Chapter Summaries

Plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng awakens in an unfamiliar room and discovers he has transmigrated into another version of Earth, called Blue Star, where Pokémon appeared a century ago.
• He learns that he is in Jiangcheng, Huaxia Country, and will turn sixteen in two days—the age when people can register as official Pokémon Trainers.
• His mother gives him a bank card left by his absent father, containing 200,000 Pokémon Coins to buy his first Pokémon.
• Because Starter Pokémon are largely controlled by the League and powerful families, Zhang Cheng plans to choose a Pokémon from an official Pokémon Day Care rather than risk buying one from an unreliable private market.
• On his way there, he sees Pokémon used in everyday life, including Tauros, Dodrio, and the rarer Rapidash. A driver reminisces about his own unsuccessful attempt to become a Trainer, but Zhang Cheng insists that effort is worth making.
• The chapter establishes the competitive path ahead: Zhang is entering his final year of high school, where students will train and battle with Pokémon before being assessed for university admission.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang moves from confusion about his new surroundings to accepting his new life and resolving to make the most of it.
• His mother is affectionate and supportive, telling him she will respect his choices. Her trust moves him deeply, especially because he grew up without family in his previous life.
• Zhang vows to work hard for his mother and investigate what happened to his father, who disappeared in an accident.
• The driver serves as a cautionary contrast: his own Trainer ambitions fell short, while Zhang responds with youthful confidence and determination.

Significant themes

• Family and belonging: Zhang values the warmth and support he lacked in his former life.
• Ambition and perseverance: He is eager to pursue the Trainer path despite the odds.
• Inequality of opportunity: Wealthy families and the League control the best Pokémon and training resources, putting ordinary aspiring Trainers at a disadvantage.
• A new beginning: Zhang’s transmigration gives him a chance to build a different life and pursue goals he could not have pursued before.

Key plot points

• Zhang Cheng visits Jiangcheng City’s largest League-operated Pokémon Day Care to buy his first Pokémon, with a budget of about 150,000 Pokémon Coins.
• The affordable Pokémon on display seem common and have poor Potential. Frustrated, Zhang Cheng wishes for a system—and one suddenly appears, allowing him to scan Pokémon and view their basic information, including Potential, Ability, and moves.
• After scanning a low-potential Rattata, he realizes the Day Care’s Pokémon have likely already been tested, making a hidden bargain unlikely.
• He suspects the system may reveal information the League’s equipment cannot detect in Pokémon Eggs. At the egg section, he confirms it works.
• He scans a male Nidoran egg with D-rank Potential, Poison Point, and the Egg Move Counter. It stands out as a promising option, and he continues browsing before making a choice.

Character developments

• Zhang Cheng shifts from disappointment and envy over his limited budget to renewed optimism after discovering his scanning ability.
• He thinks strategically, recognizing that eggs may offer better value because some of their most important traits cannot be assessed before hatching.

Character interactions

• The driver drops Zhang Cheng at the Day Care.
• A saleswoman guides him through the affordable Pokémon section, then accompanies him to the eggs when he asks. She is friendly and sympathetic to his situation.

Significant themes

• Potential versus opportunity: A Pokémon’s aptitude can shape its prospects, but low Potential does not make success impossible.
• Knowledge as an advantage: Zhang Cheng’s system gives him access to information other buyers cannot see, especially when evaluating eggs.
• Risk and hope: Egg-buyers gamble on what might hatch, while Zhang Cheng may be able to turn that uncertainty into an informed choice.

Key plot points and events

• While choosing a starter, Zhang Cheng spots a male Poliwag Egg with B+ potential, the Hidden Ability Swift Swim, and useful Egg Moves. He buys it for a discounted 190,000 Pokémon Coins.
• Zhang Cheng plans to eventually build a Rain Team around Poliwag. While waiting for the Egg to hatch, he studies rain’s effects: it strengthens Water moves, weakens Fire moves, boosts certain Abilities, and makes Thunder and Hurricane perfectly accurate. He concludes that an Electric-type teammate will be important.
• After seven days, the Egg hatches. Poliwag immediately bonds with Zhang Cheng, treating him as his parent. Zhang feeds him his nutritious eggshell and Water-type food.
• Zhang realizes he has almost no money left and worries about the continuing costs of food, training supplies, Pokéblocks, and medical care.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang Cheng shifts from choosing a Pokémon to pursuing a long-term strategy, showing both knowledge of Pokémon and ambition to become a Super Trainer. He also begins to recognize the practical financial burdens of training.
• Poliwag is introduced as cheerful, affectionate, and eager to eat. He quickly bonds with Zhang, who responds warmly and promises they will work toward his goal together.
• The sales assistant helps Zhang purchase the Egg and incubation kit, offering a discount that benefits both Zhang and her commission.

