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"Mew?"
Upon hearing the name Celebi, Mew tilted its head, curiously studying Professor Oak across from Aiden.
It had been right—this old man carried a distinct aura of time itself. He had definitely encountered Celebi.
Just like Mew, only those with pure hearts—humans or Pokémon—could earn Celebi's trust, be granted its presence, or even embark upon a wondrous journey through time.
And right there, in the nearby Viridian Forest, lived one such Celebi—Mew's old friend.
Unfortunately, because Mew had asked to go out and play far too often, that friend had grown increasingly tired of it…
So much so that when Mew had visited Viridian Forest recently, Celebi had vanished entirely.
Mew sighed inwardly.
What a petty, grumpy little thing.
"Celebi…?"
Professor Oak's second question was equally unexpected for Aiden.
Celebi—the Pokémon classified in the Pokédex as a Space-Time Traveler.
Legends said it possessed the power to traverse time, and because it carried immense life energy, it revitalized the forests it dwelled in, earning reverence from ancient civilizations as the God of the Forest.
But when Aiden had researched for his first episode of The Genesis of Arceus, he'd dug deep into the world's records on Celebi.
Though humans held Celebi in sacred awe, this rare species rarely appeared before them.
The last confirmed sighting? Nearly forty years ago.
And the witness? None other than a young Professor Oak himself.
Had Aiden's video about Celebi sparked the Professor's curiosity?
Aiden pondered this, carefully choosing his words.
He knew far more than he should.
He knew the private, untold story—something even Oak had never spoken aloud.
In one of the Pokémon movies, a young Professor Oak had, by sheer accident, traveled through time alongside Celebi—and shared a miraculous adventure with Ash, who would become a Trainer four decades later.
That was why Oak had always shown Ash such special care.
Even in the back hills of the Oak Research Center, there stood a small shrine—built in memory of that Celebi.
Of course, Aiden could never mention this. Oak had never told anyone.
But the very fact that Oak had such a personal connection to Celebi made it clear: their bond was no mere coincidence.
So this question… was testing his knowledge of Legendary Pokémon?
Realizing this, Aiden lifted his head with quiet confidence.
"As I once explained in The Genesis of Arceus, Celebi is a spirit of nature—one of the earliest lifeforms, yet fundamentally different from Mew."
"Celebi possesses a portion of temporal power, and it can also bestow abundant life energy upon other Pokémon and humans."
"It is said that wherever vast forests thrive, Celebi dwells—suggesting they form their own communities."
"Yet, perhaps due to the shrinking of forests over recent decades, Celebi has gradually faded from human sight."
Of course, that was the official, polite version.
The truth? Celebi were just like Mew—street-smart, time-traveling wanderers with no concept of schedules. Disappearing for decades? Just another Tuesday.
But they were slightly more responsible than Mew—aware of their duties, even if they sometimes ignored them.
Still, Aiden couldn't say that aloud. One had to preserve the dignity of these Legendary beings. Otherwise, future encounters might get… awkward.
He spoke briefly—and Professor Oak nodded repeatedly.
He'd guessed correctly: Aiden possessed deep, broad knowledge of Legendary Pokémon—not confined to one region.
Celebi were rumored to appear across all regions, yet the last person to see one was Oak himself—forty years ago.
Aiden had no reason to know this unless he'd actively sought out obscure Kanto lore.
This boy was a polymath.
Perhaps his early experiences had sparked his fascination?
After watching Aiden's video, Oak had contacted Professor Carolina in Sinnoh—and learned fragments of Aiden's past.
Born in Sinnoh, raised with a childhood friend who fueled his obsession with ancient myths, he'd later moved to Paldea with his parents… and lost contact.
Yet his current knowledge—terrifyingly vast, a literal crushing when compared to his peers—proved he'd never stopped learning.
His rapid rise to becoming a self-sufficient Gym Leader? His encyclopedic understanding of Pokémon was one of the pillars supporting his strength.
With Professor Oak's nod, the second trial was passed.
Around them, the researchers no longer chattered. They scribbled furiously, pens and tablets in hand, recording every word exchanged.
Many were top students from Celadon University's Pokémon research department—here for frontline study.
The conversations Aiden and Oak had just shared—on Eevee's nurturing philosophy, and on Celebi, a Legendary Pokémon barely understood by science—were not just data.
They were primary research material.
Peer-reviewed by both Professor Oak and Teacher Aiden.
A super-tier thesis topic.
If they started now, graduation was guaranteed.
The researchers silently etched Aiden's name into their hearts as their savior.
Seeing Oak's approving smile, Aiden exhaled in relief.
Only one question remained.
No wonder Oak had said the test would be easy—he'd designed every question to match Aiden's strengths.
First question: his philosophy on nurturing starter Pokémon.
Second: his grasp of mythological lore, verified by his own recent video.
So logically, the third question… must be about his livestreams.
About tactics.
As Aiden pondered this, Professor Oak spoke again.
"The final question, Teacher Aiden."
"In your first answer, you spoke of the deep bond you share with Eevee."
"So tell me—"
"In Pokémon battles… which matters more: the bond between Trainer and Pokémon… or the tactical strategies you've studied and taught?"
"…Hissss."
Blue sucked in a sharp breath.
This was a trap.
Just moments ago, Aiden had spent half an hour proving the supremacy of bonds—through Eevee.
Now, suddenly, this?
