Recaps

Su Bai spent a day exploring C City before heading to the Mountain Foothill Gym for his challenge, where he encountered Ren Xiaoyi again. Gengar revealed that something in Ren Xiaoyi’s shadow had hypnotized her, and the two trainers prepared to battle He Xing.

• Su Bai noticed Ren Xiaoyi watching the ghost in his shadow, and Director Li identified her as a powerful Ghost-type trainer known as the Witch of Modu University.
• J University’s team settled near Tianxin Pavilion, and Director Li gave everyone the first day off before tactics training began.
• Su Bai toured C City with Pikachu and Arcanine, sharing local snacks with Gengar in his shadow.
• Su Bai met Ren Xiaoyi at the Mountain Foothill Gym, where she asked to challenge the Gym first because it was nearly her bedtime.
• Gengar told Su Bai that Ren Xiaoyi had been hypnotized by something in her shadow, and Su Bai entered the Gym battlefield with her to face He Xing in succession.

Ren Xiaoyi defeated He Xing at the Mountain Foothill Gym with her Dreepy, then Su Bai earned the Orange Badge with Arcanine. After the two challengers left the Gym, something seemed wrong with Ren Xiaoyi.

• Ren Xiaoyi challenged He Xing with Dreepy, whose moves and close coordination with her overwhelmed his Dragon-type Magmar.
• Dreepy knocked out Magmar with Draco Meteor, earning Ren Xiaoyi the Orange Badge; she asked to watch Su Bai's battle, and Su Bai agreed after teasing her about her shadow.
• Su Bai sent out Arcanine against He Xing's Magcargo, dodged Yawn with Dig, and knocked Magcargo out with Extreme Speed.
• He Xing awarded Su Bai the Orange Badge, and the Gym Leader wished both challengers success in the Major League.
• Su Bai and Ren Xiaoyi left the Gym, and something seemed wrong with Ren Xiaoyi.

Su Bai helped Ren Xiaoyi through a frightening encounter with the darkness and learned that the Pokémon hidden in her shadow was protecting her. After returning to the hotel, he received a call from Cynthia, who asked why he had not told her he had qualified for the main tournament.

• Su Bai offered to help Ren Xiaoyi cross the dark road, but she declined and said the Pokémon in her shadow was trying to help her be braver.
• Ren Xiaoyi's teammates arrived, and Zhou Yong apologized after mistakenly suspecting Su Bai of bullying her.
• A teammate asked whether Su Bai would compete in the main tournament, and he declined her flirtation by mentioning his fiancée.
• Su Bai reasoned that Ren Xiaoyi feared losing sight of the Pokémon in her shadow when she entered darkness, then rewarded Gengar with cola.
• Su Bai went to a supermarket near his hotel, where Cynthia called and asked why he had not told her he had made the main tournament.

After a tender call with Cynthia, Su Bai reflected on why he wanted to remain in this world and indulged in food and comforts before a nightmare reminded him what he might lose. The next day, he learned J University would face Langzhou Pokémon University in two days, and he affirmed his determination to win.

• Su Bai spoke with Cynthia, who said she hoped to visit after the October holiday, and he stayed on the call after she fell asleep.
• Su Bai enjoyed a large meal and the comforts of his Pokémon-filled life, thinking about being sent back to his old world if he failed his mission.
• Su Bai dreamed he had returned to his previous life and faced loneliness, debt, and ridicule, then woke after falling from the bed and apologized to Arcanine.
• Su Bai began preparing with the J University Team, planning to lead off with Arcanine, which he had taught Sunny Day.
• Director Li told Su Bai that J University's first match would be against Langzhou Pokémon University in two days, and Su Bai declared his conviction to win.

Su Bai began the Major League tournament for J University while struggling with worsening nightmares about the system sending him back. He swept Langzhou Pokémon University's first three players with Arcanine, then left the field during the break as Director Li confronted him about his troubled state.

• Wang Dalin tried to cheer Su Bai up at the packed C City stadium, but Su Bai could not shake his distress over recurring nightmares.
• Bai Longfei and Qi Shijun held an exhibition match before the 128 teams paraded at the opening ceremony.
• Su Bai sent out Arcanine against Langzhou Pokémon University's Liu Dong, using Sunny Day and Solar Beam to knock out Swampert in one hit.
• Su Bai's Arcanine defeated the vice-captain's Politoed with Extreme Speed and Thunder Fang.
• Su Bai had Arcanine evade Alakazam's Thunder with Dig, then knock Alakazam out from underground after boosting with Dragon Dance.
• During the fifteen-minute break, Director Li asked Su Bai what was wrong with him.

