Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen officially registers Eevee for the Piplup Cup, despite knowing that the tournament schedule may conflict with his upcoming trip to Kanto. He receives a preliminary-round placement in Zone E, Match Number 63, with the event scheduled for September 20.
• Xia Chen sets a modest goal of helping Eevee reach the main event, while Eevee privately aims for the championship because of the valuable Pokémon Egg in the prize pool.
• Using advice Brock sent him, Xia Chen attempts to improve his Pokéblock-making technique. During the process, he accidentally reverses the machine for several seconds but manages to correct the mistake before the batch is ruined.
• The resulting Pokéblocks appear and taste ordinary to Xia Chen, so he feeds them to Feebas.
• Feebas unexpectedly hears its system announce that its Beauty has increased by one point. The system explains that Beauty is required for Feebas to evolve into Milotic.
• Feebas becomes extremely excited and urges Xia Chen to make more of the special Pokéblocks. Xia Chen misunderstands its frantic behavior as a possible illness or reaction to spoiled food.
• After realizing Feebas simply prefers this batch, Xia Chen agrees to reproduce the same method, unaware that the accidental reversal of the machine created the Beauty-enhancing effect.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen: Demonstrates his support for Eevee by entering it in the tournament, while remaining practical about their chances. He also continues developing his skills as a Trainer and caretaker, though he remains unaware of the Pokéblocks’ true effect.
• Eevee: Shows strong ambition and determination, secretly viewing the tournament as a chance to obtain the champion’s Pokémon Egg. Its confident goal of winning the championship contrasts with Xia Chen’s cautious expectations.
• Feebas: Gains its first confirmed increase in Beauty and learns that evolving into Milotic is a realistic possibility. Its attitude shifts from passive and sleepy to highly motivated and excited, treating the special Pokéblocks as “miracle medicine.”
• Brock: Although absent, his advice plays an important role by helping Xia Chen produce the successful Pokéblocks.

Significant Themes

• Support and companionship: Xia Chen honors Eevee’s wishes and supports its competitive ambitions even when he considers the goal unrealistic.
• Accidental progress and hidden potential: Xia Chen’s mistake with the Pokéblock machine unexpectedly produces a valuable result, suggesting that breakthroughs can come from unforeseen circumstances.
• Aspiration versus practicality: Eevee dreams of winning the entire tournament, while Xia Chen focuses on simply qualifying, highlighting their different levels of ambition.
• Evolution and self-improvement: Feebas’s Beauty increase gives it a concrete path toward becoming Milotic and motivates it to pursue further growth.
• Communication gaps: Xia Chen cannot understand Pokémon speech, causing him to misinterpret Feebas’s excitement as illness and creating humor in their interaction.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen affectionately encourages Eevee to train harder, while Eevee privately criticizes his lack of ambition but enthusiastically promises to win.
• Xia Chen treats Feebas like a sleepy child, waking it for breakfast and reassuring it after it displays unusual behavior.
• Feebas desperately tries to communicate the Pokéblocks’ importance through bubbles, gestures, and frantic movements, while Xia Chen repeatedly misunderstands its intentions.
• Their interaction ultimately reinforces their close bond: Xia Chen is attentive and caring, and Feebas is eager to cooperate as long as it receives more of the special Pokéblocks.

Chapter Summary: “An Exchange Match Between the Type Classes”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen notices that Eevee and Feebas are unusually excited. Eevee is training enthusiastically for the upcoming Piplup Cup, while Feebas behaves strangely, appearing captivated by its own reflection.
• Xia Chen spends the morning shopping, preparing food, cooking, and filming content, with Marnie helping him manage the workload. After lunch, Marnie goes to Battle Park while Xia Chen edits their video.
• While editing, Xia Chen realizes he may eventually need a long-term assistant. He considers hiring a person but feels uncomfortable with the idea and instead thinks about obtaining a Pokémon capable of helping with filming and other tasks.
• He jokingly settles on a Shiny Gardevoir as the ideal candidate, though he cannot afford a rare and expensive Ralts. Since Eevee and Feebas have not yet figured out how to evolve, he decides there is no need to seek a third Pokémon immediately.
• At Gucheng High School, students discuss the first exchange matches between the eighteen type classes. Most classes have been paired against unfavorable type matchups, such as Grass versus Fire, Bug versus Flying, and Dragon versus Fairy.
• Xia Chen learns that the Normal-type class will face the Fighting-type class, while Yulong Tao’s Dragon-type class will fight the Fairy-type class.
• Xia Chen reflects that real battles are not determined solely by type advantages. Skill, tactics, circumstances, and individual Pokémon strength can overcome disadvantages, as demonstrated by Greninja’s loss to Charizard despite using a powerful move.
• The Normal and Fighting classes meet on the field for their practical battle lesson. The Fighting class has fewer students because Fighting-type Pokémon are physically powerful and expensive to raise, but it is considered one of the strongest classes at the beginner Trainer level.
• Because the Normal class has nearly twice as many students, the teachers debate how to conduct a fair battle. Teacher Tang proposes selecting ten students from each class, while Teacher Wang suggests a king-of-the-hill format so everyone can participate.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen shows increasing awareness of the practical demands of his lifestyle. He recognizes that his food-content work is difficult to manage alone and begins considering how his future team might support him beyond battling.
• He also demonstrates a pragmatic but thoughtful attitude toward Pokémon acquisition, acknowledging both the high cost of rare Pokémon and the importance of finding Pokémon through fate rather than simply purchasing them.
• Marnie continues to act as Xia Chen’s reliable helper while independently pursuing her own training at Battle Park, reinforcing her competence and growing independence.
• Eevee is portrayed as highly motivated and self-disciplined, training eagerly for the Piplup Cup.
• Feebas displays unusual excitement and possible vanity, hinting at a future development or evolution-related event.
• Yulong Tao remains realistic about the Dragon class’s disadvantage against Fairy types, contrasting with Xia Chen’s more analytical view of type matchups.
• The teachers reveal differing priorities: Teacher Tang emphasizes fairness through equal participation, while Teacher Wang prioritizes giving every student meaningful battle experience.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and long-term planning: Xia Chen begins thinking about how to sustain his career and daily responsibilities in the future.
• Type advantages versus actual skill: The chapter emphasizes that type matchups are important but not absolute in real-world Pokémon battles.
• Fairness and education: The teachers must balance equal opportunities with the need to provide every student practical experience.
• Pokémon as partners beyond combat: Xia Chen considers choosing a Pokémon based not only on battle potential but also on its ability to assist with everyday work.
• Growth and independence: Both Xia Chen and his Pokémon are gradually developing new goals, responsibilities, and capabilities.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Marnie work together on his content-creation activities, with Marnie helping him edit and manage the workload.
• Xia Chen and Yulong Tao discuss their classes’ difficult matchups, bonding over the disadvantages faced by Normal and Dragon types.
• The students engage in lively, humorous conversations about their matchups, showing both anxiety and competitive enthusiasm.
• Teacher Tang and Teacher Wang debate the battle format, highlighting their different approaches to fairness and student development.

Chapter Summary: “Is This Embarrassment Inevitable? (Please Keep Reading!)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Teacher Wang proposes a ring-match format for the Fighting and Normal type classes. Although the Fighting class has fewer Pokémon, the format gives the Normal class a numerical advantage and is viewed as a fair, somewhat charitable arrangement.
• Teacher Tang reluctantly accepts because he cannot think of a better alternative. The Normal class then organizes its battle lineup.
• The Normal class feels anxious and embarrassed about its advantage, especially because many classmates are on the opposing side. No one initially volunteers to fight.
• Xia Chen offers to go first, but Teacher Tang refuses, hoping to preserve Eevee as a later “trump card” in case the earlier battles go badly.
• Gao Muyang and Doduo are selected to open against a Fighting-class Machop.
• Doduo immediately uses its familiar Quick Attack strategy, but Machop counters by waiting for it to approach and striking its vulnerable legs with Low Kick. Machop then overwhelms Doduo with close-range attacks and defeats it without taking damage.
• The Normal class places its hopes in Munchlax, expecting its durability to counter Machop. However, Machop also defeats Munchlax decisively, leaving the class shocked and demoralized.
• The third Normal-class contestant, a short-haired girl with Happiny, becomes frightened and considers withdrawing. Xia Chen asks about Happiny’s moves and Ability, then quickly devises a strategy and gives her instructions before she enters the match.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates a calm, thick-skinned attitude toward defeat. He views the match as part of the early “beginner village” stage of training and is more concerned with helping his classmates than protecting his own pride.
• He also shows strong tactical awareness by recognizing the flaws in Doduo’s repetitive Quick Attack strategy and identifying a possible advantage in Happiny’s moves and Serene Grace Ability.
• Teacher Tang reveals that he sees Xia Chen’s Eevee as the Normal class’s strongest remaining hope, choosing to conserve it rather than risk it in the opening match.
• Gao Muyang relies too heavily on his standard Quick Attack tactic and fails to adapt to Machop’s close-combat strengths.
• The short-haired girl initially lacks confidence and does not seem fully familiar with Happiny’s Ability, but Xia Chen’s calm support restores her courage. His encouragement also causes her to develop an immediate, shy admiration for him.
• Machop’s Trainer displays superior battle judgment, exploiting Doduo’s approach and physical weaknesses efficiently.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability versus repetition: Doduo’s predictable Quick Attack strategy fails because its Trainer does not adjust to the opponent.
• The importance of battle knowledge: Understanding a Pokémon’s moves, Ability, physical traits, and matchup can be more important than raw numbers or apparent combat power.
• Pride and humiliation: The Normal class’s numerical advantage intensifies its embarrassment as it is defeated overwhelmingly. The chapter explores how public failure affects young Trainers.
• Composure and responsibility: Xia Chen’s emotional resilience allows him to think clearly and assist others while the rest of the class is overwhelmed by anxiety.
• Early growth in the Trainer’s journey: Xia Chen recognizes that setbacks are temporary and should not define a Trainer’s future.

