(TL: I will just call Ivy by Professor since it's confusing to change reseacher and professor, all the time)
"So, you are Researcher Ivy, the leading figure in the Orange League's talent acquisition program? A pleasure to finally meet you." Kai regarded the young researcher before him, her appearance still somewhat fresh-faced, yet gradually aligning with the more mature image he recalled from the anime.
"You flatter me," Ivy replied with a shy smile. "I'm just a very ordinary researcher at Celadon University."
"Are you planning to stay at the Mikan Island Research Institute to conduct Pokémon research this time?" Kai asked as they walked side by side. He felt a sense of good fortune at encountering Ivy on this flight; at the very least, he wouldn't be traveling alone for the rest of the journey. Moreover, he was genuinely curious to learn more about this version of Professor Ivy, who existed at an earlier point in the timeline than the one he remembered.
"Yes, I'll be staying on Mikan Island for a period during this visit to the Orange League, and then I'll move on to other islands for observation and research."
The hotel arranged dinner was conveniently located very close to the airport, allowing the disembarking tourists to quickly enjoy their meal. As they entered the dining hall, melodious music and warm lighting created an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance.
Kai and Professor Ivy presented their airship tickets. After the staff confirmed their validity with welcoming smiles, they were led into the banquet hall. The hall was spacious and brightly lit, exquisitely decorated, and laden with an abundance of delicious food and refined tableware. The buffet-style dining encouraged guests to linger at various food stations, moving in pairs or small groups.
Kai and Professor Ivy thanked the staff, then found suitable seats and settled in.
"But speaking of which," Kai mused as he gathered food for himself and his Pokémon, "are all researchers traveling to the Orange League coming on this flight?" He was a little curious.
The price of this airship journey was not cheap. If it weren't for the need to return to the Orange League as swiftly as possible, Kai might have opted to save money by taking a cruise from Vermilion City or even flying on Skarmory to Cinnabar Island for a rest before slowly island-hopping his way back.
"No, not at all," Ivy replied. "Although the Orange League does reimburse expenses, they only cover cruise ships. This particular ticket was something I won in a lottery after buying a few things at a friendship store." She only took a few pieces of Three Island's specialty pastries.
Isn't this how Ash and his companions got their tickets in the anime? Kai mused. Is Ivy's luck truly so incredible?
"I remember the grand prize winning rate was only one in ten thousand, right?" Kai thought for a moment, recalling seeing promotions for this lottery event near the Silver Conference venue.
"Professor Ivy, among the scientific researchers introduced by the Orange League this time, are there any experts in berries?" Kai asked.
"It doesn't seem so," Ivy mused, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to recall. "In fact, it appears I'm the only one who came here to research this year. Professor Westwood V and Professor Oak from Kanto jointly initiated a major academic research project, and currently, most of the researchers at Celadon University are focused on that. I rarely heard about berry research when I was at school."
She paused, then added, "However, I previously saw research reports on this topic by scientists from the Hoenn region on the Pokémon academic forum."
The two chatted while they ate. Kai's Pokémon, in particular, had entered a 'storm of consumption' mode, their paws and tentacles moving in a blur as they stuffed food into their mouths.
Ivy, after only tasting a few desserts, stopped to observe the Pokémon Kai had trained. "These children all seem exceptionally well-trained!" she praised.
At the sound of praise, Poliwrath was the first to react, dropping its food bowl and immediately striking a bodybuilding pose.
"Poli! Poli-wrath!" It flexed its muscles, performing several poses.
"Alright, alright, Poliwrath, eat your food." Kai quickly intervened, seeing a deep red glow gathering on Poliwrath's white fist as it prepared to attempt a Dynamic Punch on the spot.
"Professor Ivy, have you not caught a Pokémon of your own?" Kai inquired. "Your work should allow you to interact with many Pokémon, shouldn't it?"
"Yes, but generally at the research institute, I have too many Pokémon to take care of at the same time, and different projects require observing different Pokémon," Ivy explained. "So I've never really had time to catch a Pokémon of my own."
Kai listened to Ivy's words, deep in thought.
"I wonder if you've read Professor Oak's 'Discussion on the Relationship between Humans and Pokémon,'" Kai said, a hint of suggestion in his voice. "I think if you, Professor Ivy, were to also catch a Pokémon and use that as a starting point, you might be able to write a truly insightful paper."
Ivy raised an eyebrow, observing Kai and his six Pokémon having a wonderful time together. She smiled, then nodded. "Then I might need your help when the time comes. I'm not very good at directing Pokémon battles."
Kai casually patted his chest, indicating that he had everything under control. "Don't worry, just leave it to me!" he declared confidently.
However, Professor Ivy seemed to have another request. She looked at Kai with a cautious expression. "Actually… Kai, I have one more thing I'd like to ask of you. What is your schedule like for the future?"
Kai, who had been joking around with Poliwrath just moments before, immediately became serious. He realized the matter might not be simple, and he looked at Professor Ivy intently, waiting for her to speak.
At that moment, in Professor Ivy's eyes, Kai appeared like a game character on the verge of accepting an important quest, and she, the NPC, was about to offer it. A large, golden exclamation mark seemed to have appeared above her head, instantly capturing Kai's full attention.
Kai's sudden seriousness made her laugh out loud, and Ivy awkwardly covered her mouth.
"It's like this: I heard that Tangelo Island in the Orange League has an ecological environment completely different from the outside world, so I applied to the Orange League to conduct an investigation," Ivy explained. "Although the application has been approved, I heard that only an Officer Jenny and a few Forest Rangers work on the island. The manpower is far too stretched, and I myself don't train Pokémon."
"Oh! So you need me to assist with your investigation work as a bodyguard?" Kai immediately understood.
Tangelo Island was a protected island designated as a World Natural Heritage Site by the League Headquarters. Terrifying whirlpools lurked around its shores, and strong storms often raged in the air, making it incredibly difficult for the outside world to access the island.
A very rare berry, the Tangelo Berry, which could change a Pokémon's body color, had evolved on this island.
The protection of Tangelo Island was of the highest level in the Orange League, so Kai had never been there before.
"Of course, I'm very interested in this job," Kai said, without hesitation. "And I also really want to see the legendary Tangelo Island."
Before Professor Ivy could even speak, Kai immediately agreed. Never mind any other arrangements; this kind of opportunity was rare.
"However, Professor Ivy, how will my salary be calculated?" Poliwrath, sitting next to Kai, suddenly pulled out a calculator from who-knows-where.
"Huh?" Ivy looked at it, perplexed.
"Don't look at me taking an airship this time," Kai explained with a shrug. "But trainers are actually very short on money. Save where you can, spend where you must. If there's money to be made, you definitely have to earn it! This investigation activity should be reimbursed by the research institute, right?"
Kai clearly indicated that he not only wanted to enter the League's protected area but also expected to be paid by the League for the privilege.
***
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All
Of My Fanfics!!] [www. [email protected]/meowthtl]
[+300 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]