Professor Oak said he was introducing Professor Juniper to Ash—but in truth, he was doing the opposite.
He was opening doors for Ash, laying down connections with quiet but unmistakable intent.
"Hello, Professor Juniper. My name is Ash," he said, stepping forward with calm confidence.
"I've had the privilege of reading your paper on Archeops and the origins of avian Pokémon. I never expected to meet you like this. When I travel to Unova in the future… would it be possible to visit your lab and learn from you?"
His tone was humble, yet composed—polite without being timid.
…
On the other side of the screen, Professor Juniper smiled warmly.
"Ash? Of course I know you."
"These past few weeks, your ability to help Magikarp learn Tackle through psychic power has caused quite a stir in the professional Pokémon world."
"You're already gaining recognition in academic circles. I didn't expect that, on top of being a Trainer, you'd also have such interest in Pokémon origins."
She leaned slightly forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"When you come to Unova, you must visit. I'd love to study your abilities—perhaps they hold clues to how ancient Pokémon learned their moves."
"Of course. I'd be honored," Ash replied without hesitation.
At the same time, he pressed the button on the Poké Ball in his hand.
With a flash of light—
"Bang!"
A large spider Pokémon appeared before them.
Galvantula
Nearly a meter in size, its body covered in golden, fuzzy hairs, it looked both imposing and alert.
But the moment it appeared—
It froze.
New environment.
Strangers everywhere.
Its body tensed, legs shifting uneasily.
Juniper immediately noticed.
"Ash, be careful—"
But before she could finish—
Ash had already stepped forward.
He activated Natural Affinity and Aura sensing simultaneously.
"Galvantula, my name is Ash," he said gently, placing a hand on its head.
"This is Pallet Town in Kanto. I asked Professor Juniper to send you here because I need your help teaching my Pikachu a move called Electroweb."
"You don't need to worry. I won't harm you. I think we'll get along just fine."
The effect was immediate.
The tension melted away.
"Zzt…?"
Galvantula's legs relaxed, its body lowering slightly as it rubbed its forelimbs against Ash's hand, showing clear affection.
Even through the screen, Professor Juniper's eyes widened.
…
Meanwhile, Ash quietly activated the system.
"System—scan."
[Pokémon: Galvantula]
Level: LV.36
Type: Bug / Electric
Nature: Hasty
Ability: Unnerve
Potential: Green (Average)
Moves (Copyable):
Proficient: Electroweb, String Shot, Thunder Wave, Electro Ball, Agility, Sucker Punch
Skilled: Sticky Web, Absorb, Bug Bite, Fury Cutter, Slash
…
Ash's eyes lit up slightly.
Perfect.
Not only did it know Electroweb—the proficiency was already high.
Without hesitation, he issued the command internally:
"Copy all moves."
[Ding! Skill Copy in Progress…]
30%… 70%… 100%
In an instant, the process was complete.
The Galvantula's move pool dimmed slightly in the system interface.
To everyone else, nothing unusual had happened.
They only saw:
A nervous Pokémon
A calm boy
And a moment of connection
Professor Oak wasn't surprised.
He had long known Ash's extraordinary affinity with Pokémon—one of the key reasons he had rated him as a 100% Champion-level potential Trainer.
But for Professor Juniper—
This was her first time witnessing it.
"Ash…" she said softly, still staring.
"I think I finally understand why Professor Oak speaks so highly of you."
"Forget your psychic abilities or training skill—just this level of natural affinity with Pokémon…"
"It's something every professional in this field would envy."
She paused, then suddenly asked:
"Have you ever considered becoming a Pokémon researcher?"
"With your talent and proximity to Professor Oak, you have a huge advantage."
Ash blinked, slightly surprised by the question.
Then he smiled—and shook his head.
"Whether it's being a researcher or a Trainer… each path demands an ocean of knowledge and skill."
"Every profession has endless depth—but a person's energy is limited."
He looked up, eyes steady.
"Compared to research… being a Trainer ignites something in me."
"So I'm afraid I can't follow in your footsteps, Professor Juniper… or Professor Oak's."
"But I will gladly remain your admirer. A reader. A learner."
For a moment, silence.
Then Juniper sighed softly, a hint of regret in her voice.
"That's… a shame."
They chatted a bit longer, exchanging a few more polite words before the call ended.
Ash turned back to Professor Oak.
"Thank you, Professor."
After expressing his gratitude, he recalled Galvantula into its Poké Ball.
With everything he needed now in hand—
He left the lab.
The final piece of Pikachu's skill system—
Was ready.
--------------
T/N:
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