Su Bai let Arcanine battle Langzhou Pokémon University's team while Magic City University secretly gathered data on its strength. Arcanine defeated Aromatisse and fought Carbink under Trick Room, leaving the outcome unresolved as Trick Room neared its end.

• Director Li told Su Bai to relax, and he returned to the battlefield while Magic City University students recorded Arcanine's performance and analyzed its data.
• Su Bai ordered Arcanine to dodge Aromatisse's Moonblast with Extreme Speed and knock it out with Flare Blitz, exceeding the scouts' estimated power threshold.
• Aromatisse set up Trick Room before leaving the field, and Langzhou Pokémon University's captain sent out Carbink.
• Arcanine blocked Carbink's Gyro Ball with Protect but was hit by Stone Edge before it could use Dig, then burrowed underground and struck Carbink as Misty Terrain faded.
• As Trick Room neared its end, the captain ordered Stealth Rock, but Su Bai countered with Iron Tail and sent Carbink flying.

Su Bai let his battered Arcanine stay in the match against Langzhou Pokémon University's vice-captain and a defensive Blastoise. After both Pokémon boosted their stats repeatedly, Su Bai prepared to exploit Arcanine's Extreme Speed.

• Arcanine knocked out Carbink with Iron Tail, and Su Bai considered switching him out because he was badly hurt.
• Arcanine refused to leave the field, so J University called a technical timeout; Su Bai chose to keep him in the match.
• Langzhou Pokémon University's vice-captain sent out Blastoise as the rain stopped, then used Rain Dance to contest Arcanine's Sunny Day.
• Arcanine's Solar Beam struck Blastoise, whose Rain Dish, Leftovers, and Aqua Ring steadily restored its health.
• Arcanine and Blastoise each used their boosting moves three times, and the vice-captain claimed Blastoise was faster before Su Bai pointed out Arcanine still had Extreme Speed.

Su Bai led J University to a 6-0 victory over Langzhou Pokémon University, then clashed with Director Li and teammates over whether he should compete in the next match. The chapter ended with Wang Dalin asking to speak after Su Bai left the team meeting.

• Su Bai baited Blastoise into wasting Protect, then used Arcanine's Dig to knock it out and help J University win 6-0.
• Su Bai celebrated with his teammates, took Arcanine for a checkup, and learned J University had earned twelve team points.
• Director Li told Su Bai to rest during the next match, but Su Bai argued that Pikachu could compete and refused to yield his place at the top of the individual leaderboard.
• Qi Hu grabbed Su Bai's collar, Pikachu bit Qi Hu's thumb, and Pan Yue released Cacnea before Director Li intervened with Alakazam and ordered everyone to stop.
• Su Bai challenged Hua Silai to prove she was a match for him, then left with Pikachu as Director Li explained her concerns about his Pokémon and team unity.
• Wang Dalin timidly raised his hand and asked to speak after the meeting calmed down.

Su Bai remained determined to win the Best Individual Award despite his teammates’ objections and Qi Shijun’s concern. That night, a disguised woman arrived at his door, and Su Bai recognized her with shock.

• Wang Dalin defended Su Bai’s choices, but Shen Tao and Hua Silai criticized him for pursuing the award at the team’s expense.
• Su Bai showered, reassured Pikachu, and went downstairs to eat while Arcanine rested under Gengar’s care.
• Qi Shijun questioned Su Bai’s willingness to risk Arcanine for the award, but Su Bai insisted he would win it.
• Su Bai spent the afternoon training alone because his teammates refused to practice with him.
• A masked woman came to Su Bai’s room, removed her disguise, and revealed herself to him.

Cynthia visited Su Bai after Qi Shijun told her he was overworking himself, but Gengar protected him when she used Hypnosis to make him sleep. She then took Gengar to challenge Yao Jie’s team at C Normal University, leaving their battle underway.

• Cynthia arrived at Su Bai’s room, and he promised to take her around C City after his match the next day.
• Cynthia’s Spiritomb used Hypnosis on Su Bai, but Gengar protected him with the Gengar Suit and confronted Cynthia until she reassured it.
• Cynthia caught Su Bai as he fell asleep, then thanked Pikachu and fed Arcanine while watching over him.
• Cynthia invited Gengar to help her fight in the Major League and learned it knew several powerful moves.
• Cynthia challenged Yao Jie to a full-team battle, offering Premium Pokéblocks as a prize, and Gengar faced his Onix.

