Although Sato himself didn't lack Mega Stones, that didn't mean he could treat them as worthless.
As for why he had rejected Gardevoir's Mega Stone but was willing to obtain other ones…
In the end, Sato still didn't want both him and Gardevoir to be constantly bothered by that thing.
And only when they actually began demonstrating Mega Evolution to Professor Rowan did they realize the stones weren't easy to get.
At the same time, the three of them finally came to a realization: Rowan's previous "honest" and "simple" demeanor... was all an act!
Even if it wasn't, once he entered his "researcher mode", Professor Rowan showed no mercy in ordering Sato and the others.
"…Houndoom's Mega Evolution data at full stamina has been recorded. Next, initiate the evolution at half stamina. Please prepare."
Professor Rowan, holding a recording sheet, spoke seriously, while the researcher beside him rolled out two gravity treadmills of different sizes, indicating that both Houndoom and Sato needed to start running.
"…I have to run too?" Sato was stunned, but no one answered him, because Rowan had already walked over to Mark to observe what kind of unexpected situations might arise during his first Mega Evolution.
Compared to the experienced Sato, Joseph and Mark were clearly more worthy of Professor Rowan's attention as newcomers.
Then, under the "predatory" stares of a group of researchers, Sato and Houndoom got on the treadmill and began running wildly.
Meanwhile, Mark and Joseph were also repeatedly performing Mega Evolution under the various preconditions set by Professor Rowan.
By dusk, the three were so exhausted they didn't even have the strength to lift their arms to eat, and then came the notice…
Tomorrow, they'd continue.
Looking at the lavish dinner before them, the three of them suddenly felt as if it were saying, 'Eat well, then obediently return to your fate.'
---
Three days later, Professor Rowan "sincerely" thanked them and, without hesitation, pulled out a large box.
When the box was opened, inside were over twenty Mega Stones and Key Stones neatly arranged, making Sato and the others feel their scalps go numb.
'Since when did Mega Stones become mass-produced?'
"Go ahead, take whichever ones you like. I've recorded almost all the Mega Evolution data. These things are of no use to me anymore."
Professor Rowan waved "generously", as if he truly didn't care how many they took.
Thinking back on the hellish past three days, Sato and the others wanted nothing more than to take all the stones.
But thinking about the principle of 'leave room for future cooperations,' they refrained from going so far as to take the box too.
As for how many to take, the three of them had already discussed it beforehand, so under Rowan's somewhat surprised gaze, each of them only took one pair of Mega Stone and Key Stone.
"That's it? Your cooperation these past three days helped me a lot. You could've taken more." Rowan's face was full of sincerity, but none of the three reached out again.
"Thank you, Professor. Three pairs of Mega Stones are enough for us. Any more wouldn't be of much use," Sato firmly declined as well.
A person should have self-awareness. The three of them had simply helped collect some data for a few days and were already getting Mega Stones in return, this was already a huge gain.
On the other hand, the Professor being so eager to part with his Mega Stones gave Sato a subtle feeling that he was "entrusting a legacy."
Thinking of the current unrest within the Sinnoh League, Sato still didn't want to get too deeply involved.
Both parties were prominent figures on the surface. If Professor Rowan were to ask him for another favor, Sato would have no reason to refuse.
Seeing that none of the three had any intention of reaching for more, Professor Rowan didn't insist further and put the box back away.
"The Gym closest to Sandgem Town is in Jubilife City. However... I wouldn't recommend going there," Professor Rowan hesitated at first but then slowly said, "The Gym Leader of Jubilife City doesn't get along well with Bertha's faction..."
The three of them understood. Saying they "don't get along well" was already putting it mildly. The word "faction" made it clear, this was an internal power struggle within the League.
As the most economically prosperous city in the Sinnoh Region, the Gym Leader of Jubilife naturally held significant sway.
Being able to oppose Bertha meant that this Gym Leader certainly had considerable capabilities.
Although Sato had received considerable support from Bertha, he wasn't her pawn. After hearing Professor Rowan's advice, he naturally wouldn't rush in blindly.
So, Sato chose without hesitation to take a detour, deciding to head northeast straight to Oreburgh City.
After bidding farewell to Professor Rowan, Sato and the others returned to the Pokémon Center to gather their belongings. But just as they entered the main hall, Nurse Joy hurriedly approached them.
"Sato, this is something you need to see!" Nurse Joy said as she handed over a tablet.
[Shocking! Jubilife City Gym Leader publicly mocks "Dark King" Sato, says the rookie is too arrogant!]
[Gym Leader Lolo slams "Dark King", says he's remained silent and dares not respond!]
[A full breakdown of "Dark King" Sato's arrogant behavior… the strongest rising star you didn't know!]
[...]
Sato scrolled through the series of trending headlines. Regardless of how eye-catching the titles were, the content was just the same recycled material.
Jubilife City Gym Leader Lolo had publicly said that Sato was arrogant, unqualified, and undeserving of the title of strongest rising star.
Hmm... personally stepping in to bash Sato… was this delusion or something else?
"Sato, Lolo is the current Gym Leader of Jubilife. He's also one of the most senior Trainers in the League, and his Pokémon strength is far greater than what he usually shows."
Nurse Joy seemed worried that Sato might be provoked by Lolo and impulsively go looking for payback, so she continued stressing the point.
"But these headlines are too much. We just learned about this, and they're already claiming you're afraid to fight?" Mark was clearly furious, pointing at one of the articles and shouting.
"So many media outlets reporting simultaneously, someone is clearly pushing this from behind. It's an obvious open scheme to make Sato take the initiative to challenge." Joseph said, though he didn't express what they should do.
"Boss, where are we going now… Jubilife City or Oreburgh City?" Mark asked directly.
"Nurse Joy, may I ask. Does this Lolo have Elite Four level Pokémon?" Sato ignored Mark's question and looked up at Nurse Joy.
"That's unlikely. If he had one, he would've already applied to become one," Nurse Joy answered decisively.
Indeed, anyone capable of rivaling Elite Four Bertha, if strong enough, would never remain a Gym Leader.
"If he's just at Ace level..." Sato murmured to himself, already forming a plan in his mind.