November 22, Sunday, with a light dusting of snow.
Situated on a spacious island in the southern part of Kanto, Cinnabar Island boasts natural live Volcano and hot springs, earning it a prominent spot in Kanto's "Most Worth Sightseeing Spots" brochure.
The sea breeze blows in as Wingull gracefully flaps its wings over the azure sea.
Luke sets aside the sightseeing manual and stands on the deck, gazing into the distance. The small island of Verdanturf is faintly visible on the horizon.
Buzzing—
Red: Teacher Luke, Yellow and I have already arrived at Cinnabar Island!
Upon reading Red's message, Teacher Luke is surprised.
Flying Pokémon do have their advantages, don't they?
Don't rely on me to be an emotional mentor!
That said... Red seems to handle Ashura quite well.
Luke reflects for a moment, glancing at Sylveon with its snow-white fur, the ribbon fluttering in the sea breeze. The blue eyes reveal a sense of anticipation.
The ship lets out a long whistle, signaling the departure of the tourists.
Luke pats Sylveon's little head, smiling faintly.
"Let's go, time to head to the hot springs!"
"Bu, vui~ ~⁄(⁄⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄⁄)⁄"
Despite the arrival of winter, the temperature on Cinnabar Island, home to an active volcano, remains relatively warm.
As they reach the harbor, numerous hotel attendants holding signs compete for guests' attention.
On both sides, there are sightseeing shops, with tourists donning kimonos and Alola shirts strolling by.
With his suitcase in tow, Teacher Luke walks gracefully alongside Sylveon, the ribbon gently wrapping around his arm. Gengar and Squirtle, sporting sunglasses and floral shirts, follow closely.
Ahead, Growlithe excitedly carries Togepi, running in the wrong direction.
"Oops, wrong way, the resort is over there!"
"Ao wu ~"
While Cinnabar Island boasts several resort hotels, including those controlled by Team Rocket, Teacher Luke has made arrangements to meet Red at a secluded hot spring resort on the outskirts of town.
Before him lies a row of simple wooden bungalows.
"Pika ~~"
Upon opening the curtain in the hotel lobby, two Pikachu engage in a playful scuffle, their genders discernible from their tails.
As Teacher Luke observes curiously, a call from Yellow of Viridian Forest reaches his ears.
"Teacher Luke, over here!"
Yellow has changed into a light-colored bathrobe, her ponytail cascading down. She seems a bit uncomfortable in this attire, displaying a hint of shyness.
Beside her, a black-haired youth in dark clothing extends his hand with a smile.
"Teacher Luke, nice to meet you."
Luke is momentarily taken aback, suddenly realizing that this is the legendary Trainer, Red—the Fighter.
Although Teacher Luke and Yellow have crossed paths before, this marks their first encounter with Red.
While Red does not don the classic red and white outfit, opting instead for a bathrobe similar to Yellow's, a closer look reveals warmth in his black eyes, tempered by a hint of reserve.
Luke shakes hands with a sense of awe.
"Senior Red, I've admired you for a long time!"
In just one year since his debut, Red has cleared Team Rocket, defeated the Elite Four, and claimed the title of Kanto Champion—a protagonist with unparalleled achievements. Even Ash would have to bow down.
Despite a wrist injury forcing Red to withdraw from the world competition in recent years, he remains a legendary Trainer globally recognized for his skill.
As Luke gazes at Red, Red reciprocates the scrutiny.
From the original Substitute-Toxic-Protect-Paralysis to the more recent Hypnosis Tactics, Teacher Luke has demonstrated the ability to compete with Elite players.
Drawing against Dragon Tamer Lance in regular matches and defeating Professor Oak in undifferentiated matches, Teacher Luke's strength and accomplishments befit the title of Pokédex holder.
This realization fosters a sense of camaraderie between Red and Teacher Luke.
"Just call me Red."
Red scratches his head, smiling like a carefree boy.
"By the way, I owe you a big thank you for this trip, Teacher Luke."
"Oh, thank me for what?"
Luke looks at Red, who chuckles.
"Ah, those are just small matters."