Character Interactions

• Teacher Tang rejects Xia Chen’s request to open the match, explaining that Eevee should be saved for later, though his real motive is to preserve the class’s best chance of salvaging its reputation.
• Gao Muyang’s predictable opening command is punished by Machop’s Trainer, highlighting the contrast between the two sides’ command ability.
• Xia Chen comforts the frightened Happiny Trainer by asking about her Pokémon’s moves and Ability. He then gives her a private strategy, transforming her fear into renewed confidence.
• The chapter ends as the girl enters the field, while Xia Chen watches with concern and relief, having chosen to support his classmates despite not personally caring about the outcome.

Chapter Summary: “How Could a Happiny Be This Despicable?!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Pokémon battle continues with the Normal-type class sending out Gu Ning’s Happiny against an opponent’s Machop.
• Machop’s trainer initially assumes Happiny will be an easy opponent and begins fantasizing about winning ten consecutive matches and earning a rare campus dating privilege.
• Happiny uses Charm, but Machop easily dodges it and advances confidently.
• When Machop prepares Karate Chop, Xia Chen’s earlier advice becomes apparent: Gu Ning orders Happiny to use Mud Bomb/Mud Shot instead of relying on direct attacks.
• The mud strikes Machop in the eyes, disrupting his vision and causing him to stumble. This marks the first meaningful counterattack by the Normal-type class.
• Happiny follows with Sweet Kiss, inflicting Confusion on Machop.
• Unable to recognize the status effect, Machop’s inexperienced trainer orders him to attack. Machop instead punches himself in the face.
• Gu Ning takes advantage of the opening and has Happiny use another mud attack, covering Machop’s face again and leaving him helpless and humiliated.
• The surrounding students become excited, while Machop’s trainer is left horrified by Happiny’s unexpectedly dirty and effective tactics.

Character Developments

• Gu Ning demonstrates significant improvement as a trainer. Instead of recklessly ordering Happiny to charge in with Pound, she follows Xia Chen’s strategic guidance and uses status effects and accuracy disruption.
• Happiny is revealed to be far more cunning and dangerous than her weak, frightened appearance suggests. She wins through clever positioning and debilitating moves rather than raw strength.
• Xia Chen establishes himself as a valuable tactical mentor. His brief advice helps Gu Ning identify Machop’s weakness: its dependence on close-range physical attacks.
• Machop’s trainer is exposed as inexperienced and overconfident. He underestimates Happiny, fails to understand the effects of Mud Bomb and Sweet Kiss, and cannot properly guide Machop once the battle becomes complicated.
• Machop shifts from confident attacker to confused, blinded, and self-defeating victim.

Significant Themes

• Strategy over strength: Happiny’s weaker appearance does not matter because Gu Ning uses status conditions and accuracy reduction intelligently.
• The importance of battle knowledge: Understanding obscure moves such as Sweet Kiss and recognizing Confusion could have changed the outcome, but the rookie trainer lacks that knowledge.
• Underdog empowerment: The supposedly weak Normal-type class finally shows that it can fight back when given proper guidance.
• Adaptation and learning: Gu Ning’s performance shows that trainers can improve rapidly when they abandon habitual tactics and apply thoughtful instruction.
• Humorous humiliation: The chapter plays the contrast between Machop’s expected physical dominance and Happiny’s shameless, almost bullying tactics for comedy.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen quietly advises Gu Ning before her match, influencing her successful battle plan.
• Gu Ning and Happiny work together effectively, chaining Mud Bomb/Mud Shot, Sweet Kiss, and another mud attack to disable Machop.
• Machop’s trainer repeatedly gives straightforward offensive commands but fails to adapt to the changing situation.
• The Normal-type students react with growing excitement and admiration as Gu Ning’s tactics succeed.
• Teacher Tang recognizes Xia Chen’s contribution and approves of the strategic improvement in Gu Ning’s performance.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Normal type class’s exchange match against the Fighting type class turns in their favor when Happiny uses a frustrating, “dirty” endurance strategy.
• Happiny defeats Machop, who had previously dominated the first two matches, forcing his Trainer to concede after enduring an agonizingly long battle.
• Happiny continues winning, defeating two more strong Fighting-type Pokémon before finally collapsing against Tyrogue when her internal energy runs out.
• Inspired by Happiny’s performance, the Normal type students gain confidence and fight more boldly in the following king-of-the-hill matches.
• Thanks to their larger numbers and improved morale, the Normal type class ultimately wins without Xia Chen needing to battle.
• After school, Eevee complains about missing the opportunity to fight and boasts that she could have defeated ten opponents in a row.
• Feebas watches battle footage on television but remains too intimidated to fight. He checks his Beauty score and discovers that evolving into Milotic requires far more points than he expected.
• Feebas continues training by using Water Gun against a large bluestone, setting himself the cautious goal of creating a crack large enough to enter.

Character Developments

• Happiny: Demonstrates unexpected tactical intelligence and endurance despite her weak attacks. Her victory proves that clever strategy can overcome type disadvantages and stronger opponents.
• Xia Chen: Acts as a strategist and mentor for the Normal class, offering advice while humorously warning that some Pokémon lack the moves necessary to use advanced tactics effectively.
• Eevee: Reveals a growing love of battle and confidence in her past-life experience. She enjoys overpowering less experienced Pokémon and is frustrated when denied the chance to compete.
• Feebas: Shows intelligence, self-awareness, and extreme caution. Although he is stronger than he realizes, he underestimates himself, avoids battle, and focuses on gradual training toward evolution.
• Machop’s Trainer: Suffers a humiliating defeat and becomes emotionally blank after conceding, emphasizing how demoralizing Happiny’s strategy was.

Significant Themes

• Strategy versus strength: Happiny’s victory shows that clever tactics and endurance can defeat physically stronger opponents.
• Confidence and morale: Her performance inspires the Normal class, allowing weaker students to fight with greater courage and effectiveness.
• The value of unconventional methods: The Normal students accept Happiny’s “dirty” strategy because winning often depends on exploiting weaknesses rather than fighting honorably.
• Self-perception and hidden potential: Feebas is already capable of Entry-level strength but remains unaware of it, highlighting the gap between actual ability and personal confidence.
• Enjoyment of battle: Eevee views combat as exciting and empowering, while Feebas sees it as dangerous, creating a contrast between reckless confidence and excessive caution.

Character Interactions

• Happiny’s overwhelming performance affects both classes, terrifying the Fighting students and energizing the Normal students.
• Xia Chen gives a Rattata Trainer advice, suggesting Quick Attack followed by Fury Swipes, but jokes that the plan will only make the defeat more heroic.
• Eevee complains to Xia Chen during dinner about missing the battle, while he attempts to calm her down.
• Feebas silently mocks Eevee’s boasting from his aquarium, then reflects on his own reluctance to battle.
• The system informs Feebas that his Beauty score is 65 but clarifies that he still needs 935 additional points to evolve, crushing his brief excitement.
• Feebas treats the damaged bluestone as both a training partner and a symbol of his current limitations, despite already possessing more strength than he recognizes.

