Gengar raised its head with tear-filled eyes.
After a moment of contemplation, Luke called Matori.
"Equipped with corresponding facilities, the transfer fee is about 3 million yuan."
Matori, curious, asked, "Are you planning to establish a training venue?"
"It's not me; it's for Gengar."
Matori was puzzled.
Luke then called Oleana and discussed taking over the training venue. After contemplating it, Oleana nodded and stated:
"Training venues... are indeed a hot investment project right now."
Analyzing the 'Taurus Club's' situation, Oleana reported to Luke, "With an injection of liquid capital, the benefits are considerable. There's even a probability of starting chain brands in the future."
Excitedly, Oleana said, "Where did you find this venue?"
Luke hesitated for a moment and replied with a peculiar expression, "You don't need to ask more!"
Oleana nodded thoughtfully.
Hang up the phone, Luke touched his chin.
A mere 3 million wasn't a significant issue. With the thriving sales of games and cards, making it back was only a matter of time. This could also be considered the first step of Poké Company's investment in the industrial field.
Comforting the dejected Gengar, Luke reassured, "Don't panic; I have a plan."
"Jie jie~?"
...
On that night, the training venue underwent a rebirth.
Matori and Oleana, two world-class management talents, successfully revitalized the club within a single afternoon.
Xena and the receptionist were wide-eyed in surprise.
"We... don't need to find new jobs?" Xena wondered.
"wu wu wu... Coach Gengar!ﾍ(;´Д｀ﾍ)" The little sister at the front desk exclaimed.
The construction team leader, full of respect, said, "I didn't expect that, in the end, it was thanks to your orders!"
Luke responded humbly, "You're too kind."
Despite incurring another loan in the investment battlefield, the gradual development of the company's business was not a bad thing. The deficit in economics could potentially stimulate consumption growth, reflecting the current situation for Teacher Luke.
With the situation resolved, Gengar ascended to the position of the battle arena's boss, marking another promotion in its title. Having saved the stadium from crisis, Gengar once again became the hero in everyone's hearts.
Luke smiled slightly, satisfied with how everything unfolded.
As the gentle evening breeze swept through, Gengar affectionately licked Luke and expressed its happiness.
"Shut up!" Luke playfully scolded.
"jie jie~ !o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
Levitating above Teacher Luke's head, Gengar bared its teeth, gazing at the starlit sky.
After renovating the battlefields and purchasing numerous pieces of equipment, was it all for the purpose of enhancing training upon returning to Magic City in the future?
The master's intentions had been conveyed.
Upon returning home, Luke accessed the chat group.
Red: Is Teacher Luke arriving in Kanto tomorrow?
Teacher Luke: Your memory is mistaken; it's the day after tomorrow.
Erika chimed in with a smile, "It's tomorrow at two in the afternoon. If you both want to spar, you can use Celadon City's Gym."
A bead of sweat formed on Luke's forehead.
Red smiled slightly, "No... I plan to train on Mt. Silver for a while."
Luke felt a sense of relief.
However, Red's next statement altered Luke's expression.
"After the training, I'll come and challenge Teacher Luke again!"
Sabrina, as expected, stated, "Saffron City? I'll pick you up."
Erika smiled slightly, suggesting, "If you're employed at Celadon, it might be better for a young lady to guide the way."
Yellow from Viridian Forest added, "Alright, I'm also in Saffron City. I'll come tomorrow too!"
Luke found it amusing.
Was it really this grand?
With so many people volunteering to pick him up, could Cynthia also...
"Om——"
His thoughts were interrupted by an incoming call.
Teacher Luke's mouth fell open.
Cynthia: "What time tomorrow."
Luke stammered, "At two o'clock in the afternoon, Saffron City Airport."
Cynthia: "Okay."
The calls continued.
After Cynthia, Matori called.
"Mentor, I'll send someone to greet you tomorrow."
Luke's expression changed slightly, "This really isn't necessary. I'm afraid you'll be exposed!"
"You don't need to worry about that," Matori assured. "Those three fools may not be good at many things, but their skills in running away are top-notch."
What on earth?
Are Meowth, Jessie, and James coming too?!
"Om–"
The phone rang again.
Luke's forehead bore a bead of sweat.
"Is this never-ending?" he muttered.
On the other end was Interpol's Codenamed 'Looker.'
The Looker laughed heartily, "Mr. Luke, I heard in the live broadcast room. What time is your flight tomorrow?"
Luke found it amusing, "Please, there's really no need to pick me up at the airport!"
"How can that be!" The Looker grinned. "Don't underestimate Interpol! Tomorrow is a big day, and I'll be waiting for you too!"
Your words sound like you're coming to arrest me!
Finally, the calls ceased.
Luke sat on the sofa, counting the characters who might be present tomorrow...
"Gengar, lend me your finger!"
"jie jie~?"
On the day before leaving.
Group chat owner, Team Rocket's top executive, Interpol police;
the pioneer of medical reform, the founder of 'siege' tactics, and Cynthia's date
Teacher Luke gazed up at the sky.
Enough thinking.
The evening breeze was gentle.
Luke and his little companions lay on the balcony, basking in the soothing evening breeze.
"Let me savor this moment," Luke muttered.
The starlight tonight was exceptionally brilliant.
Upon returning, Luke observed everything along the way.
Gengar levitated in midair, counting the stars with its small hands.
Togepi lay on Teacher Luke's head, peacefully napping.
Squirtle guarded the surroundings, vigilant against potential threats.
Growlithe appeared dazed.
The breeze gently moved Sylveon's ribbon.
"vui~ o(´^｀)o"
For some reason, Sylveon snorted lightly.
Luke snapped out of his reverie, looking around.
In just six months.
From living alone to conquering five Pokémon.
It seemed like a lot had happened, yet it all passed in the blink of an eye.
Starlight sprinkled over Teacher Luke's handsome face.
A gentle smile slowly appeared.
"Everyone."
"Let us embark on a new journey!"