The First Collaboration

Seeing Greninja's acknowledgment, Torchic's mood lifted instantly. It immediately squirmed out of Su Feng's arms, ready to challenge Tyrogue again.

"Not so fast. You're not fully healed yet."

Despite the medicinal spray, Torchic's stamina and injuries wouldn't recover that quickly.

"You'll be fully healed by evening. Then, we'll fight together."

"Chirp?" Torchic tilted its head, confused.

The audience in the livestream was equally puzzled.

After all, this world had never seen Trainers before, and Pokémon had never encountered humans who could fight alongside them.

[What are you planning, streamer? Are you going to fight yourself?]

[Don't be reckless! Tyrogue could knock you out with one hit.]

[Isn't it unfair to gang up on Tyrogue like this?]

[Hehehe, I love ganging up on others!]

[Who's this Soul Palace elder in the chat?]

Su Feng chuckled at the misunderstandings.

"Who said I'm going to fight directly? You'll see tonight what a Trainer's real role is."

...

By evening, Su Feng, Torchic, Tyrogue, and Greninja sat around the campfire, finishing their last meal of the day.

"Ah~ I'm stuffed."

Tonight's dinner wasn't grilled fish. Even the most delicious food could get boring if eaten every day, so Su Feng prepared a spicy fish hotpot instead.

[Food streamer confirmed!]

[Watching the streamer feast while I eat instant noodles… tears are falling.]

[Same here. My tears are dripping from the corner of my mouth.]

[Streamer, I sell hotpot base. Want to collaborate? Price is negotiable.]

To Su Feng's surprise, both Torchic and Greninja loved the bold flavors, and even Tyrogue ate quite a bit.

"How's the food, Tyrogue?"

Hearing Su Feng call its name, Tyrogue snapped out of its daze and nodded vigorously.

It hadn't eaten anything this delicious in a long time.

Constantly battling, Tyrogue spent most of its time either fighting or recovering from injuries. It rarely had time to hunt for food, settling for whatever could fill its stomach.

This meal was something else entirely.

But what Tyrogue loved most was the lively atmosphere of eating with others.

"Alright, everyone, let's digest a bit. We'll have one more battle before sunset."

"Chirp!"

"Ruu!"

"…Gra."

...

After a short break to ensure both Tyrogue and Torchic were at their peak, Su Feng and the two Pokémon returned to the battlefield. Greninja perched on a tree, keeping watch and acting as the referee.

[Streamer, are you really going to fight?]

[Don't do it! These Pokémon are no joke. One hit could take you out.]

[Prepare the funeral paper!]

Su Feng sighed. "I already said I'm not fighting directly… Just watch."

He crouched and patted Torchic's head. "Torchic, listen to my commands during the battle, okay?"

"Chirp!"

Though a bit confused, Torchic nodded earnestly.

"Alright, let's begin."

Su Feng nodded to Greninja, who raised a hand.

"Gra!"

At the signal, Tyrogue charged at Torchic, aiming a Mach Punch straight at it.

Su Feng had anticipated this. From Tyrogue's previous battle, he knew its move pool was limited, making predictions easier.

This attack would either be Fake Out or Mach Punch.

"Torchic, use Quick Attack and dodge to the right!"

"Chirp?"

The right? There's nothing there!

Torchic hesitated for half a second, and Tyrogue's fist connected.

Thud!

The punch sent Torchic stumbling backward.

Su Feng frowned. Torchic's hesitation was unexpected, but he stayed calm.

"Torchic, focus! Listen to me!"

His shout snapped Torchic back to attention.

"Use Swords Dance! Don't stop, no matter what!"

"Chirp!"

Torchic realized its earlier hesitation had cost it dearly. This time, it trusted Su Feng completely.

It began an awkward, mystical dance—a move the former clan leader had taught it before its condition was discovered.

Tyrogue, recognizing the dance as a buffing move, panicked and rushed to interrupt.

Its Mach Punch glowed orange in the twilight, striking Torchic mid-dance.

Torchic winced but continued dancing.

By the time Tyrogue prepared another punch, Torchic had finished Swords Dance!

"Great job, Torchic! Now it's our turn to strike back!"

"Chirp!"

Torchic's body glowed red from the boost, its fighting spirit ignited.

"Torchic, use Quick Attack!"

"Chirp!"

With a sharp cry, Torchic shot toward Tyrogue like a bullet.

Tyrogue's eyes widened. It had known Torchic was fast, but this was on another level.

Panicking, Tyrogue crossed its arms to block the attack.

Bam!

The impact sent Tyrogue skidding back several meters.

Though it managed to stay upright, its arms throbbed painfully from the collision.

Before it could recover, Torchic's next attack was already incoming.

"Torchic, use Slash!"

"Chirp!"

Torchic closed the distance, raising its foot as white energy coated its claws. It brought its foot down in a powerful Slash!

"Ruu!"

Despite Tyrogue's desperate defense, the attack broke through. With a pained cry, Tyrogue collapsed to its knees.

"Ruu…"

It tried to stand but couldn't. Exhausted and injured, Tyrogue finally fell to the ground, unable to continue.