"Master Rei Akagi! Long time no see!!!"
A voice full of surprise and energy suddenly exploded from behind Gengar.
Ash came running after Gengar, his eyes shining as he looked at Rei Akagi, his face filled with undisguised admiration and excitement.
"Master! Your Gengar is seriously amazing! Pikachu and I lost fair and square! But next time we battle, I'll definitely win!"
"Pika~chu!"
Pikachu wholeheartedly agreed.
Gengar stared at the energetic Pikachu in disbelief.
?
Weren't you completely exhausted just a moment ago?!
Seeing there was no way to avoid this, Rei Akagi simply gave up resisting.
To be honest, he had always had a soft spot for this grinning boy who had somehow managed to complete a twenty-five-year journey in just one year.
After all, the kid was part of his childhood memories.
"Why are you standing there? Order whatever you want. Today Gengar is treating."
"Hahaha, how could I possibly accept that!"
Ash said that politely, but his movements were incredibly quick as he pulled out a chair and sat down with Pikachu.
"Oh right, Master! I've already mastered all the martial arts you taught me! When will you teach me martial arts? I'm completely ready!"
"Cough… we'll talk about that later. Eat first. Let's eat."
Watching Ash suddenly get fired up, Rei Akagi lowered his head, fighting the urge to cover his face, and quickly changed the subject.
"So why did you suddenly come traveling here?"
He genuinely hadn't expected Ash to appear here.
But considering Ash's identity, it was necessary to find out the reason—at least to prepare himself mentally.
After all, how many Pokémon movies start with Ash going on some random trip?
He had no desire to get dragged into some world-ending crisis and spend his time saving the planet.
"Ah—well—about that…"
Now it was Ash's turn to feel embarrassed. He scratched the back of his head and said shyly,
"It's mainly because of you, Master! I watched your livestream—it was really interesting! That's why I decided to come travel here—
Oh! And also! I already got four Gym Badges in the Pokémon game!"
Rei Akagi froze for a moment.
Because of me? What did I even do? I just did a livestream!
Please no… I really don't want to work overtime again…
During the meal.
Rei Akagi looked at the rapidly growing mountain of empty plates in front of Ash and fell into philosophical contemplation.
It wasn't that he felt bad about the money. After all, this meal was free—Gengar had won it.
The one who should be worried was the restaurant owner whose Dragonite had been defeated earlier.
What truly broke him was Ash's terrifying appetite.
And then there was the triangular, spiky hair revealed after he took off his cap—
This guy…
Could he actually have some Saiyan blood in him?!
Even more terrifying was the fact that, out of sheer mischief, Rei Akagi had once taught Ash authentic Bajiquan.
The current Ash might not just be the toughest shield, but also the sharpest spear.
It was hard to imagine just how far his physical strength had evolved beyond normal human limits.
"Slow down. No one's going to steal your food…"
Rei Akagi weakly reminded him, then glanced at Gengar beside him.
Apparently provoked by Ash's enthusiasm, Gengar had developed a strange competitive spirit and was also stuffing food into its bottomless mouth.
Though it occasionally cheated by secretly transferring food into its shadow space.
Rei Akagi had already finished eating long ago. Just as he was about to make another sarcastic remark, his phone vibrated.
A private message.
The profile picture showed a gentle, elegant woman wearing a kimono—Erika.
"I'm Not a Young Lady:
I have been asked to contact you. Might the busy Mr. Rei Akagi be willing to spare a little of his precious time for this humble girl?
(smile)"
"Dreaming of Retiring as a Lazy Fish:
What are you saying? If Miss Erika summons me, I'll always answer the call!"
"I'm Not a Young Lady:
It has been so long since we last met. I never expected even the way you address me would become so distant…
Then again, perhaps I'm simply someone who couldn't keep you around. (soft sigh)"
"Dreaming of Retiring as a Lazy Fish:
Alright, alright! Miss Erika still loves joking as much as ever. So what do you need me for?"
"I'm Not a Young Lady:
It's about Celadon University—"
Rei Akagi waited for the next message.
Instead, she sent a 60-second voice message.
When he pressed play, Erika's gentle and pleasant voice filled his ears.
She explained that Celadon University hoped to hire him as a professor, and she wanted to know his thoughts—as well as when he planned to return to Kanto.
However, beneath her elegant tone there was an unmistakable hint of resentment.
Did I… somehow offend Miss Erika?
Thinking about the occasional mischievous, slightly sadistic side she revealed, Rei Akagi suddenly felt a headache coming on.
"Dreaming of Retiring as a Lazy Fish:
Once things here settle down, I'll return to Kanto. But becoming a professor is probably not for me.
With Miss Erika's knowledge and charm, you're far more suitable—and far more qualified—for that position!"
"I'm Not a Young Lady:
Oh? So this humble girl is rated so highly in Mr. Rei Akagi's heart?
I'm truly delighted to hear that.
In that case, I won't disturb you any longer.
(smile)"
Looking at the message, Rei Akagi inexplicably felt a wave of relief and let out a long breath.
He glanced at Ash and Gengar, who were still locked in fierce combat with the food.
Then he casually scooped up Pikachu, who had already eaten its fill and was lying on the chair in a daze.
"Pika?"
Pikachu gave a token cry. Not only did it not struggle, it even rubbed its small head against Rei Akagi's palm.
A comfortable purring sound rumbled in its throat.
Rei Akagi skillfully began petting Pikachu, his fingers expertly scratching under its chin, behind its ears, and around the electric sacs on its cheeks.
Pikachu instantly went limp, its eyes half-closed in bliss.
"Pika~chu~" it sighed in a long, satisfied moan.
Ignoring the blissful "electric mouse pancake" in his arms, Rei Akagi picked up his phone with his other hand and idly started scrolling through the video platform.
The first notification on the homepage was:
His video had entered the platform's "Must-Watch Upon Login" list.
Opening the comment section, he found it incredibly lively.
"Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are seriously fun."
"How did you know I encountered a Shiny Caterpie in Viridian Forest?"
"I speedran the League and became Champion, then came back to explore the hidden storylines! I didn't realize I missed so much stuff! Time to play again!"
"Serious discussion: besides his streamer Gengar, what other Pokémon has Teacher Salted Fish raised? It feels like he can train any type."
"Thank you, Pokémon, for fulfilling my dream of becoming a trainer!"
Returning to the homepage, Rei Akagi was even more surprised.
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789