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After coming to this world, Luther understood many things that he couldn't figure out before.
What's the deal with Ash encountering all sorts of Pokémon with outstanding Ability values while looking cute and cool without ever missing a single Poké Ball? In the past, Luther could only curse and say that at least one of the scriptwriters must be an idiot, but now Luther feels it's just too fitting with reality.
Pokémon aren't just cold data stored in boxes after being caught in the games; they are three-dimensional, living beings with their own ways of thinking and behavior patterns.
Similar to how humans interact with each other, the relationships between Pokémon are also very human-like, which often leads to conflicts within a team due to differing behavior patterns, viewpoints, and personalities.
A good Pokémon Trainer can effectively resolve these issues, turning the team into an excellent group, which is why they dare to casually catch Pokémon.
Because they can control, tame, and integrate the Pokémon they've caught into their team.
For less skilled Pokémon Trainers, the problems are much bigger. After forcibly catching powerful wild Pokémon through force, not only can they not control the Pokémon, but the Pokémon in their team are also prone to infighting for various reasons.
Escalating conflicts between Pokémon can lead to a decline in the team's combat power and a loss of trust in the Pokémon Trainers themselves.
Luther's current troubles are somewhat fortunate because the issue now is that both Jumpluff and Misdreavus are very strong and each believes the other is hindering them from gaining Luther's attention.
Misdreavus's perspective is pure; she joined the team because Luther was willing to understand her. Ralts and Marill actively showed her affection, and she reciprocated honestly. As for Jumpluff, her thinking was somewhat straightforward, 'Who isn't a princess? You're allowed to be proud, so why can't I be proud, too?'
Luther doesn't agree with Mai's description of the situation as a "harem fire." Instead, it feels more like Jumpluff's psychological issue has flared up.
Jumpluff was once the leader of the Pokémon at Professor Rowan's Research Lab. After being defeated by Vileplume, she was disheartened for a long time before finding her own path again with Luther.
The sudden appearance of Misdreavus has made Jumpluff feel a strong sense of crisis, and she never wants to experience the feeling of having her place taken away again.
Jumpluff is now irritable and eager to prove herself, as her behavior clearly shows how intense her fighting spirit is.
The referee confirmed with Luther if the Pokémon for the battle had been decided. Luther looked at Jumpluff in the arena and nodded.
"Roark's Larvitar versus challenger Luther's Jumpluff. The battle has no time limit. First move, Luther, the match begins!"
As soon as the referee finished speaking, Mai released all her Pokémon.
Pachirisu stood on Slowbro's head, and Mai held Eevee in her arms. She glanced at the fool in the stands who was still focused on his Corsola and then turned her attention to the match.
Mai didn't think Luther would lose; she had sparred with him once.
The terrifying combat power of Misdreavus and Jumpluff left Pachirisu and Eevee with no chance to fight back. Slowbro's immovable, mountain-like fighting style barely managed to withstand Misdreavus's attacks.
Mai envied Luther for having two powerful Pokémon so soon after becoming a Pokémon Trainer, and both Pokémon were very obedient to his commands.
"Energy Ball."
A ball of emerald light quickly gathered in front of Jumpluff. Roark had Larvitar use Rock Slide to counter the Energy Ball attack.
The moment Energy Ball was launched, Larvitar's Rock Slide was also fired, but Roark suddenly felt something was off.
Roark quickly realized what was strange: Jumpluff's eyes were filled with mockery, but it didn't seem directed at Larvitar, as she turned to face Luther after firing the Energy Ball.
Soon, Roark saw a shocking scene. The Energy Ball shattered the flying Rock-type attack without losing any power. Larvitar didn't even have time to dodge before the Energy Ball hit its stomach, sending it flying.
Dragged by the Energy Ball, Larvitar crashed through two large rocks on the Rock-type battlefield before the Energy Ball's power dissipated, causing Larvitar to fall back to the ground.
The referee didn't even need to step in; Roark was the first to rush into the arena over the scattered rocks to check on Larvitar.
Roark's action also confirmed for the referee that Larvitar had lost its ability to battle.
Larvitar's condition wasn't too bad; it was just temporarily stunned from the powerful attack. It could be revived without needing any healing.
Roark frowned deeply. The team he had chosen based on Luther's profile was undoubtedly a miscalculation.
Considering Luther's phobia, lack of Gym battle experience, and short debut time, the Pokémon scheduled for this battle were relatively weaker ones.
'That Jumpluff was strong.'
Roark had seen powerful Pokémon before. For example, a month ago, there was a Pokémon Trainer who passed the Gym challenge using only Darkrai. Considering the specific battle situation, Roark felt that "sweeping" was an appropriate description.
That Pokémon Trainer named Tobias was strong for a reason; he had traveled to many places, and his battle strength naturally increased over time.