Luke inwardly sighs, realizing he can't spill the beans: "I came all the way to Cinnabar Island... I must be causing you trouble."
"Nah, it's just minor stuff."
Luke grumbles, reluctant to reveal that he came for some leisurely spectating.
"I just happened to be passing through Cinnabar Island!"
Yellow of Viridian Forest blinks: "Teacher Luke came to Cinnabar Island... isn't that important enough?"
Red ponders for a moment before exclaiming, "Oh!"
"I bet you're here to challenge Mr. Blaine, right?"
Having heard about Teacher Luke's challenge to the Kanto Alliance, Red quickly picked up on it.
For Trainers and Gym Leaders of Teacher Luke's caliber, facing off at full strength is an expected part of the competition.
Contemplating a showdown with Mr. Blaine...
Images of Mewtwo and Entei flash through Red's mind, and a grin breaks across his face.
Teacher Luke... must be brimming with confidence in his own abilities!
Luke is taken aback, his expression growing peculiar.
Challenge Blaine?
In the special chapter, Blaine has a close connection with Mewtwo and Entei.
If he brings out the big guns, like Mewtwo, then it could be game over!
"Never mind the Gym challenge..."
Luke clears his throat: "I just wanted to enjoy the hot springs, you know."
"Mr. Blaine seems to be unavailable at the moment."
Yellow of Viridian Forest chimes in: "He asked us to come to the hot springs here first and didn't specify when we can meet him."
Red adds, "Maybe he's busy with his studies. Let's not bother Mr. Blaine."
Yellow of Viridian Forest nods obediently, turns to Luke, and earnestly says:
"Teacher Luke, if you have other important matters, you can leave us alone. I'll take good care of Senior Red!"
You clearly want to get rid of me!
Internally grumbling, Luke had no intention of being a constant third wheel.
Embarking on a trip with his companions and enjoying a hot spring in passing—it seemed like a worthwhile excursion.
"After the hot spring, I'll attend to my personal matters."
Luke looked at the two of them. "What are your plans for the next steps?"
The two casually exchanged glances.
Red probed, "Shall we go find a Gym and train Pokémon?"
Teacher Luke:...
What kind of question is that?
You're out here to enjoy the hot springs with your friend, and you're thinking about training Pokémon?
Aren't Pokémon the ones doing the training?
"I noticed there's an open-air cinema in town for the evening."
Teacher Luke subtly hinted, "After the show, we can return, soak in the hot springs, and maybe grab a late supper or something... what do you two think?"
"Teacher Luke is going to the movies with me?" Red exclaimed.
"Pika!"
In the hot spring hall, Pikachu, engrossed in play, fell to the floor.
The master's emotional intelligence... leaves much to be desired!
Luke was also a bit at a loss.
Perhaps I need to be more straightforward...
"I won't go; you and Yellow can go. I have to, well..."
Teacher Luke frowned, pondering, when suddenly his eyes lit up.
"I have a Gym battle to attend to. It's not convenient for others to observe the match!"
He found a decent excuse.
Teacher Luke couldn't help but give himself a mental pat on the back.
This might be... the legendary quick wit in an emergency?
"Really." Red nodded understandingly.
Some Trainers prefer not to have spectators due to their tactics or command style, especially in personal challenges like Gym battles, where they might reveal a strategy intended for the game.
It's also considered impolite to watch someone else's battles without permission.
"Then, I won't trouble Teacher Luke."
Red smiled. "After the hot springs, Pikachu and I will head to town to catch a movie."
Teacher Luke & Yellow of Viridian Forest:? ? ?
Fortunately, The Fighter's emotional intelligence is always evident in crucial moments.
Seeing Red turning around, he added, "Yellow, shall we go together?"
Yellow of Viridian Forest blushed, cuffs twisted, looking like a bashful chicken pecking at rice, she nodded.
"Um... okay."
As Teacher Luke breathed a sigh of relief, Red looked outside.
"Anyway... before the sun sets, there's still some time."
Red stretched his wrists, smiling.
"Teacher Luke, let's have a battle!"
"Huh?!"
Despite the friendly smile, Red's eyes conveyed a strong eagerness for a battle.
