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At that moment, Professor Elm turned his attention toward Kai.
"You said your name is Kai, right?" He adjusted his glasses, his tone carrying a hint of excitement. "I know your name!"
'He knows my name?'
Kai wasn't particularly surprised by this.
Given how popular Pokémon battles were in this world, his name had already been broadcast numerous times across television, short video platforms, and major websites. Whether it was in schools, workplaces, or shopping malls, people frequently talked about his undefeated record.
Moreover, since Kanto and Johto were part of the same continent, there was a lot of cultural exchange between the two regions. With the Indigo League's hype still lingering, it wasn't surprising that most people here had at least heard of him.
But just as Kai assumed that Professor Elm had seen his battles, he heard the professor say, "You're the young man who co-authored a paper with Professor Oak and Professor Ivy a while ago, right? I read that paper! Especially your theory on the butterfly effect I thought it was fascinating!"
'So that's how he knows me…'
Sure enough, Pokémon Professors cared far more about research than battles.
Knowing his actual contributions were minor, Kai chuckled awkwardly and shook his head. "Honestly, I don't have much experience in scientific research, nor do I have any related academic background. I was just lucky to get involved, and they happened to write down something I casually mentioned."
"You're too modest." Professor Elm laughed. "If you were just an ordinary person, two esteemed professors wouldn't have valued your opinion. No matter what you say, that perspective of yours was truly insightful!"
Since Kai had helped recover the stolen Pokémon, Professor Elm was especially welcoming. He enthusiastically invited them into the lounge for tea.
During their conversation, Kai learned that Professor Elm had studied at Celadon University and was one of Professor Oak's top students.
Elm deeply respected Oak, seeing him as both a great mentor and his most admirable rival.
Setting down his tea, Professor Elm smiled. "By the way, I also heard that you're Professor Cerise's assistant?"
"I wouldn't call myself an assistant." Kai shook his head with a wry smile. "I'm more of a field researcher, I mostly just run errands. Why? Do you know Professor Cerise too?"
"Of course!"
Hearing this, Professor Elm's face lit up with nostalgia.
"Our field may seem big, but in reality, it's quite small. Even though we work in different regions, Professor Cerise, Professor Ivy, and I have had many academic exchanges over the years!"
Kai nodded in understanding.
Come to think of it, Professor Oak, Professor Cerise, Professor Ivy, and Professor Elm all had names containing the character "wood". Despite being from different regions, their names were surprisingly thematic.
Taking another sip of tea, he found that although he didn't know much about tea, he could tell this was some kind of green tea.
At that moment, Looker asked, "Professor Elm, what exactly is your field of research?"
As soon as his area of expertise was brought up, Professor Elm immediately sat up straight, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.
"Pokémon eggs!"
"Pokémon eggs?"
That seemed… surprisingly ordinary.
What was there to study about them?
Before Kai or Looker could ask, Professor Elm continued explaining.
"Yes! From my research, all Pokémon hatch from eggs! Their eggshells often have distinct patterns, and by examining these patterns, one can determine what kind of Pokémon will hatch from them."
"All Pokémon come from eggs?!"
Kai was genuinely shocked.
He had never heard of this before. It was definitely new knowledge for him.
"Surprising, isn't it?" Professor Elm chuckled.
"Even though some Pokémon resemble mammals, they're still oviparous they lay eggs instead of giving birth! And here's something even more fascinating: Pokémon inside eggs can see the outside world before they hatch!"
While talking about Pokémon eggs, Professor Elm radiated enthusiasm.
It seemed that all Professors had a tendency to go on and on when discussing their respective fields.
"Speaking of which—"
Professor Elm suddenly had a bright idea. He turned to Kai with an excited look.
"Since you helped me retrieve the stolen Pokémon, would you like to choose one of Johto's starter Pokémon?"
"Unlike Kanto, Johto's starters consist of the Grass-type Chikorita, the Water-type Totodile, and the Fire-type Cyndaquil. They're all wonderful choices!"
Kai didn't hesitate for even a second.
He politely declined.
"I think it's better to leave those Pokémon for new trainers. I already have the Kanto starters, and these Pokémon serve similar roles in battle. If I take too many, I won't be able to care for them properly."
"Haha, 'starter trio' I like that term."
Professor Elm wasn't offended at all by Kai's refusal.
In fact, his response made Elm think even more highly of him.
Most trainers would jump at the chance to get a free Pokémon. But Kai wasn't greedy he only captured Pokémon he could truly train and care for.
That mindset alone set him apart from the average trainer.
After chatting for a little longer, they noticed Professor Elm's assistants frequently entering to report their work. Realizing how busy he was, they decided not to overstay their welcome and took the initiative to say goodbye.
Professor Elm personally walked them all the way to the entrance before heading back inside.
Watching him leave, Looker nudged Kai and said, "Professor Elm seems to have a really good impression of you. I'd say his opinion of you shot up even higher when you refused the starter Pokémon."
"…Did he?"
Kai scratched his nose, feeling a bit doubtful.
Clapping Kai on the shoulder, Looker leaned in and whispered, "Honestly, getting close to him could be very beneficial for you. I heard from an inside source that Professor Elm has a Master Ball."
"Wait… Professor Elm has a Master Ball?!"
Kai's eyes widened in shock.
He had never expected that a scholarly, mild-mannered Pokémon Professor would possess something as valuable as a Master Ball!
Of course, while he wanted it, it wasn't like he and Professor Elm were close.
There was no point in getting his hopes up.
Sighing, Kai shook his head.
"A Master Ball is something that guarantees 100% capture… Of course, it's not just trainers who'd want it. Anyone would find it impossible to resist and I already have one but the more the merrier"
They chatted a little longer before Looker checked his watch and got ready to leave.
"Well, I should get going too. Silver got lucky. This time, encountering Suicune saved him. But next time, Team Rocket won't be so fortunate."
He paused, then added, "In ten days, we plan to launch an attack on Team Rocket's base in Cianwood City. If possible, I'd love for you two to join the mission."
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