Significant themes

• Planning and preparation: Zhang studies team-building and thinks ahead about Poliwag’s eventual evolution and teammates.
• Trust and companionship: Hatching creates an immediate parent-like bond between Zhang and Poliwag.
• Ambition versus reality: Zhang’s dream of becoming a top Trainer is tempered by the expense and effort involved in raising Pokémon.

Key events

• During Poliwag’s first week, Zhang Cheng avoids formal move training and instead runs and plays with it each day, rewarding it with food and Pokéblocks. Their shared time strengthens their bond.
• Zhang Cheng discovers Poliwag loves watching television and hopes to buy it a set for Pokémon programs when he can afford one.
• With his supplies running low and his family short on money, Zhang Cheng plans to train Poliwag to battle so they can take League Center assignments and earn income.
• At a nearby park, he starts teaching Poliwag to use its moves. It quickly learns Water Sport, but its first attempts at Water Gun are weak and inaccurate. Zhang Cheng reassures it, and steady practice improves the move’s aim and power by day’s end.

Character development and interactions

• Zhang Cheng proves attentive and encouraging: he considers Poliwag’s feelings, balances training with rest, and rewards its effort rather than pressuring it.
• Poliwag grows more confident and determined. Although initially disappointed by its weak Water Gun, it responds to Zhang Cheng’s faith by practicing harder. It even wants to continue after a full day, revealing a competitive streak.
• Their bond deepens through exercise, play, training, praise, and affectionate gestures; Poliwag finishes the day riding on Zhang Cheng’s shoulder.

Significant themes

• Trust and partnership: Training together and encouragement help a Pokémon improve and trust its Trainer.
• Patience and balance: New skills take time, and rest matters as much as effort.
• Responsibility and hardship: Zhang Cheng’s ambition to make Poliwag battle is tied to the practical need to support their supplies without burdening his mother.
• Promise of future success: The chapter’s golden-sunset image frames Zhang Cheng and Poliwag’s growing partnership as the beginning of a champion’s journey.

Key plot points

• After four days of practicing Water Gun, Poliwag can now break a tree trunk with the move. Its training raises it to Level 2 and gives it basic battle capability.
• Zhang Cheng reviews how Pokémon grow: training improves moves and levels, while battles provide experience and practical skill. He decides Poliwag is ready to try an easy League mission.
• At the Pokémon League, Zhang Cheng considers three Bronze Rank jobs. He chooses a two-day sparring assignment for novice Trainers, accepting lower pay in exchange for battle experience.
• Back home, he bathes and massages Poliwag, then prepares him for their first battle, promising high-quality Pokéblocks if they do well.

Character development and interactions

• Zhang Cheng prioritizes Poliwag’s long-term growth over immediate earnings, confident that stronger battle skills will open access to better-paying missions.
• Poliwag responds eagerly both to his Trainer’s encouragement and the prospect of battling. Their affectionate routine—training, care, and shared excitement—shows their growing bond.
• Zhang Cheng recognizes Poliwag’s current limitations: Water Gun is his only attack, while Water Sport is mainly useful against Fire-types. He nevertheless believes Poliwag can compete with Pokémon of a similar level.

Significant themes

• Growth through practice and experience: Training builds proficiency, but real battles are needed to develop combat ability.
• Strategic ambition: Zhang Cheng accepts a less lucrative mission because it supports Poliwag’s development and future progress.
• Trainer–Pokémon partnership: Trust, care, and mutual enthusiasm underpin their preparation for their first battle.

Key plot points and events

• On his first day taking a task at the Nanting Training Ground, Zhang Cheng learns he must take part in two supervised practice battles each day. The facility will treat injuries, but Trainers must stop before anyone is seriously hurt.
• His first opponent is Jiang Nian, a well-off novice Trainer whose Level 3 Charmander has strong potential and the Blaze ability. Zhang Cheng’s Poliwag is one level lower but has a type advantage and knows Water Gun.
• Charmander opens with Scratch, while Poliwag’s Water Gun deals the heavier damage. Jiang Nian then tries to evade attacks and use Growl to weaken Poliwag, hoping to turn the fight around once Blaze activates.
• Zhang Cheng anticipates this plan and orders Poliwag to target Charmander’s tail. The strike lands, badly injuring Charmander and dropping its HP below one-third—activating Blaze. The battle’s outcome remains undecided at the chapter’s end.

Character developments

• Zhang Cheng is practical about his ambitions: although he dreams of owning a rideable Pokémon, he recognizes that catching and maintaining one is beyond his current means. He focuses instead on training Poliwag, earning a strong college entrance score, and pursuing further education.
• In battle, Zhang Cheng demonstrates confidence, quick analysis, and strategic use of his information-gathering cheat. He identifies Jiang Nian’s plan and targets Charmander’s weakness.
• Jiang Nian shows that he has learned sound battle tactics despite being a novice, adapting his approach to exploit Poliwag’s lowered attack.

