Chapter Summaries

Li Wei joined Red’s Pokémon battle chat group and checked on the traumatized Arcanine he had agreed to help. Nurse Joy, who had treated Arcanine after its injuries, asked Li Wei to help it recover.

• Green added Li Wei to Red’s battle chat group and explained that Yellow was not suited to reading Arcanine’s memories and emotions.
• Li Wei chatted briefly with Akin and Lt. Surge, telling them that the Breeding Center was considering hatching and raising Pokémon.
• Li Wei went to check on Arcanine and found it huddled fearfully in a corner.
• Nurse Joy told Li Wei she had helped treat Arcanine after its injuries and asked him to help it get back on its feet.
• Li Wei promised Nurse Joy he would do everything he could to help Arcanine.

Li Wei took Lucario, Arcanine, and Metagross to Misty Mountain to search for two rare Pokémon without Trainers. They found an old house near the peak, and Arcanine rushed inside as Lucario began looking for the Pokémon.

• Wen Hui warned Li Wei to be careful on Back Mountain, and Lucario, Arcanine, and Metagross promised to protect him.
• Li Wei rode Arcanine to Misty Mountain, then climbed toward the main peak using his radar and Lucario’s knowledge of the area.
• Li Wei asked Lucario to lead him to places where he had seen promising Pokémon, and the group climbed past several wild Pokémon.
• Lucario led Li Wei to a dilapidated wooden house near the mountain’s highest point and said the rare Pokémon were there.
• Arcanine charged into the house, so Li Wei and the others followed while he asked Lucario to locate the Pokémon.

Li Wei and his Pokémon searched a deserted house on Misty Mountain and discovered that Dragapult and Drakloak had been hiding inside an old television. Dragapult ordered them to leave, but Li Wei began learning why the mother-and-son pair stayed there, and Drakloak calmed down when Li Wei lent him a black Rayquaza Dragon Scale.

• Li Wei, Lucario, Metagross, and Arcanine searched the dusty house after Lucario could not sense anyone inside.
• Metagross smashed the old television with Hammer Arm, and Dragapult and Drakloak emerged from it.
• Li Wei learned that Dragapult was an unpartnered mother at advanced Gym level, and she told the visitors to leave.
• Drakloak approached Li Wei, while a Dreepy perched on Drakloak's head flew onto Li Wei's shoulders.
• Li Wei placed his black Rayquaza Dragon Scale on Drakloak's head to calm him, and Dragapult reacted urgently before noticing the scale.

Li Wei learned why Dragapult had stayed on Misty Mountain: she was waiting for Meria, the sick woman who had once cared for her. After hearing their story, Li Wei took Dragapult and Drakloak to Meria House, an orphanage Meria had funded, so Dragapult could see where she lived on.

• Dragapult agreed to let Li Wei take Drakloak, but explained that she would not leave Misty Mountain because she was waiting for someone.
• Dragapult told Li Wei about Meria, who had cared for her while seriously ill and freed her before leaving for treatment.
• Li Wei called Zoro, who said Meria had died and directed him to Meria House downtown.
• Li Wei traveled with Dragapult and Drakloak to Meria House, an orphanage funded by Meria.

Li Wei brought Dragapult to Meria House, where Rosa told them about Meria’s life and the orphanage’s origins. Dragapult learned that Meria had left twenty-seven letters for her, and Li Wei accepted them on Dragapult’s behalf.

• Li Wei showed Meria House’s security guard the authorization from Zoro and entered with Dragapult, Metagross, and Drakloak.
• Dragapult gazed at Meria’s photograph, while the children crowded around Li Wei and his Pokémon with questions.
• Rosa introduced herself as Meria House’s acting director and led Li Wei and Dragapult to Meria’s old room.
• Rosa explained that Meria had founded the orphanage with her inheritance and had asked its staff to tell Dragapult not to keep waiting for her.
• Rosa gave Li Wei twenty-seven letters Meria had left for Dragapult, and he accepted them on her behalf.

Li Wei cooked dinner at Meria House, comforted Dragapult, and invited the children to visit his Breeding Center. Dragapult agreed to go home with him, Drakloak joined his team, and Li Wei returned to the Breeding Center with both Pokémon.