Chapter Summary: “Competition from Kalos”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen shops at Silph Department Store with Eevee on his shoulder and Feebas in a tank.
• Both Pokémon have grown rapidly due to improved nutrition:
  • Eevee is now nearly half a meter tall and noticeably heavier.
  • Feebas has increased from seven to twelve kilograms, and her scales have become more lustrous.
• Xia Chen unexpectedly encounters Jiang Qian, Jiang Han, and their Arcanine.
• Arcanine attempts to tackle Xia Chen in revenge for being ridden previously, but Xia Chen dodges, causing Arcanine to crash into a sturdy supermarket shelf.
• The group has drinks together at the department store café while Eevee, Feebas, Arcanine, and Jiang Han interact.
• During a private conversation, Jiang Qian explains that the recent Fairy Aura outbreak in Kalos has created major opportunities throughout the Pokémon world.
• She warns Xia Chen that researchers in Kalos are investigating a possible Fairy-type evolution for Eevee. Current theories focus on:
  • The existence of a Fairy-type Evolution Stone.
  • A special environmental or time-based evolution, similar to Lycanroc’s forms.
• Xia Chen realizes that his secret plan for evolving Eevee into Sylveon may face competition from well-funded researchers, though their current theories appear to be misguided.
• Jiang Qian connects Xia Chen’s earlier interest in Fairy Gems with the possibility that he has already been pursuing this evolution method.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen: Continues carefully raising Eevee and Feebas according to a deliberate plan. He remains outwardly calm but becomes concerned upon learning that Kalos researchers are investigating Fairy-type Eevee evolutions. His unique advantage is his knowledge from his previous life.
• Eevee: Has grown substantially and has become more confident and mischievous. She is sensitive about Xia Chen calling her fat and secretly compares him unfavorably to Jiang Han.
• Feebas: Shows clear physical improvement from consistent care and Beauty Pokéblocks. Her growing beauty hints at her future development and reflects Xia Chen’s successful nurturing.
• Jiang Qian: Acts as a supportive and well-informed acquaintance. Her business awareness and connections give Xia Chen valuable information about developments in Kalos.
• Jiang Han: Remains playful and socially confident. He compliments the Pokémon but teases Xia Chen by saying he looks older.
• Arcanine: Retains his mischievous personality and seeks revenge on Xia Chen, though his attempted prank ends in pain and embarrassment.

Significant Themes

• Competition and secrecy: Xia Chen’s private knowledge gives him an advantage, but discoveries in Kalos threaten to expose or surpass his plan.
• Scientific progress versus insider knowledge: Researchers are logically pursuing possible Fairy-type evolution methods, while Xia Chen relies on game-based knowledge unavailable to others.
• Growth through care: Eevee and Feebas’s physical improvements demonstrate the effects of proper nutrition, affection, and training.
• Uncertainty and trust: Xia Chen must trust that the evolution conditions he remembers still apply in this world, despite the lack of certainty.
• Humor and companionship: The Pokémon’s antics and the playful exchanges among Xia Chen, Jiang Qian, and Jiang Han lighten the more serious revelation about Kalos’s research.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen dodges Arcanine’s attempted revenge attack, causing Arcanine to collide with a shelf.
• Jiang Han admires Eevee’s growth and Feebas’s improved appearance, while Eevee privately resents Xia Chen’s comments about her weight.
• Jiang Han teases Xia Chen about aging, prompting Jiang Qian to correct his manners.
• Jiang Han takes Eevee and Arcanine to play in the Pokémon rest area.
• Jiang Qian privately advises Xia Chen about Fairy-type research and possible Eevee evolutions, then realizes that his use of Fairy Gems may indicate he has already anticipated the discovery.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen reflects on his conversation with Jiang Qian, who surprisingly takes his research into a Fairy-type Eevee evolution seriously. She offers to provide materials and relay information from Kalos, likely motivated partly by gratitude for Xia Chen and Eevee saving Jiang Han.
• Encouraged by Jiang Qian’s support, Xia Chen resolves to work harder toward evolving Eevee. Eevee senses that her Fairy-type energy is steadily increasing and estimates that she may reach the evolution threshold in roughly three months.
• Xia Chen receives his monthly Pixiv income—over 53,000 yuan—and reviews his finances. Although his total income last month exceeded 1.3 million yuan, his expenses were also high because of training equipment, Feebas’s aquarium, food, and Pokémon supplies. He is relieved that his savings remain sufficient.
• Xia Chen sends Marnie her agreed 20% share of the previous month’s earnings. Marnie is shocked and delighted by the payment, joking that she will remember him if she becomes Champion. Xia Chen sincerely believes Marnie has a strong future and may possess the “protagonist halo” of a major Pokémon-story character.
• On September 20, the Piplup Cup qualifiers begin in Battle Park. The event is extremely popular because its “Baby Cup” format is accessible and entertaining to ordinary spectators and young Trainers.
• Xia Chen and Marnie separate to compete in different zones. Xia Chen waits in Zone E with Eevee and watches briefly before his own match.
• While observing the other contestants, Xia Chen notices a boy wearing a red uniform and cap alongside a Poliwhirl. The familiar appearance and Pokémon make him suspect that another important protagonist or story character may have appeared.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen: Becomes more emotionally committed to repaying Jiang Qian’s trust and supporting Eevee’s evolution. He remains financially cautious but demonstrates generosity and loyalty by giving Marnie her share. His belief in Marnie’s future reveals growing confidence in the world’s narrative structure and his own role as a “supporting character.”
• Eevee: Continues developing Fairy-type energy and is expected to be capable of evolving in about three months. She remains perceptive and mildly puzzled by Xia Chen’s sudden sentimentality.
• Jiang Qian: Shows trust in Xia Chen’s unconventional research and actively supports him, indicating genuine goodwill and gratitude.
• Marnie: Is surprised by her earnings and enthusiastically accepts them. Her playful exchange with Xia Chen strengthens their friendship and reflects her ambition to become Champion.
• Feebas: Does not directly appear in the chapter’s events but remains one of the major causes of Xia Chen’s recent expenses.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and reciprocity: Xia Chen interprets Jiang Qian’s support as a return of the goodwill created when he and Eevee saved Jiang Han.
• Ambition and perseverance: Xia Chen and Eevee must continue training toward the difficult goal of Fairy-type evolution.
• Financial responsibility versus aspiration: Xia Chen enjoys his growing income but recognizes that raising and training Pokémon is expensive.
• Friendship and loyalty: His payment to Marnie reflects gratitude for her early help and his refusal to abandon a friend after achieving success.
• Protagonists and supporting characters: Xia Chen views himself as someone without a conventional cheat or central role, yet he believes Marnie may be destined for greatness and wonders whether he has encountered another major character.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Jiang Qian have a sincere discussion about Fairy-type Eevee evolution, leading to Jiang Qian offering practical assistance.
• Xia Chen encourages Eevee to work toward evolution, while Eevee silently gauges her progress.
• Xia Chen and Marnie exchange playful messages about her salary, future success, and becoming Champion. Their teasing highlights mutual trust and friendship.
• At the Piplup Cup, Xia Chen and Marnie coordinate their meeting plans before entering separate competition zones.
• Xia Chen’s first notable interaction at the qualifiers is indirect: he spots a mysterious red-clad Trainer with Poliwhirl and begins wondering whether the boy is another important figure in the Pokémon world.

Chapter Summary: “VS, Red!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen notices a young Trainer wearing a red uniform and cap with a Poliwhirl, leading him to suspect the boy is Red, the legendary Pokémon battler from his previous life.
• Before Xia Chen can investigate further, Eevee wanders off and befriends the boy’s Poliwhirl. The boy introduces himself as Red from Pallet Town, confirming Xia Chen’s suspicion.
• Xia Chen and Eevee are assigned to battle Red and Poliwhirl in their first official match.
• Xia Chen realizes this is Red in his inexperienced early stage, not the overwhelmingly powerful “Master Red” known from later years, and becomes excited rather than intimidated.
• At the start of the battle, Xia Chen orders Eevee to use Baby-Doll Eyes, lowering Poliwhirl’s Attack.
• Red, unfamiliar with the move, orders Poliwhirl to attack with Double Slap, failing to account for the stat reduction.
• Xia Chen follows with Fake Tears, attempting to stack additional debuffs while Poliwhirl approaches.
• Red reveals that Poliwhirl knows Haze, which clears the accumulated stat changes and restores the battle to an even footing.
• Haze also allows Poliwhirl to keep advancing, placing Eevee in danger due to her disadvantage in close combat.
• Xia Chen recognizes that Red has suddenly demonstrated greater tactical awareness, and he welcomes the challenge.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen is cautious and analytical when identifying Red, avoiding a premature approach. During the battle, he demonstrates strategic thinking by using status-lowering moves and studying Red’s battle style.
• Eevee shows increasing independence by leaving Xia Chen to approach Poliwhirl on her own. She is also unusually eager to battle, matching Xia Chen’s excitement.
• Red is confirmed to be the young Trainer from Pallet Town. He initially appears inexperienced and impulsive, relying on enthusiasm rather than careful tactics, but his use of Haze reveals hidden preparation and adaptability.
• Poliwhirl is presented as Red’s energetic partner and as Eevee’s first friend in the Donghuang Region. Despite the Attack reduction, Poliwhirl remains confident and eager to fight.