Significant themes

• Preparation and information: Zhang Cheng’s knowledge of Charmander’s moves and ability helps him predict Jiang Nian’s strategy.
• Resource inequality: Wealthier Trainers can afford battle training and powerful starter Pokémon, while others must work to earn Pokémon Coins.
• Strategy under pressure: Type advantage and a strong move are useful, but both Trainers must adapt as the battle changes.
• Ambition versus practicality: Zhang Cheng sets aside an expensive dream to focus on achievable goals.

Character interactions

• The staff member explains the rules and introduces Zhang Cheng and Jiang Nian, emphasizing safety and sportsmanship.
• Zhang Cheng and Jiang Nian direct their Pokémon in a tactical exchange: Jiang Nian seeks to weaken Poliwag and trigger Charmander’s comeback ability, while Zhang Cheng counters by targeting Charmander’s tail.
• The Trainers’ commands show contrasting but capable approaches, setting up a tense finish as Charmander’s Blaze activates.

Plot points and events

• Jiang Nian activates Charmander’s Blaze and orders an Ember attack, hoping to finish the match before Blaze wears off.
• Zhang Cheng counters with Water Sport, which weakens Fire-type moves. Charmander’s Ember does little damage, and Poliwag finishes the exhausted Charmander with Water Gun.
• Zhang Cheng wins his first battle; Poliwag gains enough experience to reach level 3. Jiang Nian promises to do better next time, and Zhang encourages him.
• After Poliwag receives treatment, Zhang considers its weaknesses: it is fast but has low Attack and HP, and knows only Water Gun as an attacking move. He plans to teach it Bubble Beam.
• In the afternoon, Zhang faces a Trainer with a promising level-three Snivy. Poliwag’s Water Gun is resisted by Snivy’s Grass typing, while Snivy’s Tackle hits harder. After several exchanges, Poliwag falls further behind.

Character developments

• Zhang Cheng shows tactical awareness in his win and stays courteous afterward. He also thinks ahead about improving Poliwag’s limited moveset.
• Jiang Nian is confident and determined, but his inexperience shows: he uses Growl against Water Gun, a special move that Growl does not weaken.
• Poliwag gains experience and levels up, though its limited power and moveset leave it vulnerable in the next battle.
• Snivy’s Trainer enters as a formidable opponent, backed by Snivy’s strong potential and inherited moves.

Significant themes

• Strategy and matchup knowledge: Type resistance, move categories, speed, and abilities can matter as much as raw power.
• Growth through competition: Even losses and difficult fights offer experience.
• Preparation and perseverance: Zhang recognizes Poliwag’s weaknesses and plans to address them rather than avoid a challenging match.

Character interactions

• Zhang and Jiang exchange respectful words after the battle, with Jiang vowing to improve and Zhang encouraging him.
• Zhang’s encounters with both Trainers are shaped by contrasting matchups: he outmaneuvers Charmander’s boosted attack, but Poliwag struggles against Snivy’s type advantage.

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng’s Poliwag loses to a talented Trainer’s Snivy, which knocks it out with one Magical Leaf. Zhang takes Poliwag for treatment and reflects on the day’s two battles.
• He recognizes that Poliwag can compete with other starters but is vulnerable to Grass- and Electric-type opponents. His immediate priority is helping Poliwag learn more moves.
• Zhang decides his second Pokémon should be Pidgey. It is common and affordable to catch in Magnolia Forest, has strong long-term potential, counters Grass types, and could eventually provide fast transport and help him escape danger in the wilderness.
• He also outlines his ideal team: Poliwag will eventually become Politoed, whose Drizzle ability anchors a Rain Team; Pidgey will become Pidgeot and use Hurricane; a future Electric-type Pokémon will use Thunder; and his remaining choices will ideally be Water types suited to rain.
• After treatment, Zhang reassures Poliwag about its loss. Poliwag cheers up and is motivated by the promise of Pokéblocks after the next day’s battles.

Character development

• Zhang Cheng becomes more strategic, realizing that a successful team must cover its members’ weaknesses rather than rely on one type. He balances battle strength, Pokémon availability, wilderness safety, and future potential in planning his team.
• Poliwag is disappointed in itself after losing but responds warmly to Zhang’s support. Its love of Pokéblocks gives it a playful incentive to train.

