Shiro was also looking forward to battling Red, but it had to be Red at his peak, a fully developed Red strong enough to defeat Mewtwo.
A battle like that would probably be a world-shaking clash between two top-tier trainers.
Unfortunately, the current Red was still just a rookie trainer. He still needed time to grow.
Red himself also looked full of regret. The person in front of him seemed incredibly famous and was even a Champion. If he could battle this Champion even once, he would probably be able to understand how far his strength still fell short.
Sadly, Poliwhirl could no longer fight.
Looking at the dejected boy, Shiro decided to offer some advice. "Red, if you want to continue becoming stronger, resources are the most important thing. The key to helping a Pokémon break through from Advanced-level level to Gym-level lies in resources."
"Resources..." Red muttered softly.
He looked somewhat lost because he did not actually know what kind of resources Shiro meant.
Still, he understood the basic power rankings of Pokémon trainers. Beyond Advanced-level was Gym-level, a massive barrier standing in front of countless trainers.
Once you crossed it, you would become a truly famous powerhouse.
Red quickly regained focus and looked at Shiro with shining eyes. After all, a Champion, or at least someone at Elite-level, was standing right in front of him.
"Mr. Champion!" Red shouted loudly as he suddenly bowed deeply. "Please teach me how to train Pokémon!"
Shiro froze for a few seconds. He had not expected Red to be this decisive.
Red desperately wanted to seize the opportunity in front of him, an opportunity that could change his fate and allow him to become stronger.
In fact, if Shiro had not appeared, after meeting Blue and Mew today, Red would originally have gone to Oak Research Institute and met the "old nut," Professor Oak.
Red's original "cheat" had been Oak, the Pokédex, and his almost invincible talent for battle.
"So you really want to become stronger..." Shiro helped Red back up while rubbing his forehead thoughtfully.
He simply did not have the time to personally teach Red. And in truth, the Pokémon world's protagonist did not need much guidance at all. As long as he was given the right opportunity, he would naturally rise to greatness.
After thinking for a moment, Shiro spoke steadily. "Red, I'm about to leave Kanto soon, so I'm afraid I won't be able to help you much..."
Seeing Red's expression become slightly disappointed, Shiro suddenly changed his tone.
"But! I can write you a recommendation letter. You can take it to Oak Research Institute and ask Professor Oak for help."
Shiro himself did not have the time, but Oak definitely did.
Let the story return to its original path…and toss the problem over to Oak.
Blue, who had been quietly listening nearby, finally changed expression. He looked at Shiro in disbelief.
Professor Corviknight actually thought this highly of Red?
He was clearly just a careless trainer who did not even pay attention to the Academic Summit.
Blue clenched his fists tightly as he watched Shiro pull out paper and a pen from his bag, quickly finish writing the letter, then tuck a black Corviknight feather into it.
Red excitedly accepted it. "Thank you, Professor!"
He had remembered how Blue addressed Shiro earlier.
"Alright. It's getting pretty late today, so just remember to head to Oak Research Institute tomorrow." Shiro waved goodbye after speaking.
Red responded enthusiastically and waved both arms.
Blue's expression, however, was extremely complicated.
What exactly was so special about this guy?
Even he, Blue, had not received a recommendation letter from Professor Corviknight… though he did not really need one anyway.
Still, after seeing Red receive one, Blue suddenly felt uncomfortable all over.
His eyes never left the letter with the Corviknight feather tucked inside. With a dark expression, he still bid farewell to Shiro before quickly leaving.
At that moment, the night was quiet and the forest calm.
Blue continued traveling north alone toward the next town. His gaze was deep and filled with unwilling determination, and naturally, Red's face kept appearing in his mind.
"Red, huh... Go ahead and find Grandpa then. But you'll never catch up to me, even with Professor Corviknight thinking highly of you..."
"I, Blue, will definitely surpass everyone and become Champion!"
* * *
The next day.
In front of Oak Research Institute.
"Have a safe trip~"
Oak stood smiling with his hands behind his back. More than ten researchers stood beside him at the entrance of the institute.
The group from the Rowan Research Institute had just stepped onto the dirt road of Pallet Town and paused slightly.
Rowan scratched his hair awkwardly. "You really don't need to do all this, Oak. We've been old friends for years..."
"Heh." Oak glanced toward Shiro beside Rowan and only smiled without speaking.
Most of the professors and researchers would be leaving today, and Rowan's group was among the earliest to depart.
Oak had never been someone who wasted time making a grand scene to see guests off. After all, none of those visitors had ever been important enough for him to truly value.
The researchers from Rowan Research Institute left together as a group. Shiro also turned around and waved at Oak, who nodded in response.
Only after their figures nearly disappeared along the muddy road of Pallet Town did Oak turn his head and say, "Alright, everyone go back."
The dozen or so researchers immediately relaxed and scattered within moments.
The daily research tasks at Oak Research Institute were extremely heavy. They still had mountains of work waiting for them, and time was tight.
"Sigh... Not a single one of them is reassuring," Oak muttered while shaking his head lightly as he closed the gate.
Bang!
The iron gate shut closed.
Then, as Oak turned around, he spotted an unfamiliar figure.
A boy in red clothes and a red cap stood in the middle of the stone path leading deeper into the institute with his back facing him. He was staring upward at something.
"This is..." Oak frowned. He had never seen this kid before.
Was he some boy from town who had accidentally slipped inside?
Oak's expression darkened as he scolded him, "Where did this brat come from? This isn't a place for you. Hurry up and get out!"
Red turned his cap slightly and looked over with a puzzled expression. "Excuse me, old sir. Do you know Professor Oak?"
"You need something from him?" Oak walked forward as he replied.
"Yeah!" Red pulled out the letter. "This was... uh, given to me by someone. He told me to come here and find Professor Oak."
"What?" Oak sneered dismissively. "Let me see it."
He did not think this boy could possibly know someone impressive.
At best, maybe a Gym Leader from somewhere.
Even if it were some regional professor, so what?
Sending this kid to him, Oak? Did they think he was running a daycare?
Besides, whether this letter was even real or not...
The moment Oak lowered his head, he saw the black feather tucked inside the letter.
**
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