Looking back from the perspective of Baimu on the development of future generations.
As a plasma Pokémon, Rotom obviously completely replaced the virtual Pokémon Porygon, not only swimming freely through the network world and electrical cables, but also becoming an era-defining intelligent voice guide.
After Porygon's fourth-generation evolution, it mysteriously vanished into obscurity.
But Rotom has its reasons to argue, what attribute is my Electronic Ghost? And what attribute is your Porygon? Can you dive into electronics and super morph without charging?
Nope, you don't have that ability.
"So the doctor has always wanted to create an intelligent machine similar to Aerial Rotom?"
Baimu sipped on the coffee that Aquan poured for him. It tasted quite good, though he wasn't sure if it was instant.
"That's right, he attempted to integrate the oceanic ecological protection system with Porygon, but unfortunately, progress was always bumpy, especially in terms of incorporating Porygon as the intelligence part of the device..."
Aquan shook his head, sighing, then suddenly exploded with: "Not long ago, we finally completed a miniature submarine. The seabed data collection was very smooth, but when we sent someone to retrieve it, the submarine exploded, accidentally involving the retrieval personnel, leading to their clothes being stolen by those two little thieves."
"Ex-Explosion?"
Baimu twitched the corners of his mouth.
It feels just like Hitron's style—remember, this great inventor's various strange machines also start off great but soon blow up after Ash Ketchum chants the phrase 'The power of science is amazing.'
"Yes, and thanks to you, the positive reputation that New Water Fleet painstakingly built up could have been wiped out if not for your help."
Aquan sighed again.
Positive reputation...
Baimu didn't even know how to comment on that.
Suddenly.
He seemed to remember something, "Miss Aquan, did you mention collecting data on the seabed using a miniature submarine?"
"Yes, why?"
"Since the miniature submarine exploded, what happened to the Porygon inside? Did it return safely with the data?" Baimu blinked curiously.
Seeing this, Aquan thought he was concerned about Pokémon, and said: "Don't worry, it returned safely. Dr. Akihabara's safety measures were very well done. He even set up a special storage device to avoid overburdening Porygon...
"Unfortunately, the black box storing the data disappeared with the explosion. We asked those two thieves, and they said they hadn't seen any black box, so maybe a wild Pokémon dragged it away. But it's just data, we can always collect it again."
"Ah~ that's a pity; the first completed data collection has symbolic significance..."
Baimu showed a look of regret without revealing much change in his expression.
Goodness! That black box indeed belonged to the New Water Fleet!
The question is how did it end up in Sableye's possession? This piqued his curiosity about the twists and turns the story must have gone through.
After confirming the black box's origin.
He started hesitating on whether to return it.
In principle, it should go back to its rightful owner. Holding onto it isn't much use to him, and returning it might earn him some good favor, potentially leading to opportunities for cooperation with the New Water Fleet in the future.
But still...
Has the New Water Fleet really turned over a new leaf?
Though he drank their coffee, toured their research facility, and even had Miss Jun Sha's endorsement, the repeated resurgence of the Shadow Team causing harm in the Ore Region still kept him cautious about jumping to conclusions.
Moreover, the incident of the miniature submarine explosion happened not long ago, and around that time, Guang Hai uploaded a short video on social media, unintentionally capturing a sight of Lugia.
Collecting seabed data near Martial Arts Town during that period.
Baimu couldn't help but connect the dots.
Of course.
It might just be paranoia on his part, overthinking things, but since there's a possibility, he couldn't just ignore it.
After much deliberation, Baimu decided to hand over the black box to the international police, letting them investigate what was inside the box.
Due to lack of evidence, he felt it was inappropriate to pry into another organization's secret data on his personal authority, leaving it to the more "familiar" international police seemed most suitable.
Officer Jenny, not being aware of the situation, might directly return it to them...
Thinking of this, Baimu got up to bid farewell to Aquan, "Thank you very much for your hospitality today, it's getting late, so please allow me to take my leave first."
"Hmm... it is indeed quite late. Let me have someone escort you."
Aquan smiled, with none of the sharpness from her past as a Watercraft Team operations department cadre, "If you're ever interested in the New Water Fleet in the future, feel free to contact me. Our doors are always open to you."
"Thank you."
Baimu responded with a smile and then added, "Could you introduce me to Dr. Akihabara? I have some questions about Porygon I'd like to ask him, it won't take much of his time."
He took out a Pokeball containing Porygon and gave it a little shake.
Given their pleasant chat earlier, Aquan felt it wouldn't be polite to refuse, "If he's not resting, then... sure."
The two of them returned to the initial hall.
Dr. Akihabara was right there, passionately discussing something.
"Doctor, I have a few questions about Porygon I'd like to consult you on," Baimu quickly approached Dr. Akihabara and said.
The latter's eyes lit up, "Go ahead!"
Baimu asked, "I've heard you mention in the media that Porygon can evolve through data upgrading. Where can I get this upgrade data?"
"Ah~ about the upgrade data, sorry, I left it in Kanto and didn't bring it here."
Dr. Akihabara scratched his head apologetically, "But no worries, if you want Porygon to evolve, you can contact my assistant in Kanto and transfer Porygon using a portable transport device...
"Do you have a portable transport device? If not, you can buy one. I invented it two years ago, it's very convenient!"
"I do!"
Baimu quickly replied.
"Great, but I personally recommend building a good relationship with Porygon before evolving it, otherwise it might look down on you." Dr. Akihabara advised.
"...Look down on me? Why?"
"Because Porygon II is equipped with a more advanced learning system and will automatically download knowledge from the internet, but you know how complex the online world is these days, it can easily influence it in various ways..."
Dr. Akihabara chuckled awkwardly, "Once it starts holding a disdainful attitude towards you, it might become more difficult to have it assist you in battles."
"I see."
Baimu almost understood what he meant, basically that it's an intelligent AI despising an illiterate Trainer.
Generally, ten-year-old trainers with just an elementary education can't match the knowledge level of Porygon II.