Significant themes

• Adaptation and teamwork: A balanced team that counters opponents’ strengths is more effective than an all-Water lineup.
• Learning from defeat: Zhang treats the loss as a predictable type disadvantage, not a failure by Poliwag.
• Long-term planning: He considers evolution, weather synergy, affordability, and safety when choosing future Pokémon.

Character interactions

• Zhang comforts Poliwag, praising its earlier victory and explaining why the Snivy matchup was difficult. His reassurance restores Poliwag’s spirits.
• He then promises Pokéblocks as a reward for continued effort, turning their shared training plans into an encouraging, affectionate exchange.

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng gives Poliwag a bath and massage, hoping to prepare it for the next day’s battles.
• At Nanting Training Ground, Zhang’s first opponent is Ye Lang, a fellow student from Jiangcheng No. 1 High School. Ye Lang’s level-three Oshawott has the powerful move Brine and the Shell Armor ability.
• Oshawott’s Brine eventually leaves both Pokémon near defeat. Zhang recognizes a chance to use Endeavor: Poliwag interrupts Oshawott’s next attack and brings it down to similarly low health. Poliwag’s faster Water Gun lands first, knocking Oshawott out; Brine hits Poliwag immediately afterward, but the match is awarded to Zhang because Oshawott became unable to battle first.
• Ye Lang challenges Zhang to face him again in the school tournament, and Zhang answers defiantly.
• After Poliwag recovers, it easily defeats a level-two Sandshrew in Zhang’s afternoon battle and reaches level four. Zhang collects the promised 4,000 Pokémon Coins and heads to a shop to buy Poliwag Pokéblocks.

Character development

• Zhang shows growing tactical judgment, using his knowledge of Oshawott’s moves and Endeavor’s timing to win a close fight. He is also openly confident when challenged.
• Poliwag demonstrates determination and trust in Zhang, responding to his encouragement and helping execute the risky Endeavor strategy.
• Ye Lang’s initial aloof confidence turns to frustration after losing; he treats the result as luck and promises a rematch.

Significant themes

• Preparation and training: Zhang cares for Poliwag and plans to strengthen its moves after recognizing Endeavor’s limits.
• Strategy under pressure: Knowledge, timing, and speed—not just power—decide the first battle.
• Trust and perseverance: Poliwag’s resolve and cooperation with Zhang make their narrow victory possible.
• Ambition and rivalry: The school tournament is set up as a future confrontation with Ye Lang.

Character interactions

• Zhang and Poliwag share a supportive trainer–Pokémon bond, evident in Zhang’s care and encouragement and Poliwag’s response.
• Zhang and Ye Lang exchange a brief, hostile challenge after the match, establishing an ongoing rivalry.
• The training-ground staff introduce the opponents, explain the rules, and confirm the results.

Key events

• Zhang Cheng spends his remaining 4,000 Pokémon Coins on four low-grade Pokéblocks and five Poké Balls, then brings Poliwag home.
• After two exhausting days of battles, Zhang Cheng prioritizes rest before resuming training.
• He has Poliwag practice aiming Water Gun at airborne roof tiles. Poliwag’s accuracy improves until he can hit about half the targets, and Zhang Cheng considers the move mastered.
• Zhang Cheng then teaches Poliwag Bubble Beam using a video and online tutorial. Poliwag learns it, though it is initially weaker than Water Gun.
• Over the next two days, Poliwag also masters Mind Reader. It lets his next attack reliably hit, even when aimed at moving targets, but cannot be used repeatedly without limit.
• Zhang Cheng maintains a routine of daytime training and nighttime care, including massages, entertainment, and Pokéblocks.
• After a week, their money and food run low. They decide to take missions from the Pokémon League Center to earn more.

Character development and interactions

• Zhang Cheng becomes a thoughtful trainer, balancing practice with recovery and using Pokéblocks to reward Poliwag’s effort.
• Poliwag shows strong talent, learning Bubble Beam and Mind Reader in addition to refining Water Gun. He is enthusiastic about training and grows increasingly close to Zhang Cheng.
• Their partnership develops through Zhang Cheng’s guidance and care, while Poliwag’s eagerness and progress encourage Zhang Cheng.

Significant themes

• Balance and steady growth: Rest is treated as essential to effective training, and improvement comes through consistent practice rather than rushing.
• Trust and companionship: Daily care strengthens the bond and coordination between trainer and Pokémon.
• Practical limits: Even a successful training routine depends on resources, and the shortage of money forces them to seek work.

