Eyes That See the Truth

A month of studying had given Ryuuske a deep understanding of this world's knowledge. While he couldn't match professional researchers, he was far better off than someone like Ash, who had set out on his journey in a half-dazed state.

Ryuuske's relentless pursuit of knowledge wasn't due to an innate thirst for learning—it was simply curiosity about the new world he had found himself in.

Just as people in his original world found studying math, physics, and chemistry tedious, the native residents of this Pokémon world found learning about Pokémon similarly dull. Pokémon had been part of their lives since birth, leaving nothing particularly "novel" about them.

The moment Ryuuske grasped the Poké Ball containing Gible, an unprecedented sensation surged through him. He could clearly perceive Gible's emotions and thoughts—a level of connection he had never felt with any other Pokémon. Over the past month at Professor Oak's lab, he had encountered numerous Pokémon, but understanding their emotions had always relied on knowledge and behavioral observation. This, however, was different—just by being near Gible, he could sense its feelings.

Though this bond was far from the telepathic communication he had experienced with Mewtwo, from the very beginning, it felt as if he and the little dragon were inexplicably tied together.

He knew this was all due to the so-called "Dragon Tamer's Power" within him.

"Alright, come out and let me see you, Gible."

With a casual toss of the Poké Ball, a puff of smoke erupted, revealing a one-meter-tall, incredibly adorable dragon Pokémon. The moment it appeared, Gible excitedly rushed over and wrapped its tiny arms around Ryuuske's leg. Its gaping mouth was lined with razor-sharp teeth akin to a shark's—despite its cute appearance, Ryuuske could feel the primal savagery that all Dragon-type Pokémon possessed. Those sharp fangs were more than capable of snapping bones.

Running his hand over Gible's rough, shark-like skin, Ryuuske mused that it seemed like a shark from another world had adapted to land and taken on the form of a dragon.

"See? With your special trait, any Dragon-type Pokémon will naturally have an affinity for you," Professor Oak remarked with a helpless smile. "You know, this Gible used to glare at me fiercely, as if it wanted to take a bite out of me. My friend told me that when her granddaughter took another Gible on a journey, it caused quite a bit of trouble."

Watching the lively Gible cling to Ryuuske's leg and bounce around energetically, Professor Oak shook his head.

"…It's rare for Pokémon to have multiple siblings from the same clutch, especially for a species like Garchomp, which has low reproductive rates. This one was sent here to see if it had any research value and to test how a Gible would adapt to life in Kanto. Like most Pokémon, changing regions doesn't affect its survival, but if you plan to breed it in the future, you'll need to return to its natural habitat in Sinnoh."

"If I take Gible with me, wouldn't that mean you're losing an important research subject?" Ryuuske asked, bending down slightly to observe his new partner.

As if understanding Professor Oak's words, Gible opened its sharp-toothed mouth toward him in a threatening manner, as if demanding its release.

"Hahaha! Compared to staying in the lab, Gible is clearly better suited for traveling with you," Professor Oak laughed heartily.

"Just as the books say, Dragon-types are naturally competitive," Ryuuske said, narrowing his eyes. "I can feel its fighting spirit, its drive to grow stronger. It envies its sibling's strength and wants to catch up."

Even without touching Gible, he could sense its emotions just by being near it.

"What a convenient ability," Oak remarked. "So, Ryuuske, are you all packed? If so, you should head out now. No need to stay for lunch—when Gible evolves into Garchomp, you can return to Pallet Town in no time."

Having received his first Pokémon, Ryuuske and Professor Oak left the dimly lit research room. Gible trotted beside him, and thanks to Mewtwo's psychic abilities, Ryuuske could faintly perceive the protective energy field surrounding Gible.

If he encountered that thief's Jigglypuff again and it used Sing, he would still be affected, but he wouldn't be rendered completely helpless like before. Once Gible evolved and grew stronger, such moves might become entirely ineffective—unless that Jigglypuff also became stronger.

"Let's see… Hiking boots, rope, flashlight, compass, survival gear, tent, watch, sleeping bag, moisture-proof mat, fire-starting tools, water bottle, food, and some seasonings—I've got everything packed. The only thing missing is a communication device."

As they walked toward Oak's office, Ryuuske listed his preparations.

"You're well-prepared, as expected," Oak nodded approvingly. "I'll give you a Pokédex—it can serve as a communication device, a camera, and a radio. Plus, it records Pokémon data, which will be extremely helpful on your journey."

He opened a drawer and handed Ryuuske a Pokédex.

"…Good thing I made an extra one. Otherwise, after that theft yesterday, we'd be in trouble."

Ryuuske examined the device, which was about the size of an old-school handheld console. Though its functions were rich, its design was rather plain. He pointed it at Gible, revealing its basic stats and research notes from Oak's studies. The Pokédex even had a feature that analyzed a Pokémon's energy field to gauge its physical condition.

Of course, these stats were merely averages derived from extensive Pokémon research. Strong trainers could push their Pokémon far beyond these baseline values—just like how Ryuuske's Gible was already larger than its wild counterparts.

"Impressive—so much data packed into a tiny device," Ryuuske commented before smirking. "But its design is kinda ugly… suits your outdated fashion sense, Oak."

Oak rolled his eyes. "It's a first-generation model. Just make do for now. When we develop the second-generation, I'll find a professional designer to make it look better."

"But why is Kanto numbered first in the Pokédex?" Ryuuske asked curiously.

"Because Kanto is the birthplace of humanity!" Oak declared proudly. "People from other regions all originated from Kanto. But more importantly, I'm from Kanto—of course, I put my homeland first! Hahahaha!"

Ryuuske couldn't help but laugh as well. People in this world shared a deep attachment to their hometowns, much like those from his previous world. No matter how far they traveled, they always returned home in the end.

"Also, change into these clothes before you leave," Oak said, handing over an outfit. "I had a tailor craft them from Caterpie silk—durable and resistant to wear and tear."

Ryuuske changed into the new clothes: khaki pants, a crescent-colored shirt, and a black jacket. Despite being made for rugged travel, the outfit was stylish and lightweight.

"For your gear, use this waist pouch instead of a backpack," Oak suggested, handing over what looked like an ordinary belt. "It has limited space, but it's more convenient for quick access."

Ryuuske took the pouch, marveling at its high-tech storage capabilities.

"Still don't understand the science behind these," he muttered.

Oak explained, "The technology is based on discoveries from ancient ruins—remnants of a civilization that studied Dialga and Palkia's powers. Their research into time and space allowed us to develop storage systems like Poké Balls and these pouches. But the cost is high, so only trainers and the wealthy use them."

After packing everything, Ryuuske stood at the lab's entrance, ready to leave.

"Got everything?" Oak asked.

"Almost," Ryuuske said, then extended his hand. "What about money?"

Oak froze.

"…I just realized I forgot to give my grandson, Gary, any money when he left. And Ash, too…"

"Well… they'll have to figure it out," Ryuuske shrugged.

"One last thing—don't forget to gather information on that girl," Oak reminded him.

Ryuuske pulled out a photo of the thief, studying her strikingly beautiful face before tucking it away.

"I've seen those eyes before… She's my type."

To be continued…

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