After dealing with Palm, Gu Yuan did not alert Agatha. Instead, he silently cleaned up all traces of the battle. It wasn't that he feared Grimsley, but rather that he felt there was no need to alarm the opponent just yet.
If he informed Grimsley of this incident, the man would realize his current strength. Consequently, when he eventually traveled to the Unova region, Grimsley would surely send someone capable of ensuring his demise.
Although he had just slain a Champion Rank trainer, Gu Yuan knew very well that it would be difficult to achieve such a feat against a Champion whose type wasn't countered by his own. The only way to win would be to tie up the energy of the opponent's Champion Rank Pokémon while finding a way to defeat all their Ace Rank Pokémon. Furthermore, he would have to ensure the opponent's Champion Rank Pokémon couldn't undergo Mega Evolution. If the opponent were even one level stronger, Gu Yuan feared he would only be able to find a way to escape.
Therefore, he chose to keep this matter hidden, serving as a smokescreen.
"I really didn't expect you to have grown this powerful already."
Once Gu Yuan finished cleaning the battlefield, a voice echoed in his ear.
"You flatter me. Compared to you, my strength is still nothing."
"There is no need for modesty. If you can maintain this rate of progress, surpassing me is only a matter of time."
It didn't sound like a compliment; Shadow spoke as if he were simply stating a probable fact.
"Let's put the pleasantries aside and talk about how to solve this."
"It seems you have people who want you dead not only in the Kanto region but in other regions as well. How do you plan to handle this?"
Shadow looked at Gu Yuan and asked seriously.
In response, Gu Yuan first explained his upcoming arrangements and decided to take things one step at a time. Although he could choose not to go to the Unova League, running away was clearly not his style. Moreover, his official status was a key factor in restraining Grimsley, making it impossible for the man to move against him openly.
As a result, he prepared to see how things developed. If all else failed, he could always bring up Agatha's name. If Grimsley truly dared to start a war between two Leagues, he wouldn't have used this method to deal with him in the first place.
"It's good that you have your own ideas. If you need anything, feel free to contact me at any time. I will find a way to provide support."
"Since you are fine, I will head out. Staying here too long will only cause you trouble."
Seeing that Gu Yuan had his own plans, Shadow did not intend to stay. The only reason he had rushed over was because of the message Gu Yuan sent. He happened to be nearby, so he came to support him, but he never expected Gu Yuan to resolve Palm on his own.
While this surprised Shadow, it also gave him a deep understanding of just how far Gu Yuan's current strength had reached.
"Take care."
Even though Gu Yuan was no longer the person he used to be, he still maintained sufficient respect for Shadow. Besides Shadow's strength, the life-saving favor from back then was a significant factor.
After Shadow left, Gu Yuan didn't linger. He immediately released Alakazam to take him away using Teleport. Through rapid teleportation, he reached Pallet Town at an incredible speed.
He wasn't in a hurry to find Professor Oak. Instead, he went to the supermarket to buy some fresh ingredients. Then, he visited Aunt Delia and invited her to have dinner at the research institute that evening. Only then did he slowly make his way to Professor Oak's place.
"Gu Yuan!? You're finally back! Come in!"
Prompted by the doorbell, Professor Oak hurried to the door. The moment he saw Gu Yuan, a smile immediately broke out on his face.
"I just got back a couple of days ago and thought I'd come see you."
"I've already told Aunt Delia. Let's have a good get-together tonight."
"Good, good, good! Then I'm in for a treat tonight."
"Speaking of which, since Ash and Gary left on their journey, my institute hasn't been this lively in a long time."
"Come on, let's go inside first."
Smiling and nodding, Professor Oak led Gu Yuan into the institute. Without needing instructions, Gu Yuan skillfully began preparing the ingredients. Through his long period of tempering, it wasn't just his strength that had increased, but also his cooking skills.
Once the ingredients were prepped, he began the final stir-frying. Soon, a delicious aroma drifted through the research institute. Professor Oak, having finished his research, could only watch. If he were to try his hand at it, they would probably be eating instant noodles tonight.
In the evening, Delia arrived as promised, bringing some side dishes she had made. Professor Oak also made a video call to Ash and Gary, making it a makeshift reunion dinner. Gu Yuan also took the opportunity to get to know Brock and Misty.
Being in such a lively atmosphere, Gu Yuan actually felt a sense of home. For him, this was an extremely meaningful thing. It meant that he was no longer alone in this world; there would be people quietly caring for him, thinking of him, and worrying about his safety.
When he felt tired, he would have a place to rely on. Even when he was far away in other regions, there would be a place in his heart to miss.
After enjoying a wonderful dinner, Gu Yuan soaked comfortably in the bathtub. Putting on the pajamas kept here specifically for him, he went to the room Professor Oak had reserved for him and fell into a deep, pleasant sleep.
He didn't rush to leave. Instead, he enjoyed a period of peaceful time there. During these few days, he didn't schedule any heavy training tasks. He simply let Charizard and the others play in Professor Oak's institute and find opponents they liked to battle. As for Gu Yuan himself, he stayed by Professor Oak's side, helping with whatever work he could.
"Alright, Professor Oak, Aunt Delia, this is far enough."
"Once I meet up with Ash, I'll contact you immediately."
Waving his hand, Gu Yuan said goodbye to Professor Oak and Aunt Delia, who had come to see him off from Pallet Town.
"Alright, have a safe trip!"
At his words, they stopped and watched Gu Yuan leave until he completely disappeared from sight.
Once he was far away, Gu Yuan released Alakazam to head toward the place he had agreed upon with Ash. With Alakazam's current strength, its travel speed was undoubtedly faster than ordinary transportation, and there was no need to take detours.
Before setting out, Gu Yuan and Ash had agreed on a town to meet. Gu Yuan's journey was gradually coming to an end. He was about to collect all eight badges and begin his final special training for the Indigo League.
The distance to meet Ash wasn't too far. With Alakazam and Hatterene taking turns, it was enough to let him meet up with Ash quickly.