Plot and events

• Needing money, Zhang Cheng takes a ten-day Bronze Rank mission guarding Shennong Orchard for 40,000 Pokémon Coins. He packs, tells his mother he’ll be away, and travels to the orchard with Poliwag.
• Zhang Cheng is assigned to protect nearly ripe Pecha Berry trees from wild Pidgey and Spearow. He settles into a routine of guarding the trees and training Poliwag, calling on nearby guards if trouble proves too serious.
• Poliwag drives off several berry thieves with Water Gun. Zhang Cheng begins considering catching a young Pidgey from the area, since young Pokémon are generally easier to tame and raise.
• Though he can check Pokémon Potential with his special ability, the Pidgey he encounters over the next few days have only E- or D-grade Potential, below his standards.
• By the sixth day, Poliwag reaches level five and becomes proficient enough with Bubble Beam to use it as its main attack. A new Pidgey arrives to steal a berry; Zhang Cheng discovers it has B-grade Potential and immediately decides to catch it.

Character development and interactions

• Zhang Cheng is practical and ambitious: he accepts routine work to earn money, but continues looking for ways to strengthen his team. He also dreams of catching a Pidgey that can eventually evolve into a Pidgeot and serve as transport.
• He holds high standards for his team, passing over Pidgey that many ordinary Trainers would consider good. His special ability lets him assess them without first catching them.
• Poliwag grows through real encounters, gaining a level and improving its Bubble Beam while helping Zhang Cheng protect the orchard.
• Zhang Cheng’s mother supports his independence but reminds him to be careful. At the orchard, staff orient him and assign his duties; nearby guards provide backup.

Significant themes

• Resourcefulness and self-improvement: Zhang Cheng takes available work and uses its challenges as training opportunities.
• Potential versus patience: He seeks Pokémon with strong Potential, believing that careful selection will help him build a powerful team.
• The risks of life in the wild: Poison, injury, and limited medical supplies make preparation and protective items such as Pecha Berries important.

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng spots a level-three female Pidgey with unusually strong potential and four rare egg moves, including Steel Wing. Eager to catch her, he orders Poliwag to stop her from eating the orchard’s Pecha Berries.
• Poliwag’s Bubble Beam provokes Pidgey into fighting back with Steel Wing. A fast exchange follows, but Pidgey tires; Poliwag eventually hits her wing with Bubble Beam, slowing her further.
• Zhang Cheng’s first Poké Ball fails to hold the stubborn Pidgey. Poliwag then knocks her out with Water Gun, allowing Zhang to catch her with a second ball.
• He takes the badly injured, newly hatched Pidgey to the Treatment Room, then returns to Poliwag’s post at the orchard. By evening, Pidgey has nearly recovered.
• Zhang feeds both Pokémon and brings them to his lodgings, where he introduces them as teammates. They talk together before going to sleep, ready to guard the orchard again the next day.

Character developments

• Zhang Cheng shows resourcefulness by having Poké Balls ready, determination in pursuing a promising Pokémon, and concern for both Pokémon’s safety and recovery.
• Pidgey proves more capable and tenacious than her gentle reputation suggests: she knows an egg move, fights fiercely when attacked, and resists the first capture attempt. After Zhang cares for her, she becomes affectionate toward him.
• Poliwag is an effective battle partner who adapts after taking a hit, and an outgoing, patient companion who eagerly welcomes Pidgey.

Character interactions

• Pidgey and Poliwag begin as opponents, but Zhang’s introduction of them as teammates quickly leads to friendly conversation. Poliwag does most of the talking while Pidgey listens with a proud, aloof manner.
• Zhang’s feeding and care help establish trust with Pidgey, while his encouragement gives the two Pokémon a chance to bond.

Significant themes

• Partnership and trust: Capturing Pidgey marks the start of a new team, and care after the battle helps turn a wary wild Pokémon into an affectionate companion.
• Preparation and responsibility: Zhang’s spare Poké Balls and attention to the orchard and his Pokémon show the importance of planning and stewardship.
• Strength beneath appearances: Though Pidgey is known as gentle and easy to catch, her rare abilities and persistence reveal an unexpectedly formidable side.

Plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng begins training Pidgey, his new Pokémon, while Poliwag guards the orchard. He tests Pidgey’s Tackle, Sand Attack, and Steel Wing, finding Steel Wing especially powerful and deciding to focus future training on that move and speed.
• In the afternoon, Zhang Cheng trains Poliwag, concentrating on Endeavor. He considers pairing it with Pidgey’s Quick Attack so a weakened opponent can be finished off quickly.
• Over the next three days, Pidgey and Poliwag alternate between guarding, resting, training, and battling wild Pokémon. Pidgey reaches level four, and Poliwag reaches level six.
• After completing the ten-day orchard job, Zhang Cheng collects 40,000 Pokémon Coins and ten Pecha Berries. He spends 20,000 on Pokémon Food, 10,000 on Pokéblocks, and saves the rest for future expenses.
• Exhausted after the mission, Zhang Cheng sleeps late the next day and declares a rest day for the team—though he plans tougher training afterward.

