Eichi had indeed not visited for a long time. His previous visit was specifically to get to know Teacher Takemoto's assistant. After arriving, he discovered that the Research Institute didn't just house the assistant; many other researchers were stationed here as well.
Several among them were professors and associate professors specializing in Bug types, each possessing an exceptionally rich wealth of knowledge in the field. Eichi gained much from his conversations with them, as even their casual remarks often proved highly useful to him.
Once he became familiar with them, Eichi spoke with them regarding the issue of Abilities. In truth, they had already conducted some research into the matter, but they had only uncovered fragments; they lacked the thorough and detailed understanding Eichi possessed from his previous life.
Eichi merely revealed a few of his conjectures, yet everyone was struck with amazement. They felt he shouldn't be a Pokémon Trainer at all, but should instead join them as a Pokémon Researcher. Some even claimed that if Eichi transferred to the Research Department now, the next Professor Oak might very well be him.
Of course, Eichi had no intention of transferring. Researching Pokémon was hardly as interesting as Pokémon battling. Aside from their interest in Abilities, they were particularly fascinated by Eichi's Beedrill.
After all, a Beedrill as powerful as Eichi's was incredibly rare. Eichi had previously allowed them to perform a full physical examination on it, hoping to discover the reason behind its immense strength. However, after the check-up, they found nothing unusual, let alone the secret to its power. In the end, they could only attribute it to the Beedrill's powerful aptitude.
Everyone greeted Eichi, and he returned the gesture. A round of pleasantries followed as they chatted about various topics. As it happened, he had recently encountered some problems he couldn't solve alone and wanted to consult these professionals. Although they were all busy, Eichi didn't visit often. Since he had made the effort to come, they were willing to temporarily set aside their work to chat with him and answer his questions.
As they spoke, the conversation shifted to other Bug-type Pokémon. Previously, they focused exclusively on Bug types from the Kanto and Johto regions. Back then, though they knew of other regions, their connections were shallow, and people rarely traveled to distant lands.
A few years ago, relations with the Hoenn Region suddenly grew closer, leading to more frequent exchanges. It was then that they began researching Bug types from the Hoenn Region. Now, in the recent period, the League had begun establishing ties and deepening exchanges with the Sinnoh and Unova regions as well. The League intended to incorporate the Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova regions into its administrative sphere.
Currently, Teacher Takemoto was in the Sinnoh Region to exchange experiences regarding Bug-type Pokémon. As these exchanges deepened, they began to learn information about Legendary Pokémon from various regions.
Suddenly, Eichi asked, "Everyone, do you think there is a Bug-type Legendary Pokémon?"
This question momentarily stumped everyone. They began to furrow their brows in thought, and the atmosphere suddenly turned quiet.
A minute later, a young researcher spoke up, "Not to belittle our field, but given the capabilities of Bug-type Pokémon, the probability of a Legendary existing is likely zero."
While the other researchers agreed with his logic, the thought that Bug types might truly lack a Legendary made them feel somewhat dejected.
However, an older professor spoke up, "Actually, I believe Bug types do have a Legendary. I've read in books where scholars theorize that Legendary Pokémon are the incarnations of natural laws. They have held their own missions since birth; they are the messengers of the world."
"We currently know of 17 types. I believe every type should have a corresponding Legendary born to it. Furthermore, I think the Bug-type Legendary might be in another region, or perhaps we simply haven't seen it yet. It might even still be in a deep sleep."
After listening to the elderly professor, Eichi said, "I think Professor Nobby makes sense. I also believe Bug types have a Legendary."
Bug types did indeed have a Legendary called Genesect. It was the fierce character that had dominated Mewtwo in the movie; if Mewtwo hadn't been able to Mega Evolve, it truly wouldn't have been a match for Genesect.
Clearly, everyone felt Professor Nobby's words were reasonable, and they began imagining what a Bug-type Legendary might look like.
"Eichi, what are you all talking about?"
Just as they were deep in conversation, Eichi heard a familiar voice. He turned around to see a handsome young man with green hair and glasses wearing a white research coat. From his appearance alone, he looked to be in his 20s. This was Teacher Takemoto's assistant and Eichi's senior, Hara. He was actually exactly 18 years old this year and was also a genius.
After seeing Senior Hara, Eichi said, "Senior, we were discussing whether Bug-type Legendary Pokémon exist."
Hara walked over and asked, "So, what did your discussion conclude?"
Eichi replied, "Professor Nobby believes Bug types do have a Legendary; it's just that we haven't encountered it yet."
Hara nodded and said, "I agree with that view as well."
After saying this, Professor Nobby asked Hara, "Hara, is your experiment finished?"
Hara shook his head. "No, it failed again. I have no inspiration at all and don't know what to do next."
Professor Nobby comforted him, "It's fine, take it slow."
Hara nodded, then suddenly asked Eichi, "Eichi, did you come here for something specific today?"
Eichi said, "Didn't I participate in the Inter-Academy Exchange Tournament a few days ago? Because we won, the academy rewarded us with a trip to the Hatchery to pick a Pokémon."
Eichi then proceeded to tell them everything that had happened that day.
"And then, it hatched the day before yesterday. This Wimpod."
Eichi pulled out a Poké Ball and released Wimpod. Upon seeing the crowd, Wimpod immediately ran behind Eichi's heels to hide. With so many people around, it was a bit frightened. Eichi smiled and picked Wimpod up from the ground, and the crowd instantly crowded around them.
It was the first time they had seen this Pokémon. With everyone so close, Wimpod curled into a ball and closed its eyes. None of them had encountered this species before.
At this, Hara remarked, "It's certainly as timid as its name suggests. By the way, Eichi, how do you know it's called Wimpod?"
Eichi replied, "An old teacher of mine told me. He traveled to many places a few years ago, including the Alola Region. Wimpod is a Pokémon from the Alola Region. It's a Bug and Water-type Pokémon."
"I was hoping everyone could help me check Wimpod's physical condition and gather some other data."
Eichi finally stated his purpose for coming today.