• Li Wei cooked a meal for the children at Meria House and gave them ten cases of Moomoo Milk.
• Li Wei persuaded Dragapult to eat and arranged with Rosa to bring the children to his Breeding Center for an outing.
• Dragapult agreed to go home with Li Wei, and Drakloak entered a Luxury Ball to become his Pokémon.
• Li Wei brought Dragapult and Drakloak to the Breeding Center and asked Arcanine to help its frightened companion.
• Li Wei introduced Dragapult and Drakloak to his parents, while his father admitted he had thought Li Wei was on a date.

Li Wei began training Drakloak at the Breeding Center while Dragapult remembered Meria and shared a quiet tea with Wen Hui. The center’s progress toward becoming Jubilife City’s best had stalled as customer traffic unexpectedly dwindled.

• Li Wei checked Drakloak’s abilities, gave him Black Rayquaza’s Dragon Scale, and began training him with his other Pokémon.
• Dragapult dreamed of Meria, woke to Drakloak training, and accepted Wen Hui’s invitation to drink tea in remembrance of Meria.
• Li Wei’s family Breeding Center recorded quest progress of 58 out of 1,000 customers, but business was unusually slow.
• Leon complained that no customers had brought Pokémon for move training, while Wen Hui suggested using the lull to plan breeding work.
• Someone rushed in shouting that there was big trouble.

As Coronet Day Care launched a major discount, Li Wei’s family discussed how to protect their new Breeding Center and prepare for breeding and certification exams. News of the Young Breeder Competition reached Li Wei, who recalled that his parents had begun their relationship during its semifinals.

• Dayou reported that Coronet Day Care had started a huge discount promotion, and Li Wei decided not to join a price war because the businesses served different customers.
• Mizuki warned that Coronet Day Care might smear the Breeding Center or interfere with its supply channels, while Li Wei prepared the staff for a temporary drop in customers.
• Wen Hui discussed possible Pokémon to breed, and Li Wei decided to take the Senior Breeder certification exam while Dayou planned to take the Intermediate exam.
• Brock announced that the 24th Young Breeder Competition finals would be held in Hearthome City, and Blue invited Li Wei to compete.
• Li Wei recalled that his father had confessed his love to Wen Hui on the competition’s live broadcast and that she had accepted.

Li Wei received a side quest to represent the Jubilife Breeding Center in the 24th Breeder Competition and finish in the top eight, while he prepared for the competition and developed Mapo Tofu (Grade B). He completed the dish and continued treating Arcanine as he waited for Milotic’s Trainer to arrive.

• Lucario and Arcanine cared for the boarding Pokémon while Metagross studied their methods and Drakloak returned to Dragapult.
• Mizuki sent Leon and Dayou to work on the outdoor grounds, where Dayou and Incineroar fired themselves up with a roar.
• Li Wei took Arcanine running to help him live normally and decided not to return him to police missions.
• Li Wei planned to enter the 24th Youth Breeder Competition in Hearthome City and received the [Make a Name] side quest to place in the top eight.
• Li Wei wondered why Milotic’s Trainer had not arrived, then made Mapo Tofu (Grade B) for his sixth video.

Li Wei served Mapo Tofu and an extra-spicy Red Oil Hot Pot, leaving most of the group suffering stomach trouble the next day. Meanwhile, a blonde woman flew toward Jubilife City with Garchomp to help Feebas.

• Li Wei discovered that his Mapo Tofu could raise a Pokémon’s Special Attack and considered opening a Pokémon restaurant after the Breeding Center was running smoothly.
• Li Wei served Mapo Tofu and Red Oil Hot Pot to everyone, while Metagross used Hammer Arm to pound meat for meatballs.
• Dayou, Shiyin, and the others ate the spicy food, and Dayou and Incineroar enthusiastically demanded more.
• The next day, most of the group clung to their toilets, while Li Wei and Lucario delivered warm milk to their rooms.
• A blonde woman in a black trench coat flew toward the Eastern Suburbs of Jubilife City on Garchomp, saying she was coming to help Feebas.