Character development and interactions

• Zhang Cheng shows growing confidence as a Trainer, tailoring training to each Pokémon’s strengths and planning tactical combinations as well as future expenses.
• Pidgey proves proud and enthusiastic, favoring the impressive Steel Wing over Tackle. Zhang Cheng learns to read its personality, and Pidgey gradually warms to him during a massage.
• Poliwag continues developing through focused practice, especially on Endeavor, while taking turns with Pidgey on orchard duty.
• The two Pokémon are shown chatting together at the chapter’s end, suggesting they are becoming comfortable companions.

Significant themes

• Steady growth through effort: Training and battles lead to measurable progress for both Pokémon.
• Care and teamwork: Zhang Cheng balances work, training, rest, and physical care, while the Pokémon share guard duty.
• Long-term planning: Mission earnings provide immediate supplies, but future training equipment and Pokémon needs make saving essential.
• Ambition balanced with rest: Zhang Cheng celebrates the team’s hard work with a day off, even as he anticipates more demanding training.

Key plot points and events

• During the final month of summer, Zhang Cheng trains Poliwag and Pidgey daily. Poliwag usually wins their spars because it is stronger and more experienced.
• Zhang cannot afford regular Training Ground fees, so Pidgey’s first real Trainer battle must wait. He earns 30,000 Pokémon Coins from two public-security assignments, bringing his total funds to 40,000.
• By the end of training, Pidgey reaches Level 6 and learns Gust; Poliwag reaches Level 9 and learns Hypnosis. Zhang plans to help Poliwag improve Hypnosis by practicing on the agile Pidgey.
• On the last day before school begins, Zhang gets a call from his former deskmate, Ye Tian. They arrange a friendly Pokémon battle at Nanting Training Ground, with the loser buying dinner.
• Zhang expects his Flying-type Pidgey to give him an advantage against Ye Tian’s Bug-type Pokémon. But Ye Tian reveals that his starter has already evolved from Caterpie into Butterfree, catching Zhang by surprise.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang has become a committed Trainer, organizing his Pokémon’s training and taking public-security assignments to fund their growth. He also sees the upcoming battle as a chance to give Pidgey needed practical experience.
• Ye Tian is energetic and eager to battle, teasing Zhang during their reunion. Though his family has limited means, he has trained his Caterpie successfully into Butterfree over the summer.
• Zhang and Ye Tian’s easy banter shows their friendly, competitive relationship. Each tries to unsettle the other before the match, but Ye Tian’s evolved Pokémon changes Zhang’s expectations.

Significant themes

• Steady effort and resourcefulness: Zhang balances training with paid work, while Ye Tian makes effective progress with an affordable starter.
• Preparation versus surprise: Zhang plans around a type advantage, only to discover Ye Tian’s Pokémon has evolved and the battle may be more challenging than expected.
• Growth through practice: Both Pokémon development and Trainer experience depend on regular training and real battles.

Key events

• Ye Tian challenges Zhang Cheng to a battle, pitting his Level 10 Butterfree against Zhang Cheng’s Level 6 Pidgey.
• Butterfree’s Gust and Bug Bite give her a strong fight, but Pidgey’s Flying-type advantage offsets Butterfree’s higher level. The Pokémon trade heavy damage.
• In the final exchange, both use Gust and knock each other out, resulting in a draw. The Trainers send their Pokémon for treatment.
• Afterward, they acknowledge what they learned and discuss the approaching school year and its boarding requirements.

Character development

• Zhang Cheng learns not to assume he has judged a battle correctly: he underestimated Butterfree’s remaining strength and resolves to be more cautious.
• Ye Tian recognizes that type advantages can overcome level differences and admits he entered the battle overconfident.
• Ye Tian also feels anxious about being away from home for months, but accepts that he needs to become more independent and regains his determination.

Character interactions

• Zhang initially warns Ye Tian not to underestimate Pidgey; Ye Tian responds confidently and presses the challenge.
• During the battle, both Trainers give commands and adapt to each other’s moves, with neither side securing a decisive edge.
• Afterward, they exchange praise and candidly reflect on the battle, then encourage each other to work hard when school starts.

Significant themes

• Battle strategy over raw strength: Type matchups matter as much as, or more than, level.
• Learning through experience: Real battles teach Trainers lessons that theory alone cannot.
• Humility and growth: Both acknowledge their mistakes and resolve to improve.
• Independence: Ye Tian’s worry about boarding school becomes an opportunity to face growing up with support from his friend.

Plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng tells his supportive mother he will start school the next day, packs clothes, and reassures his Pokémon, Pidgey and Poliwag, about the challenges ahead.
• He travels to Jiangcheng No. 1 High School, checks in, and joins his classmates in Class Five, Year Three.
• Homeroom teacher Jin Haoxian announces an intraclass tournament for the first two days of school. The top five students will each receive 20,000 Pokémon dollars and enter the elite class; other students will be placed into classes according to their results, with a chance to challenge for elite-class admission later.
• Jin also reveals he will be leaving the class. The announcement saddens many students, but class president Hao Chenggong encourages everyone to stay positive.

Character developments

• Zhang Cheng feels grateful for his mother’s support and looks forward to testing himself at school. His successful first battle with Pidgey gives him confidence, while he remains mindful that challenges lie ahead.
• Ye Tian is cheerful and confident about his chances in the tournament, judging that few classmates have strong Pokémon. His eagerness for the prize makes him seem relatively unmoved by the teacher’s departure.
• Jin Haoxian expresses pride and affection for the class, reflecting on the students’ growth into Trainers.
• Hao Chenggong steps forward as a steady, encouraging leader when the class grows upset.

Character interactions

• Zhang Cheng warmly encourages Pidgey and Poliwag, and they eagerly signal their readiness for school life.
• At school, Zhang Cheng exchanges a few words with Ye Tian, who shares his assessment of the class’s competition.
• Students question Jin about the tournament and his departure; their attachment to him contrasts with Zhang Cheng’s lack of familiarity and Ye Tian’s focus on the reward.

Significant themes

• Support and companionship: Zhang Cheng’s mother and Pokémon provide reassurance as he begins a new chapter.
• Competition and opportunity: The tournament offers money and elite training, making school life immediately competitive.
• Change and parting: Jin’s departure brings out the students’ affection and marks a transition for the class.
• Different ways of responding: The students react to the news with sadness, leadership, detachment, or ambition.

• Tournament rules: Homeroom teacher Jin Haoxian explains that the 40 students will draw lots for the preliminary battles that afternoon; the 20 winners advance to the next day’s Semifinals. Those battles reduce the field to 10, then to 5. Afterward, students who performed especially well but were eliminated earlier may challenge someone in the top five, giving unlucky competitors another chance.
• Assessing the competition: Ye Tian expects Zhang Cheng and himself to qualify easily, then speculates that class monitor Hao Chenggong and study representative Wu Yueyue are likely top-five contenders. Hao has the class’s only starter Pokémon, a Tepig, while Wu’s Eevee is level eight—above the class average. Zhang is more interested in Hao’s Tepig than in classmates’ Pokémon generally, and believes he and Ye Tian have little to worry about because their Pokémon are much stronger than most of the class’s.
• At the Training Ground: After lunch, Zhang and Ye Tian arrive early and wait in their class’s designated battle area. Hao approaches them warmly, saying they should support one another as classmates and expressing confidence that all three will reach the Elite Class. Zhang calmly acknowledges Hao’s confidence; Ye Tian suspects Hao has researched their Pokémon. Zhang guesses that Hao’s family connection to the League Center may have given him access to records. Ye Tian sees no reason to distrust him and suggests they focus on the tournament.
• Character development and themes: Zhang remains practical and focused on improving his strength rather than gossiping or speculating about rivals, though Ye Tian’s enthusiasm briefly makes him curious. Ye Tian is sociable and keen to gather information about classmates. Hao presents himself as friendly and politically astute, already building relationships before the competition. The chapter emphasizes fairness and merit through the extra challenge opportunity, alongside preparation, ambition, friendship, and the value of connections.

Chapter summary: “The preliminary round”

Key plot points

• The class holds a preliminary tournament: forty students draw lots, and the twenty winners will advance to the Semifinals.
• Zhang Cheng draws matchup F against Li Peng’s Sandshrew. Ye Tian draws matchup C against a girl’s Bellsprout.
• Zhang watches a few early battles and uses the downtime to study Pokémon facts. Ye Tian easily defeats Bellsprout with Butterfree, whose level and typing give it a clear advantage.
• In his own match, Zhang scans Sandshrew’s stats and learns that its Poison Sting could pose a risk. Poliwag’s Bubble Beam hits first, exploiting Sandshrew’s Ground-type weakness and taking away more than half its HP. Sandshrew lands Poison Sting, but Zhang has Poliwag finish it with Water Gun. Zhang wins and advances, though Poliwag is briefly poisoned.
• Zhang cures Poliwag with a Pecha Berry he earned at Shennong Orchard. He explains that he accepted the risk of Poison Sting because the move was hard to dodge and he had an antidote available; its recovery window also let Poliwag attack.
• Zhang stays to watch class monitor Hao Chenggong’s match, hoping to learn about his Tepig before a possible later encounter. He scans Tepig’s stats as the battle begins, but the chapter ends before the outcome is shown.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang Cheng demonstrates a cautious but calculated approach: he scans opponents, uses type matchups, and weighs risks against the resources he has. His Pokémon knowledge also supports his academic preparation.
• Poliwag follows Zhang’s commands effectively, winning despite being poisoned. Zhang promptly treats it, showing his attentiveness as a Trainer.
• Li Peng is nervous about facing Zhang but refuses to surrender. He encourages Sandshrew to keep fighting and orders an attack even after Sandshrew is badly hurt.
• Ye Tian wins comfortably thanks to Butterfree’s advantage over Bellsprout.
• Hao Chenggong appears as a potential future opponent. Zhang studies his level-9 Tepig, which has the Egg Move Body Slam and the Thick Fat ability.

