: Aftermath and Impact; Sakaki Invites Students to Discuss

Natsuno's pupil changes did not escape Sakaki's notice.

A hint of doubt flashed in the latter's resolute eyes.

Unlike the image of the evil organization boss in white shirts and black suits that Natsuno had always imagined, Sakaki was dressed like a kind neighbor uncle, the kind who would wander around visiting neighbors.

Sakaki flashed a bright smile: "Ah, I didn't expect you to know me, Natsuno. I'm so glad."

Natsuno regained his composure, confirming that Sakaki hadn't come to kidnap him, and then felt that his own thoughts were absurd: Why would Sakaki kidnap a trainee researcher like me for no reason?

Then an even more absurd idea popped into my head: maybe the Sakaki in this world is a good person?

Dispelling the jumbled thoughts in his mind, Natsuno put on a polite smile: "Your articles on raising Beedrill, Nidoking, and other main Pokémon in your teams have guided many trainers. I've also had the pleasure of reading them."

"These are just some basic insights; I hope they can inspire everyone. I've come here today because your achievements have deeply impressed me, and I have some thoughts I'd like to discuss with you in detail."

"It's about genetics. I hope you can spare some time. This is my business card. Please feel free to contact me when you have time."

Sakaki handed a blue business card from his pocket, which only listed "Sakaki, the owner of the Evergreen Dojo" and his contact information.

Natsuno nodded and accepted it: "Okay, I'll make time to come."

"Then I'll wait for good news. Goodbye."

Watching the other person leave, Xia Ye closed the door, clutching the simple blue business card in his hand.

Sakaki's image was somewhat different from what he had imagined. He was polite, easygoing, and even had a very cheerful laugh. He seemed like a sunny and cheerful middle-aged man.

Furthermore, Natsuno said that Sakaki's paper was indeed true. Sakaki compiled his experience in cultivating the six main players into a paper and shared it selflessly. When Natsuno first saw the paper, he thought it was a person with the same name.

Only after checking the other party's detailed information did I realize that he was the Evergreen Gym Leader, Giovanni of the Earth, whose ace was Mega Beedrill.

Come to think of it, how could such important characters in the Pokémon world have the same name? It's not like they're Bug Catcher or Shorts Boy.

Natsuno was now very curious about Giovanni's purpose: What could he want from me? Could it be that he wants me to research how to create Mewtwo?

Amused by her own absurd idea, Natsuno carefully put away Sakaki's business card.

After Xiaocai finished eating, Xia Ye put Xiaocai into the deluxe ball and placed it in his pocket.

He met Aya when he was 8 years old, and their bond was formed when he was 9. From then on, Natsuno did everything with Aya except when he went to the toilet or took a bath.

It was then that Natsuno truly understood that Pokémon were friends and family.

"It's all just talk. I can't reason with those savages who don't even have Pokémon," Natsuno thought. He checked the time and headed to the auditorium to continue attending the afternoon's academic conference.

The afternoon presentations were also given by trainee researchers, and the content was similar to "The Reference Role of Sound Insulation Properties in the Manufacturing of Sound Insulation Materials - A Study on the Sound Insulation Properties of the Magic Mr. Doll".

These studies have some practical value, but everyone's threshold was raised by Natsuno's opening remarks, so they naturally became critical.

It's like starting with a Manchu Han Imperial Feast, only to be followed by dishes like spiced pickled cabbage and braised pork and cabbage soup – there's always a sense of disappointment.

The PhD students in the front row asked questions frequently, and the person being questioned resembled Xia Ye Lanxing's undergraduate thesis defense: answering without defending, answering if they could, and apologizing profusely if they couldn't answer.

Natsuno, sitting in the audience, felt extremely guilty. If he hadn't started the interview, these trainee researchers wouldn't have had to endure this barrage of questions.

Trainee researchers need to produce academic achievements with practical value, like the ones shown now, and only after approval can they be promoted to full-fledged researchers.

Can't just anyone write an article titled "On the Influence of the Second Scale from the Back to the Head at the End of Magikarp's Tail on the Use of Leap Move" and become a formal researcher?

Even if you actually write it, don't submit it to Pokémon Nature; submit it to shit instead, since Pokémon is eternal.

Xia Ye is currently a trainee researcher, but his promotion to full-time researcher is a certainty. It is uncertain what level he will reach next. Full-time researchers are divided into junior, intermediate, and senior levels, and the next level is the doctoral title.

Mastering controlled nuclear fusion doesn't guarantee you a bachelor's degree? This advantage is in my hands!

But it's also true that Natsuno set a precedent that led to the misfortunes of the trainee researchers. He could only silently curse in his heart: How could Natsuno be so evil! He should be punished!

After comparing the two, the PhD students in the first row had a better impression of Natsuno. Every now and then, a few of them would whisper among themselves and then glance back at Natsuno, to which Natsuno could only respond with a smile.

After enduring the afternoon and having an academic dinner, the researchers finally had some free time.

However, most of the discussion revolved around genes, while a small number discussed Natsuno's rank after his promotion, and how they all asked to exchange contact information after meeting Natsuno.

After fleeing back to his room in a panic, Natsuno looked at his work account on the Pokémon Chat app and saw that it had gained hundreds of friends in just one day, which he found utterly absurd.

Meanwhile, in the largest conference room of the Yuhong University teaching building.

The PhDs who had attended the daytime meeting sat together, along with ten representatives from the alliance.

At this moment, the two sides were arguing fiercely.

"Genetics is undoubtedly a completely new field, and from now on we will be able to fully understand all the secrets of Pokémon! Therefore, promoting Natsuno to the professor's position is perfectly reasonable!"

"But at present, we have only confirmed the existence of the gene. We don't even know where the gene is or how to see it. It is still in the nascent stage. It's a bit early to give him a doctorate. Let's wait for him to make a breakthrough later."

"As a pioneer in the field, he not only proved the existence of the relevant information but also directly verified two related laws. That's enough. His youth shouldn't diminish the honor he deserves!"

"Right now, it's just theory. There are countless steps between theory and practical application, and with bad luck, it can cost a fortune. The PhD represents not only honor, but also the Alliance's attitude and the allocation of resources. We cannot take the risk!"

Both sides have their own reasons, and neither can convince the other.

Professor Oak finally threw a tantrum, pulling out six Luxury Balls with labels bearing the Pokémon's names and placing them on the table.

"Let's decide this in the most straightforward way! Pokémon battles! If I win, you'll have to listen to me!"

The league representative, seeing Professor Oak's shameless behavior, laughed in exasperation: "Who doesn't know that you, Professor Oak, have been a multiple-time champion of the Kanto League? Do you think I'm crazy enough to fight you?"

"You're forcing a confession out of me! I don't agree to that!"

...

"Oh? Ono, are you saying I'm being unreasonable? That I tortured you into confessing?"

The atmosphere in Natsuno's room was quite subtle.

Wearing a white lab coat and gold-rimmed glasses, Zhu Lan was holding a slip of paper in her hand, her face full of smiles.

The note had a girl's name and contact information written on it, and it was taken out of Natsuno's bulging white lab coat pocket.

A Garchomp is resting its fin on Natsuno's neck.

The scene in the room at this moment directly resembles a famous Pokémon painting:

Xiao Cai is eating.