Significant Themes

• Meeting legendary figures in an unfamiliar context: Xia Chen must reconcile the legendary image of Master Red with the inexperienced youth standing before him.
• Growth and potential: The battle highlights the difference between a beginning Trainer and the powerful figure Red may eventually become.
• Strategy versus aggression: Xia Chen relies on calculated debuffs, while Red initially favors direct attacks, though Red proves capable of countering Xia Chen’s strategy.
• Friendship and spontaneity: Eevee’s unexpected interaction with Poliwhirl establishes a friendly connection between the two Pokémon before their battle.
• Cross-world and cross-region coincidence: Xia Chen wonders whether other familiar characters and figures from Pokémon lore may also exist in this world.

Character Interactions

• Eevee independently approaches Poliwhirl and begins a friendly conversation, prompting Red to greet Xia Chen.
• Red and Xia Chen exchange introductions, with Red thanking Eevee for befriending Poliwhirl.
• Xia Chen reprimands Eevee internally for wandering off but postpones dealing with her until after the match.
• During the battle, Xia Chen and Red engage in a tactical exchange: Xia Chen applies debuffs, while Red counters with Haze and presses forward with Poliwhirl.
• The chapter ends with Xia Chen recognizing Red’s improved performance and becoming genuinely eager to continue the battle.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen’s Eevee battles Red’s exceptionally fast Poliwhirl. Although Poliwhirl has greater raw speed and physical strength, Eevee matches him in agility and reaction time.
• Xia Chen deliberately withholds commands, waiting until Poliwhirl closes in and lowers his guard. Spectators mistake his silence for panic and criticize him as an incompetent rookie.
• At close range, Xia Chen orders Eevee to use Yawn. Eevee successfully catches Poliwhirl off guard, while Red immediately attempts to counter with Hypnosis.
• Anticipating this response, Xia Chen orders Eevee to turn away. Hypnosis misses, and Poliwhirl falls asleep, proving Xia Chen’s prediction correct.
• Eevee uses Swift to attack the sleeping Poliwhirl. Red attempts to wake him with Rejuvenating Roar, and, incredibly, Poliwhirl wakes after only one hit.
• Red orders an immediate Double Slap, but Eevee independently uses Yawn again before Poliwhirl can attack. Poliwhirl falls asleep a second time.
• The spectators are simultaneously impressed and outraged by Eevee’s “dirty” tactics. Xia Chen protests that he never ordered the second Yawn and blames Eevee for damaging his reputation.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates patience, tactical foresight, and a willingness to gamble. He successfully predicts Red’s only realistic counterattack and turns the battle in his favor. Despite his competence, he remains comically self-conscious about being perceived as underhanded.
• Eevee shows excellent battle instincts, quick reactions, and strong trust in Xia Chen. Her independent second Yawn reveals both her cunning nature and her close understanding of Xia Chen’s plans.
• Red proves himself far more capable than a typical beginner. He reacts quickly, recognizes openings, and successfully wakes Poliwhirl far sooner than Xia Chen expects. However, he is ultimately caught off guard by Eevee’s repeated sleep tactics.
• Poliwhirl displays impressive resilience, recovering almost immediately from Yawn and preparing to counterattack before being put back to sleep.

Significant Themes

• Strategy versus raw power: Eevee cannot compete with Poliwhirl physically, so Xia Chen relies on timing, prediction, status effects, and exploiting openings.
• Appearances versus reality: Xia Chen’s silence makes the spectators think he is panicking, even though he is carefully planning the battle.
• Trainer and Pokémon synergy: Eevee understands Xia Chen’s intentions so well that she can act effectively without direct commands.
• Cunning and reputation: The battle raises the humorous question of whether clever tactics reflect the Trainer’s character, especially when Eevee acts independently.
• Unpredictability: Poliwhirl’s instant recovery from sleep disrupts Xia Chen’s assumptions, emphasizing that real battles cannot be reduced to fixed game mechanics.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Eevee cooperate through years of familiarity, allowing Eevee to execute his plan immediately and later act on her own initiative.
• Xia Chen and Red engage in a battle of prediction, with Xia Chen anticipating Red’s Hypnosis and Red attempting to exploit Eevee’s vulnerability after Yawn.
• Red and Poliwhirl share a strong battle bond: Red encourages Poliwhirl to wake, and Poliwhirl responds with determination, only to be defeated by Eevee’s second unexpected Yawn.
• The spectators’ opinions shift rapidly—from mocking Xia Chen as clueless to praising his tactical brilliance—before condemning him again for Eevee’s seemingly underhanded behavior.

Chapter Summary: “A Three-Year Promise with Red”

Key plot points and events

• After defeating Red’s Poliwhirl with a clever double-Yawn strategy, Xia Chen waits with Red at the Battle Park Pokémon Center while Poliwhirl receives treatment.
• Red reveals that he has come to the Donghuang Region to collect all eight Gym Badges and compete in the Donghuang Conference three years later.
• He plans to travel west along the Yangtze River, challenging Gyms such as Cloud Marsh, Thundersong, Azure Sky, and Fireflow while training Poliwhirl, Pikachu, and future Pokémon.
• Red invites Xia Chen to travel with him. Xia Chen declines for now, explaining that he has his own goals, including researching Pokémon evolutions and establishing financial stability.
• Despite choosing different paths, Xia Chen promises to meet Red again at the Donghuang Conference in three years and defeat him once more. They seal the promise with a high-five.
• Marnie arrives late and finds Xia Chen and Red already acting like close friends.
• Red remains in Zhijiang to train in the wilderness before attempting the Cloud Marsh Gym, recognizing that his current strength is insufficient.
• Before parting, Xia Chen gives Red a newly released amphibious bicycle. Red reciprocates by giving Xia Chen his signature cap, creating meaningful keepsakes from their encounter.

Character developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates his adaptable battle style, contrasting his former preference for overwhelming offense with Eevee’s unusual status-based tactics. He also shows practical maturity by prioritizing research and financial security over immediately pursuing adventure.
• Eevee continues to reflect Xia Chen’s influence, enthusiastically embracing underhanded strategies. At the same time, she shows deep loyalty, assuring Xia Chen that she will support him regardless of his choice.
• Red is portrayed as optimistic, resilient, and intensely ambitious. Rather than being discouraged by defeat, he treats the battle as valuable experience and calmly begins planning his long-term journey. He also shows humility by acknowledging the need to train before challenging the Cloud Marsh Gym.
• Marnie observes the growing friendship between Xia Chen and Red with mild confusion and suspicion, highlighting Xia Chen’s ability to bond quickly with former opponents.

Significant themes

• Different paths toward shared goals: Xia Chen and Red both seek strength and success, but Red pursues adventure while Xia Chen focuses on research, stability, and his Pokémon.
• Friendship born from rivalry: Their battle develops into mutual respect, friendship, and a three-year promise to meet again as stronger Trainers.
• Loyalty between Trainer and Pokémon: Eevee’s support reinforces Xia Chen’s belief that life with beloved Pokémon can be fulfilling even without constant adventure.
• Growth through defeat: Red treats failure as motivation and experience rather than humiliation, embodying perseverance and self-improvement.
• Meaningful mementos and promises: The bicycle and cap symbolize their parting friendship and commitment to their future rematch.

Character interactions

• Xia Chen and Red discuss their ambitions, battle, and future plans with increasing mutual respect.
• Eevee humorously threatens Red while also emotionally reassuring Xia Chen.
• Xia Chen and Red exchange gifts and promise to face each other again at the Donghuang Conference.
• Marnie’s late arrival provides a humorous outsider perspective on how quickly Xia Chen befriends his opponents.

