Chapter 477 - Professor Birch

Littleroot Town, a small town in the south of the Hoenn region.

(A/N - I thought that Weibei Town meant Verdanturf Town but I just realized it meant Littleroot Town...)

It should have been like Verdanturf Town, a remote and unknown place.

But because of the appearance of one person, this small town has a pivotal position in the Hoenn region.

Professor Birch is one of the few people in the Pokémon world who has a doctorate in Pokémon research. The last person Aoki met was Professor Oak from Pallet Town in the Kanto region.

However, unlike Professor Oak's research direction, Professor Birch's research focuses on the habitat and distribution of Pokémon.

Using the contact information given by Professor Oak in advance, Aoki had already contacted Professor Birch.

Tropius landed outside Littleroot Town, and Aoki walked straight in.

Unlike Pallet Town, although Littleroot Town also has a Pokémon professor, its status in the League cannot be compared with Pallet Town.

Many powerful trainers came out of Pallet Town, and Littleroot Town became famous only because of Professor Birch.

Aoki walked into the town wearing the uniform of a League trainer.

It didn't attract any attention. According to the sign on the road, Aoki went straight to the door of Professor Birch's research institute.

At this time, a man in a white coat was already watching at the door.

When he saw Aoki, his eyes lit up instantly, and he trotted up, "You are Aoki, right? Professor Birch has asked me to wait for you at the door for a long time."

Aoki was recognized immediately because there were not many trainers in Littleroot Town.

There were not many people, and most of them knew each other. Of course, Aoki, an outsider, was easily recognized.

Aoki said with an apologetic smile, "I'm really sorry, I was delayed by something on the road and kept you waiting."

The middle-aged man in the white coat was not angry; he waved his hands again and again, saying, "It's okay, it's okay, the professor will go out for research later. If you hadn't come, it might have delayed his work."

For Pokémon researchers, it is very similar to science students in Aoki's previous life—they only focus on results, and their emotional intelligence is almost zero.

Aoki nodded.

The two walked quickly into the research institute.

Similar to Professor Oak, the various instruments in the institute were in a mess.

Perhaps all professors don't pay much attention to these trivial matters.

Among a group of busy researchers in white coats, Aoki saw Professor Birch.

Among a group of thin researchers, Professor Birch's physique was too striking—he was tall and strong. If he were a Fighting-type trainer, he would definitely be very suitable.

Yet, he ended up becoming a Pokémon professor.

Professor Birch also saw Aoki, and with a happy smile on his face, he strode up.

"Professor Birch, I am really sorry for keeping you waiting," Aoki spoke first, apologizing.

Professor Birch patted Aoki on the shoulder and said, "It's okay, it's not an urgent matter anyway. Go and do your work first."

After sending away the person who brought Aoki in, Professor Birch signaled Aoki to follow him.

The two walked toward the interior of the institute.

"Aoki, is it okay if I call you that?"

"It's okay, just call me by my name."

"Haha, okay. I received an email from Professor Oak a few days ago, and I was really surprised. It's not easy for a sixteen-year-old intermediate breeder!" Professor Birch said as he walked, praising Aoki.

Although the profession of breeders is not particularly prominent in the Hoenn region, with the League's expansion, breeders have gradually become well-known. In many large cities, breeder guilds have also been established.

After all, it is a profession that benefits trainers, and it is still very popular.

Aoki scratched his head in embarrassment. "Well, it's all exaggerated by others; it's not that big of a deal."

"Hahaha, don't be so humble. Your teacher, Master Matsuda, I also know him."

The two continued walking deeper into the research institute while conversing briefly.

Mainly, Professor Birch asked questions, and Aoki answered them.

Whether it was because Professor Birch was in a hurry or it was just his nature, his walking speed was quite fast.

Perhaps, when conducting field research, he needed to walk quickly to save time. Aoki had no problem keeping up, but he felt that the pace was a bit fast.

A few minutes later, the two arrived at the backyard of the institute.

Like many Pokémon professors, the backyard of their research institute was likely a huge garden where Pokémon were kept.

The same was true for Professor Birch.

Since his research focused on Pokémon habitats and distributions, his backyard was different from Professor Oak's. It featured many complex terrains.

There were various environments, including sandy areas, rocky terrain, a lake, a forest, a garden, and a meadow, all coexisting in the backyard.

Pokémon suitable for these habitats could be found here.

Aoki carefully observed the Pokémon in various terrains and found that many rare Pokémon lived here.

If someone were able to steal from this place, they would become rich instantly.

But obviously, no one had the strength to pull that off.

Aoki also saw a Flygon in the center of the desert.

Although the distance made it impossible to scan data, as a breeder, he could tell from its appearance.

This Flygon definitely had the strength of an Elite.

He just didn't know if it belonged to Professor Birch.

Without stopping, Aoki followed Professor Birch straight toward the central lake.

A small waterfall flowed down a man-made rock formation. Many Water-type Pokémon lived in the lake, including species from Hoenn and other regions.

"According to Professor Oak, you want to open a Water-type Gym in Verdanturf Town, so what you need is one of the Three Royal Starters of the Water type, Mudkip?" Professor Birch stopped in front of the lake and asked.

Aoki nodded. "Yes."

"Well, I have been to Verdanturf Town before. It is a relatively underdeveloped town. You're not from the Hoenn region, yet you want to help a backward area develop. That is truly admirable. If the League had more people like you, it would be a better place." Professor Birch sighed.

Aoki remained silent.

If the League really had more people like him, then perhaps the League wouldn't be necessary. If there was a member of Team Rocket everywhere, Team Rocket could replace the League.

Professor Birch took out a special whistle from his pocket and blew it.

"Shh~~~"

A peculiar sound echoed over the lake.

One by one, blue heads emerged from the water.

Mudkip—A large group of Mudkip lived in this lake.