Celadon University.
Situated on the outskirts of Celadon City, it sprawls across a vast expanse of land.
Before you is the circular square leading to the school.
Flags flutter in the breeze, Pidove perch above the sculpture in the pool, and your gaze extends upward.
A majestic school gate stands tall.
"The school is divided into several parts—Medical College, Institute of Arts, Research Academy..."
Erika guides the way.
"Trainer Academy isn't here. After I finish meeting with the Principal, I'll take you there."
Luke nods, his eyes fixed on a row of bronze statues in the distance.
"What's that?"
"Each academy erects statues in honor of distinguished alumni," Erika explains. "That one is from the School of Commerce, the statue of Joseph Stone."
"The more renowned Research Academy has statues for Professor Oak, Professor Rowan, and others."
"Perhaps Teacher Luke can leave his mark in the next place?" Erika suggests with a faint smile.
"School of Commerce might have a chance," Luke ponders, touching his chin. "But Trainer Academy, forget it."
"Huh?"
"Because I'm a student in the Department of Finance," Luke shrugs.
Erika is slightly taken aback.
The sudden recollection of Pokémon Trading Cards being from Teacher Luke's company dawns on her. To achieve success in both the Trainer and business fields is no small feat...
Erika lowers her head in contemplation.
This is probably what they call an all-rounder!
...
Entering the Principal's office to complete the formalities, Luke sees many familiar names on the faculty list.
Erika serves as the Teacher for the Trainers Department, and Bill is the professor for communication trading courses.
Much like Luke, they only attend a few classes a week, dedicating most of their time to personal work.
After spending some time at the Academy, Bill takes Luke to the student cafeteria after class.
"Order whatever you want, my treat!" Bill declares, shaking the cafeteria card.
"Hmm?" Luke detects something.
"Gengar, jie jie~?" Gengar rubs its stomach, its eyes gleaming strangely...
A few minutes later, in the eyes of the students, Gengar licks the plate clean, giving a silent thumbs-up.
Bill says with tears, "The card, the card is out of money... I'll order next time, okay?"
Luke responds, "Thank you, Bill!"
Bill scratches his head, laughing.
In Gengar, he sees Teacher Luke's affection for Pokémon, establishing a strong bond between them.
"By the way, are you here as a teacher in the research department?" Bill inquires.
"I'm with the Trainers Department," Luke replies.
"It's a shame. I wanted to exchange academic experiences with you," Bill sighs.
On the other hand, Erika looks at Luke with a slightly surprised expression.
Teacher Luke... is still a researcher?
Considering his roles as a Trainer, Breeder, and business genius...
It seems that Teacher Luke's identity is becoming more and more elusive.
"That's right," Bill reminds. "Teacher Luke, if you have time, you can visit Professor Oak."
"After all, Professor Oak is the dean of academia and the spiritual leader of Kanto Trainers..."
"Since you're visiting Kanto, paying him a visit might be worthwhile."
Luke nods.
Out of courtesy, he should visit the honorary Principal.
The courses start in three days, leaving plenty of time.
After bidding farewell, Erika heads back to Celadon Gym, Bill goes towards the lighthouse near Vermilion City, and Luke returns to the villa in Saffron City before checking the chat group.
Unexpectedly, Blue has already spoken before he could.
Blue: Is Teacher Luke free tomorrow? Professor Oak wants to see you.
Gold: Hey, why does Professor Oak want to see Teacher Luke?
In the afternoon, after being defeated by Red at Mt. Silver, Gold's "kill mode" was temporarily lifted, and he is using an honorific when referring to Professor Oak.
Brock affirms, "It's a tradition for Trainers to visit the local Professor when exploring a new Region... and Professor Oak first proposed it."
Gold ponders, touching his chin.
"Could it be... could it be that Professor Oak has taken a liking to Teacher Luke?!"
"Is your brain circuit always this peculiar?" Silver sighs, rubbing his forehead.
Blue's expression is odd.
"So... it's not entirely wrong."
Teacher Luke: ????
Everyone in the group: ????
Blue coughs slightly. "Anyway, you'll find out when you come!"
.....
Twenty-four hours ago.
Pallet Town, Professor Oak's Laboratory.
The night has passed.
Blue, with brown hair and a necklace, strolls by the laboratory with his hands in his pockets, observing the light pouring out of the window.
"Haven't you rested yet..."
Blue mutters, pushing open the laboratory door.
Professor Oak, with his hair now grey-white, stretches as he notices Blue and remarks:
"It's Blue... It's quite late... Shouldn't you be resting?"
"You should be getting to bed earlier than I do."
Blue glances at the table cluttered with various materials, and a red Pokédex stands out prominently.
"When you're older, a short nap is sufficient; it's not as beneficial as working a bit more."
Professor Oak happily says with a smile, beckoning Blue over:
"By the way, come take a look at my new Pokédex!"
Approaching the Pokédex, the Pokédex in Blue's pocket vibrates with a 'di di di' sound.
"Another new special Pokédex?" Blue exclaims.
Every year, Professor Oak distributes Pokémon Pokédex to Kanto's novice Trainers. However, the special edition Pokédexes he crafts have only been given to a select few—just over ten, to be precise. This type of Pokédex is exclusively bestowed upon Trainers acknowledged by the professors and possessing specific specialties.
For instance, 'The Fighter' Red and 'The Hatcher' Gold.
Observing this new special Pokédex, it's no wonder Blue is taken aback.
"Oh, the Pokédex needs to keep up with the times!"
Professor Oak explains: "I've added a mobile phone function to the Pokédex, considering it an upgraded version... and I'll continue to enhance it for you in the future."
"Have you found a Trainer for the special Pokédex?" Blue inquires.
Apart from providing more accurate data, the special edition Pokédex primarily serves as a symbol, embodying the courage and perseverance of Trainers—a spirit akin to gold. Red, as one of the special edition Pokédex holders, stands as a representative of this belief. Professor Oak is extremely meticulous in distributing these special Pokédexes to ensure that this spirit is passed on.
"Not yet."
Professor Oak rubs his chin, saying: "I had intended to give it to the child Ash, but he left in a hurry... Besides, he's busy preparing for the Evergrande Conference, so I didn't want to disturb him."
Blue reflects for a moment, then nods slowly.
"Speaking of which... I do have a recommended Trainer candidate."
"Oh?"
Professor Oak inquires curiously: "Which Region's Trainer is it?"
"Orient."
Blue retrieves his phone and scans the group news.
"He has arrived in Kanto... With his strength, he can make a significant contribution to your Pokédex."
"I'll consider it."
Professor Oak nods and says with a slight smile:
"As you mentioned... I'm somewhat looking forward to it. It's time to meet him!"