Hearing Hua Silai's words, Director Li inwardly let out a long sigh of relief.
When she had first seen Hua Silai approaching with an unfriendly expression, she had thought Hua Silai intended to target Su Bai.
Director Li had coached the university team for years. It was not uncommon for a captain to suppress an exceptionally talented newcomer out of fear of losing control.
Although Director Li was both a teacher and the team manager, this concerned the team's internal unity and was not something she could decide unilaterally. If handled poorly, it could easily create rifts and make teamwork even harder.
Fortunately, Hua Silai understood the bigger picture. It seemed they had chosen the right captain this year.
Su Bai, however, spread his hands.
"I refuse."
The system's task was simply to join the university team. It did not say he had to become a full member. He could earn the corresponding credits by traveling with them to competitions, even without competing.
Su Bai had no reason to make Pikachu waste energy on extra battles over a meaningless wager.
Hua Silai froze at his response.
She was a veteran of the team. Last year, J University had not even reached the top thirty-two. The year before had been even worse-they had failed to advance from the provincial group stage.
Hua Silai cared deeply about J University. After becoming captain this year, she had sworn to turn things around. That was why she had gone to such lengths to recruit Su Bai personally, even risking a reprimand from Director Li.
Hua Silai had watched Su Bai's matches. She had no idea how he had raised that Pikachu, but its strength was downright absurd.
Having Su Bai defeat two team members was only an excuse. Hua Silai wanted him to become a full member immediately, and if his performance remained consistent, a place in the starting lineup was not out of the question.
She had never expected this junior to actually refuse her.
Hua Silai did not know that both Director Li and Principal Qi took special care of Su Bai. Had she known, she would never have tried this. She would have simply discussed it with Director Li and put Su Bai's Pikachu straight into the starting lineup.
Yet this brat had thrown my kindness back in my face. Didn't he hear them all calling me captain?
Turning me down so bluntly-aren't you worried I'll make your life difficult?
Hua Silai was no fool. She knew targeting a genius like him would do her no good and had no intention of doing so. Still, Su Bai's personality had certainly stirred her fighting spirit.
If I don't put you in your place today, how am I supposed to lead this team from now on?
"Let me be frank, junior. I saw your excellent performance at the Health Cup, and I appreciate the honor you brought our university. I just want to watch you battle up close. If you really meet all our requirements, I intend to ask Director Li to put you straight into the starting lineup."
As she spoke, Hua Silai took out a black-and-gold Luxury Ball containing her Pokémon.
Her meaning was obvious. Junior, I see potential in you and want to promote you. But you have to prove yourself first. You can't put me in a difficult position, can you?
"Sorry. I just want to join the team. Whether I'm in the starting lineup doesn't really matter to me."
Su Bai spread his hands and turned her down again.
Honestly, Captain Hua's attitude was already very accommodating. But ever since the Health Cup, Su Bai had believed in avoiding battles whenever possible.
He had already attracted far too much attention. Though it did not particularly matter, he did not want people recognizing him everywhere he went.
Su Bai used to love the limelight, but now he preferred being alone.
"Sorry, senior. I'm only joining the team to broaden my horizons and earn some credits, so let's just follow the normal procedure."
"Su Bai, although team members all earn credits for traveling to competitions, the amount depends on how often they compete and how many matches they win."
Director Li spoke up from the side. I know exactly what you're like, brat. You're a slave to credits.
Su Bai's eyes lit up.
"So that means...?"
"That's right. The more you compete, the more credits you earn, and a win doubles them. But only starters and full members get more opportunities to compete. Since you're not interested, let's forget it."
Hua Silai turned to leave after speaking, and Su Bai hurriedly stopped her.
"Wait, wait, senior! We can talk this through. I'm not interested in becoming a full member, but I feel deeply attached to J University. I want to be the team's vanguard and lead the charge in every battle. I can't wait to sweep all six opponents on the battlefield for J University's honor."
Director Li and Hua Silai exchanged a glance, then looked at Su Bai with contempt.
Pikachu, perched on Su Bai's shoulder, burrowed its face behind his head in the hope of hiding itself.
This is so embarrassing. Where are your principles, human?
As far as Su Bai was concerned, credits were all that mattered. How much was dignity worth per pound, anyway?
"I'm deeply moved by your enthusiasm, junior, as captain of the university team. But this won't be easy to arrange."
Hua Silai twirled the Pokémon Ball in her hand and glanced at Su Bai.
Junior, you wouldn't want to miss out on the starting lineup, would you?
Su Bai's mouth twitched.
"Then let's do the assessment. When does it start?"
"Now."
On the gym's training field, Su Bai stood on the right, facing two seniors on the left.
A large crowd had already gathered around them to watch the show.
Although a Pokémon's strength had nothing to do with its Trainer's age, battle experience and training time meant that third-year students who had just been assigned to their classes could not beat fourth-years.
Especially not two of them in a row.
Many people knew Su Bai was exceptionally strong, but university team members were already the cream of the student crop.
The spectators all thought Su Bai was overconfident.
"Look, look! That's Su Bai, the one challenging two seniors from the university team."
"Hmph. Challenging team members, and two of them at that? Does Su Bai really think winning some amateur tournament makes him invincible?"
Only one person was cheering for Su Bai.
"Su Bai! Get them! I brought Togepi to cheer you on!"
It was Wang Dalin. Togepi was waving its arms and legs excitedly in his embrace.
"Toge-togepi~!"
The two team members did not think much of Su Bai either. One wore a number five jersey, the other a number six jersey, and they whispered to each other.
"You first or me?"
"I'll go first."
"How long?"
"One minute."
Number Five stepped forward first and released his first Pokémon, Pelipper.
The moment Pelipper appeared, heavy rain began falling over the field.
Apparently, he was responsible for the team's rain tactics. Pelipper was one of the most accessible rain setters around.
"Pelipper, use..."
"Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu knocked Pelipper out with a single Thunderbolt.
Number Five's second Pokémon was Golduck.
As soon as Golduck entered the field, the rain fell onto it, and it perked right up. Blue light shimmered around its body as it bounced from foot to foot.
The Swift Swim Ability?
As expected of a full team member, he could put together a basic rain strategy with just two Pokémon.
But Su Bai was not afraid of that. Although Pikachu started out slower than a Pokémon with Swift Swim, Speed Boost would only make it faster and faster.
Besides, there was no need to compete in speed.
Pikachu simply used Grass Knot to hamper its opponent's footing, then knocked it out with a Thunderbolt.
After Number Five left the field with a sigh, Su Bai glanced at his watch.
"Fifty-six seconds. Not bad, less than a minute. You really are a man of your word, senior."
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