Touma's second life began with a rather absurd click. One moment, he was mindlessly browsing a particularly questionable corner of the internet, the next, a popup screamed "REBORN IN POKÉMON WORLD? CLICK YES FOR SYSTEM, FREE POKÉMON, AND OP ABILITIES!" Naturally, his curious (and slightly mischievous) finger hit "Yes." The world went black, and then... he was a baby again, but this time, the world was vibrant with the familiar chirps of Pidgey and the rustling leaves that could only belong to a forest teeming with Pokémon.
Five years later, the once-silly origin story felt like a distant, amusing dream. Touma, now a bright-eyed five-year-old living in the quaint, sleepy Pallet Town, had been diligently studying. With his past life's knowledge and a surprisingly potent new brain, he absorbed everything about this world like a sponge. He knew that the grand adventure of becoming a Pokémon Trainer truly began at age 10, but there was plenty to do before then. Most of his time was spent at Professor Oak's laboratory, a place that quickly became his second home.
It didn't take long for the esteemed Professor Oak to notice the unusually astute child who frequented his lab. Touma's insatiable curiosity and insightful questions quickly led to him being unofficially accepted as Oak's youngest, most precocious student. This also meant getting to know Oak's boisterous grandson, Gary, who, even at a young age, had an air of confident rivalry about him.
As Touma delved deeper into the world of Pokémon, studying their habits, types, and biology, a peculiar realization dawned on him. He remembered discussions from his previous life, on forums about "recently discovered" types. Could it be true? As he cross-referenced his memories with the current world's understanding, it became startlingly clear: the Dark, Steel, and Fairy types were unknown here!
With a year of meticulous research, fueled by his unique perspective, Touma compiled an exhaustive thesis. He detailed the characteristics of these "new" types, their intricate type advantages and disadvantages, the Pokémon that possessed them, and even the moves associated with them. The day he submitted his work to Professor Oak was nerve-wracking, but the Professor's reaction was beyond his wildest hopes. Oak was utterly dumbfounded, then incredibly impressed.
After weeks of rigorous testing and verification in his lab, Professor Oak confirmed the astonishing truth of Touma's findings. The data was irrefutable. Oak immediately forwarded the groundbreaking research to the Pokémon League, attributing full credit to his remarkable young student. Overnight, Touma became a Junior Professor, his name whispered with awe across the Kanto region and beyond. Professors from other regions flocked to Pallet Town, eager to consult with the child prodigy. Even the stoic Lance, Champion of both Kanto and Johto, sought Touma's advice on these revolutionary discoveries.
Years passed in a blur of research, consultations. The once tiny village of Pallet Town had become a minor hub for Pokémon research, all thanks to Touma. And then, as if in a flash, his tenth birthday arrived. The world had changed because of him, and now, it was his turn to truly explore it.
Touma also dedicated time to studying the more peculiar aspects of Pokémon, particularly the famous tale of the Magikarp and its evolution, Gyarados. His books detailed how a seemingly useless Magikarp could evolve into a terrifying force of nature, stories of which often told of Gyarados saving trainers and people who had genuinely connected with their seemingly weak Pokémon. He made sure to emphasize that people now knew not to intentionally provoke a Magikarp, or they would face the wrath of a Gyarados. Of course, this also led to a significant rise in trainers bravely attempting to raise Magikarp of their own, hoping to unlock their hidden power.
His books, filled with unique insights, sold incredibly well, becoming popular with both aspiring trainers and seasoned professors alike, even becoming required reading in Pokémon academies. Thanks to the success of his publications and his ongoing consultations, Touma had amassed a considerable fortune, his wealth comparable to that of veteran trainers, truly marking him as the rising star of the Pokémon world.
Today was the day. The sun streamed through his window as Touma performed a final check of his essential items: Poké Balls, potions, a map of Kanto, and his advanced PokéNav, a gift from the Hoenn Champion Steven Stone himself. After a heartfelt goodbye to his mom, he headed straight for Professor Oak's lab, his heart thrumming with excitement.
Upon his arrival, Professor Oak greeted him with a warm smile and a knowing twinkle in his eye. "Touma," the Professor began, "for all your contributions, your dedication, and your brilliance, you deserve something truly special." With that, he presented Touma with a Poké Ball. Touma pressed the button, and in a flash of light, a beautiful, fluffy Vulpix materialized, its six tails swaying gently. This was it. His journey was truly beginning.
Touma knelt down, extending a hand slowly. "Hello there, Vulpix. I'm Touma. It's a pleasure to meet you, partner." The Vulpix eyed him curiously, then let out a soft "Vulpix!" and nuzzled into his palm, a warmth spreading through Touma's hand. He felt a connection, immediate and comforting. Pulling out his sleek Pokedex, he pointed its scanner at his new companion.
[Vulpix]
[The Fox Pokémon]
[Type: Fire]
[Ability: Flash Fire]
[Gender: Female]
[Moves: Ember, Tail Whip, Quick Attack, Hypnosis]
'Hypnosis?.... This will come in handy'. Touma smiled. Flash Fire was a fantastic ability, making his Vulpix even stronger if hit by a Fire-type move. Ember and Tail Whip were standard, but Quick Attack offered speed, and Hypnosis provided a clever strategic option for status effects. This was a Vulpix with real potential. After a few more minutes of gentle petting, Touma returned Vulpix to her Poké Ball, ensuring she was comfortable. "Ready for our adventure, Vulpix?" he whispered, a thrill running through him.
He bid Professor Oak a final farewell and stepped out into the bright Kanto morning. Their destination: Route 1, the small forest just outside Pallet Town, teeming with bird and forest Pokémon. Touma had a specific goal in mind for his first capture: a Pidgey. He knew Pidgeot were reliable, powerful Flying-types, perfect for a balanced team.
It didn't take long to spot one, a lone Pidgey perched on a low branch, preening its feathers. Touma approached cautiously, then declared, "Pidgey! I challenge you!" The Pidgey chirped, ruffled its feathers, and took to the air, ready for battle.
"Alright, Vulpix, let's show them what we've got!" Touma called out, tossing her Poké Ball. In another flash of light, his beautiful Fire-type materialized, facing down the wild bird. "Vulpix, use Tail Whip!"
Vulpix's fluffy tails swished, sending out her tails which attack the charging Pidgey, lowering its defenses slightly and sending them back. The Pidgey retaliated with a quick Tackle, but Vulpix dodged most of the impact. "Now, Vulpix, a quick Quick Attack!" Touma commanded. Vulpix darted forward, a blur of motion, striking the Pidgey with surprising speed. The Pidgey faltered, clearly hurt.
"Okay, Vulpix, one more time! A quick Ember!"
Vulpix let out a small puff of flame, a precise burst that hit the Pidgey. The Pidgey cried out, singed, and wobbled in the air before fluttering weakly towards the ground. Touma seized his chance.
He threw the PokeBall. It hit the Pidgey squarely, sucked it inside, and then began to shake. Once... twice... three times... click.
Touma pumped his fist, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Yes! We caught a Pidgey, Vulpix! Great job!" Vulpix barked happily, wagging her tails. His first capture!