Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was early August.
The scorching sunlight shone down, baking out waves of heat.
Lin Fan finished the last bite of his ice cream, casually tossed the stick into a nearby trash can, and walked into the Fighting Dojo.
Familiar shouts still echoed inside the dojo, as many Trainers were diligently training with their Fighting-type Pokémon.
After greeting a few familiar faces, Lin Fan found a corner to sit down, his gaze fixed on Su Wu and Su Ling, father and daughter, who were special training on a nearby field.
The latter was still in her familiar attire, and the Machop beside her was full of vigor and drive, its strength having improved significantly compared to before.
Su Wu, dressed in casual clothes, was patiently guiding his daughter.
And the tall Pokémon beside Su Wu firmly captured Lin Fan’s attention.
It had light blue skin, a skeletal and muscular structure very similar to humans, a golden belt, black patterns resembling triangular shorts, three tile-like protrusions on its head, captivating black pupils in its red eyes, and thick white lips, exuding a strong sense of pressure.
But what was most striking were its astonishing four arms, each one muscular and powerful, as if it could shatter a mountain with a single punch.
A Fighting-type Pokémon, Machamp!
Machamp's aura was incredibly imposing; even from a distance, Lin Fan could still feel a subtle sense of pressure, as if Machamp's fist would move to his head in the next instant.
As Machop's final evolutionary form, Machamp was quite approving of this junior, but also doubly strict, constantly sparring with Machop, loudly scolding it, pointing out the deficiencies in Machop's fighting techniques, and personally teaching it how to improve.
Although he had been hanging around the Fighting Dojo for several days and had seen this Machamp countless times, Lin Fan was still deeply awed by its strength, especially when he heard the sonic booms caused by its punches, which made him incredibly envious.
“When will you be as strong as Machamp?”
Lin Fan mumbled softly, and the Poké Ball at his waist slightly shook, vaguely conveying a sense of speechlessness.
After a while, the Fighting Dojo entered break time, and Su Wu and Su Ling also stopped their sparring.
The latter excitedly ran over, her beautiful eyes fixed on the Poké Ball at Lin Fan's waist, rubbing her hands together and eager to try: “Lin Fan, has Kakuna evolved yet?”
Lin Fan was speechless: “Every time we meet these past few days, you ask the same question. Aren’t you tired of it?”
Su Ling snorted disdainfully: “Mind your own business. Has it evolved?”
Facing Su Ling’s relentless pursuit, Lin Fan smiled slightly and reached for the Poké Ball at his waist: “Guess.”
This non-answer made Su Ling’s eyes light up suddenly, because in the past few days, whenever she asked this question, Lin Fan would honestly reply, “No.”
“So, it has evolved?!”
“Yeah, after so long, it should have evolved. What, still want to fight?”
“What else? Do you think I’m flirting by talking to you every day?”
As soon as she said this, Lin Fan was instantly thunderstruck, and Su Wu, who had just walked up to them, also suddenly darkened his face, glancing at Lin Fan with an unfriendly gaze, hinting at a trace of killing intent.
Lin Fan wanted to cry but had no tears. Fortunately, Su Wu knew his daughter’s carefree personality and that she was always outspoken, so he only fiercely ruffled Su Ling’s head as a threat before looking back at Lin Fan, scrutinizing him up and down, and lightly snorting: “The Rookie Competition is about to begin. Your registration information has all been filled out. The competition starts on the tenth, so you can depart in a couple of days.”
Lin Fan brightened and quickly said thank you.
Su Wu sighed and raised his hand, declining Lin Fan's thanks.
“It’s too early to thank me now, and there’s no need to. A few days ago, you said you wanted to learn our dojo’s Focus Energy secret technique. Now that your Weedle has evolved into Beedrill, it’s time to put that on the agenda. Normally, someone who wants to learn my secret technique would naturally have to pay a certain price, but I think highly of you and know your family’s situation, so I thought about it. You and Xiao Ling will have a rematch. If Beedrill’s strength satisfies me, then I will let Machamp personally teach you the techniques of Focus Energy. How about it, do you have confidence?”
Su Wu looked at Lin Fan with interest, his gaze lingering on the Poké Ball at his waist for a moment, and smiled.
According to his perception, that Beedrill’s aura was quite remarkable. If he didn’t know Lin Fan, he would never believe that this was a rookie’s Pokémon.
Indeed, talented people emerge from every generation.
In Su Wu’s emotional gaze, Lin Fan’s eyes suddenly lit up.
Focus Energy secret technique for free, plus personal instruction from Machamp?!
Lin Fan smiled brightly: “Then I’ll leave it to Uncle Su. Beedrill will definitely study hard with Teacher Machamp.”
“Hey, hey, you haven’t even fought yet, and you’re already calling Machamp your teacher?” Su Ling glared. Why hadn’t she noticed Lin Fan was so opportunistic before?
“Don’t mind those details,” Lin Fan chuckled, and dashed to one side of the battle arena, eager to start.
Since Su Wu had said so much, it would be too rude if he didn't show some enthusiasm.
Hehehe, delicious Focus Energy secret technique, handsome Teacher Machamp, here I come!
Su Ling glared at Lin Fan, pouting, and stood on the other side of the field, gritting her teeth.
Although the outcome was what she wanted, why was the process so annoying to her? It felt as if she had already become a stepping stone for the other party.
Although, based on her understanding of Lin Fan, that was basically correct...
But she also had her pride, okay? Machop would absolutely not easily become someone else's background!
As if sensing its Trainer's mood, Machop struck a powerful pose, its gaze cautious and fervent, fixed on Lin Fan on the opposite side.
It certainly remembered that it was this person who had commanded Weedle to defeat it back then.
Since then, it had trained extremely hard every day, and its strength had already advanced by leaps and bounds. It would definitely not let the previous outcome repeat itself!
Fighters never give up!
In Machop's fiery gaze, Lin Fan leisurely took out the Poké Ball from his waist, smiling as he tossed it into the air: “Come out and breathe some fresh air, Beedrill.”
As his voice fell, a ferocious figure appeared in the arena.
Its body was divided into three segments, with four legs, two antennae on its head, and eyes that had changed from black to red. Its mouth was pointed, its abdomen was round, its tail was yellow and black with a ferocious Poison Sting at the end, its feet were slender, and it had two pairs of wings on its back with intricate black patterns.
Most striking were the two thick, gleaming white Double Needles on its hands, which created small air currents with every slight wave.
Beedrill, reporting for duty!