Cynthia forced several of Su Bai’s rivals for Best Individual to sit out for two days, confronting Ren Yuan to ensure Ren Xiaoyi would leave the competition temporarily. The next morning, Su Bai woke beside Cynthia and quietly brought her breakfast.

• Cynthia defeated Yao Jie’s Onix and Rapidash with Gengar, using poison and Psychic to disable them.
• Cynthia challenged high-scoring Trainers across nearly half of C City, persuading them to battle and using Gastrodon against Pokémon immune to poison.
• Cynthia asked Ren Yuan to keep Ren Xiaoyi out of the competition, and he resisted until Cynthia threatened the Ren family and gave him a Dragon Fang.
• Ren Yuan agreed that Ren Xiaoyi would return to Magic City on family business and stay away for at least twenty-four hours.
• Su Bai woke to find Garchomp and Lucario watching him while Cynthia slept on the sofa, then covered her with a blanket and went to buy breakfast.
• Cynthia woke as Su Bai returned with ice cream, but he put it in the refrigerator and she ate porridge instead.

Cynthia persuaded Su Bai to take two days off from competing and spent a day sightseeing, shopping, and eating with him. The next morning, they planned to climb Mount Yuelu and see a movie, while the tournament continued without its top individual fighters.

• Cynthia made Su Bai finish breakfast before giving him ice cream, then asked him to take two days off and go shopping with her.
• Cynthia and Su Bai spent the day sightseeing, buying clothes, and sharing meals, while Lucario watched over them and Arcanine stayed in its Poké Ball.
• Wang Dalin told Su Bai that J University had won 6–4 after C Normal University withdrew its strongest fighter, and that no top-ranked individual competitors had competed that day.
• Su Bai brought breakfast to Cynthia the next morning and learned she had already bought tickets for their planned climb up Mount Yuelu and movie outing.

Su Bai spent a day with Cynthia before she returned to Sinnoh, and her support helped ease his anxiety. J University advanced to the quarterfinals, where they drew three-time champion Imperial Capital University.

• Su Bai and Cynthia watched Diantha's movie together, and Cynthia told him her flight was leaving in five hours.
• Su Bai admitted he feared running out of time, and Cynthia hugged him and promised to wait until he was ready to explain.
• Cynthia left Su Bai at the hotel and left him more than ten Focus Sashes; afterward, Gengar teased him before Su Bai pushed it back into his shadow.
• Su Bai reconciled tentatively with his teammates, managed his scoring, and stayed narrowly ahead of Ren Xiaoyi as the competition progressed.
• J University reached the quarterfinals, and Qi Shijun awarded the team extra credits, giving Su Bai ten more than the others.
• Director Li drew Imperial Capital University, the tournament's three-time defending champion, as J University's quarterfinal opponent.

Su Bai volunteered to lead J University's quarterfinal battle against tournament favorite Imperial Capital University, then prepared with Pikachu and Arcanine before entering the arena. The match began with Su Bai sending out Pikachu against Imperial Capital University's Snorlax.

• J University's teammates worried after learning they would face Imperial Capital University, while Su Bai received a system quest to defeat as many of their students as possible.
• Su Bai asked to go first, and Director Li and Fang Yuan explained that Imperial Capital University relied on the strength and teamwork of its members.
• Su Bai trained at the hotel gym with Pikachu and Arcanine, whose determination grew as they exercised alongside him.
• The quarterfinal began in the stadium, and Su Bai entered the battlefield intending to defeat as many opponents as he could.
• Su Bai sent out Pikachu, and Imperial Capital University's first competitor answered with Snorlax.

Su Bai and Pikachu won their opening battle against Snorlax, then faced Long Ze and his injured Steelix in a hard-fought match. Pikachu knocked Steelix out with a Thunder strike and a Knock Off, giving Su Bai another victory.

• Su Bai used Knock Off and Grass Knot to disrupt Snorlax’s Belly Drum strategy, then Pikachu finished it with Quick Attack.
• Long Ze introduced himself as Imperial Capital University’s captain and explained that a blonde woman with a Gengar had injured Steelix and other university Pokémon.
• Su Bai and Long Ze traded attacks as Steelix used Dig, Earthquake, and Sand Tomb against Pikachu.
• Pikachu struck Steelix with Thunder from inside the Sand Tomb, then used Rock Tomb as stepping stones to land Knock Off and defeat it.

