Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!-Chapter 354: Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! []

While Kukui prepared to contact the island kahunas and queens regarding the Aether Foundation, a different scene unfolded on a quiet beach.

After spending the entire morning in what felt like a waking nightmare, Lana, Kiawe, and the others were finally looking forward to their much-anticipated activity class.

Standing before the students, all dressed in swimsuits, Luo Yuan smiled and asked, "Question: what do you think is the most important quality for a Pokémon Trainer?"

The mere mention of the word "question" made everyone flinch instinctively. However, realizing this was activity class, they collectively sighed in relief and began contemplating Luo Yuan's question.

"Knowing more about Pokémon?" Sophocles ventured, thinking back to the morning's rigorous education.

"Wrong. Knowledge is important, but it's not the most crucial thing," Luo Yuan replied, shaking his head.

"Is it mastery of battle techniques?" Kiawe suggested, considering the context of an activity class.

"Incorrect again. Battle techniques are an advanced skill. I'm asking about the fundamentals."

After Sophocles and Kiawe failed, Lana raised her hand. "Could it be... luck?"

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

As someone who frequently fished with mixed results, she believed luck played a big part in a Trainer's success.

"Luck is crucial," Luo Yuan admitted. "But it's intangible and can't be improved through effort."

With all their guesses denied, the students quietly awaited Luo Yuan's answer.

"I'll tell you," Luo Yuan said with a smile. "The most important quality for a Pokémon Trainer is physical fitness."

His smile triggered an ominous feeling in everyone.

The morning's events were still fresh in their minds, and now Luo Yuan's smile carried a new sense of foreboding.

"Being a Pokémon Trainer doesn't just mean battling other Trainers in stadiums," Luo Yuan began. "You'll face all kinds of situations.

"In the wild, you could be ambushed by wild Pokémon. In cities, you might stumble upon secret dealings by criminal organizations and get attacked.

"Sometimes, danger might even find you at home. For example, take the recent events in the Hoenn region involving Groudon and Kyogre. The battle's aftermath destroyed most of Sootopolis City. What would you do if you found yourself in such a scenario?"

The students suddenly felt as though danger lurked all around them, as if a Legendary Pokémon might appear at any moment to obliterate them.

Luo Yuan continued, "Of course, these are extreme cases. But a competent Trainer must be prepared for such possibilities.

"Besides, excellent physical fitness can also help you capture Pokémon more effectively."

As he spoke, Luo Yuan tossed a Poké Ball into the air.

Everyone instinctively turned to look. A flash of white light revealed a massive figure on the beach.

"RAWR!"

The Gyarados, finally free to enjoy the sea breeze, let out a mighty roar, radiating an intimidating aura.

Nearby, a Pyukumuku crawling onto the beach froze, then hastily retreated into the water.

"Is this our teacher's Pokémon?" Lana asked in awe, craning her neck to gaze up at the enormous Gyarados.

"It's so oppressive... It feels even stronger than Totem Pokémon!" Kiawe exclaimed, the Gyarados's presence weighing heavily on him.

For the first time, they truly grasped Luo Yuan's strength.

It made sense. Sabrina, who could turn people into dolls, was merely Luo Yuan's assistant. How could their teacher be anything less than formidable?

They watched as Luo Yuan extended a hand toward the Gyarados.

To their surprise, the seemingly ferocious Gyarados closed its eyes, lowered its head, and rubbed against Luo Yuan's hand affectionately.

The contrast nearly gave them whiplash.

Was this the same Gyarados known for its violent temperament and frequent attacks on Trainers? Where was its dignity as a ferocious Pokémon?

"There's no need to be so shocked," Luo Yuan said. "If you demonstrate strength that earns a Pokémon's respect, even the most ferocious ones will become friendly."

"How did you manage to catch Gyarados in the first place?" Kiawe asked.

"Back then?" Luo Yuan thought for a moment, recalling how he'd used his newly evolved Charmeleon to subdue the Gyarados. "Let's just say my method isn't one I'd recommend you try."

Despite his words, the students' curiosity grew. Eventually, Luo Yuan gave in and recounted the story of his Charmeleon pinning the Gyarados down and beating it into submission.

A newly evolved Charmeleon...

They looked at the Gyarados towering before them, its sheer size and overwhelming presence, then glanced at its now-docile demeanor around Luo Yuan.

A single thought crossed their minds: It wasn't the Charmeleon—it was definitely you who did the heavy lifting!

Still...

Having witnessed Luo Yuan's accomplishments firsthand, they couldn't deny the importance of physical fitness for Trainers.

Even if they could never match Luo Yuan's strength, being even a tenth as capable would be enough to support their own journeys as Trainers.

Satisfied with their reactions, Luo Yuan felt his efforts were paying off.

After all, he'd spent considerable effort obtaining Bruno's exclusive training regimen—a rare treasure even in Kanto.

Though teaching was partly a guise to connect with Lillie, Luo Yuan was genuinely dedicated to his role as an educator.

"Let's officially start the activity class," Luo Yuan announced. "Begin with a 1,000-meter jog to warm up, followed by swimming training under Gyarados's supervision."

With Gyarados overseeing the training, Luo Yuan finally had a moment to relax.

He stretched out under a parasol, preparing to enjoy some sunlight and a massage from Sabrina.

But clearly, someone had other plans.

Just as he settled in, Lillie's startled cry and a flurry of noise broke his peace.

Looking toward the source of the commotion, he saw a group of Team Skull Trainers entering the private beach, led by a white-haired, sunglasses-wearing man with a cocky swagger.

Guzma's expression was arrogant as he yelled, "Where's Luo Yuan? The almighty Guzma is here! Hand over my crew and Lillie!"

---

...

If you're reading this, then you've wandered all the way to the end. I'm impressed. Stories are like wine—meant to be savored, not rushed. So if you took your time? Thank you.

Of course, the real thanks goes to WiseTL—the one who turned tangled words into something beautiful. I just got asked to wrap things up with a ribbon. Hopefully this counts!

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Go on. Be generous. They've earned it.

Until next time—read well, rest often, and maybe come visit me at the Hostess of Fertility sometime.

– Syr ✨