Chapter 90 - Towards Hoenn

In a spacious house nestled beside Professor Oak's laboratory in Pallet Town, Julian lounged on the sofa, his gaze fixed upon the television screen. Professor Oak, perched in an armchair, sipped his tea, mirroring Julian's rapt attention to the unfolding scene on the TV.

Professor Oak, with a hint of excitement in his voice, remarked, "It seems we're on the brink of the final showdown."

Julian nodded, a sense of determination in his eyes as he replied, "Indeed, by tomorrow, Kanto and Johto will hail a new champion."

Oak's expression was one of mild disbelief as he mused, "I can hardly believe that 12 months have flown by so swiftly."

Julian, acknowledging the truth in Oak's statement, replied, "True, but considering our responsibilities with the company and work, time has a way of slipping through our fingers."

The professor chuckled heartily and added, "Haha, your championship brought a windfall to our company. We now have enough resources to revive some of my long-abandoned research projects."

Julian remained silent, his focus never wavering from the live Pokémon battle playing out on the TV. Before them, Lance and his mighty Dragonite faced off against Karen and her loyal Umbreon.

As the battle on the screen reached its thrilling conclusion, Julian observed, "It's coming to an end."

Professor Oak's gaze was fixed on the screen as well, witnessing Dragonite's powerful Hyper Beam striking Umbreon, leading to Lance's victory and his dual championship in Kanto and Johto as per the Silver Conference rules.

Turning his attention back to Julian, Professor Oak inquired, "What's on your mind now? You've already achieved so much – becoming the champion, building a thriving company. What's the next chapter in your journey?"

Julian met Oak's gaze, a confident smile playing on his lips as he responded, "Next, I'll venture to Hoenn and participate in their league once more. It's time to start from scratch, capture new Pokémon, train them, and aim to conquer the league once again."

Acknowledging Julian's determination, Professor Oak nodded with a warm smile. "I see. Best of luck in your new adventure."

As Julian rose from the sofa, he uttered, "I should begin making the necessary preparations. You, on the other hand, take your time enjoying that tea."

With those parting words, Julian strolled away, leaving Professor Oak to savor his tea and continue watching the Pokémon battle unfold on the TV.

Oak's sigh carried a hint of nostalgia as he mused, "Youth, it's such a precious thing."

He continued sipping his tea, lost in thought. Several days slipped by, and the scene shifted. Ash, returning from his journey in Johto, entered the lab and found Professor Oak and Julian engaged in a conversation.

"Professor Oak, Julian," Ash called out.

Oak, visibly pleased by Ash's return, greeted him warmly. "Ah, Ash, you've finally returned. We were starting to wonder when we'd see you again."

Julian, offering a compliment, said, "You did exceptionally well in the Silver Conference."

Ash, modestly downplaying his achievements, chuckled and rubbed his head, "Hahaha, it was nothing, really."

Julian, wanting to share some friendly advice, remarked, "You might have done even better if you had maintained some distance from Blaziken during that battle."

Ash laughed awkwardly, acknowledging the truth in Julian's words.

Professor Oak chimed in, "Well, he's still young and inexperienced, but he has a long road ahead to grow and learn."

While Ash looked around the lab, his curious eyes landed on an evolution stone stored in a container. It appeared different from the typical ones he was familiar with.

Ash's curiosity piqued, he inquired, "Professor Oak, what's that?"

Professor Oak smiled and explained, "Ah, this is a new research material for my ongoing work on Pokémon evolutions."

Ash's curiosity grew, and he inquired further, "That sounds interesting! What can it do?"

Professor Oak responded, "Well, it's not quite ready for use yet. In fact, I'm sending it to Professor Birch in Hoenn for the next phase of research."

Ash, showing keen interest, questioned, "Hoenn?"

Professor Oak nodded and added, "Yes, Hoenn. You should consider heading there as well. The Hoenn League is set to take place, and Julian is also planning to participate."

Ash, his eyes lighting up, asked, "Hoenn League? So Julian will be competing in it too?"

Julian confirmed with a determined expression, "Yes."

Ash's enthusiasm was evident as he declared, "Cool, I also want to head to Hoenn and embark on a new journey."

Then, a memory seemed to strike him, and he added, "Oh, Professor Oak, what about Gary?"

Professor Oak responded, "Gary? He expressed his desire to start fresh and aspires to become a Pokémon researcher, much like myself."

Ash seemed pensive for a moment, absorbing this information. Finally, he bid his farewell, saying, "Thanks, Professor Oak. I'll be on my way then."

With that, he turned and walked away, likely contemplating his next adventure and the changes in the journeys of his friends and rivals.

Julian, with a thoughtful expression, remarked, "Gary wants to become a researcher. It seems the saying is true—'an apple doesn't fall far from the tree.' It's good that he's discovered his true passion."

With his plans to head to Hoenn forming, he continued, "I'll set off for Hoenn in two or three days."

Julian carefully picked up the unique evolution stone and assured Professor Oak, "Don't worry, Professor, I'll personally deliver this to Professor Birch."

Oak expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Julian."

As the day gave way to night, marking the passage of time, the characters and their stories continued to evolve in the world of Pokémon.