Su Bai and Pikachu defeated three Imperial Capital University opponents in succession during the Major League, overcoming tricky battle strategies and difficult terrain. After Pikachu beat Machoke, Su Bai left the field to cheers as a leading favorite in the individual competition.

• Long Ze recalled Steelix, thanked Su Bai for the lesson, and left the field after Pikachu won their battle.
• Su Bai used Grass Knot, Pikachu’s tail, Surf, and Thunder to defeat the girl’s Magmortar despite its Protect and Lava Plume.
• Su Bai checked Pikachu’s condition during the timeout and learned that the next desert-and-pool battlefield would limit Pikachu’s movement.
• Su Bai sent Pikachu against a bare-chested Imperial Capital University contestant, and Pikachu knocked away Machoke’s Black Belt before being struck by Counter.
• Pikachu used Volt Switch to defeat Machoke, and Su Bai left the battlefield to applause as a favorite to win the individual competition.

Su Bai led J University to victory in its quarterfinal match, then watched Ren Xiaoyi’s Dreepy sweep the Dragon Nation Pokémon Academy and worried about keeping pace with her in the individual rankings. Back at the hotel, he accepted Hua Silai’s promise to help him if their teams met, and decided it was time to power up Pikachu and Arcanine.

• Su Bai left the quarterfinal battle to Fang Yuan, whose Whimsicott lost to a Blissey, before Pan Yue’s Cacnea used Destiny Bond to take Blissey down with it.
• Hua Silai sent out Charizard, which defeated Ferrothorn with Flamethrower and secured J University’s first quarterfinal victory.
• Su Bai skipped the team celebration and watched Magic City University defeat the Dragon Nation Pokémon Academy, with Ren Xiaoyi’s Dreepy sweeping all six opponents and tying Su Bai in the Best Individual rankings.
• Su Bai discussed his frustration with J University’s support for him with Hua Silai, who promised to help limit Ren Xiaoyi’s points if their teams faced each other.
• Pikachu and Arcanine returned to Su Bai that evening, and he decided to give them a power-up.

Su Bai recovered after using the Life Orb to strengthen Pikachu and rushed to J University’s semifinal, where his Arcanine helped turn the match around. The chapter left Arcanine standing lively after knocking out Manectric, with J University’s match still underway.

• Su Bai used the Life Orb and his Viridian Force to strengthen Pikachu, while Gengar protected them through the dangerous process.
• Su Bai and Pikachu passed out, and Arcanine and Gengar caught them; Su Bai woke two days later to find Pikachu stable and Gengar had hidden the Life Orb.
• Qi Hu told Su Bai that J University’s semifinal was underway and that the team was trailing 3-4 after Hua Silai’s Charizard fell to Perish Song.
• Su Bai arrived at the match, replaced Zhang Huan, and sent Arcanine to battle the opposing Manectric.
• Arcanine bit through Manectric’s Thunder with Thunder Fang and knocked it out with Flare Blitz, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Su Bai led J University past its semifinal opponents, securing first place in the individual rankings before preparing for the finals the next day. As the team set out for the championship match, Qi Shijun joined them and thanked Su Bai.

• Su Bai used Arcanine to defeat Golem and the opposing captain's Samurott, sending J University into the finals.
• Su Bai learned that he had taken first place in the individual rankings by one point, and Pikachu woke up that evening.
• Su Bai received system rewards and new missions, then called Cynthia for good wishes before the finals.
• Su Bai left for the finals with Pikachu and met Qi Shijun on the team bus.
• Qi Shijun thanked Su Bai for helping J University reach the finals, and Su Bai asked how many extra credits he would receive.

Hua Silai opened J University's final against Magic City University and quickly defeated its Trick Room setter and vice-captain with Charizard. She remained on the field after two wins, setting up the next clash in the team match.

• At the packed stadium, J University's coach Director Li sent captain Hua Silai out first, while the coaches traded confident remarks and Su Bai thanked Hua Silai for taking the opening match.
• Hua Silai's Charizard defeated Magic City University's Dusknoir with Feint Attack and a point-blank Fire Blast before Dusknoir could use Destiny Bond.
• Magic City University's coach sent the vice-captain out to make the battle difficult for Hua Silai.
• The vice-captain's Sylveon tried to use Attract, but Hua Silai revealed that Charizard was female and countered with Iron Tail, knocking Sylveon out.