Chapter Summary: “Are Baby Cups This Competitive?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen reflects on his personal collection goal: obtaining signature items associated with famous Champions and Trainers, beginning with Red’s hat. He recognizes that completing the Pokédex is unrealistic, so collecting these keepsakes becomes a more manageable long-term ambition.
• After defeating Red in the breakout rounds, Xia Chen and Eevee easily win their remaining matches and secure one of Zone E’s two places in the Piplup Cup’s main tournament. Marnie and Yulong Tao also qualify without difficulty.
• Xia Chen checks the official list of the sixty-four finalists and is shocked to see many contestants using highly evolved Pokémon, including Charmeleon, Starmie, Exeggutor, Scyther, and even a nearly two-meter-tall Nidoqueen.
• He realizes that despite the event being restricted to Pokémon under one year old, many competitors have used Evolution Stones to evolve early. Concluding that Eevee’s less-than-two-month training period places them at a major disadvantage, Xia Chen abandons his hope of winning the championship, though he still intends to let Eevee battle seriously and avoid regrets.
• During the week before the main tournament, Gucheng High School grants its seven qualified students special leave and assigns each a Veteran-level instructor. Xia Chen is paired with Teacher Qiu, a Fire-type specialist who owns a Flareon.
• Teacher Qiu’s Flareon evaluates Eevee and suggests that she evolve into a Flareon. Eevee refuses, criticizing Flareon and other Eeveelutions. When she calls Flareon a “fat orange cat,” he becomes enraged, ending the chapter on a humorous confrontation.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen: He remains realistic and self-aware, quickly adjusting his expectations after seeing the strength of the other finalists. Although disappointed, he demonstrates determination by choosing to compete wholeheartedly rather than withdraw. His playful imagination and tendency to console himself humorously are also emphasized.
• Eevee: Eevee’s confidence and pride are clear. She considers herself destined for much greater strength and resents being lectured by a Veteran-level Flareon. She firmly rejects evolution into Flareon and displays a sharp, sarcastic personality.
• Marnie and Yulong Tao: Both continue to establish themselves as capable rookie Trainers by qualifying smoothly for the main tournament.
• Teacher Qiu’s Flareon: Despite being experienced and initially calm and analytical, Flareon is extremely sensitive about his appearance and reacts explosively to Eevee’s insult. His attempt to recruit Eevee into becoming a Flareon also highlights the competitive, almost cult-like rivalry among Eeveelutions.

Significant Themes

• The gap between talent and experience: Xia Chen and Eevee’s rapid success is impressive, but the tournament reveals that natural ability and early training may not be enough against opponents with evolved Pokémon and greater development.
• Ambition versus realism: Xia Chen briefly considers pursuing the championship before accepting the limits of Eevee’s current strength. Nevertheless, he chooses to compete with dignity and make the most of the opportunity.
• Evolution and identity: The chapter humorously explores the pressure placed on Eevee to evolve and the strong preferences associated with each Eeveelution. Eevee values choosing her own path rather than following Flareon’s example.
• Competition and insecurity: The supposedly beginner-level Piplup Cup is unexpectedly intense, while Flareon’s furious reaction to being called fat reveals how pride and insecurity can exist even in experienced Pokémon.
• Institutional support and promotion: The school’s investment in its finalists shows how prestigious Trainer competitions can benefit both students and the school’s reputation.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Eevee: Their relationship remains supportive and humorous. Xia Chen tries to assess their chances objectively, while Eevee’s confidence contrasts with his growing pessimism.
• Teacher Qiu and Xia Chen: Teacher Qiu provides specialized guidance because of her experience with Eevee and Fire types, offering Xia Chen an opportunity to improve before the main tournament.
• Flareon and Eevee: Their lesson quickly turns into an argument over evolution. Flareon attempts to persuade Eevee to become a Flareon, but Eevee mocks both his species and his appearance, provoking an unexpectedly intense reaction.
• The qualified students and Gucheng High School: The school demonstrates its support by giving Xia Chen, Marnie, Yulong Tao, and four other students leave and personalized instruction, reinforcing the importance of their advancement.

Chapter Summary: “Want to Learn? I’ll Teach You”

Key plot points and events

• Flareon, initially annoyed that Eevee wants to train with him, agrees to hear what she wants to learn because he sees himself as the senior Pokémon responsible for guiding her.
• Eevee asks to learn Rain Dance, frustrating Flareon because he is a Fire-type Pokémon. She then demonstrates that she can already use Rain Dance, creating a small cloud and light drizzle inside the training hall.
• Eevee follows this by using Sunny Day, replacing the rain cloud with sunlight and even producing a small rainbow. Flareon is stunned because weather moves are difficult and usually beyond the ability of many Veteran-level Pokémon.
• Realizing Eevee has exceptional talent and may possess Elite Four-level potential, Flareon admits internally that he has little to teach her.
• Eevee offers to teach Flareon Sunny Day, but only after making him repeatedly say, “I’m a fat Eevee.” Despite his wounded pride, Flareon complies.
• After training, Flareon tells Teacher Qiu that the lesson was highly effective and jokingly suggests betting on Eevee to win the Piplup Cup.
• On the way home, Eevee proudly demonstrates the move she learned that day: Double Team. Xia Chen identifies the real Eevee by noticing that the illusion has no shadow and praises her.
• Xia Chen promises to cook Eevee her favorite foods as a reward. The chapter ends with Eevee happily reflecting that spending her life walking home with him would be perfectly fine.

Character developments

• Eevee is shown to be extraordinarily gifted, capable of using both Rain Dance and Sunny Day despite her young age and limited energy reserves. She is also playful, mischievous, confident, and generous enough to teach Flareon after provoking him.
• Flareon begins as resentful and arrogant, believing Eevee should learn from him. Her abilities humble him, forcing him to recognize her superiority in certain areas. His reluctant obedience and later praise reveal a softer, good-natured side beneath his pride.
• Xia Chen continues to act as a caring, attentive Trainer. He treats Eevee like family, enjoys her achievements, notices subtle details in her Double Team, and plans a meal to reward her.
• Teacher Qiu remains supportive and optimistic, trusting that the training will help Eevee succeed in the upcoming competition.

Significant themes

• Unexpected talent and potential: Eevee’s mastery of advanced weather moves reveals that appearances and age do not determine a Pokémon’s abilities.
• Humility and reversed teacher-student roles: Flareon expects to teach Eevee but ends up learning from her, highlighting the importance of recognizing one’s limitations.
• Playful affection: Eevee’s teasing of Flareon and Xia Chen’s indulgent praise show how humor and mischief strengthen relationships.
• Family-like companionship: Xia Chen and Eevee’s walk home emphasizes their deep emotional bond and the comfort they find in each other.
• Progress and encouragement: Eevee’s new move and Xia Chen’s enthusiastic response reinforce the value of celebrating small achievements.

Important character interactions

• Eevee and Flareon: Their interaction shifts from hostility to comic cooperation. Eevee impresses Flareon with her abilities, then humiliates him playfully while still kindly offering to teach him.
• Flareon and Teacher Qiu: Flareon conceals the embarrassing truth that Eevee taught him, simply reporting that the training went well.
• Xia Chen and Eevee: Their affectionate reunion and training demonstration show mutual trust, pride, and emotional closeness. Their walk home concludes the chapter on a warm, peaceful note.

Summary

Xia Chen becomes increasingly convinced that his Feebas is undergoing subtle physical changes before evolving, possibly because of the Beauty-enhancing Pokéblocks he has been developing. During feeding sessions, he notices that Feebas’s eyes seem livelier, its lips slightly more attractive, and its rough body smoother. Unsure whether these changes are real or merely the result of familiarity, Xia Chen begins a systematic observation project.
He first plans to photograph Feebas while it sleeps at night, but discovers that Feebas is active during that period. He revises his method, taking a picture before each feeding. Over several days, the photographs reveal gradual improvements: a damaged fin becomes neater, and the pits on Feebas’s body noticeably smooth out. By Day 8, Xia Chen concludes that his Beauty Pokéblocks are genuinely working.
He records the successful formula—three Rabuta Berries, two Magost Berries, and two Cornn Berries—and notes that reversing the mixture’s spin for three seconds before the Pokéblocks form may be essential. This discovery excites him because Feebas’s evolution into Milotic could be far more profitable than his research into Sylveon. Unlike Sylveon’s evolution, which appears to rely mainly on friendship, a Fairy-type move, and Fairy energy, Milotic’s evolution requires a purchasable item or consumable product. Xia Chen imagines earning enormous profits by selling Beauty Pokéblocks, even fantasizing about monopolizing the market and becoming wealthier than major corporations and organizations.
Eevee interrupts his daydreaming and worries that the pressure of the upcoming Piplup Cup has caused Xia Chen to lose touch with reality. Xia Chen jokingly asks whether they should eventually buy an island or a mountain, further demonstrating his extravagant fantasies before returning to practical research.
Although the Beauty Pokéblocks have been successfully developed, Xia Chen still does not know Feebas’s current Beauty level or how many Pokéblocks are needed for evolution. He considers whether improving their quality could accelerate the process. The chapter ends with him recognizing that more experiments are necessary and looking forward to the upcoming Pokéblock symposium, which might provide new research opportunities.

