"Oh? Let me see!"
Hearing Luo Yuan mention that he had data on the Darkest Day, Professor Oak's curiosity was instantly piqued.
He had watched the entire Darkest Day incident unfold through live broadcasts.
Anything that could influence a region's Pokémon like that was bound to fascinate him.
The materials Luo Yuan had prepared were impressively detailed, including a wealth of information he had obtained from Macro Cosmos' subsidiary research facilities through Oleana, along with comprehensive data on Pokémon unique to the Galar region.
For an ordinary person, this information might have held little value — but for Professor Oak, it was like finding a treasure trove.
Before long, Professor Oak was completely absorbed in the material.
Seeing this, Luo Yuan didn't disturb him.
Instead, he turned to Gary and Ash and said, "I didn't really bring back any souvenirs for you two from Galar..."
Thinking for a moment, Luo Yuan reached into his pocket and pulled out two Master Balls.
"Take these as my gift for your trip to Hoenn."
"Master Balls?!"
Ash and Gary both stared, stunned.
As Poké Balls that couldn't even be bought on the market, and the only kind powerful enough to guarantee the capture of a Legendary Pokémon, Master Balls were unimaginably rare.
Even someone as carefree as Ash immediately understood what a huge deal this was.
Off to the side, Professor Oak, hearing Luo Yuan's words, also looked over.
"Master Balls?"
At first, Professor Oak was visibly shocked that Luo Yuan would casually give away such rare items as gifts.
But then, remembering Luo Yuan's position as a shareholder in Silph Co., it made perfect sense.
While Master Balls were no longer publicly circulated, for a shareholder of Silph, getting his hands on a few wasn't particularly difficult.
As for concerns about Gary or Ash using them irresponsibly — to forcefully capture Pokémon or get arrogant enough to attempt seizing a Legendary...
One was his own grandson, and the other someone he'd watched grow up — Professor Oak felt mostly reassured about leaving Master Balls in their hands.
Mostly.
Just to be safe, Professor Oak adopted a serious expression and said sternly,
"Theoretically, a Master Ball can capture any Pokémon. But remember, there are cases every year of Pokémon turning on Trainers after being captured by force. So you must use them with great caution."
Ash nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry, Grandpa!" Gary said with his 'I'm totally responsible' face.
"..."
Seeing that look on Gary's face, Professor Oak suddenly wasn't quite so reassured anymore.
In the end, Gary and Ash still set off on their journey with Master Balls in their bags.
Afterward, Luo Yuan spent some time discussing the Darkest Day incident in-depth with Professor Oak.
They agreed that Luo Yuan would continue forwarding new information from Galar,
while Professor Oak would share any research breakthroughs in return.
Having settled this, Luo Yuan also left the lab.
---
Saffron City
By the time Luo Yuan returned to the Saffron Gym, evening had fallen.
He found Sabrina seated calmly at the coffee table, sipping tea.
Seeing him come in, Sabrina turned her head slightly, giving him a faint smile.
"Matori arrived just a little while ago," she said. "She's taking a shower. She mentioned you said you had a surprise for her?"
...Crap.
Luo Yuan's heart sank.
I'm late — Sabrina and Matori havealready talked.
Plans had changed, and Luo Yuan cursed himself inwardly.
But outwardly, not a trace of guilt appeared on his face.
"Oh? Matori told you?" Luo Yuan said casually. "Yeah, I prepared a surprise."
"I learned how to make Galar-style curry while I was there," he continued smoothly.
"Since Matori didn't get to visit Galar, I thought I'd invite her over and cook for her."
The trick in moments like this was to stay calm.
"Is that really all?" Sabrina gave him a skeptical look.
"You're sure you don't have any other strange ideas?"
"What strange ideas?" Luo Yuan blinked innocently — then, as if realizing something, let an exaggerated look of understanding dawn across his face.
Giving her a teasing smile, he said,
"Wait… You're the one who's thinking weird things, aren't you? You're the one with strange ideas?"
Not only must you never show weakness — you must seize the initiative instead.
Faced with Luo Yuan's perfect deadpan counterattack, Sabrina, who had been quietly suspicious, immediately began second-guessing herself.
Could it really just be a homemade meal?
It did sound plausible...
Thinking back on her own earlier accusatory tone, Sabrina started to feel flustered.
Especially since she had been the one to bring it up first.
Realizing that, a wave of embarrassment flooded her — her cheeks visibly reddening.
Watching Sabrina's reaction, Luo Yuan allowed himself a small, hidden smile.
At that moment, the door opened — and in stepped Matori, wearing a bathrobe, her damp hair clinging to her skin, mist still clinging to her figure.
She paused, momentarily stunned, taking in the scene of Luo Yuan and Sabrina facing each other.
"...Did something happen?"
---
"Well, this is it—the last of my compulsory notes."
"One final time: if you want to squeeze extra chapters from this poor soul, every 100 Powerstones pried from your hands equals one bonus release. 100 = 1, 200 = 2, 300 = 3… as predictable as it is mercenary."
"And if you're inclined to dig deeper, there's still that Patreon: patreon.com/wisetl. Legally, it's "voluntary support." Practically, it's your shortcut to reading ahead."
"That's all from me. Angelica Ainsworth, signing off—finally free of this gig. Don't think I'll miss it."