"So it really is as I thought!"
After receiving Yozora's confirmation, Professor Oak's eyes shone with a flash of wisdom.
"Yozora, these past few years you've been working as my research assistant. Have you noticed that even within the same species of Pokémon, their natural talents can differ?" At that moment, Oak seemed to open the floodgates of thought, speaking freely.
"Let's take Charmander as an example."
"Through my many years of research, I've discovered that most Charmander are able to unleash hidden potential in times of crisis, which increases the power of their flames."
"But a rare few Charmander don't share this gift. Instead, under intense sunlight, their flames grow stronger."
Yozora blinked in surprise.
What Oak was describing were none other than Charmander's Ability and Hidden Ability—Blaze and Solar Power.
As expected of Professor Oak! He had already stepped into the field of Abilities so early?In the official timeline, the concept of Abilities wasn't established until the third generation—three years from now.
Yet…
The world was still only in the very beginning of the first generation, and already Professor Oak had started probing into this domain.
"Yozora, are you listening?" Oak frowned, displeased to see Yozora distracted.
Snapping back, Yozora gave an awkward laugh. "I'm listening, Professor. Please continue."
"Hm."
Oak nodded, then went on. "Now, let's talk about your Charmander. Yours is special—unlike any other. It possesses a talent all other Charmander would envy: the gift of not fearing water."
"I have decided to call such gifts Pokémon Abilities."
"Yes, Abilities!"
"According to my research, every Pokémon has at least one Ability. Some may have two, others even three!"
"For instance, in Charmander, I've identified three distinct Abilities."
"The first: unleashing hidden power in times of crisis to boost firepower. I call this Ability Blaze."
"The second: under harsh sunlight, its flames grow stronger. I call this one Solar Power."
"And the third: resistance to water. This Ability, I call Water Absorb."
Incredible. Simply incredible.
Yozora listened with growing respect. His admiration for Oak rose to a whole new level.
And yet…
He also felt a pang of helplessness.
Because in truth, Charmander only had two Abilities.That so-called Water Absorb was something Yozora had forcibly bestowed through his system.
But of course, that wasn't something he could tell Oak. All he could do was pray his existence wouldn't lead the professor's research astray…
"Yozora."
Oak's tone grew more solemn. "The project on Pokémon Abilities is the most important research I've undertaken in recent years. To achieve greater results, I need your help. I need more and more Pokémon to study."
"I've already asked Gary to focus on numbers—capturing as many Pokémon as possible. Duplicates are fine too, since even the same species can hold research value."
"As for you…"
He paused, then looked Yozora straight in the eye. "I won't beat around the bush. In my view, you possess the ability to perceive hidden talents—Hidden Abilities."
"So I want you to put that gift to use as much as possible!"
"Still, be cautious. Pokémon with extraordinary gifts often show unique traits. Some have differently colored skin or fur—Shiny Pokémon. Others exhibit physical differences, such as unusual size. Your Charmander is one such case. These I classify as Variant Pokémon."
"And whether Shiny or Variant, their rarity and uniqueness make them highly coveted in the marketplace… which, in turn, draws the attention of unsavory people."
"That is why you must stay vigilant. In the wild it's one thing, but if you're in a town or city, stay in close contact with me. That way, I can feel more at ease."
Yozora was deeply moved by these words.
Professor Oak might have been a figure of authority, but at heart he was also a kind elder, a caring guardian.
"Don't worry, Professor. I know what I'm doing," Yozora said with a smile.
"Good."
Oak gave a small nod. He knew Yozora wasn't someone to be underestimated—especially with that Beedrill at his side. Ordinary crooks wouldn't stand a chance.
Shifting the subject, Oak asked cheerfully, "By the way, Yozora, you now have six Pokémon, don't you? Besides Beedrill and Charmander, what are the other four?"
His eager look made Yozora uneasy.
Clearly, the professor already suspected that every Pokémon Yozora captured was far from ordinary.
Still, Yozora didn't dodge the question. "The others are Psyduck, Pidgeotto, Nidoran♂, and Kangaskhan."
Oak's eyes widened. "Kangaskhan? That species is exceedingly rare! Where did you capture it?"
"Deep within Viridian Forest…"
Then Yozora suddenly recalled something. "Oh, right, Professor—I saw Suicune!"
"Suicune? You mean the Legendary Pokémon, Suicune?" Oak was incredulous.
Yozora nodded firmly. "I only caught its silhouette, but I'm certain it was Suicune. It led me to a poisoned, injured Kangaskhan. After I treated it, I took the opportunity to capture it."
Oak clicked his tongue in amazement. Truly, this boy was the very definition of a child of fortune.
How long had Yozora even been on his journey? And already he had encountered Suicune. Unbelievable.
And Oak knew that among Pallet Town's four new trainers this year, Yozora wasn't the only one destined for greatness.
Red—resilient and independent since childhood. From the moment he set out, his talent and skill had already begun to shine.
Gary—his own grandson—needed no explanation. Brilliant since birth, bolstered by vast family resources. Even at his worst, he'd still excel.
Ash.
At first glance, Ash seemed the least reliable of the four. Oak himself had once believed that.
But then… on the very first day of his journey, Ash had encountered Ho-Oh!
What kind of destiny was that? Unimaginable!
Recently, Oak had taken to repeating a saying: Fire enough bullets, and at least one or two will find their mark.
In his eyes, these four youths were bullets fired into the world.Yet somehow, against all odds, every single one of them had the makings of a direct hit.
End of Chapter