Character Development and Interactions

• Xia Chen: Demonstrates careful scientific observation, recording daily evidence rather than relying solely on intuition. His practical ambition is mixed with exaggerated entrepreneurial fantasies about becoming extraordinarily rich.
• Feebas: Shows gradual physical improvement after consuming the Beauty Pokéblocks, suggesting that its evolution may already be underway.
• Eevee: Acts as a concerned and grounding companion, interpreting Xia Chen’s wealth fantasies as evidence of a mental breakdown.
• Xia Chen and Feebas: Their relationship is shown through repeated feeding, observation, and experimentation, emphasizing Xia Chen’s growing investment in Feebas’s development.
• Xia Chen and Eevee: Their humorous exchange contrasts Xia Chen’s wild ambitions with Eevee’s skepticism and concern.

Significant Themes

• Scientific method and evidence: Xia Chen uses photography, repeated observation, and recorded data to verify a biological hypothesis.
• Evolution and transformation: Feebas’s gradual improvement foreshadows its eventual evolution into Milotic.
• Profit versus research: Xia Chen’s scientific work is strongly motivated by its potential economic value.
• Ambition and fantasy: His dreams of commercial dominance provide comic relief while revealing his intense drive for success.
• Patience and uncertainty: Even after a major breakthrough, Xia Chen understands that determining the exact conditions for evolution will require further research.

Chapter Summary

• Setting and event: Ancient Gate Arena, Zhijiang City’s historic yet modern Pokémon venue, hosts the thirteenth Piplup Cup Zhijiang Division. Although the tournament is for amateur Trainers, Piplup Company’s strong marketing draws a packed fifty-thousand-seat audience and widespread livestream attention.
• Online reception: During the Top 32 matches, viewers mock the contestants’ mistakes while also debating their actual skill. Xia Chen appears on the livestream with his Eevee, and fans recognize him as “Pigeon Master,” the food-content uploader with roughly 400,000 followers. Although Xia Chen has never mentioned having a fan group, viewers immediately begin promoting and betting on him. His reputation as a skilled hidden Trainer clashes humorously with the fact that he originally became an uploader because he could not afford to pursue being a Trainer.
• Xia Chen’s nerves: Xia Chen is overwhelmed by the scale of the arena, having never battled before such a large crowd. He tries to calm himself and Eevee by telling her to imagine the audience as cabbages, though Eevee notices that he is the more frightened of the two. Seeing her Trainer’s anxiety, Eevee gathers herself and silently resolves to support and “carry” him through the match.
• Embarrassing introduction: At the start of the battle, Xia Chen accidentally introduces himself as “Not Nervous Xia Chen” instead of simply giving his name. He immediately adopts a blank expression and pretends nothing happened, but the livestream audience catches the mistake and turns it into a meme. His opponent, Hou Wen, remains focused and does not notice.
• Battle begins: Hou Wen sends out a Starmie, while Xia Chen chooses Eevee. Hou Wen assumes his Starmie has an overwhelming advantage against the small Eevee and dismisses Xia Chen’s chances. However, Xia Chen has researched Starmie and prepared a strategy in advance.
• Trainer–Pokémon bond: Despite having trained together for only two months, Xia Chen and Eevee have developed strong tacit understanding. Eevee recognizes from his brief command that she should follow their prearranged plan, demonstrating growing trust and coordination between them.
• Cliffhanger: Hou Wen confidently orders Starmie to use Hydro Pump, setting up the first major exchange of the match.

Major Themes

• Public pressure versus inner confidence: Xia Chen and Eevee must overcome the intimidation of a massive audience and livestream scrutiny.
• Appearances versus ability: The audience sees Xia Chen as an amusing food uploader and Eevee as a weak-looking Pokémon, while Xia Chen’s preparation and strategy suggest he may be far more capable than expected.
• Partnership and mutual support: Xia Chen tries to encourage Eevee, but Eevee ultimately becomes the one strengthening her nervous Trainer, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of their bond.
• Humor and online culture: Livestream comments transform Xia Chen’s verbal slip into a viral joke, contrasting the playful internet atmosphere with the serious tension of the live battle.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hou Wen commands Starmie to use the powerful Water-type move Hydro Pump, hoping to end the Baby Cup battle immediately.
• Xia Chen recognizes Hydro Pump’s strength but also its charging time and imprecision. He orders Eevee to use her newly learned Double Team.
• Eevee creates one duplicate and continues advancing instead of retreating. Starmie struggles to identify the real Eevee while holding in the pressure needed to fire Hydro Pump.
• Starmie mistakenly targets the duplicate, wasting its attack. The powerful water blast passes through the illusion and strikes the ground.
• Because Hydro Pump has drained much of Starmie’s water and energy, Xia Chen seizes the opportunity. He orders Eevee to target Starmie’s central red gem—the source of its psychic power—with Shadow Ball.
• Eevee’s close-range Shadow Ball hits the gem, severely weakening Starmie and causing its warning signal to flash.
• Starmie attempts to charge a second Hydro Pump, believing Eevee cannot use Shadow Ball twice in quick succession.
• Xia Chen instead orders Eevee to use Quick Attack. Eevee strikes before Starmie can finish charging, knocking it unconscious and winning the match.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates tactical awareness and adaptability. He understands Hydro Pump’s limitations, uses Double Team as a calculated gamble, and exploits Starmie’s weakened condition rather than relying on raw power.
• Eevee shows improved skill and battle intelligence. She successfully uses Double Team, maintains pressure at close range, and combines Shadow Ball with Quick Attack in an unpredictable sequence.
• Hou Wen is revealed to be an inexperienced trainer. He relies heavily on Starmie’s powerful move but does not understand its mechanics or recognize the danger caused by overcharging it.
• Starmie is powerful but overly confident. It becomes frustrated while trying to identify the real Eevee, misjudges the duplicate, and assumes the battle will follow a predictable exchange of attacks.

Significant Themes

• Strategy over strength: Xia Chen defeats a stronger-looking opponent by exploiting timing, accuracy, positioning, and energy consumption.
• The dangers of overreliance on powerful attacks: Hydro Pump’s strength becomes a weakness because it requires charging and leaves Starmie drained after firing.
• Deception and unpredictability: Double Team disrupts Starmie’s aim, while Eevee’s sudden switch from Shadow Ball to Quick Attack defeats Starmie’s expectations.
• Close-range spellcasting: Eevee’s “melee mage” style minimizes the weaknesses of long-range attacks by striking from point-blank range.
• Trainer–Pokémon coordination: Xia Chen’s precise commands and Eevee’s willingness to execute them effectively determine the outcome.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Eevee work in close coordination, with Eevee trusting his tactical commands even when facing Hydro Pump.
• Hou Wen’s hesitation leaves Starmie trapped while charging its attack, showing poor communication between trainer and Pokémon.
• Starmie misreads Eevee’s movements and becomes increasingly frustrated, while Eevee exploits its confusion and predictable assumptions.
• The final exchange highlights the contrast between Starmie’s expectation of a conventional move-for-move battle and Xia Chen and Eevee’s flexible, deceptive strategy.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen and Eevee defeat Starmie in a dramatic upset, advancing in the Piplup Cup. Their victory depends partly on Eevee’s risky Double Team successfully dodging Hydro Pump, allowing her to use Shadow Ball at close range and finish with Quick Attack.
• Viewers debate whether the win resulted from skill or luck, with Xia Chen and Eevee receiving the playful nicknames “Pigeon Master” and “Eevee Master.” The chapter emphasizes the idea that apparent success should be questioned rather than blindly believed.
• At the contestants’ waiting area, Zuo Ke and the other Gucheng High School competitors congratulate Xia Chen. Of the seven students, four ultimately advance, including Marnie and Yulong Tao.
• Yulong Tao wins efficiently by combining Focus Energy and Night Slash to defeat a Luxio.
• Marnie achieves an unlikely comeback against a Charmeleon with her Snivy. Charmeleon’s trainer uses Scary Face, but Snivy’s Contrary Ability reverses the stat change and dramatically increases her Speed. Snivy then uses Bind, Leech Seed, and Giga Drain to survive and defeat Charmeleon.
• Marnie confidently refuses Xia Chen’s offer to celebrate, insisting they eat together after she wins the championship.
• Xia Chen notices that his Pixiv followers have surged, realizing that his identity was likely exposed during the tournament. He is unconcerned about the revelation, but worries that continuing to advance will interfere with an upcoming seminar.
• The next day, Eevee battles a defensive Grotle in the round of sixteen. Unable to break through Grotle’s endurance, Eevee changes tactics by using Yawn to put it to sleep, then repeatedly uses Work Up to increase her offensive strength. The chapter ends as Grotle awakens to face a significantly stronger Eevee.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen remains modest about his victory, attributing it to luck, though he is increasingly aware that Eevee’s success may reflect more than chance. His unusual desire to be eliminated reveals his competing priorities: tournament participation versus attending the seminar.
• Eevee demonstrates impressive adaptability. She combines deception, mobility, and surprise tactics against Starmie, then shows strategic patience and preparation against Grotle.
• Marnie grows into her role as a determined, seemingly “chosen” competitor. Her victory showcases both Snivy’s Contrary Ability and Marnie’s willingness to fight through overwhelming disadvantages.
• Yulong Tao proves himself as a technically efficient battler, winning through a straightforward offensive setup.
• Marnie’s opponent is portrayed as overconfident and careless, celebrating too early and unintentionally turning Scary Face into a major advantage for Snivy.