Luther was different. How could a rookie Pokémon Trainer have a Jumpluff with such combat power?
Powerful Pokémon often don't obey the commands of weaker Pokémon Trainers; they prefer to trust their own battle instincts. But the way this Jumpluff turned to Luther after the battle, raising its head as if to show off, clearly indicated that Luther had earned its respect, not through force but through mutual recognition.
Roark smiled.
Some people in the world are willing to travel far and wide for the sake of researching Pokémon. They can endure freezing temperatures just to get close to rare Pokémon, and they celebrate wildly when they encounter Pokémon that are usually hard to find.
Others save every penny to become Pokémon Coordinators, pouring all their resources into their Pokémon just to see them display their most beautiful side to the world.
Everyone's joys are different. As a rookie Gym Leader, Roark's joy lies in finding excellent Pokémon Trainers and then stepping aside to let them climb higher by stepping on him.
Elite Four member Bertha is a practitioner of this philosophy. It was she who first gave Cynthia the chance to challenge her that year, and now she is content to train young Pokémon Trainers in her hometown.
Roark's Oreburgh Gym doesn't have a rule about registering battle Pokémon in advance, so he could still take another Poké Ball from his belt and join the battle.
But Roark didn't do that. He silently took out Graveler's Poké Ball and threw it into the arena.
Seeing Luther scratching his cheek with his index finger, looking somewhat embarrassed, Roark said loudly, "No need to feel like you're taking advantage of the situation. This is your strength; being able to earn the recognition and following of powerful Pokémon is a skill in itself."
Luther felt quite troubled at the moment, as he was contemplating whether to let Jumpluff continue fighting.
The Poké Ball at his waist trembled... Jumpluff's performance had not set a very good precedent, and Misdreavus seemed eager to imitate her.
However, switching out Jumpluff now would likely not sit well with her. Luther bent down and said, "I plan to switch to Misdreavus for the next round."
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Jumpluff turned to head into the arena, and Luther had to grab her to stop her. However, Jumpluff struggled fiercely in his grip.
"Stop it." Luther wanted to explain his reasoning gently to Jumpluff, but she kept wriggling, prompting him to raise his voice.
Eventually, Jumpluff quieted down, looking at Luther with a face full of grievance.
Her behavior confirmed Luther's suspicion; she hadn't completely shaken off her psychological scars. The memories of the grassy field at Professor Rowan's Research Lab were like scabbed wounds; even a gentle touch could cause them to bleed again.
Having lost before, she cherished her current position even more.
Professor Rowan had mentioned that Jumpluff went through two periods of depression.
The first was when Cynthia ultimately did not take her on her journey.
When Cynthia proved herself at Professor Rowan's Research Lab and set off on her journey with her Pokémon, she had asked Jumpluff if she wanted to come along.
Jumpluff's response was that she wanted to stay in the grassy field and continue being its leader.
The second time was when the powerful Vileplume defeated Jumpluff, naturally taking over as the leader of the grassy field and even taking control of the entire Research Lab's Pokémon order.
Defeated, Jumpluff watched on the television in Professor Rowan's Research Lab as Cynthia became the Champion.
This was a severe blow because Jumpluff had never made the right choice.
She was competitive and wanted to prove herself, but in the beginning, her achievements were too small, merely dominating the grassy field.
Seeing Jumpluff's potential, Cynthia was the first to reach out, hoping to include her in her team. Jumpluff's refusal ultimately led to that position going to Roserade.
Without Cynthia and without the Leader status among the Research Lab's Pokémon, she began to doubt herself. If it weren't for Luther's appearance, she might still be aimlessly trying to challenge Vileplume at the Research Lab.
Jumpluff's leadership position in Luther's team made her very satisfied, and Luther's trust gradually healed her inner wounds.
Unfortunately, Misdreavus's sudden arrival changed everything.
It seemed that in an instant, the attention that belonged to Jumpluff was divided, and a sense of crisis enveloped her. Although she and Misdreavus had managed to set aside their grudges and had a fun time playing together once, Misdreavus's playful antics in Luther's arms only intensified Jumpluff's feelings of loss.
Seeing Misdreavus successfully pull off a prank without Luther's intervention, she continued to entertain herself with Jumpluff as the target.
The current situation largely stemmed from Luther not adequately considering the feelings of both Pokémon.
Luther sighed and gently stroked Jumpluff. "It's my fault. I've been so focused on training you and Ralts that I didn't notice the changes in you. Misdreavus means no harm; she just enjoys playing pranks."
Misdreavus broke free from the confines of her Poké Ball, floated beside Jumpluff, and looked very calm.
Luther took the opportunity to pick up Jumpluff and hold her in his arms. "Now, Misdreavus is watching from the side."
(End of this chapter)