"I have a token of appreciation for you!" Professor Oak announced with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Luke couldn't help but shiver involuntarily. Lately, the phrase 'thank you' had become a source of stress for him.
"Professor Oak," Luke coughed dryly, "Just tell me directly. I can handle it."
"Really?" Professor Oak rubbed his chin and shot him a glance.
In the expansive wilderness, herds of Tauros migrated past, raising dust into the sky. Next to the bluestone on the shore, a snow-white Pokémon, Laser Focus on its hand, caused even the wise Tauros group to detour.
"It's like this," Professor Oak explained as he came back to his senses. "During my collaboration with the Breeding House of Magic University, they provided a Pokémon."
"Although... that Pokémon has a few quirks in its personality, its strength should not be underestimated."
Professor Oak smiled faintly.
"I believe only an outstanding Trainer can subdue it!"
Luke was momentarily surprised. A Trainer's own strength, including physical fitness, combat experience, and command level, is crucial. If the Trainer isn't strong enough, even if they manage to subdue a powerful Pokémon, it may not obey their commands.
"This outstanding Trainer," Luke hesitated, "Are you referring to me?"
"Of course!" Professor Oak heartily affirmed with a smile. "Last time, when I asked you to deliver the Pokédex to Wally, I didn't get the chance to properly thank you."
"It just so happens that you also hail from Magic University. It will feel like a close match when it encounters you!"
Luke took in a sharp breath of cold air.
Is this how Professor Oak expresses gratitude?
Where is the rulebook? Where is my rulebook!
"If you're not comfortable accepting it, I have other ways to express my gratitude," Professor Oak added with a slight smile. "If you're free, come to the Laboratory in the afternoon, and I'll have Crystal get in touch with you!"
...
After hanging up the phone, Luke settled onto the sofa, lost in thought.
With five little companions already part of the family, obtaining a sixth could potentially open the door to participating in the Indigo Plateau Conference!
"No, I shouldn't jump to conclusions," Luke shook his head. "Let's assess the situation first and then make a decision."
Technically, Teacher Luke had no qualms about capturing new Pokémon. However, his focus was more on building meaningful connections and ensuring the happiness of his little companions, rather than solely prioritizing strength.
This philosophy governed his approach to befriending and capturing Pokémon.
Deciding to visit Professor Oak's Backyard provided a potential opportunity to acquire a Pokémon that was not only adorable but also compatible.
Strong or not might be a version-dependent aspect, but the charm and compatibility of a Pokémon were enduring qualities.
Luke smirked, nodding to himself.
"Gengar, we're heading to Professor Oak's Laboratory in the afternoon!"
"Jie jie~~" Gengar grinned, making an 'ok' gesture.
Excellent! Training for new team members awaits!
...
In the afternoon, a chilly winter breeze swept through the surroundings.
Luke adorned a dark sweater and readied himself for the visit to the Laboratory.
Cradling Togepi in his arms, the little Pokémon's 'hand warmer' patted its feet in excitement.
"kek ke ke ke~~ ~~ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ"
Sylveon, with its blue eyes wide open, gazed at Luke with unwavering attention.
"…I can't keep this up."
"vui~!" Sylveon responded indignantly.
Eventually, they reached the bus to Pallet Town.
Sylveon, fulfilling its wish, settled on Luke's knee.
"vui~ ~~"
Luke: My legs are starting to feel numb...
...
Arriving at Pallet Town, they made their way to Professor Oak's Laboratory.
Under the azure sky, Pidgeot extended its wings and soared overhead.
In the distance, majestic mountains stood, a lake shimmered with sparkling waves, and Gyarados leaped energetically.
Yet, everything seemed peaceful.
Luke surveyed the picturesque scene, nodding in contemplation.
Considering Professor Oak's esteemed position, having a wilderness area as a backyard seemed quite fitting.
Not far away, Crystal, sporting a red hat with two braids cascading down, waved at Luke.
"Teacher Luke, over here!"
Luke greeted her and caught up with Crystal.
"Why don't we see Professor Oak?"
"He's busy recording Pokémon data."