Cynthia spoke with her sister Roland, who asked her to help Li Wei treat a Feebas afraid of humans. Cynthia agreed to go to the Breeding Center and flew toward Jubilife City with Garchomp.

• Cynthia answered Roland's video call and learned she was studying Iron Island's ruins while Lucario trained with Riley.
• Roland explained that she had promised to help Li Wei, whose Feebas was afraid of humans and might need a Milotic's help.
• Cynthia told Roland to focus on Iron Island and promised to handle the Feebas herself.
• Cynthia asked Roland to come home for New Year's dinner, and Roland agreed before sending her the Breeding Center's address.
• Cynthia informed Professor Rowan about the possibly abused Feebas, then set off for Jubilife City on Garchomp.

Li Wei cared for the Pokémon at the Jubilife Breeding Center while Cynthia traveled there to see Feebas. After meeting Belle and asking her to keep the visit quiet, Cynthia reached the center and entered its reception area.

• Dragapult trained Drakloak in Breaking Swipe, and Drakloak made progress with the Dragon-type move.
• Li Wei spent time with the boarded Pokémon and considered how his family's grooming services could help the Breeding Center grow.
• Li Wei taught Jigglypuff to sing while Cynthia arrived near the center and disguised herself to avoid recognition.
• Cynthia met Belle, who confirmed that Feebas was difficult to treat and promised not to reveal Cynthia's visit.
• Cynthia reached the Breeding Center, noticed Gardevoir in the reception area, and went inside.

Champion Cynthia visited Li Wei at the Jubilife Breeding Center, where she came to help communicate with a reclusive Feebas. She released a Pokémon beside the Fish Pond, leaving the attempt to reach Feebas about to begin.

• Cynthia explored the breeding center and admired its services and wild Pokémon while her Garchomp and Lucario turned down the treatments.
• Cynthia found Li Wei playing with Jigglypuff and greeted him, while her Pokémon exchanged greetings with his.
• Cynthia explained that Roland had sent her to help because Milotic could not leave Iron Island.
• Li Wei told Cynthia that Feebas was hiding under an artificial rock formation and that his grandfather and Blue had advised finding a Feebas or Milotic to communicate with it.
• Cynthia nodded and tossed out a Poké Ball beside the Fish Pond.

Cynthia brought her Milotic to help Feebas, who was still frightened and hiding in the breeding center’s fish pool. After learning that Feebas was willing to stay but needed more time, Cynthia decided to remain at the center and continue helping it.

• Cynthia released Milotic into Feebas’s pool, and Feebas hid beneath the rocks in fear.
• Milotic gently spoke with Feebas and used Aqua Ring to ease its pain; Feebas said it did not want to leave the breeding center.
• Li Wei offered to move Feebas to a pond or dig a new one, but Feebas said it was fine staying in the pool.
• After talking with Feebas for nearly an hour, Milotic told Li Wei that Feebas would need more time.
• Cynthia decided to stay at the breeding center until Feebas recovered, and Li Wei confirmed that rooms were available.

Li Wei introduced his Pokémon to Cynthia at the Breeding Center, where she reunited with his team and met the staff. After seeing Li Wei’s grooming skills and learning about his popular cooking videos, Cynthia decided to book a care session for her Pokémon.

• Li Wei introduced Lucario, Arcanine, Metagross, and Drakloak to Cynthia and explained how he had met them.
• Cynthia released Spiritomb, Togekiss, and Glaceon, then chatted with Li Wei until the staff rushed over to request autographs and photos.
• Li Wei returned to grooming customers’ Pokémon while Cynthia explored the center with Shiyin and learned about his videos on the Eevee Network.
• Cynthia watched Li Wei groom Furfrou and, impressed by his care, decided to book grooming sessions for her Pokémon.

Cynthia booked grooming for all her Pokémon with Li Wei while he reached top-tier Pokéblock Crafting. That evening, Li Wei and Leon prepared a feast to welcome Cynthia, who kept her tournament outfit a secret.