Hua Silai battled through Magic City University's remaining competitors, defeating Alakazam at the cost of her Charizard. Su Bai and Ren Xiaoyi entered the final match, where Ren Xiaoyi summoned a Gengar from her shadow to face Su Bai's Pikachu.

• Zhou Yong taunted Su Bai, but Hua Silai's Charizard quickly knocked out his Bronzong with Flare Blitz and took recoil damage.
• Magic City University's Chandelure used Memento before fainting, weakening Charizard as the battle moved to a woodland field.
• Magic City University's captain used Alakazam to summon rain and strike Charizard with Thunder, but Hua Silai's Charizard defeated Alakazam with Heavy Strike before collapsing.
• Su Bai and Ren Xiaoyi entered the final match, and Su Bai sent out Pikachu.
• Ren Xiaoyi asked her guardian to help her win, and a Gengar emerged from her shadow.

Su Bai and Pikachu battled Ren Xiaoyi and her Gengar, but Ren Xiaoyi used a Key Stone to trigger Mega Evolution. The chapter ended with Ren Xiaoyi’s hair turning white and her vitality draining away, while her team captain cried out in alarm.

• Ren Xiaoyi sent Gengar through the forest’s shadows, but Pikachu struck it with Iron Tail and Thunderbolt.
• Pikachu used Su Bai’s Counter Shield to block Gengar’s Hypnosis, then knocked Gengar down with Surf.
• Ren Xiaoyi asked Gengar to accept her wish and revealed a Key Stone necklace.
• Ren Xiaoyi and Gengar triggered Mega Evolution, transforming Gengar into Mega Gengar.
• Ren Xiaoyi’s hair turned white as her vitality drained, and her team captain shouted for her to stop.

Ren Xiaoyi fought to win for the sake of the teammates who had supported her, while Su Bai revealed his own reason to keep fighting and unleashed a Z-Move. Pikachu's Purple Firmament Thunder overwhelmed Mega Gengar's Night Curse and struck Mega Gengar down.

• Ren Xiaoyi's Mega Gengar overpowered Pikachu's Thunderbolt, but Pikachu used Thunderbolt and Volt Tackle together to break through Mega Gengar's Dark Pulse Counter Shield and land a heavy hit.
• Ren Xiaoyi sent Mega Gengar aloft and used Sludge Wave to keep Pikachu from counterattacking.
• Ren Xiaoyi explained that she had to win for her teammates, who had come to care for her and help her overcome her childhood trauma.
• Su Bai revealed his Z-Ring and Thunder Z, saying he also had a reason to fight for a better life.
• Su Bai activated Pikachu's Z-Move, Ultimate Heavenly Punishment: Purple Firmament Thunder, which overwhelmed Mega Gengar's Night Curse and struck Mega Gengar.

Su Bai and Pikachu defeated Ren Xiaoyi and Gengar, winning the championship for J University and earning Su Bai the Best Individual award. After celebrating and resting, Su Bai discovered an online smear campaign portraying Ren Xiaoyi as a tragic victim and questioning his victory, and he began wondering whether Mega Evolution had harmed her.

• Pikachu got back to his feet after the clash with Gengar, and the referee declared Su Bai the winner.
• J University celebrated its championship, while Ren Xiaoyi was escorted away and Su Bai thanked Director Li before returning to his room.
• Su Bai read Cynthia's congratulatory message, then fell asleep from exhaustion.
• Wang Dalin woke Su Bai and urged him to check the internet, where Su Bai found a misleading video and comments attacking his victory while sympathizing with Ren Xiaoyi.
• Su Bai noticed claims that Ren Xiaoyi was in a special-care ward and wondered whether Mega Evolution drained trainers' life force.

Su Bai visited Ren Xiaoyi at Xiang Province Pokémon Hospital, hoping to help her in exchange for information about Mega Evolution. He reached her ward but had not yet explained his method when the chapter ended.

• Director Li told Su Bai that Ren Xiaoyi’s condition was dire and that Qi Shijun had gone to confront Ren Yuan over the online attacks.
• Su Bai decided to visit Ren Xiaoyi and told Director Li he might be able to help her, though he wanted to keep his method secret.
• Su Bai brought Pikachu, Arcanine, and Gengar to the hospital, leaving Gengar concealed outside.
• Zhou Yong confronted Su Bai on the ninth floor, and the two briefly grappled before the hospital staff intervened.
• Director Li arrived and protected Su Bai as he explained that he had come to see whether he could help Ren Xiaoyi.
• Elder Shen asked Su Bai what he could do to help Ren Xiaoyi.