Significant Themes

• Questioning appearances and assumptions: The chapter’s title is reflected in the audience’s debate over whether Xia Chen’s victory was skillful or merely lucky, as well as in the contrast between apparent defeat and Marnie’s comeback.
• Luck versus strategy: Eevee’s win over Starmie relies heavily on a fortunate dodge, but both she and Xia Chen also display careful tactical thinking.
• Adaptability and hidden strengths: Eevee reveals unexpected moves and changes strategies when direct attacks fail; Snivy turns an apparent disadvantage into an advantage through Contrary.
• Overconfidence versus patience: Charmeleon’s trainer celebrates too early, while Xia Chen and Eevee patiently wait for the right opportunity.
• Conflicting goals: Xia Chen’s continued success creates a problem because he wants to attend an upcoming seminar, making advancement something of a burden rather than an uncomplicated victory.

Character Interactions

• Zuo Ke congratulates Xia Chen after the Starmie battle, reinforcing the camaraderie among the Gucheng High School contestants.
• Xia Chen observes and supports Marnie and Yulong Tao from the treatment room while Eevee recovers.
• Xia Chen offers Marnie a celebratory meal, but she declines in favor of celebrating after winning the championship, highlighting her confidence and ambition.
• Xia Chen struggles with how to explain his tournament-related dilemma to Eevee, who is happily enjoying their victory meal and unaware that he may secretly want to lose.
• During the Grotle match, the commentators analyze Xia Chen’s tactical choices, praising his decision to use Yawn and Work Up while criticizing—or humorously admiring—his greed in boosting Eevee twice before Grotle wakes.

Chapter Summary: “I Really Never Wanted to Advance”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen and Eevee defeat a Grotle in the Piplup Cup’s round of thirty-two, advancing to the top sixteen.
• Eevee gains the upper hand through powerful attacks and the use of Yawn, ultimately defeating Grotle with Swift after Grotle fails to use Synthesis effectively.
• Although the audience celebrates, Xia Chen looks miserable because he never intended to advance so far. Advancing complicates his plans to attend an important seminar concerning Feebas’s evolution.
• After the battle, Eevee requires extensive medical treatment because the match pushed her physical stamina to its limit.
• Xia Chen weighs competing further against traveling to Kanto for the Feebas evolution seminar. He concludes that the seminar is more important, despite the valuable championship reward—especially a rare Pokémon Egg—that they would have to give up.
• Xia Chen honestly explains the situation to Eevee and asks her to accept forfeiting the rest of the tournament.
• Eevee quickly agrees, encouraging him and claiming they can win the championship another time.
• Xia Chen formally informs the tournament staff that he is withdrawing because of a scheduling conflict. The staff must refer the unusual request to higher management.
• A supervisor asks to meet Xia Chen personally, setting up the chapter’s cliffhanger ending.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen: Becomes increasingly aware of the limits of Eevee’s current strength and the difficulty of advancing in the tournament. He demonstrates honesty and responsibility by prioritizing Feebas’s evolution research, while also worrying about hurting Eevee’s feelings or making her feel replaced.
• Eevee: Shows substantial battle growth, defeating a strong opponent through increased offensive power and clever use of Yawn. Despite her rivalry with Feebas, she proves mature, loyal, and considerate by accepting Xia Chen’s decision without protest. She also retains her playful, assertive personality when she pats Xia Chen’s head and engages in a playful struggle with him.
• Feebas: Does not appear directly, but its evolutionary research becomes the central reason Xia Chen is willing to abandon the tournament.
• Tournament staff and supervisor: Treat Xia Chen’s withdrawal as a serious administrative matter, suggesting that his decision may have consequences or attract unusual attention.

Significant Themes

• Duty versus personal ambition: Xia Chen must choose between continuing a promising tournament run and pursuing a more important opportunity for Feebas.
• The burden of success: Winning creates new complications rather than simple happiness, since advancing forces Xia Chen to reconsider his plans.
• Honesty and trust: Xia Chen chooses to explain the situation openly to Eevee instead of hiding his decision, strengthening their relationship.
• Loyalty and emotional maturity: Eevee puts Xia Chen’s goals and Feebas’s future ahead of her own desire to win.
• Lighthearted partnership: The head-patting exchange highlights the affectionate, playful bond between Xia Chen and Eevee amid the more serious conflict.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Eevee: Their battle partnership is successful, but Xia Chen worries about Eevee’s reaction to abandoning the tournament. Eevee reassures him, and the two briefly forget their troubles while playfully competing to pat each other’s heads.
• Xia Chen and Feebas: Their relationship is indirect but emotionally important. Xia Chen fears Eevee may interpret his choice as favoritism toward the newer Pokémon, revealing tension within the team.
• Xia Chen and tournament staff: He formally requests to withdraw, but the staff must escalate the matter because of the tournament’s importance.
• Xia Chen and the supervisor: Their anticipated meeting ends the chapter and suggests that the organizers may question or challenge his decision.

Chapter Summary: “Every Match Is the Last, So Don’t Be Afraid to Lose”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen meets Li Wan, the chief organizer of the Piplup Cup’s Zhijiang Division, to explain that he must withdraw from the tournament.
• His reason is a conflict with an important seminar in Kanto, which takes place during the tournament’s remaining matches. He had originally entered the Piplup Cup without expecting to advance so far.
• Li Wan realizes that Xia Chen and Eevee are major attractions for the tournament’s livestream. Their popularity comes from Xia Chen’s large online following, their appealing appearances, and the novelty of a powerful battling Eevee.
• To preserve the tournament’s popularity while accommodating Xia Chen’s schedule, Li Wan proposes an unusual solution: Xia Chen can leave for Kanto while Eevee remains behind and competes independently.
• Since the rules do not forbid a Pokémon from battling without its Trainer present, Li Wan agrees to add a special rule permitting Eevee’s participation.
• As an incentive and gesture of goodwill, the organizers promise Xia Chen an Evolution Stone of his choice, regardless of how far Eevee advances.
• Xia Chen books an afternoon flight to Kanto and plans to take Feebas with him, while leaving Eevee in Marnie’s care at the Ancient Gate Arena.
• Marnie enthusiastically tells Xia Chen that Snivy evolved into Servine during her latest match. Xia Chen had not watched the battle, but pretends to be surprised while internally treating the evolution as unsurprising “protagonist” luck.
• Xia Chen informs Marnie that he is withdrawing. Though initially shocked and irritated, she understands the circumstances after he explains the arrangement and agrees to look after Eevee.
• Before leaving, Xia Chen encourages Eevee not to fear competing without him. He advises her to treat every match as though it might be her last and to focus on avoiding regret rather than obsessing over victory.
• Xia Chen expects Eevee to struggle in the next round because opponents have learned to counter her Yawn strategy, the competition is becoming stronger, and he will not be present to guide her.
• Eevee, however, is secretly thrilled to battle independently and confidently vows to win the championship.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates maturity, courtesy, and responsibility. He feels guilty about disrupting the tournament but accepts the organizers’ compromise because it allows both him and Eevee to pursue their separate goals.
• He shows realistic judgment by lowering his expectations for Eevee’s chances while still offering emotional support and preparing her mentally for possible defeat.
• Eevee displays growing independence and confidence. Rather than feeling anxious about Xia Chen’s absence, she looks forward to proving herself on the battlefield and believes she can win.
• Li Wan is revealed as a pragmatic and perceptive organizer. She quickly recognizes Xia Chen’s value to the tournament’s popularity and devises a creative solution that benefits both sides.
• Marnie continues to develop as a supportive friend and fellow Trainer. Her excitement over Servine’s evolution highlights her own progress, while her willingness to care for Eevee shows her trustworthiness.
• Servine’s evolution marks an important advancement in Marnie’s team and suggests that her training is producing significant results.

