Dragging his weary body, Xia You arrived at the Pokémon Center in Vermilion City.
After entrusting his Pokémon to Nurse Joy, and once the treatment was complete, he returned to the Cerise Research Institute.
Along the way, chaos could be seen everywhere.
Due to the explosion at the power plant, just as Professor Cerise had mentioned over the phone, a large-scale power outage had occurred near the Cerise Research Institute, severely affecting transportation, dining, and daily work.
He even saw Officer Jenny, accompanied by her Growlithe, standing in the middle of the road directing traffic.
Fortunately, important facilities like the Cerise Research Institute and Pokémon Centers had backup power supplies, so operations had not been completely shut down.
After meeting Professor Cerise, Xia You briefly explained everything that had happened. When he heard that Zapdos was involved, Professor Cerise stood up in shock.
"You actually encountered the Legendary Pokémon Zapdos!?"
Seeing Xia You nod, Professor Cerise quickly calmed himself and said,
"So it was Zapdos that caused the repeated power outages at the institute. Since an explosion has already occurred, it likely won't appear again. As for the power station, I'll contact the power company and have them repair and replace the damaged equipment."
"Actually…" Xia You scratched his head. "I also happened to catch Zapdos."
"What!?" Professor Cerise almost choked on his own saliva. He coughed twice, his face full of disbelief.
"You caught it!?"
"Yes." Xia You took out the Poké Ball containing Zapdos and shook it lightly in front of him. "However, to avoid unnecessary trouble, I hope you can keep this a secret, Professor."
After taking a deep breath, Professor Cerise nodded seriously.
"Don't worry. Until you decide to reveal it, I won't tell anyone."
At that moment, Xia You asked tentatively,
"Professor, when a Trainer carries more than six Pokémon, newly caught Pokémon are automatically sent to the research institute. Is there a way to change that?"
Professor Cerise laughed.
"What? Are six Pokémon not enough for you?"
"Normally, it's enough," Xia You replied, raising the Poké Ball in his hand. "But in special cases like this, it's inconvenient. Carrying an extra Pokémon takes up a slot and limits normal battles."
Professor Cerise suddenly understood.
"You don't plan to use Zapdos in regular battles, do you?"
"Exactly," Xia You said calmly. "Pokémon like Kirlia and Ivysaur are open cards, while Zapdos is a hidden trump card. Knowing when to reveal and when to conceal strength is the key to victory."
Professor Cerise nodded approvingly.
"That's a very steady way of thinking. Give me your Pokédex."
After connecting it to the computer and making several adjustments, he handed it back.
"I've expanded your carrying limit from six to twelve Poké Balls. That way, even if you catch rare Pokémon in the future, they won't be transferred automatically."
—
That afternoon, at Cerise Park.
Xia You released Zapdos from its Poké Ball.
Since the park was not yet open to the public, there was no risk of causing panic.
Zapdos flapped its wings and looked down at Xia You coldly.
Xia You laughed.
"I know you're not convinced. Being defeated by weaker Pokémon and by numbers must feel humiliating. But don't worry—time will make you accept me."
Zapdos raised its head disdainfully.
Unbothered, Xia You continued,
"Since you're so strong, you can be their sparring partner."
Without waiting for a response, he shouted,
"Everyone—attack together!"
A violent electric light instantly illuminated Cerise Park.
—
After a full day of rest, Xia You packed his bag and prepared to leave the Cerise Research Institute for the next Gym city.
Just then, someone called out from behind.
He turned around—and saw Ash, Misty, and Brock.
Was it fate that the three of them would once again travel together, just like in the anime?
"You got to Vermilion City pretty fast," Xia You said with a smile. "Next, are you planning to challenge the Vermilion Gym?"
Ash grinned proudly and unzipped his jacket, revealing three badges pinned inside.
"The Boulder Badge, Cascade Badge, and the Thunder Badge?" Xia You exclaimed. "You earned three badges already?"
"That's nothing!" Ash laughed. "My goal is to become a Pokémon Master!"
"Hmph," Misty crossed her arms. "That's only because we went easy on you."
Brock nodded. "It's better to stay humble."
Ash scratched his head awkwardly but laughed it off.
Misty stepped closer to Xia You, her hands behind her back. Her tone was noticeably gentler than usual.
"You seem well."
Xia You smiled warmly.
"After two days, Misty, you look even prettier than before."
From the side, Brock extended his hand.
"My name is Brock. I resigned as a Gym Leader and started traveling with Ash and Misty. I want to become a Pokémon Breeder."
"That's a great goal," Xia You said as he shook Brock's hand. "But… forgive me for saying this—are you really only fifteen? You look older than me