"Ah, a *sneeze*!"
Luke let out a sharp sneeze.
Geez, it's only been three days since I last saw them. Are these students thinking about me again?
As he approached the school gate, a familiar student bowed respectfully to Luke.
"Hello, Teacher Luke."
Luke nodded in satisfaction, pulled out a shiny card from his pocket, and handed it to the student.
"Respected Master, I have great faith in you."
In an instant, the boys on the playground directed their gaze toward the student's hands.
A collective gasp echoed through the crowd.
"Is that... the Flash Card from the Johto expansion pack?"
"It's so rare! How did Teacher Luke manage to get it?"
"Nonsense, he can probably print it himself!"
The student stood there in a daze, looking down at the UR card in his hand, his face turning red.
"Thank you, Teacher Luke!"
Teacher Luke had indeed handed over a Flash Card worth thousands to the student.
The boys collectively let out a series of impressed sounds.
"Teacher Luke, you look particularly handsome today!"
"Teacher, I'm not flattering; it's our class slogan. Just call you 'Teacher'!"
After shooing away the enthusiastic students, Luke headed to the office.
Erika, with her slender frame, greeted him with a smile.
"Teacher Luke, you're as popular as ever today."
"Well, that's because I'm as handsome as always," Luke remarked with a touch of emotion. "Where's Gladion? Didn't he cause any trouble?"
"On the contrary, he's quite adorable," Erika replied. "He's very attentive in class and excels in battle performance."
Luke rubbed his chin. "As expected of a student I've taught..."
You've only had two classes with him...
Erika coughed lightly. "By the way, the school's sunroom has been repaired. If you need it, feel free to use it."
"It's not necessary," Luke chuckled. "I'll head to class now!"
In the classroom, students were buzzing with discussions about Teacher Luke's recent live broadcast.
"That one kick from Hitmonlee was so impressive!"
"Do you think I should specialize in Fighting Type in the future?"
"My dad says Teacher Luke is the Master from Orient, and I'm here to support his teachings!"
Luke cleared his throat loudly.
Should I consider this as undervaluing myself, or should I acknowledge that my father has good judgment...
Among the crowd, two pairs of eyes were particularly intense – Giselle and the blond second-year teenager Gladion.
"Today, we're discussing Ally Switch," Luke announced, knocking on the blackboard. "The essence of battle is a guessing game. To achieve a high winning rate, the ability to read your opponent is the most fundamental skill..."
Teacher Luke's profound insights captivated the students, drawing them into the lesson unconsciously.
At that moment, the student with a curly hairstyle appeared somewhat timid:
"So, what about luck?"
"Next question."
"So, what about luck?"
"Next question."
With a hearty smile, Teacher Luke said, "Let's not dwell on matters that are beyond our control."
"Then, should I teach Lapras Hydro Pump?"
"Next question."
"What's the accuracy of High Jump Kick?"
"Next..."
In a methodical manner, the questions continued.
"Jie jie~~"
Gengar, hidden in Teacher Luke's shadow, let out a lazy yawn.
Floating outside the classroom, it gazed contemplatively at the recently renovated sunroom.
"Jie jie~!" Gengar shook its head.
No more causing trouble for its owner!
If it wants to cause mischief, it'll head to the relatively strong Electric-Type room!
...
At the conclusion of the day's classes, Teacher Luke strolled through the school with a thermos cup in hand.
The elderly man guarding the training facility wore a peculiar expression and said, "Teacher Luke... There's both bad news and good news. Which one do you want to hear first?"
As if sensing something, Teacher Luke's expression changed.
"What's the good news?"
"The good news is that your Arcanine seems to have mastered 'Wild Charge.'"
The old man, seasoned by numerous experiences, still possessed the ability to identify new moves. However, Teacher Luke felt a mild heart attack.
You call this good news?!
Could it get any worse!
"Alright, what's the bad news?"
"The bad news is that the Electric-Type room is temporarily out of service."
The old man coughed. "The equipment is too antiquated. It will probably take a few weeks before the Electric-Type room can be used again."
Teacher Luke's tensed posture relaxed.
It seemed that the risk of unexpected attacks in the coming weeks had decreased!
Following the old man to the scorched Electric-Type room, Luke wore a perplexed expression.
Was this what they called aging equipment?!
This was unmistakably an Explosion, for goodness' sake!
"Ao wu!" Arcanine shook its head joyfully, its black fur clearly visible.
Gengar bared its teeth, exhibiting a triumphant smile.
In just one afternoon, it had mastered a new move.
The progress this time was quite commendable!
The move "Wild Charge" involved covering Arcanine's body with a layer of intense electric current, akin to a lightning armor. This not only enhanced Arcanine's physical prowess and destructive capabilities but also served as a useful tactic against Water-Type Pokémon.
Observing Arcanine, eagerly awaiting praise, Teacher Luke found himself in a delicate state of mind.
Ultimately, Teacher Luke patted Arcanine's head.
"Thanks for your hard work."
"Ao wu~~" Arcanine grinned foolishly, its tail wagging energetically.
Teacher Luke footed the bill for repairing the Electric-Type room this time.
After all, he had encountered the leader of the Interior Decoration team.
The team leader held Teacher Luke's hand with eagerness and said, "You're our God of Wealth!"
Luke chuckled.
As another deal was sealed, he headed back to the company.
The team leader of the Interior Decoration pondered, perhaps next time, they should invite Teacher Luke to try something new?
As the evening approached, Gold sent a message upon reaching home:
"Teacher Luke, can I come over tonight?"
Luke scratched his head.
Suddenly, it dawned on him that the rumored fishing convention was scheduled for tomorrow.
Word has it that the prize even includes "Mystic Water."
Even though Squirtle already possesses one, considering the turtle's personality, having its neck adorned with "Mystic Water" might align well with its style...
"Sure, I won't stop you," Luke replied.
"Okay! Togebo, let's set off!"
Sporting goggles, Gold, accompanied by Togebo, departed from Goldenrod City.
Observing Togebo, eagerly speeding towards its sister, when the doorbell rang, Luke was a bit surprised: "So fast?"
Upon opening the door, Gold greeted with his wind-blown spiky hair:
"Yo, Teacher Luke, long time no see!"
"Let's catch up first."
Entering the room, Gold looked around in slight astonishment.
Teacher Luke is quite affluent!
It seems there's a bit of a lamentable gap between us...
Gold, with an environmentalist's mindset, contemplated like a philosopher.
On the other side, Togebo entertained the younger sister, engaging in a card game with Togepi, both emitting cheerful sounds.
"Keke!"
"kek ke ke ke~~~~"
Even though Togebo clearly excelled in the brandishing of cards, it was currently adorned with marker scribbles.
In fact, Togebo willingly stepped forward, presenting its cards: "Poker!"
You've spoiled it!
Upon Gold's insistent request, Teacher Luke played a few rounds of snooker with him.
Naturally, Teacher Luke lost every game.
In one instance, the white ball miraculously circumvented the black ball, prompting even Gold to be taken aback.
How did you manage that!
Clearing his throat, Teacher Luke changed the subject: "What time is the tournament tomorrow?"
"It starts at seven in the morning, just head to the harbor in Cerulean City." Gold thought for a moment.
Luke nodded.
Suddenly, Teacher Luke's expression changed.
"Where is the fishing tournament located?"
"In Cerulean City." Gold tilted his head. "Haven't you signed up, Teacher Luke?"
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Teacher Luke's forehead.
Heading to Cerulean City... something feels off about that!
"No, just going to catch a fish."
Teacher Luke reassured himself, forcing a smile.
"Gym Leader is a people with free time, haha!"