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After Aiden's match against Caitlin concluded, the Psychic-type Master Tournament's semifinal lineup was officially locked in.
The upper bracket's climax would see two Psychic Gym Leaders—Sabrina and Olympia—clash for a finals spot.
In the lower bracket, Aiden faced his "devoted stream fan," Lucian.
This marked their first offline meeting since their online doubles battle—a high-stakes semifinal with undeniable prestige.
For Aiden, whose goal was now championship glory, facing stronger opponents was inevitable.
Moreover… battling an Elite Four-level trainer in an official setting was a first for him.
'Do I truly have what it takes to become Paldea's Elite Four?'
Perhaps Lucian would provide the answer he sought.
With this thought, Aiden left the Poké Dome after Lance and Walnut's tournament schedule briefing, heading back to rest.
But on the way to the hotel, he encountered an unexpected trainer.
"First meeting, Aiden… no, 'Teacher Azure' suits you better, doesn't it?"
As Aiden exited the venue, a red-haired youth leaning against a wall noticed him. Approaching with a stern expression, he spoke formally.
Seeing the youth draw near, Aiden's expression turned complex—his gaze now layered with unreadable meaning.
They'd never met in reality, yet Aiden recognized him instantly…
Silver—protagonist rival from Pokémon Gold/Silver, and in manga canon, Giovanni's long-lost son.
Silver's appearance shocked Aiden.
They shared no prior connection. Even through Giovanni's thread, the logic didn't hold.
Aiden knew one thing for certain: Silver's existence was unknown to anyone—even Giovanni's archrival Lance. Either Giovanni guarded him fiercely… or…
Giovanni had already lost contact with him.
Given Giovanni never mentioned Silver—even after his defeat, accepting loss without hidden schemes—Aiden leaned toward the latter.
Deciding to probe further, Aiden addressed the mysterious red-haired youth:
"You are…?"
Feigning confusion, Aiden watched as the youth realized his rudeness.
"..."
After a pause, Silver stepped back, lowering his head.
"I forgot to introduce myself."
"I'm Silver—a… prospective trainer. After watching your match today, I had pressing doubts about being a trainer. I took this drastic step to seek your guidance."
"I see."
Aiden nodded. So far, Silver seemed merely impatient—polite and reasonable.
(Though his 'prospective trainer' status was questionable…)
But since he'd called him "Teacher Azure," guiding a newcomer was part of the job!
"What's your question? I'll answer if I can," Aiden promised earnestly.
Hesitating, curiosity overrode caution as Silver looked up:
"Teacher Azure… how do you view the relationship between Pokémon and humans?"
Aiden fell silent.
How to answer this…? Too broad. And how unlike Silver to ask this!
Giving a generic reply would be easy—but faced with Silver, Aiden hesitated to share his true thoughts.
He studied the youth's conflicted eyes.
In both games and manga, Silver's debut was unflattering—often leaving audiences with a villainous first impression.
His starter Feraligatr was stolen from Professor Elm's lab, not obtained legitimately. Initially, he treated Pokémon as tools—disregarding their well-being—far from a qualified trainer in Aiden's eyes.
Only after pivotal events, realizing his bond with Pokémon, did he truly become exceptional.
But…
The Silver before him now looked underage. Calling himself a "prospective trainer," he clearly lacked even a starter Pokémon.
If he took Aiden's answer to heart, it might alter his life's trajectory.
"Why ask this now?"
Aiden dodged, turning the question back.
"Because I saw your Indeedee."
Silver answered instantly, as if expecting the query.
"I could tell Indeedee isn't battle-adapted—its moves felt unrefined, struggling with battle rhythm."
Aiden's eyebrow twitched.
Truly Giovanni's son…
Silver inherited the Team Rocket Boss's battle instincts, spotting Indeedee's inexperience after just one match.
He wasn't wrong—today's tournament was Indeedee's debut. Her stellar performance hid many small errors from most viewers.
Noticing Aiden's reaction, Silver continued:
"Until now, I believed trainers were crucial to Pokémon's growth. Even weak Pokémon, with proper training, could become reliable fighters."
"Methods might be… extreme. But victory benefits both trainer and Pokémon—a win-win."
"Yet in Indeedee, I sensed no competitive drive. It seemed to battle only… to meet its trainer's expectations. That's how I saw it."
Silver met Aiden's gaze.
"..."
Aiden was impressed by Silver's perceptiveness.
Simultaneously, he realized—
Like Giovanni, Silver isn't ordinary either.
Though differing from Viridian Power, Silver sensed Pokémon's inner thoughts as a viewer—proof of exceptional emotional intelligence.
A trainer with such talent wouldn't resort to extremes without cause. His eventual path to righteousness made sense.
Aiden had his answer.
'Since Silver isn't as extreme as I feared… and I can guide him… as his 'teacher,' I must take responsibility!'
"You're right. Indeedee likely never imagined becoming a trainer's partner, standing on such a grand stage."