• Cynthia asked Shiyin to book grooming for all her Pokémon with Li Wei, who agreed to care for them.
• Shiyin told Cynthia that Li Wei would be filming a Mapo Tofu video and taking the Senior Breeder assessment, making those times unavailable.
• Li Wei received enough proficiency to advance his Pokéblock Crafting to top-tier and gained a 50% chance of making perfect-grade Pokéblocks.
• Li Wei and Leon prepared dinner for Cynthia, while Metagross pounded beef balls and Cynthia reassured it.
• Li Wen asked Cynthia about her new outfit, and she said his design suggestions had helped but that she would keep the outfit secret until the tournament.
• Cynthia joined Li Wei's family for the feast.

At the Jubilife Breeding Center, Cynthia discovered that Li Wei’s Pokéblocks were perfect quality and arranged to order them. Dragapult offered to help deliver them as Cynthia listed the places she regularly visited.

• Cynthia and the others ate Li Wei’s meal, while their Pokémon eagerly devoured his food and Pokéblocks.
• Cynthia examined a flawless Pecha Berry Pokéblock and learned that Li Wei had made it, despite being only nineteen and producing perfect batches about half the time.
• Leon explained that Li Wei’s Pokéblocks had become the Breeding Center’s biggest source of income, with some portions selling for 19,800.
• Cynthia asked Li Wei to supply her with Pokéblocks, and he said he would need to deliver them weekly to preserve their quality.
• Cynthia named the cities and island she often visited, and Dragapult offered to help with deliveries.

Cynthia visited the recovering Arcanine and spent a relaxing vacation at Li Wei’s home, where watching the Pokémon enjoy themselves made her wish she could retire. She remained resolved to keep serving as Sinnoh Champion, then watched Li Wei groom Garchomp.

• Cynthia visited Arcanine with Li Wei, and Arcanine showed that he was gradually opening up to her.
• The next morning, Cynthia watched the Pokémon play in Li Wei’s courtyard and enjoyed a quiet breakfast, wishing she could retire from her Champion duties.
• Cynthia considered whether Li Wei could eventually replace her as Champion, but decided he did not seem interested and she would not force him to take on her responsibilities.
• Cynthia asked Li Wei to make Poffins for her Pokémon, and he agreed to prepare some after filming his Mapo Tofu video.
• Li Wei began Garchomp’s sunny Fine-Salt Sand Bath and grooming session, which Garchomp happily accepted in exchange for perfect-quality Pokéblocks.

Li Wei and Cynthia read about the newly announced Master League, an invitation-only competition for Gym Leaders and higher-ranked Trainers. Green offered Li Wei a wild-card spot, but Li Wei hesitated because the tournament’s travel schedule would interfere with his breeding work.

• Cynthia praised Li Wei’s improved Pokémon Breeding skills while he groomed Garchomp.
• Lance announced the Master League in the Chat Group and explained its invitation rules, rotating venues, and two competition stages.
• Akin said he would crush Leon when Leon came to Johto, and Lorelei warned him not to underestimate Leon.
• Green offered Li Wei a wild-card place, but Li Wei said he would think about it because he still had breeding work.
• Cynthia interrupted Li Wei as he considered whether to enter the competition.

Li Wei filmed a Mapo Tofu episode while discussing the Master League with Cynthia, then helped her choose between his Pokémon foods and Poffins. After Professor Oak promoted the episode, Li Wei’s follower count passed one hundred thousand, and Cynthia’s visit helped restore business at the Jubilife Breeding Center.

• Li Wei showed Cynthia his group chat with Red, Blue, and Akin, then saw the Master League document Lucian had sent her.
• Li Wei filmed a Mapo Tofu recipe while Cynthia watched, and Dayou, Incineroar, and Lucario joined the tasting segment.
• Li Wei made Poffins for Cynthia, who judged them inferior to his Pokéblocks and Pokémon Food, and they agreed to stick with those foods for now.
• The next day, Li Wei saw that Professor Oak’s Backyard had commented on the Mapo Tofu video, helping his account pass one hundred thousand followers.
• Cynthia’s popularity brought attention to the Jubilife Breeding Center and helped resolve the damage caused by Coronet Day Care’s price cuts.