Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! [35]
Professor Oak stood in front of his computer, holding a freshly prepared bowl of instant noodles.
"Yes, since I haven't caught many new Pokémon along the way, I didn't want to bother you, Professor Oak," Luo Yuan replied.
Compared to other rookie trainers who wanted to catch every Pokémon they saw, Luo Yuan was quite the outlier.
Professor Oak chuckled at his response. "You're too modest. Gary told me you managed to catch a Gyarados. Catching one at your age puts you well ahead of many trainers."
In truth, there was more he didn't say, fearing it might make Luo Yuan overconfident.
He'd only seen one other young trainer capable of catching a Gyarados so early on, and that was Lance, the current Dragon-type Elite.
"Plus, Officer Jenny from Pewter City sent me a letter of thanks, expressing her gratitude for your help in fending off Team Flare."
Professor Oak couldn't help but feel proud.
Of all the trainers who'd set off under his guidance this year, Luo Yuan was easily the most outstanding.
"You're too kind, Professor Oak."
Luo Yuan stayed humble.
As for whether he worried his actions might raise suspicion with Professor Oak, he wasn't concerned.
First, he had Professor Birch's letter of recommendation as a solid foundation for his current identity.
Second, Misty had witnessed everything firsthand, vouching for his actions without a hitch.
"So, what did you need this time?"
"It's nothing major. I was wondering if you're close with Professor Bill? I'm currently in Vermilion City and wanted to visit him at his lighthouse, but showing up unannounced seems a bit rude…"
Luo Yuan carefully laid out his reason.
Indeed, he intended to visit Bill.
Before crossing into this world, one of the scenes he remembered best from the anime was the sight of that enormous Dragonite appearing by Bill's lighthouse.
With a few days of spare time, this was the perfect chance to investigate that mystery for himself.
"Bill, huh? Why are you looking for him? But yes, we're good friends; no problem, I'll send him an email."
Professor Oak saw no issue with such a small favor and didn't ask for further details.
"Thank you, Professor."
---
After chatting with Professor Oak a bit longer, Luo Yuan agreed to catch a few more Pokémon to help provide data for the Pokédex, then ended the video call.
"Feels like being nagged to have kids or something…" Luo Yuan muttered, amused.
Of course, there was no way he'd be catching a ton of Pokémon.
Energy and focus were limited. If he wanted to achieve anything meaningful as a trainer, quality would trump quantity.
He'd once held his own against Elite trainers across Hoenn with just his Dragapult, proving that a focused team could be highly effective.
And even if he did catch more Pokémon, as a Rocket executive, there was no chance he'd leave them in Professor Oak's care.
So, Professor Oak's wish for more data would remain unfulfilled.
"Chan-sey!"
As he thought, a pink Chansey approached him, handing over Charmeleon's Poké Ball.
Luo Yuan looked up to see Nurse Joy blushing from across the room.
"All healed up? Thanks a lot."
He smiled, tossed Chansey a Pokéblock, and waved to Nurse Joy.
With Chansey happily munching on the treat and Nurse Joy watching wistfully, Luo Yuan left the Pokémon Center.
---
Bill's Lighthouse was situated between Cerulean City and Vermilion City.
It was designed by Bill and funded by Silph Co.'s research and development division, specifically for his study on "Giant Unknown Pokémon."
When Luo Yuan arrived, he spotted Ash and Brock standing at the entrance.
The first to notice him was Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder.
"Pika-pi!"
Pikachu tugged at Ash's hair and turned around.
"Hey, Pikachu, what are you—eh? Luo Yuan!"
Ash's face lit up with joy, which quickly turned to embarrassment—he hadn't saved up enough to pay back what he owed Luo Yuan.
"Don't worry about the money. Pikachu looks a lot healthier than last time."
Luo Yuan ruffled Pikachu's cheeks, letting go just as Pikachu's cheeks began sparking with irritation.
"It's been a while. Are you guys here to see Professor Bill too?"
"Bill's Lighthouse? Professor Bill?" Ash looked at him, confused. "What are you talking about? We're just hoping to find a place to stay for the night."
"Ehhh…"
Right. His mistake for expecting more from Ash.
Brock, however, was more perceptive. "Professor Bill? As in the one who created the Pokémon Storage System?"
"That's the one."
As he spoke, Luo Yuan stepped forward and rang the doorbell.
"Excuse me, Professor Bill? I'm here for a visit; Professor Oak should have contacted you about me—Luo Yuan."
"Luo Yuan? I remember. Come on in!"
Creak.
The stone doors opened slowly.
They stepped inside.
And the first thing Luo Yuan saw was a massive Kabuto sitting on a throne.
Just as Ash and Brock were gawking in shock…
Bill's voice came from within the Kabuto: "Perfect timing! I got stuck inside this Kabuto suit—can you help me out?"
"…."
Luo Yuan had always thought this was just a humorous plot device in the anime to highlight Bill's passion for Pokémon. He hadn't expected Bill to be actually stuck in the suit.
How absent-minded could he be?
After freeing Bill from his "armor," they introduced themselves briefly.
Bill quickly realized Luo Yuan was the only one actually visiting; Ash and Brock had simply tagged along.
Curious, Bill turned to Luo Yuan.
"Professor Oak only mentioned that you wanted to visit. What brings you here?"
"Well, I read your paper on the 'Giant Unknown Pokémon' in the Pokémon Studies Journal, and I was intrigued," Luo Yuan said, sharing the reason he'd prepared.
Hearing this, Bill's eyes sparkled.
"You're interested in it too?"
For a moment, Bill looked like he'd found a kindred spirit.
Only he knew how rough it had been these past few years.
Despite the global influence of his Pokémon Storage System, his research on the "Giant Unknown Pokémon" had faced constant setbacks and skepticism.
His work was misunderstood, his assistants had quit one after another, and even Silph Co. had considered pulling its funding after deciding there was no profit to be made. Only his passion for the unknown had kept him going this long.
Now, finally meeting someone who understood him, Bill was elated.
"Perfect timing! According to my calculations, tonight is the most likely moment in years for that giant Pokémon to come close!"
Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Luo Yuan and hurriedly led the group up to the top of the lighthouse.
---
T/N: u should use the camcorder to film it fr