Crystal smiled, saying, "I'll guide you to him."
Professor Oak's backyard featured various terrains like rocks, sand, forests, and lakes, making it easy to get lost without a guide.
Following Crystal, Luke reached a dense forest.
There, Professor Oak, with his white hair, had Pidgey on his shoulder and Nidoran♂ and Nidoran♀ at his feet.
The sun illuminated Professor Oak's kindly face as he immersed himself in recording Pokémon data.
Both Luke and Crystal observed in silence until Professor Oak suddenly looked up.
"Have you been waiting long?"
"We just arrived."
"That's good."
Professor Oak's Pidgey flew off his shoulder, and Nidoran♂ joined in, hugging them:
"I'll show you that Pokémon!"
"What Pokémon is it?" Luke inquired.
There seemed to be hesitation from Dean Du when mentioning the Pokémon, expressing genuine concern about Professor Oak's handling of it.
On the other hand, Professor Oak appeared quite satisfied with the Pokémon's strength—
Even the former Kanto Champion spoke highly of it.
This made Teacher Luke feel a bit more anxious.
"You'll find out soon."
Professor Oak mysteriously beckoned:
"I promise it won't disappoint you!"
Following Professor Oak, Luke walked with a perplexed expression.
If it's quasi-Legendary Pokémon like Larvitar and Bagon…
He might not be able to handle it at all!
The sign indicating the Magic University Breeding House filled Teacher Luke with a strong sense of unease.
"No, Squirtle is an exception," Luke reassured himself.
"I'm just here to assess the situation this time, so the problem shouldn't be too big!"
Guided by Professor Oak, Luke moved towards the distant lake.
Crystal surveyed the surroundings:
"I sense that the Pokémon living in the area have decreased."
"That's because of that Pokémon," Professor Oak pondered, then continued, "Beasts tend to have their territorial consciousness, especially when they live alone."
Beasts, huh?
Luke was momentarily taken aback.
A burst of red light emerged from Luke's Poké Ball.
"Squirt~!" Squirtle adjusted his sunglasses, keenly aware of a potential challenge.
This Pokémon… is quite formidable!
Luke had to brace himself for the upcoming encounter.
Observing Squirtle as if it were an adversary, a bead of cold sweat trickled down Luke's forehead.
Meanwhile, Professor Oak groaned and directed his gaze towards the lake.
"That's the Pokémon I mentioned!"
Following Professor Oak's line of sight, Luke's field of vision expanded gradually.
"Jie jie~?"
Gengar, unfamiliar with the Pokémon, scratched its head and pulled out the special edition Pokédex from its stomach.
[Ding! Sirfetch'd, the yellow-billed duck Pokémon, is the evolved form of Farfetch'd found in the Galar Region after numerous battles.]
[The leek it carries is both a weapon and a food ingredient, and its taste is exceptionally delicious—apparently irresistible.]
Luke:? ? ?
What on earth is that "irresistible"?
You, Pokédex announcer, are quite impolite!
"Sorry, sorry," Professor Oak apologized, scratching his head with a smile.
"When I recorded the commentary, I accidentally picked up the sound of drooling."
You really want to eat it, Professor Oak!
"No wonder every time Ash calls Professor Oak, he ask about Krabby," Luke mused with a peculiar expression.
"It seems that Dean Du had a point in inviting me here…"
Joking aside, Teacher Luke still held great respect for Professor Oak.
"Is this the Pokémon from the Magic University Breeding House?" Luke licked his lips.
"Yes," Professor Oak nodded, "This is a Pokémon from Galar, Sirfetch'd!"
"Huh?"
Seemingly sensing movement, Sirfetch'd, with its snow-white fur and imposing features, slowly turned around.
In one hand, Sirfetch'd held a massive leek, while the other wielded a shield crafted from green onion leaves.
An awe-inspiring presence emanated from its body, resembling that of an experienced knight.
"Ka!" Sirfetch'd brandished the leek, pointing it at Squirtle beside Luke.
It seemed like a call to a holy battle—this Squirtle was in for a fight!