Significant Themes

• Balancing personal responsibilities and ambition: Xia Chen must choose between attending an important seminar and continuing in the tournament, but the unconventional arrangement allows him to honor both commitments.
• Independence and trust: Eevee’s solo participation reflects the trust between her and Xia Chen and signals her transition from dependent partner to capable competitor.
• Accepting defeat without regret: Xia Chen emphasizes that the value of competition lies not only in winning but also in giving one’s best and having no regrets.
• Commercialization and spectacle: Li Wan’s focus on livestream statistics, popularity, and audience engagement shows how competitive Pokémon battles are influenced by entertainment and publicity.
• Confidence versus underestimation: Xia Chen expects Eevee to lose soon, while Eevee remains highly confident, creating a contrast between cautious realism and ambitious self-belief.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Li Wan: Their polite negotiation develops into a mutually beneficial agreement. Li Wan’s professional diplomacy contrasts with Xia Chen’s initial concern about causing trouble.
• Xia Chen and Eevee: Their exchanged looks and final conversation show strong mutual understanding. Xia Chen worries about her competing alone, while Eevee interprets his departure as an opportunity to demonstrate her abilities.
• Xia Chen and Marnie: Marnie reacts with surprise and frustration to his withdrawal, but quickly becomes supportive once she learns the full circumstances. Their friendly exchange also includes teasing and humor surrounding Servine’s evolution.
• Marnie and Eevee: Although their interaction is brief, Marnie accepts responsibility for Eevee’s care, establishing her as Eevee’s temporary guardian and support during the tournament.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen flies from the Donghuang Region to Kanto for a World Breeders Association seminar. He feels uneasy about leaving Eevee behind and resolves to take her traveling in the future.
• After landing at Viridian Airport, he contacts Marnie and Eevee, then meets Brock at a Pikachu Convenience Store.
• Brock warmly welcomes Xia Chen, introduces himself using their online handles, and takes him to the hotel where the seminar will be held.
• The next morning, Xia Chen checks on Feebas, who dislikes staying in the unfamiliar bathtub and misses the comforts of home despite also enjoying Eevee’s absence.
• Xia Chen brings Feebas to the breeding seminar, where Brock’s popularity forces them to greet many attendees.
• Xia Chen meets Professor Oak—Ookido Yukinari—a former Kanto Champion, famous Pokémon professor, and major authority in breeding research.
• Brock introduces Xia Chen as an exceptionally knowledgeable young breeder. Oak encourages Xia Chen to persevere in breeding research, while he and Brock casually tease each other about their multiple occupations and powerful Pokémon.
• Meanwhile, back in Donghuang, Eevee remains active as the Piplup Cup quarterfinals begin.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen: Shows strong attachment to Eevee, revealing that traveling without her feels unnatural. He remains humble about his breeding abilities and is impressed by meeting major Pokémon-world figures. His trip also marks his first major journey far from home.
• Eevee: Although absent from the chapter, she remains central to Xia Chen’s thoughts. Her curiosity and energetic personality are emphasized through his desire to travel with her.
• Feebas: Displays discomfort in the unfamiliar hotel environment and a more complicated attitude toward Eevee. He claims to enjoy being away from her but privately realizes that her absence feels strange.
• Brock: Acts as an enthusiastic and considerate host, helping Xia Chen adjust to Kanto and introducing him to important figures. His friendly familiarity with Oak highlights his broad experience and connections.
• Professor Oak: Is presented as both an accomplished scholar and former Champion. Despite his age, he remains physically formidable, energetic, and deeply invested in encouraging young breeders.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and attachment: Xia Chen’s longing for Eevee demonstrates how deeply their bond has developed, while Feebas’s conflicted feelings suggest that even rivals or companions who bicker may miss each other.
• Growth through travel: Xia Chen’s journey to Kanto expands his world beyond home and exposes him to new people, institutions, and ideas.
• Breeding as a respected discipline: The chapter contrasts the popularity of Pokémon training with the declining number of young people pursuing breeding research, emphasizing Xia Chen’s unusual path.
• Mentorship and legacy: Oak and Brock represent older generations of Pokémon experts who guide and encourage Xia Chen, linking established knowledge with emerging talent.
• Humor and camaraderie: Brock and Oak’s teasing, along with Xia Chen’s awkwardness about their online usernames, keeps the academic setting lighthearted and personable.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen exchanges messages with Marnie and Eevee after landing.
• Brock welcomes Xia Chen, notices his discomfort, and reassures him while taking responsibility for his stay.
• Xia Chen speaks with Feebas about attending the seminar, and Feebas agrees because it is preferable to remaining in the unpleasant bathtub.
• Brock and Professor Oak greet each other as old acquaintances, joking about Brock’s Gym duties and Oak’s own multiple roles.
• Brock introduces Xia Chen to Oak, who praises his dedication to breeding and encourages him to continue his work.

Chapter Summary: “Haters, Speak Up! (Please Follow on Tuesday!)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• A prominent PiliPili recommendation promotes the Piplup Cup match featuring the “strongest Eevee in history,” supposedly battling without a trainer’s commands.
• The sensational title attracts many viewers, while others recognize it as deliberate clickbait. When viewers discover Eevee’s match has not started yet, the chat fills with complaints, but Eevee’s loyal fans convince many to stay.
• After Yulong Tao’s Axew wins the first quarterfinal, Eevee finally enters the battlefield. Her unusual lack of a visible trainer immediately causes excitement, mockery, and heated debate among viewers.
• Eevee faces a powerful Scyther known for exceptional speed, high Attack, and the Technician Ability. Scyther is considered one of the tournament favorites.
• Scyther opens with an extremely fast Quick Attack, appearing behind Eevee before most viewers can react.
• At the last possible moment, Eevee evades Scyther’s slash, pivots smoothly, and blinds it with Sand Attack. This reverses the momentum and excites her supporters.
• Scyther’s trainer anticipates Eevee’s likely use of Yawn and orders Scyther to fly away. Eevee instead uses Work Up, boosting herself and successfully deceiving the trainer.
• The chapter ends with Scyther’s trainer enraged and stunned that an apparently trainerless Eevee has outmaneuvered him psychologically.

Character Developments

• Eevee demonstrates remarkable battle intelligence, timing, agility, and independence. She is not merely reacting instinctively; she deliberately conceals her intentions and manipulates her opponent’s expectations.
• Scyther’s trainer begins confidently, relying on his Pokémon’s superior speed and established tactics. His confidence is shaken when Eevee counters Scyther and tricks him into misreading her move.
• Eevee’s fans become increasingly vocal and defensive, celebrating her success and challenging the skeptics in the chat.
• The spectators shift from suspicion and ridicule to surprise and growing respect as Eevee proves that the promotional claim may be genuine.
• Xia Chen, Eevee’s absent trainer, remains offscreen, but his unconventional decision to allow Eevee to compete without commands is central to the chapter’s conflict.

Significant Themes

• Independence versus dependence: The battle challenges the assumption that Pokémon require constant trainer commands to fight effectively.
• Skill over reputation and presentation: Despite the clickbait-like promotion, Eevee’s actual performance begins to justify the hype.
• Strategy and deception: Victory depends not only on speed or power but also on reading the opponent and manipulating their expectations.
• Public judgment and online spectacle: The livestream chat reflects how quickly audiences move from mockery to excitement, while controversy itself helps drive attention.
• Breaking conventional assumptions: Eevee’s intelligence and tactical awareness challenge the belief that trainers are always the “brains” while Pokémon merely execute commands.

Character Interactions

• Eevee versus Scyther: Eevee compensates for Scyther’s overwhelming speed with precise evasive movement and clever counterattacks.
• Eevee versus Scyther’s trainer: Rather than simply fighting Scyther, Eevee psychologically outplays its trainer by pretending to prepare Yawn and then using Work Up.
• Fans versus haters: The livestream chat becomes a battleground, with supporters defending Eevee and detractors predicting her defeat.
• Scyther and its trainer: They initially act in perfect coordination, but the trainer’s reliance on prediction is exploited when Eevee unexpectedly changes tactics.