By the time Shiro finished speaking, cold sweat had already formed at Oak's temples.
This brat had guessed all of that from nothing more than a single piece of data?
But after taking a deep breath and thinking for a moment, Oak did not feel overly worried. Since Shiro had brought it up himself, that meant there was still room for negotiation.
With a complicated look in his eyes, Oak stared at him solemnly for a moment, then finally let out a long sigh. "Speak, Shiro. What is your purpose?"
As long as the exchange of interests did not cross his bottom line, he could grit his teeth and accept it.
Oak had not wanted to yield so easily. But this boy was too troublesome. Not only had he just completed his professor conferment and attracted enough attention, he was also a League Champion, or at least an Elite-level trainer.
Even Oak was not certain he could quietly deal with an Elite-level trainer using Pokémon without alerting others. Making a move against Shiro would bring more trouble than benefit.
"Professor Oak, I came here with sincerity."
Knowing that Oak had given in, Shiro's tone became even lighter.
But seeing that smug expression made Oak feel irritated all over. He turned his head aside and snorted. "Hmph. What sincerity do you have?"
It would already be good enough if this brat did not try to strip him to the bone.
Having just completed the professor conferment, he was probably asking for help using his influence to establish a laboratory. Or perhaps support Galar's publicity efforts, or assist in some research.
Oak kept guessing in silence.
Shiro, however, shook his head. "Professor, what if I can clearly state my support for you, and also contact Galar's officials to fund and support your research?"
Oak had never expected that answer. He froze for a while, then lowered his gaze.
He did not believe Shiro or the Galar officials behind him had any good intentions. There was no such thing as a free lunch.
He silently waited for the next words.
Shiro glanced at him, clearly understanding his doubts, then continued explaining, "If your information network is good enough, then you should know that Galar's nobles have almost all been eliminated."
"What Rose needs is not to merge into the current League, but to build an even stronger Galar region himself. That kind of device could be fully promoted in Galar without any future worries."
Oak stood stunned again for a moment before speaking, "Your goal... is the research in my hands?"
If it were to be promoted throughout Galar, then the method for creating the Pokédex, and even the Pokémon data in his possession, would have to be handed over. But those things had originally been meant to become semi-public anyway.
So...
Was that all?
"Of course not only that." Shiro stopped walking. "Naturally, I still need you to help me with a few more things..."
Oak's expression gradually calmed.
* * *
A while later.
"That Rhyperior has already been sent to a specialized laboratory. The related operation can begin soon."
In the corridor, Oak walked with both hands in his pockets, speaking rapidly.
"But let me warn you first. The precision device inside its head helps it move. If it is removed, the Pokémon may become completely paralyzed. I don't know what you plan to do with it, but I still hope you won't carry out overly cruel experiments."
Shiro walked beside him calmly and tilted his head slightly. "Professor Oak can still feel sympathy?"
After all, as a researcher, one had to cast aside most compassion. Otherwise, many experiments could never be done.
Oak did not answer that question. He only said, "Shiro, I suggest you establish your research institute in Hoenn. Because of his research direction, Birch is away from his laboratory all year round... many matters have been delayed."
Those matters referred to League rookie trainers receiving Pokémon and seeking help.
In principle, research institutes in each region were responsible for giving starter Pokémon to all new League trainers and providing related guidance. But every region was too large, and there were too few Institutes. It was impossible for all new trainers to go to one.
In Kanto, the vast majority of rookie trainers were not qualified to enter Oak Research Institute. That responsibility was therefore handled by local Pokémon Centers. There were many Pokémon Centers, spread across every area, and they were official League facilities. Distributing Pokémon to new trainers and answering questions was handled by them.
But there were always a small number of people with connections who still wanted to receive Pokémon directly from research institutes. The starter Pokémon from there usually had better talent and potential.
Birch Research Institute had failed in this area. Since Birch was rarely present, and the remaining researchers had never handled such matters properly, some young trainers with influence were unable to receive support.
"Besides helping young trainers, cooperation with the local League is also important. All of that has been delayed by Birch."
Oak paused briefly before entering the hall.
"If you establish a research institute in Hoenn, you can also receive support from the Hoenn League... Of course, this is only my personal suggestion."
"I think it's an excellent idea, Professor." Shiro nodded. "An experienced senior really is dependable."
"..."
Oak remained silent and stepped into the hall. Looking at the eyes of the many researchers, a smile gradually appeared on his face.
The two returned together.
At this time, the conference had not fully ended. After the staff calmed everyone down and people returned to their seats, the hall became quiet again.
Shiro also returned to his seat. Beside him, Rowan leaned over carefully and whispered, "Shiro, Professor Oak didn't make things difficult for you..."
"Don't worry. He is a highly respected senior in the academic world... very willing to help a newcomer like me," Shiro replied.
"Willing to help newcomers?" Rowan repeated the phrase to himself, finding it deeply ironic.
Who did not know that Oak controlled everything at this conference? If Shiro had not unexpectedly completed the professor conferment through some mysterious stroke of luck, this year would probably have ended with no one succeeding again.
Rowan tugged at his beard and kept shaking his head.
Just then, Oak walked onto the stage with a smile. "Fellow professors and researchers... this year's Academic Summit is nearing its end."
"Many refreshing discoveries have appeared at this summit, and many research may create huge impacts in the future."
"Of course, the most important thing is that we have selected the most talented researcher of the last ten years, Professor Shiro!"
"As a senior colleague, I am very optimistic about his future!"
The moment his words ended, under the deeply puzzled gazes of Rowan and many professors, and under the shocked expressions of the hundred-plus researchers, Oak himself led the applause, and it echoed throughout the entire hall.
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