Aiden smiled at the conflicted youth, pulling out a Poké Ball.
"But I don't think your view is correct."
"Initially, some Trainer-Pokémon relationships may be transactional. But as bonds deepen…"
"I believe 'mutual pursuit' describes it best."
"Mutual… pursuit?"
Silver puzzled over the phrase.
"Exactly. While trainers guide Pokémon, Pokémon subtly shape their trainers' perspectives."
Aiden nodded, gesturing to the translucent Poké Ball in his hand.
Inside, Sylveon curled up, ribbons swaying gently—capturing Silver's attention.
"Since you watched my matches, do you remember this Sylveon?"
Silver nodded silently.
This Sylveon—contributing two 3-0 sweeps in group stages—was unforgettable.
If Indeedee seemed battle-averse, Sylveon and Lucario represented the opposite extreme: brutal efficiency, ending fights in minimal time.
"What if I told you this Sylveon, before evolving, avoided battles for years due to its timid nature and ability?"
Aiden's gaze softened on the Poké Ball.
Though only half a year had passed, profound changes had transformed both him and Sylveon.
The once-trembling beginner who feared weak challengers now unleashed its power freely.
Its feared "King Engine" hum—once born of anxiety—now genuinely intimidated opponents.
In one-sided matches, Sylveon's pressure even surpassed Mewtwo's.
His own mindset had shifted too.
Initially, he'd only wanted to preserve the gym, live leisurely in the Pokémon world.
But as his companions stopped holding back—and with absurd legendary encounters…
Aiden suddenly realized—
'How did I end up in the Master Tournament semifinals?'
In a way, this too was the Pokémon's quiet influence.
Without his gym's energetic little ones pushing him, he'd likely have become a lazy freeloader like Miraidon.
Wait—speaking of mutual influence, why is Miraidon STILL a freeloader after all this time?
It's not even close to Mewtwo's level… let alone the new resident Indeedee!
Look at HER!!!
"Trainer-Pokémon bonds have no fixed formula. Just trust each other—your future will reveal itself."
Aiden's heartfelt words hung in the air.
"..."
Silver remained silent, eyes fixed on Sylveon sleeping in the Poké Ball.
According to Pokédex lore, Sylveon evolved only when an Eevee's bond with its trainer reached exceptional depth, wholeheartedly accepting them.
Teacher Azure's example was undeniably persuasive.
But…
"Can bonds truly make one stronger?"
Silver's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Due to certain reasons, he struggled to believe such words.
Yet when Teacher Azure spoke them—same as those Pokémon Academy teachers—he felt unexpected conviction.
"Who knows?"
Aiden shrugged, avoiding a direct answer.
"Different people find different truths. But if you truly want to become a trainer… try it yourself."
"Pokémon are pure-hearted creatures. Trust your partners—they'll answer your expectations."
Mid-sentence, Aiden realized something:
"Ah—you don't have a starter Pokémon yet, do you?"
"Pondering such deep questions… I'm certain you'll become an excellent trainer."
"Hmm… Johto's Pokémon Professor is Elm, right? I'm not close with him, but I can ask Professor Oak for an introduction."
"If you get a starter, you'll understand my words far better."
Aiden stated this decisively, making the choice for Silver.
"..."
Silver fell silent again—but for different reasons this time.
He couldn't grasp why Teacher Azure showed such kindness to a stranger, even deciding his path.
Yet the offer was undeniably tempting.
For reasons beyond his control, he couldn't obtain a starter through normal channels like regional professors.
But he had to become a trainer.
He'd seriously considered stealing one—an illegal act.
Legally gaining a starter through Aiden would be far better.
Still…
"Why?"
After a long pause, Silver asked.
He couldn't understand Teacher Azure's sudden goodwill.
From his life experiences, unexpected kindness often hid hidden costs.
Every gift from fate has a price tag—unseen but real.
"No reason. I just believe you'll surprise many as a trainer."
"And I'm merely recommending a 'prospective trainer' to Elm. Whether a Pokémon chooses you as its partner… depends entirely on you."
Aiden shrugged lightly.
"...I understand."
Taking a deep breath, Silver's resolve hardened.
"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Azure."
"If I become a trainer, I'll never disappoint you—I'll become the world's strongest Pokémon trainer!"
"Don't be so fixated on being 'first.'" Aiden cut him off with a smile.
"Strive to be an excellent trainer. Keep working toward that goal!"
"Yes, I understand."
Silver nodded solemnly, a strange warmth swelling unexpectedly in his chest.
'Today's impulsive act might become my best decision ever…'
Silver soon left. Watching him disappear down the street, Aiden headed toward the hotel.
No rest days in eliminations—he'd face Lucian tomorrow afternoon. Today, his Pokémon needed relaxation to prepare.
After Aiden left, the doorway where he'd spoken with Silver rustled. A black-haired youth with a slanted bang emerged from bushes.
