Chapter 116: Ash and His Group Return to the Research Institute

---

"Professor Oak, although I know you're happy now because you're reunited with your grandson and future granddaughter-in-law, please don't forget about me."

Looking at the reunited Gary, Professor Oak, Rosa, and Hilda, Professor Birch smiled and reminded them.

"How could I forget? It's just that I haven't seen Gary and the others for a long time."

Professor Oak certainly wouldn't forget Professor Birch, so he smiled and greeted him, extending his right hand.

"Hahaha, I was just joking."

Professor Birch responded with a smile and shook Professor Oak's hand. At this moment, the renowned professors of two regions met.

"Professor Birch, since the last conference, we haven't seen each other for a long time!"

Professor Oak began to reminisce about the past.

"Yes, time flies!"

For a moment, Professor Birch also sighed about the passage of time.

"I still remember that at that conference, you presented a paper on Pokémon and habitats, which took me a long time to read."

"Professor Oak, your paper on the relationship between Pokémon and humans taught me a lot."

Both professors, being experts in Pokémon studies, soon delved into discussing research papers.

Their conversation became so engaging that they forgot they were at the dock, attracting the attention of everyone around.

Although Gary was used to this, it wasn't suitable for long discussions in a public place like the dock, so he decided to interrupt them.

"Grandpa, and Professor Birch, we're at the dock now. If you want to discuss papers, let's head back to the institute and continue later."

"Look at us, getting carried away with our discussion and forgetting where we are. My apologies."

After hearing Gary's reminder, Professor Birch realized the situation and patted his forehead in embarrassment.

"It's nothing,"

Hilda, standing beside Gary, shook her head and continued, "If you have any Pokémon papers to discuss, you can do so back at the institute."

"Alright, let's do that!"

Both professors agreed to Hilda's suggestion.

After interrupting the conversation between their grandfather and Professor Birch, Gary and the others started the car and returned to Professor Birch's institute.

Upon returning, they saw four familiar figures playing with the three starter Pokémon of the Hoenn region at the institute's entrance, which surprised them.

"Ash, May, Brock, and Max, why are you here?"

Except for Gary, who knew in advance, Professor Oak, Rosa, and the others showed surprised expressions when Ash and his group appeared.

"Long time no see, Gary, Professor Oak, Professor Birch, and everyone!"

Upon seeing Gary and Professor Oak, Ash and the others warmly greeted them.

As a loyal fan of Professor Oak, Max excitedly took out several photos and pens from his collection and asked for an autograph as soon as he saw him.

And the gentle Professor Oak obliged with a smile.

"You haven't told me yet, why are you here?"

After signing, Gary noticed Ash and the others hadn't explained their visit, so he asked again.

"It's like this,"

Ash explained their visit: "We passed the Petalburg Gym and obtained the Balance Badge. We happened to pass by Littleroot Town and wanted to visit Professor Birch."

"When we arrived at the institute, we heard from Professor Birch's assistant that Gary, Rosa, and Hilda were already here, and that Professor Oak was coming, so we waited for you."

When Ash paused, Brock continued to explain their purpose.

"So that's it!"

After listening to Ash and Brock, Gary and the others understood.

"It just so happens that I haven't seen Professor Oak for a long time, so I'll take this opportunity to meet him."

After Ash glanced at Professor Oak, he smiled and said.

"What are these three Pokémon?"

After learning the purpose of Ash and the others' visit, Professor Oak turned his attention to the three starter Pokémon of the Hoenn region beside them.

"These are the three Pokémon sent by the League. They will be distributed to new trainers. When I was taking care of them, Ash and his friends came over and played with them."

In response to Professor Oak's question, Professor Birch's assistant explained.

"Is that so!"

After hearing this, Professor Oak understood and released three Poké Balls from his bag: "Then why not let these three join in!"

Soon, in three beams of white light, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur appeared in the open space.

"Wow, it's Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur!"

Max's eyes lit up upon seeing the three starters from the Kanto region.

"Grandpa, why did you bring these three on a business trip?"

After Gary looked at the three Pokémon from the Kanto region, he turned to his grandfather.

"Professor Birch wanted to see them, so I brought them along."

Professor Oak spread his hands and said.

"I also want to see the differences between the three starters in Kanto and those in our Hoenn region."

Professor Birch explained.

"So cute!"

Faced with such adorable Pokémon, the joy on the faces of Rosa, Hilda, and May was beyond words.

The most reckless among them was the mischievous Max. While others admired their favorite Pokémon up close, he didn't get permission from the three and started playing with them.

Max soon paid for his actions, as Gary had anticipated.

In addition to the relatively gentle Bulbasaur giving him a gentle nudge, Charmander and Squirtle each gave him a taste of their Ember and Water Gun, letting him feel the warmth of fire and the wetness of water.

When everyone saw Max in such a mess, they all laughed, even his sister May.

Just as everyone was laughing at the entrance of the Pokémon Center, three sneaky figures appeared on a hilltop away from them.