If Aiden agreed with his own earlier answer, it meant his battle tactics were secondary—meaning his entire livestream content was misguided, even dangerous. He was corrupting an entire generation of Trainers!
Blue secretly agreed with that sentiment… but the tactics Aiden taught? They worked. Everyone knew that.
If Aiden said tactics were more important? Then he contradicted his own words.
Either answer was a minefield.
It was impossible.
Blue sighed inwardly.
Grandpa was ruthless. He'd clearly learned this from Aiden.
"…"
Aiden himself was momentarily stunned.
But then—he smiled.
Without hesitation, he answered:
"Both are essential."
There was only one correct answer—
Why choose? I want it all.
"The bond between Trainer and Pokémon is vital—it shapes how we nurture, how we treat them, how we grow as people."
"But in battle, only tactical mastery allows a Trainer to unlock a Pokémon's full potential."
"And they are not opposites."
"Just as Pokémon evolve and grow over time, so too must Trainers—continually refining their judgment, their instincts, their leadership."
"Only then can they become true partners."
Not every region operated like Kanto, where Trainers fought alongside their Pokémon.
Look at the early challengers from Naranja Academy—they were barely more than spectators. Their command was clumsy, their decisions erratic.
For such Trainers, improving their own skill wasn't optional—it was necessary.
A Trainer must guide, must decide, must think. Weak command doesn't just hinder the Pokémon—it creates distance. Eventually, even powerful Pokémon stop listening.
Ash and Charizard during the Indigo League? The perfect example.
So—what if a Trainer wants to improve but doesn't know how?
There are two paths.
One: challenge Teacher Aiden's Sunshine Gym in person.
Two: watch Teacher Aiden's livestreams.
Subtly, organically, you absorb his tactical mindset.
"…"
Blue's face twitched.
Of course.
That's exactly what he does.
That's why every new Trainer now fights like a maniac—why every Gym Leader has turned their challenge into a nightmare of chaos?
It's all his fault.
"…I see."
Professor Oak didn't look surprised.
His lips curled into a warm, knowing smile.
His eyes softened further.
"A truly excellent answer."
"As a former Trainer myself, I wholeheartedly agree with you, Teacher Aiden."
"A Trainer's duty isn't merely to raise Pokémon. That's what a Breeder does."
"A true Trainer must remain calm under pressure, make split-second decisions mid-battle, and guide their Pokémon to unleash their absolute potential."
"That's why your teachings… are profoundly meaningful."
Oak smiled again.
Aiden nodded solemnly.
He'd passed.
"Three questions have given me new insight into you, Teacher Aiden."
As he spoke, Professor Oak reached into his pocket and withdrew a finely crafted, crimson Pokédex.
"If you've submitted the finest answer possible, then this Pokédex belongs to you."
He stepped forward, placing the device gently into Aiden's palm.
His gaze burned with quiet intensity.
"Those who earn the Special Pokédex possess rare qualities—and they will inevitably become one of the greatest Trainers of this era."
"I look forward to seeing what you accomplish."
"Keep striving, future Legend."
Then, he paused.
Usually, a Pokédex Holder received a title chosen to reflect their unique essence.
But Aiden? His traits were too many.
Oak had entered the trial unsure of what title to give.
Yet after hearing Aiden's flawless answers…
He knew.
"No."
He shook his head.
"It's not 'Master of Tactics' or 'The Beacon of Bonding' or 'The Streaming Sage.'"
"It's…"
His voice dropped, clear and resonant.
"…The Legendary One."
On the path of Trainers, Aiden was unquestionably among the strongest of his generation. To call him "Legendary" now was no exaggeration.
But his legacy would not end there.
He had revolutionized battle philosophy.
He had ignited a cultural awakening among Trainers worldwide—giving countless newcomers a clear, structured path to growth.
In terms of influence, his impact might even rival Oak's own.
And his connections with multiple Legendary Pokémon? That alone made him a figure of myth.
A perfect title.
The Legendary One.
Aiden stood frozen.
Legendary.
The word carried weight.
Was it the highest honor in battle—the title "Battle Legend," reserved for the strongest of the strong?
Or was it the kind of legacy Oak himself embodied—a life lived so profoundly, so uniquely, it became legend?
Or perhaps… even a connection to the Legendary Pokémon themselves?
No matter how you interpreted it… it fit him.
Aiden nodded.
Around him, the researchers lowered their pens and began to clap—slowly at first, then in a thunderous, unified wave.
"Mew~"
Mew didn't understand why humans clapped—but it happily mimicked the motion, beaming and clapping its tiny paws.
Seeing this, Mewtwo sighed, then copied the gesture.
"…"
Only Red and Blue exchanged a silent glance.
In each other's eyes, they saw the same thing: awe.
With Teacher Aiden as the benchmark… we must strive harder. Earn the Professor's recognition. Become great Trainers.
They both thought it.
But Blue, in his heart, muttered one final thought:
"Legendary One"? Bah. Just for spreading all those insane, mind-bending tactics—making every Trainer and Gym Leader go insane with overcomplicated strategies—he deserves the title "The Dark Lord of Chaos."
New Trainers were now broken by the pressure.
Gym Leaders had turned their challenges into impossible gauntlets of insanity.
All of it? Aiden's fault.
Aiden had done too much.
But… in a way…
That was a kind of legend.
And with that, Blue made his silent vow.
One day, on a battlefield, he would defeat Teacher Aiden.
And repay every moment of suffering he'd endured on his journey.
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