"Seriously—they talked so long! I waited ages…"
Gold scratched his head, watching their departing figures.
"That Teacher Azure seems surprisingly nice. No wonder fans keep chanting his name during matches."
Initially unfamiliar with Aiden, Gold grew curious after watching a few matches—this "Teacher Azure" had outshone even Elite Fours in popularity.
Asking other spectators, Gold learned Aiden's true identity.
Becoming this strong in just half a year as a Gym Leader? What does that mean?
It means when I, the genius, debuts, my future achievements will surely surpass his!
"But… I never expected someone else to gain his recognition before me!"
Gold envisioned the arrogant red-haired youth and gritted his teeth.
He'd planned to approach Teacher Azure too—like Silver.
But arriving late, he'd found the "jerkface" already monopolizing him. Appearing then would've seemed like eavesdropping!
"Damn it! Becoming the strongest is my line!"
"That guy's Silver, right? I'll remember you. When we meet—I'll make you regret it!"
Gold etched the name into memory.
'Perfect. On the trainer path, I still lack a rival to battle against. You're it!'
This thought instantly lifted his mood. Whistling, Gold swaggered away.
...
Meanwhile, in an obscure corner of Goldenrod City.
Inside a sealed training room, Lucian sat before a computer, rewinding Aiden's entire Master Tournament footage repeatedly.
"Sylveon's attacks are simplistic—mostly Fairy-type moves. No need for heavy counterplay."
"As for Lucario… if I face it, Bronzong or Metagross should hold their ground."
"But its Mega Evolution must be prioritized. With Teacher Azure's mastery, he will use it."
"And that wild card—Indeedee. Thankfully exposed in the Caitlin match. Tactics are now predictable. Without hidden tricks, it's manageable."
Muttering quietly, Lucian jotted down every insight.
Soon, half his notebook teemed with strategies to counter Teacher Azure.
Of Aiden's five known Pokémon, three had detailed counterplans for tomorrow's battle.
Yet…
For the other two names, even Lucian—who'd honed near-superhuman data processing as a Sinnoh Elite Four—shook his head helplessly.
"Mewtwo is just… abnormal. No Psychic-type holds an advantage against it. Only indirect methods can possibly work."
"And that most troublesome one—Ogerpon…"
Remembering Aiden's latest trump card, Lucian's frustration spiked.
Facing Ogerpon tomorrow would be far worse than Mewtwo.
Current intel showed Ogerpon practically wore "invincible" on its forehead.
Its debut against Kitakami's four Mythicals had already screamed "overpowered."
But the absurdity continued.
Depending on masks worn, Ogerpon could dynamically shift types mid-battle—flaming Ivy Cudgel strikes alongside Grass-type Power Whip…
Caitlin fell for this trap. Had Aiden not "politely" held back, her loss would've been even more crushing.
Ogerpon's pressure rivaled Mewtwo's. Its unpredictable style left data-driven trainers like Lucian completely lost.
Caitlin's sacrifice revealed scraps of info—but not enough.
Undeniably, both Mewtwo and Ogerpon surpassed ordinary Pokémon—solidly in the "pseudo-legendary" tier, if not beyond.
Worse, their obscurity made them harder to counter than famously late-blooming species.
Lucian had always considered himself Aiden's strategic equal. But now—outmatched in commanding skill, possibly in Pokémon raising too…
Just thinking about it feels impossible.
For a fleeting second, Lucian entertained a thought: 'Maybe I should just go through the motions. I'll lose anyway…'
Only against Teacher Azure did one truly grasp his terror.
A Gym Leader for less than half a year—yet strong enough to make Elite Fours tremble.
If Teacher Azure evolved another stage before future tournaments… wouldn't he steamroll everything, racking up international points?
Teacher Azure's cheats—how do I even counter this?!
'No. Losing mentally before the fight ensures defeat tomorrow!'
Slapping his cheeks, Lucian forced full focus on finding a breakthrough.
Even in desperate straits, hope remained.
Even defeated, he'd fight like today's Caitlin—earning Teacher Azure's respect!
Otherwise, returning to Sinnoh meant enduring endless mockery from Flint and Aaron…
That absolutely cannot happen!
Lucian's eyes hardened with resolve.
After deep contemplation, a bold idea emerged.
If Mewtwo and Ogerpon were uncounterable… what if I shifted focus?
Target the weakest link—the seemingly limited Indeedee. Overwhelm it to create a numbers advantage.
With more Pokémon, Teacher Azure would panic, not me.
I'd seize control of standard battle flow, grinding out victory through measured attrition!
Yes—I have my ace!
With Trick Room set, Mewtwo and Ogerpon mean nothing!
Breathing deeply, Lucian smiled confidently.
"It's not just you that's growing, Teacher Azure!"
"After our online match, I worked hard on my Sun-Trick Room system too."
"Perfect timing—it'll make its grand debut against you tomorrow!"
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