Just then, Professor Elm turned his attention to Natsui.
"You said your name is Natsui, right?" He pushed up his glasses, his voice slightly excited. "I know your name!"
He knows my name?
Natsui wasn't surprised by this.
Given the popularity of Pokémon battles in this world, news about him had been broadcast more than once on TV, in short videos, and on major websites. Even in schools, workplaces, and shopping malls, people were talking about his undefeated record.
And since Kanto and Johto were on the same continent and had frequent exchanges, and the hype from the Indigo Conference hadn't completely faded, his name, if not a household one, should at least have been heard by most people here.
But just as he thought Professor Elm had also seen his matches, he heard him say with a smile, "Are you the young man who published a paper with Professor Oak and Professor Ivy a while ago? I've read that paper, and your theory on the butterfly effect, in particular, is really excellent!"
So that's how he knows my name…
As expected, these Pokémon professors are clearly more focused on academics than on competitions.
Knowing his own level, Natsui shook his head with a wry smile. "I'm ashamed to say, I actually don't have any experience in scientific research, nor do I have a relevant degree. I was just lucky enough to be with the two professors at the time and just said it casually. I never expected them to include it in the paper."
"You're too modest," Professor Elm laughed. "If you were just an ordinary person, you wouldn't be valued by two heavyweight professors at the same time. In any case, that perspective was truly eye-opening."
Because he had helped get the Poké Ball back, Professor Elm was very friendly towards them and even warmly invited them to the reception room for tea.
And through their chat, Natsui also learned that Professor Elm had studied at Celadon University and was an outstanding student of Professor Oak. He also regarded Professor Oak as a great teacher and his most respected rival.
Putting down his teacup, Professor Elm smiled. "By the way, I also heard you're Sakuragi's assistant?"
"I'm not an assistant," Natsui said with another wry smile. "I'm just a research fellow at the institute, helping out with errands. Why? Do you know Professor Sakuragi as well, Professor?"
"Of course!" As Professor Elm spoke, a nostalgic look appeared on his face. "Actually, our circle is both big and small. Although we work in different regions, Professor Sakuragi, Professor Ivy, and I have had many academic exchanges."
Natsui nodded in understanding.
Speaking of which, the names of these four professors—Oak, Sakuragi (cherry wood), Ivy (inner wood), and Elm (empty wood)—although they were in different regions, all coincidentally had a connection to the character for 'wood' (木).
He took a sip of tea. Not knowing much about tea, he could only tell that it was a type of green tea.
Just then, Looker, who was beside them, suddenly asked, "So, Professor Elm, what is your field of research?"
At the mention of his specialty, Professor Elm's interest was clearly piqued. He sat up straight, his eyes gleaming. "It's about Pokémon Eggs!"
"Pokémon Eggs?"
What is there to research about that?
Before Natsui and the others could express their surprise, Professor Elm continued, "That's right. According to my observations, all Pokémon hatch from Eggs! And the shells of those Pokémon Eggs usually have unique patterns. People can guess the species of the Pokémon inside based on these patterns."
"They all hatch from eggs!?" Natsui was shocked. This was the first time he had heard this. It was new knowledge for him.
"You didn't expect that, did you?" Professor Elm had clearly anticipated their surprise. "Although some Pokémon look like mammals, they are actually all oviparous! And what's amazing is that the Pokémon inside the Egg can already see the outside world before it has even hatched."
When talking about Eggs, Professor Elm's face was full of excitement. It seemed that these professors, whenever they talked about their own field, would go on and on without end.
"Oh, right!" At this point, Professor Elm's eyes lit up, and he said to Natsui, "Since you helped me get the Pokémon back, would you like to choose a starter Pokémon from the Johto region from me? Unlike in Kanto, the starter Pokémon in the Johto region are the Grass-type Chikorita, the Water-type Totodile, and the Fire-type Cyndaquil. Each one is excellent."
Natsui didn't hesitate and politely refused.
"I'll pass. It's better to leave such opportunities to the new trainers. I already have the Kanto starter trio, and their roles overlap a bit. If I have too many, I definitely won't be able to take care of them all."
"The starter trio, an interesting term."
Professor Elm didn't mind Natsui's refusal.
The fact that he could refuse a free Pokémon also let him know that Natsui was fundamentally different from those trainers who only knew how to continuously catch Pokémon.
The group sat in the laboratory for a while longer. Seeing that assistants were constantly coming to report to Professor Elm, and knowing that he was very busy, they didn't disturb him further and took their leave.
Professor Elm insisted on walking them to the main entrance before turning back to the lab.
Watching his back, Looker said to Natsui, "Professor Elm has a very good impression of you. And I can tell that your refusal to accept a starter Pokémon just now greatly increased his favor towards you."
"Is that so…" Natsui rubbed his nose. "I didn't feel it."
Patting Natsui on the shoulder, Looker whispered in his ear, "Actually, being on good terms with him is definitely beneficial. I've heard from our internal staff that Professor Elm seems to have a Master Ball in his possession. I think for you trainers, that should be very precious, right?"
Professor Elm has a Master Ball too?
Natsui's eyes widened in disbelief. He never thought that the gentle Pokémon professor would also have a Master Ball, something trainers dreamed of.
However, although he also wanted one, he wasn't familiar with Professor Elm and didn't hold out much hope.
Sighing softly, Natsui shook his head. "A Master Ball that can 100% catch a Pokémon is not just attractive to us trainers. In fact, it's a huge temptation for anyone. Anyone would be very envious of it."
The two chatted for a while longer. When Looker glanced at the time, he also said his farewell to Natsui.
"Alright, I should be going too. That Silver managed to escape this time, I can only say he was lucky to have run into Suicune. But next time, Team Rocket won't be so lucky! We plan to attack the Team Rocket base in Mahogany Town in ten days. At that time, I hope you two will be able to participate."
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