If it weren't for the red and white suit, Luke would have suspected Red was about to perform the iconic "holding the hat" action.
Fortunately, Teacher Luke is professionally trained, manages to calm down, and is about to decline.
Yellow exclaimed, "No!"
"Huh?" Red's expression paused for a moment.
"Senior, you're an adult; why don't you take care of yourself!"
Yellow puffed up like a hamster, panting with indignation.
"I came out this time specifically to heal my injuries. Playing a match with Teacher Luke might aggravate my old injury!"
Inflict harm on Red and trigger an old injury?
Luke opened his mouth.
So, Red doesn't need to do anything—just let Pikachu battle, and I might still end up being defeated.
Unexpectedly, Red furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
"Yes..."
Red is aware of Teacher Luke's strength.
Engaging in a battle might prompt him to ignore his old wounds and fight at full strength. But this way... the purpose of healing on this trip to Cinnabar Island becomes meaningless.
"So I said!"
Yellow of Viridian Forest reiterated, "Senior Red, you disregard everything when you run into a rival."
"It's better to focus on recuperation. Wait until you're fully recovered, then invite Teacher Luke to a battle!"
After a moment of contemplation, Red sighed.
"Sorry... I was thoughtless."
If I can't give my best...
For a Trainer of Teacher Luke's caliber, it's also a form of disrespect.
Yellow is right. After recovering, it's not too late to invite Teacher Luke to a battle at Mt. Silver!
Observing the two as they interacted, Luke was filled with question marks.
Despite avoiding the abuse, why does it still feel a bit bitter?
"Can't you use Entei's flames to heal wounds?"
Luke suddenly recalled, "Did Mr. Blaine use the Fire of Life to fully recover?"
The two looked at Teacher Luke curiously, surprised that he knew this secret.
But upon reflection, Teacher Luke, as a Pokédex holder, is expected to know such things.
"Theoretically, it's possible..."
Red said apologetically.
"In fact, the injury left by Mr. Rime is almost healed with Entei's help."
"It's mainly muscle strain, so you can only rely on hot springs and your body for a slow recovery..."
"Muscle strain?"
"Senior Red trains by throwing Poké Balls thousands of times every day."
Yellow of Viridian Forest complained, "With such intense training... it's no wonder the wrist injury hasn't healed!"
"Hahaha, I don't throw that many times. Gold occasionally comes over to practice!"
Red said with a big smile.
"I'm not praising you at all!"
Yellow blushed.
Teacher Luke couldn't help feeling a bit touched.
Red, as the "strongest Champion," also shoulders many unexpected responsibilities.
He's also one of the few reliable seniors in the group!
"For actual combat, forget it."
Luke flipped through the hotel manual, which detailed the various amenities in the room.
"Or... we could play 'Pokémon: Battle'?"
...
Night falls.
The winding path in the courtyard lies in silence, and in the backyard, there's an open-air hot spring with the soothing sound of water bubbling.
In the pavilion near the cloister, Red and Teacher Luke are fully engrossed in a simulated battle.
Yellow, dressed in a bathrobe, her orange ponytail hanging down, sits on the floor, glancing left and right.
Finally, the screen freezes at a score of 6:5.
"I still find it a bit challenging to battle with Pokémon."
Red, lying on the floor in a sprawled position, laughs with a sense of nostalgia.
"I lost to you, Teacher Luke."
"It's a simulated battle after all."
Luke leans back, handing a can of hot coffee to Red.
"I was fortunate this time."
"Thanks."
Red accepts the coffee, harboring no resentment. Professor Oak was correct—every Pokédex holder possesses unique talents and abilities. While Red may be inferior to Gold in certain aspects, Teacher Luke excels in simulation battles that emphasize lineup and tactics.
But...
Red takes the hot coffee and glances at Gengar and Sylveon on the side.
In just six months, Teacher Luke has molded them to this level.
Even Blue... perhaps it can't get any better.
With a 'ka-cha' sound, Red opens the coffee can, a smile gracing his face.
He increasingly looks forward to the day he can face Teacher Luke in a real battle!