Significant themes

• Preparation and knowledge: Zhang reads about Pokémon and scans opponents to make informed decisions.
• Strategy over brute force: Type advantage, timing, and available items shape Zhang’s victory.
• Risk and responsibility: Zhang accepts a manageable danger to secure an opening, then takes care of Poliwag afterward.
• Competition and perseverance: The tournament pushes students to test themselves, while Li Peng’s refusal to give up contrasts with the lopsided matchup.

• Match outcome: Zhang Cheng watches Hao Chenggong’s Tepig face a Numel. Tepig has the Egg Move Body Slam and the Hidden Ability Thick Fat, making Fire- and Ice-type attacks especially ineffective against it. Numel initially seems outmatched, but its Egg Move Mud Bomb—a Ground-type attack super effective against Fire-types—turns the battle around. Tepig takes heavy damage, and Hao Chenggong uses Body Slam earlier than intended. The two moves land together: Numel is knocked out, while Tepig survives, sending Hao Chenggong to the Semifinals.
• Zhang Cheng’s observations and goals: Zhang Cheng judges that Thick Fat is less versatile than Tepig’s usual ability, Blaze, since Tepig already resists Fire and Ice. He believes Numel had the ability to reach the Semifinals but was unlucky to face Hao Chenggong. Zhang then leaves the remaining matches, focused instead on improving quickly, earning a place in the Elite Class, and gaining the resources needed for a better university. He also remains determined to discover why his father left, suspecting his father is still alive. His longer-term training plan is to venture into Magnolia Forest after the school’s closed-campus period.
• Interactions and preparation: Ye Tian stays enthusiastic about watching even beginner battles, while Zhang leaves him at the Training Ground and settles into the temporary dormitory. After the preliminary rounds end, the two have dinner and return to the Training Ground for a light practice battle: Zhang’s Poliwag spars with Ye Tian’s Butterfree. They stop before either Pokémon is injured, preserving their condition for the next day. Zhang feeds Poliwag and Pidgey and rewards each with a Pokéblock.
• Themes: The chapter emphasizes how hidden moves and surprise tactics can change a battle, as well as the value of preparation and restraint before an important match. It also contrasts the school’s competitive rewards with Zhang’s more personal ambition: he wants strength, opportunity, and answers about his family.

Key events

• The second day of the class tournament determines the remaining Elite Class places. Zhang Cheng wins his first match with Pidgey against a low-level Oddish, surprising classmates by revealing he has a second Pokémon.
• Ye Tian, Hao Chenggong, and Wu Yueyue also advance. In the afternoon, Zhang Cheng uses Poliwag to defeat a level 7 Sentret, securing one of the top five places and earning 20,000 Pokémon Coins.
• The final place goes to a Machop trainer. A Numel trainer challenges him but loses after Machop reaches level 8. The tournament ends with Zhang Cheng, Ye Tian, Hao, Wu, and the Machop trainer qualifying.
• Their teacher, Jin Haoxian, congratulates the class and says goodbye. Zhang Cheng and Ye Tian collect their rewards, then head out together to look for Technical Machines before students are no longer allowed off campus.

Character development and interactions

• Zhang Cheng’s preparation shows in his capable use of both Pidgey and Poliwag. He plans to spend his reward on a move to strengthen Poliwag, prioritizing training over celebrating.
• Ye Tian remains confident and exuberant, joking about the prize money and joining Zhang Cheng on the shopping trip. The two continue their friendly, familiar banter.
• Jin Haoxian’s emotional farewell highlights his affection for the students. Their sadness at parting contrasts with the tournament’s excitement.
• The stronger Pokémon owned by Zhang Cheng, Ye Tian, Hao, and Wu confirm their standing as the class’s leading Trainers.

Significant themes

• Competition and progress: Battles reward preparation, and Pokémon gain experience and levels through combat.
• Resourcefulness and ambition: Zhang Cheng treats his prize money as an investment in Poliwag’s development.
• Parting and transition: The tournament marks the end of the students’ time with their homeroom teacher and the beginning of life in new classes.