Professor Oak

Matsuda walked straight into Pallet Town with Aoki.

Although the surrounding environment did not seem to be a problem, Aoki always felt that there was a pair of eyes watching him at all times.

There was no malice in it—perhaps it was just monitoring his presence to prevent any destructive actions.

It was unclear whether the one watching was a Pokemon belonging to Professor Oak, a Pokemon sent by the League, or a Pokemon belonging to someone else in Pallet Town.

Either way, Aoki had no ability to resist.

Back when he first arrived in the Pokemon world, the idea of trying to rob Pallet Town was truly a death wish. Fortunately, it was stopped by the upper management of Team Rocket.

With Matsuda leading the way, Aoki encountered no obstacles.

The two walked into a massive house, probably the largest in Pallet Town.

Inside, various instruments were piled up, some of which seemed extremely valuable.

Yet they were all scattered across the floor in a messy fashion.

It was clear that the owner hadn't taken the time to organize anything.

Then, a man with white hair, wearing a long white lab coat, was seen at a test bench. His back was turned to Aoki and the others, and he was moving his hands rapidly, as if performing some complex operation.

As soon as Matsuda saw the figure, he walked over with a smile, and Aoki followed.

A familiar scent reached Aoki's nose.

Instant noodles.

It seemed there was no doubt—this was Professor Oak.

A man who had mastered the art of making instant noodles!

"Samuel!" Matsuda called out.

Professor Oak, who had been eating instant noodles with a serious expression, turned around, the noodles still hanging from his mouth before he could finish them.

His eyes lit up when he saw Matsuda. He immediately put down his chopsticks, "Woo Gang, hajimajia. (Matsuda, long time no see.)"

A few black lines appeared on Matsuda's forehead, but he quickly recovered and smiled. "Still the same as ever, Samuel. Can't you swallow your food first?"

Gulp!

Professor Oak swallowed all the noodles in one go and laughed. "Haha! Matsuda, it really is you. It's been so long!"

The two embraced after years apart, giving each other firm pats on the back.

Only then did Professor Oak notice Aoki standing behind Matsuda.

Matsuda cleared his throat. "Ahem, Samuel, this is my..."

"Aoki! Your apprentice. No need to say it, I've seen the news. You really are something, Matsuda. Even at your age, you're still making waves. I can't tell you how many old folks are jealous that you've taken such a talented apprentice."

"Professor Oak, hello! I've only seen you on TV before, but now I finally get to meet you in person." Aoki said respectfully.

That was true—he had only ever seen him as a two-dimensional figure on a screen.

"Good! Good! Young and promising. Matsuda is lucky to have an apprentice like you at this age."

"Ahem!"

"Well, I mean, you're lucky! Matsuda's talent and expertise as a Breeder put him among the top in the world." Professor Oak corrected himself with a chuckle after Matsuda's cough.

He continued, "I remember my first journey. I met Matsuda just as he was starting out. He was determined to become a top Breeder, and we traveled together across Kanto and Johto."

A nostalgic expression crossed his face.

Professor Oak—full name Samuel Oak—had been a renowned Pokemon Trainer before becoming a leading researcher. His strength back then had been impressive, and his reputation even greater.

He was one of the veterans of the League, holding a special status due to the many people he had mentored and helped over the years.

That was why Matsuda had told Aoki earlier that if Professor Oak agreed to help, then Aoki would have no trouble opening a Gym.

But Aoki hadn't realized that Matsuda and Professor Oak shared such a deep bond.

In this world, beyond family and apprenticeships, traveling companions held a unique relationship. They were people who entrusted their lives to one another—companions willing to risk everything for each other.

A bond akin to brotherhood.

Which meant Aoki's backing in the League had just gotten a lot stronger.

A strange thought crossed Aoki's mind. Professor Oak's personality was quite similar to Ash's. It made sense why Oak had always taken a liking to him—Ash's love for Pokemon mirrored Oak's own.

So did that mean Matsuda was like Brock?

Professor Oak plus Matsuda equaled Ash plus Brock?

Both were called Brock, and both wanted to become top Breeders.

Wait—Flint had once said he wanted his son to become an excellent Breeder, like Aoki.

So was all of this fate?

Had Aoki unknowingly been swept up in the grand narrative of this world? Even his smallest actions—like a butterfly flapping its wings—hadn't changed the course of things?

Professor Oak and Matsuda continued chatting, reminiscing about their past travels, while Aoki stood quietly, listening.

After a long while, the conversation shifted.

"By the way, Samuel, the main reason we came is to ask for your help with something," Matsuda said directly.

With their long-standing friendship, he didn't need to beat around the bush. He also knew Professor Oak well enough to know that he preferred directness.

"Oh? What is it?" Professor Oak asked.

"Are we really going to talk here?"

"Oh, right! I nearly forgot—we're still standing around. Let's go inside and talk. It's just me and my grandson, Gary, at home today. The researchers have the day off. If you haven't eaten, how about a bowl of instant noodles? It'll only take a moment. Matsuda, you know my cooking skills!"

Professor Oak grinned and led them inside.

After passing through several doors, they arrived at a massive backyard.

Though called a backyard, it was more like a sprawling meadow, filled with numerous Pokemon.

Some were wild, some had been sent back by Trainers for Oak to take care of, and some were Oak's own Pokemon.

As a Breeder, Aoki could tell at a glance that these Pokemon were well-cared for. Their diets and nutrition were top-tier.

When Professor Oak entered, many Pokemon gathered around, curiously circling Aoki and Matsuda.

"Haha, go play on your own. I have guests today, so I won't be playing with you," Professor Oak said with a laugh.

The Pokemon eyed Aoki and Matsuda curiously but soon scattered, returning to play with others on the grassy field.