Tuesday, December 8.
Jubilife City sprawls in all directions, built on a mine, with a predominantly black and white overall architectural style.
As the largest city in Sinnoh, Jubilife Radio Station constantly boasts high audience ratings.
To broadcast the live coverage of the inter-school exchange games, numerous reporters from the radio station flocked to Jubilife Stadium in the city center.
"It is reported that this year's exchange competition features teams from Celadon, Striaton, Jubilife, and Rustboro academies."
Outside Jubilife Stadium, the host conducts live coverage.
"Let's wait and see who will claim the gold medal in this exchange competition!"
Being the first team to compete in the exchange competition comes with certain advantages in the allocation of academic resources.
But more importantly, a team of teachers and students who perform well can receive resource awards issued by the organizing committee.
For teachers, excelling in the faculty competition can be beneficial for both their official careers and the enhancement of their strength.
That being said, Roxanne, the teacher from Rustboro Academy, wears a somber expression with a double ponytail.
"Celadon Academy is our first opponent?"
Celadon Academy has consistently delivered impressive performances in the past, particularly under the leadership of Kanto's general, Erika, who always led the team to spirited battles.
Thinking of the gentle yet formidable senior, Erika, Roxanne couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
"However, it seems that this year's teacher for Celadon Academy is not Miss Erika."
Beside Roxanne, Iwamura, wearing glasses, spoke solemnly:
"It's... a new teacher?"
"Really?" Roxanne sensed a change and blinked. "Who is it?"
"From the Orient... Teacher Luke, very young."
Iwamura pondered for a moment before adding, "All in all... Better than Erika."
Teacher Luke?
Roxanne frowned, feeling that the name sounded somewhat familiar.
She turned on her phone and checked the public registration form.
Suddenly, Roxanne exclaimed in surprise, "The producer of the game company!"
"The game company?" Iwamura was momentarily confused. "You must have mistaken him for someone else."
Roxanne shook her head and insisted, "I can't be wrong... He's the one who made 'Plants vs. Zombies.'"
"But..." Iwamura began to speak but then hesitated.
How did the renowned game producer become a teacher at Celadon Academy?
"In other words, do we have a chance to win this year?" another teacher interjected.
Roxanne didn't immediately respond; her expression turned serious.
If... the rumors are true.
It seems that this might be more challenging than having Senior Erika lead the team...
...
In the preparation room, Wendy Teacher announced, "In the first round of the draw, we are up against Rustboro Academy."
Another teacher in the same class, named Tenzi, was an easy-going middle-aged man.
"Teacher Luke, what are your thoughts on the strategy for the upcoming matches?"
"Let my students take the lead," Luke replied. "Since they are here for the first time, let them warm up their hands initially."
"That's fine; we'll have their backs," Tenzi chuckled good-naturedly.
Wendy remained silent, deep in thought.
Is Teacher Luke's intention to bring the team to a swift victory?
...
Giselle took the lead in the first match of the day. Despite her seemingly fragile appearance, the second male contestant from Rustboro Academy appeared somewhat complacent.
"You're the student of the new Teacher," Tsuo taunted Giselle, lifting his chin. "Did he teach you a trick or two?"
Although it was clearly just banter, Giselle blushed and coughed softly in response. "Do you really think so?"
In gratitude, Giselle decided to give her all. "Marowak, Bonemerang!"
The returning boomerang struck Kecleon's forehead with a powerful swing, leaving no opportunity for mimicry. Marowak beckoned, and the boomerang struck again from behind. With a muffled sound, Kecleon embarrassingly fell to his knees, succumbing to unconsciousness.
"Maro!" Marowak waved the Bone Club with disdain.
A moment of stunned silence was followed by a stadium-wide exclamation. "In seconds? How can it be so fast in a student competition of similar strength?"
The excitement of the event exceeded expectations. Even Forrest was left bewildered. How could this be so strong?
Bang! Another muffled sound echoed as the second student of Rustboro Academy was defeated in a disgraceful performance.
"If it happens once, it's a coincidence," Roxanne thought, her expression grave. "But twice is absolutely sheer strength."
