"Has it already started?"
By the time Gu Yuan returned, he saw that Ash had already begun his battle.
Currently, Ash's opponents had been replaced by the Team Rocket trio.
Alakazam's psychic power and Gu Yuan's system began scanning simultaneously. They quickly discovered that the remaining forces within the Viridian Gym had begun to relocate.
Evidently, Giovanni was already preparing to abandon the Viridian Gym.
However, with Team Rocket's current strength, they indeed possessed the qualifications to challenge the League.
Just like in the anime, the battle concluded without any opportunity for Gu Yuan to intervene.
After blasting the Team Rocket trio away once again, Ash successfully obtained the Earth Badge, securing his eligibility to participate in the Indigo League.
"Congratulations, Ash. You successfully got the Earth Badge."
"You can't let your guard down now. You need to train yourself properly."
"You too, Gary. Come along. I will pass all of my experience on to both of you."
As Ash came out, Gu Yuan appeared silently behind them and spoke to the two with a smile.
Hearing this, Gary initially wanted to agree, but after seeing Ash, he stubbornly refused.
"Ash, I hope you can become a bit stronger with Big Brother Gu Yuan's help."
"Only then can you bring me a little bit of pressure."
"Hmph!"
"If we battle, the final winner will definitely be me!"
"Stop talking big."
Looking at the two who could start an argument within two sentences, Gu Yuan felt quite helpless. However, this was also a way their friendship manifested, and Gu Yuan couldn't change that.
Finally, under the gaze of Ash's group, Gary left with his entourage of girls.
One could guess that after this failure, Gary would definitely work hard to hone himself in the remaining time.
"Wake up!"
The moment the alarm clock rang, Gu Yuan's voice sounded in Ash's ear.
But Ash was not so easily awakened. He simply rolled over and continued to immerse himself in his beautiful dreams.
"I'll leave it to you, Pikachu."
Without continuing any useless attempts, Gu Yuan chose to let Pikachu take action.
"Pika!"
Nodding, Pikachu let out a mischievous grin and unleashed Thunderbolt.
"Numb! Numb! Numb!"
The moment he was enveloped by the electric current, Ash snapped awake, crying out repeatedly.
Standing to the side, Gu Yuan knew clearly that Pikachu's Thunderbolt had not been held back at all.
To be able to withstand a full-power Thunderbolt from Pikachu with just his physical body, and the only price being a "numb" feeling—I should expect nothing less from you, Ash.
"Breakfast is ready. Eat quickly so we can start the special training."
Though he had his thoughts, Gu Yuan successfully completed his wake-up mission once he saw Ash was conscious.
"Yes!"
Lying on the bed, Ash answered with vacant eyes.
Since parting with Gary in Viridian City, Ash's group had returned to Pallet Town.
Allowing Ash two days of rest, Gu Yuan prepared to lead him into a special training regimen.
Gu Yuan really wanted to know if Ash's performance in the Indigo League would be different with his interference.
"A good start to the day begins in the morning. Starting today, you must wake up at seven o'clock sharp every day to go running with me."
"Today is an exception, considered an adaptation period for you."
"Your training tasks are as follows: In the morning, train the Pokémon's various moves. Even you, as a trainer, must train alongside them."
"In the afternoon, we will have mock battles. Your opponents will be the Pokémon at Professor Oak's Laboratory."
"When your special training ends, I will battle you one more time to see your growth during this period."
"In the evening, I will lead you in studying other people's tactics to increase your tactical reserves and your ability to adapt on the battlefield. Is that clear!?"
After finishing the meal, Gu Yuan questioned Ash seriously.
"I understand! Don't worry, no matter what the task is, Pikachu and the others can complete it successfully!"
After hearing the special training plan Gu Yuan had set for him, Ash replied full of confidence.
"I hope so."
Saying this, Gu Yuan led Ash away from home and headed straight for Professor Oak's Laboratory.
Only the open environment there was suitable for Ash's special training.
"Is it starting already? Gu Yuan is truly full of drive, as expected of a young man."
While murmuring, Professor Oak picked up a cup of brewed strong tea and took a leisurely sip, looking exceptionally relaxed.
Standing on a piece of open ground, Gu Yuan kept a close watch on Pikachu and the others, as well as their mastery of moves.
Although Gu Yuan's Pokémon relied entirely on points to increase their move proficiency, Gu Yuan still possessed a keen eye. He knew exactly what Pokémon needed to pay attention to when training to improve move proficiency; guiding Pikachu and the others was more than enough.
Facing Gu Yuan, who exuded an air of strictness from head to toe, Pikachu and the others didn't dare relax in the slightest, training strictly according to Gu Yuan's standards.
It was worth mentioning that after the previous crushing defeat, Charizard had begun trying to accept Ash and follow his commands.
Although their coordination wasn't perfect yet, it was ultimately much better than refusing orders.
"I didn't expect such a gentle person like Gu Yuan to have such a strict side."
"True, but Gu Yuan's training methods are indeed very effective."
"Presumably, after this special training, Pikachu and the others will definitely improve their proficiency with their moves."
"I really want to see how far Ash can go at the Indigo League after Gu Yuan's training."
To the side, Misty and Brock watched Ash in training and spoke with smiles.
"Hang in there, everyone! You must not give up!"
Beside Pikachu and the others, Ash was also not having it easy. He was wearing weights while constantly doing push-ups and other exercises.
According to Gu Yuan's words, as an excellent trainer, one's own physique is also of paramount importance.
If it were anyone else, they might have doubts, but to a simple-minded person like Ash, it made perfect sense.
In reality, Gu Yuan was training Ash directly like a Fighting-type Pokémon.
As someone who could shatter Mewtwo's psychic shield with one punch in the future, Gu Yuan felt that if he trained him properly, Ash might be able to solve Mewtwo by himself without Pikachu even needing to step in.
Unaware that he was being trained like a Pokémon, Ash remained immersed in the special training.
In the afternoon, the mock battles officially began.
Gu Yuan had fought the Pokémon here before, so he naturally knew how strong they were.
If Ash were careless, it wasn't certain who the final winner would be.
Consequently, after experiencing one or two failures, Ash began to value the opponents here. He started going all out and fully immersing himself, while Gu Yuan continuously offered advice after the battles ended.