The commentator enthusiastically announced, "Celadon Academy's first match resulted in a perfect score for them!"
Applause erupted not only for the victorious girl but also for the outstanding coach. The commentator speculated, "It seems that Celadon Academy is putting great emphasis on the first match."
"We know Rustboro Academy usually excels in late-game strategies," the narrator continued, addressing the main point. "Does this mean Rustboro Academy may have a plan in place?"
"It's a possibility," the commentator agreed. "Giselle's performance is truly remarkable. She appears to have insights into the opponent's tactics and formations. Either her coach is a strategic genius or possesses a prophetic ability."
After achieving a perfect score, Giselle relaxed. The defeated student commented, "Next time won't be as easy!"
Giselle confidently replied, "That's okay. I'm the best among us!"
The other student looked puzzled, wondering who she was referring to. Meanwhile, Teacher Luke remained seated on the coach's bench, unwavering.
He turned around and cautioned, "It doesn't matter if you win or not, just do your best!" Gladion, the second player from Celadon Academy, prepared to take the stage.
The commentator exclaimed, "Can he continue the streak? Let's wait and see!"
The audience gasped involuntarily. Winning three games in a row is already a rare feat. Two consecutive perfect scores – is this even possible?
Gladion answered the question with strength, turning the event into a one-sided massacre.
"Lycanroc, Counter!" he commanded.
Mightyena, biting fiercely, was met with a powerful punch from the scarlet-eyed Lycanroc. The wailing Mightyena fell heavily to the ground, sliding several meters.
"Celadon Academy emerges as the winner!"
A moment of stunned silence was followed by a burst of ecstatic cheers. This year's exchange competition proved to be a visual feast, favoring KO games over stalemates or tough battles. Celadon Academy secured its second perfect score opponent!
"Why is Celadon so formidable this year?" questioned a Teacher from Rustboro Academy, visibly losing self-control. "Even with Erika leading the team, we wouldn't have achieved these results!"
Roxanne, deep in thought, observed the peaceful and handsome youth on the coach bench, feeling an unexplainable pressure. Muttering to herself, she said, "Because... he is Teacher Luke."
"3:0! 3:0!" echoed a uniform slogan.
Tenzi, a Teacher from Celadon Academy, was shocked, thinking Teacher Luke was gathering information for the next team. However, it turned out he didn't need assistance as Celadon Academy continued dominating the matches.
Even Principal Earl, watching the live broadcast, was surprised by the rapid progress of the students discovered and cultivated by Teacher Luke. His admiration for Luke's abilities surged, overshadowing any concerns about the destroyed facilities.
The one-sided games continued on the field. Luke couldn't help advising Wally, "It's the last game…Go easy and save some face."
Wally, determined, stepped onto the battlefield for the final match against a robust man from Rustboro City named Kengo. Wally confidently declared, "Teacher Luke, Wally."
The audience couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious Teacher Luke who could discover and train such strong students. The finale ended with Wally winning effortlessly despite releasing water, resulting in a fixed score of 3:0.
Luke, looking perplexed, questioned Wally, "Didn't I ask you to take it easy?"
Wally scratched his head, replying, "Teacher…I did take it easy."
The stadium fell into absolute silence. The commentator swallowed hard, noting, "This is unprecedented in the history of exchange competitions."
Teacher Luke had defeated the entire Rustboro Academy with a one-man team, showcasing an extraordinary coaching and leadership ability that would go down in history.
As Wendy and Tenzi gawked, Luke looked around and inquired, "Do we still need to continue?"
Wendy, regaining composure, stuttered, "The next is the faculty game…"
Wendy considered suggesting that Luke should skip the faculty and staff competition, given the outstanding performance of the students. However, Tenzi suggested he could take the heat, being promoted anyway.
In Rustboro Academy, teachers stared like tigers ready to pounce, eager to salvage some pride. Luke, with a slight cough, stated, "It's just a friendly match. Losing isn't shameful!"
Ignoring their protests, Luke stood up and walked onto the battlefield. Facing the determined Rustboro Academy, he asked with a slight smile, "So, who will play first?"