Bottom-tier trainers in the Pokémon world

As he spoke, he glanced at Kikuko, who was sitting in the corner leaning on her cane.

This cheap teacher isn't just someone who comes on behalf of the Kanto Alliance.

Hearing Xia Yan's words, Kikuko's eyes twitched.

sideline?

Are side hustles now leading to PhD degrees?

Ruwen, do people say it?

However, Kikuno continued:

"How about setting up the research lab in Random Town? That way it'll be closer to your gym and more convenient. Devon Corporation has already indicated that they'll cover all the costs if you want to build the research lab, but Sinnoh will also contribute a portion."

Xia Yan pursed his lips.

"Alright, Kikuno Tenno, you decide what to do. It's up to you."

Xia Yan lay down and gave up struggling.

Just like how he received the Silver Academy director brought by Kona before receiving Kikuno.

He was invited to become a "visiting professor" at Silver Academy.

Xia Yan initially refused.

joke.

Let him teach a group of top students at Silver Academy? Someone who has never properly attended an elf academy?

But after Kona's repeated pleading glances, Xia Yan finally agreed.

Silver Academy holds a unique position in the academic world of the entire Elf world.

If he really wants to get this doctoral degree, Silver College's support is still very necessary.

Moreover.

Xia Yan obtained his current degree and researcher status from Silver Academy.

"Work hard, do your best in this competition, strive for a top-three finish, or even win the championship."

Kikuno patted Natsuhiko on the shoulder meaningfully before leaving.

But her words puzzled Xia Yan.

Professor Oak said the same thing before.

Now Kikuno says the same thing.

This made Xia Yan realize that the rewards of this competition might not be as simple as they seemed on the surface.

Before he could think further, after Kikuno left, Natsuhiko felt a chill gradually spreading down his back.

He shuddered slightly, then turned around with an embarrassed laugh.

"Kou Jie~"

Turning around, he was startled to see Gengar sticking out its tongue and making a face at Xia Yan.

Three black lines appeared on Xia Yan's forehead.

Just say it.

How could it have gotten so cold so quickly? He should have gotten used to Kikuko's sinister eyes and personality by now.

It seems Gengar is playing a prank.

"Here, this is for you. I've always kept it ready for you." With that, Xia Yan took out a box of energy cubes.

"Kou Jie!"

Gengar blinked and, quite maturely mimicking Kikuno, patted Natsuhiko on the shoulder.

He gave Xia Yan a look that said, "Young man, I believe in you."

He then rolled up the energy cube and ran to the side.

After getting rid of Gengar, Xia Yan smiled awkwardly again and walked up to Kikuko.

"teacher......"

Kikuko, leaning on her cane, slowly raised her head and gave him a look.

Xia Yan's expression stiffened slightly.

He didn't know why, but he always felt a little uneasy whenever he was in front of Kikuko.

After a long while, Kikuko slowly said, "That old guy said that you really have a chance to become a doctor this time?"

Xia Yan touched his nose. "There's a slight chance, after all, we haven't had enough experience."

The "old guy" Kikuko was talking about...

Professor Oak should have already been "entertained" by now, right?

Let's observe three minutes of silence for him.

"I hope you don't put the cart before the horse. Although the position of Doctor of Pokémon Studies is very high, it is given by others and can be taken away at any time. Only strength is what you can truly hold in your own hands," Kikuko said slowly.

Upon hearing this, Xia Yan was taken aback.

His expression gradually calmed down.

I sat on the sofa next to Kikuko.

He could tell that Kikuko genuinely cared about him and was thinking of him.

"Teacher, I know. I understand that research is just one aspect of my work..."

"A side job, huh?" Before Xia Yan could finish speaking, Ju Zi took the question, her aged face scrunched up, and her smile looked rather eerie.

"My student achieved something that took that old guy over a decade with just a simple side job."

Xia Yan smacked his lips.

Why does it seem like Kikuko isn't actually that angry, but rather a little gloating?

Professor Oak's decision to "abandon martial arts for academics" had a profound impact on Kikuko.

Fortunately, he didn't "abandon martial arts for literature," it was just his main job and a side job.

Her smile faded, and Kikuko glanced at him.

A dark aura spread from the shadow beneath her feet, enveloping the entire room.

Seeing this, Xia Yan's expression turned slightly serious; he knew that Kikuko was about to discuss "serious business."

"How's it going with the Hunter's Guild?"

Xia Yan couldn't help but press his temple. "Teacher, I was just about to tell you about this. Should I end my undercover work?"

If this continues, it will really get out of control.

"What?" Kikuko raised an eyebrow.

Xia Yan twitched the corner of his mouth.

"Given the current situation, with the death of the head of the Unova region and the opening of the Alola region, the Hunter Guild is becoming increasingly chaotic. I... I'm afraid that if things continue like this, I'll end up sitting in the highest seat."

"Heh—" Kikuko chuckled softly, "What? A hero of truth and ideals, would be afraid?"

Others only know that Xia Yan is a "true hero," but Kikuko knows that Xia Yan is not only a "true hero," but also an "ideal hero."

When Kikuko first heard the news, she was shocked for a while.

It can be said that in the Unova region, Natsuhiko is no longer afraid of anyone, no matter who he faces.

"Teacher, to be honest, what are your plans? Tell me the truth, it's not like you're really going to keep going until the Hunter Guild disbands, is it?" Xia Yan couldn't help but ask.

"Disband?"

Kikuko glanced at him sideways. "Disbanding will only make things more chaotic. At that point, all the hunters will probably be unrestrained and act recklessly."

"That......"

"You take the highest seat first and try to divide the Hunter's Guild's power. This way, it won't lead to chaos like disbanding, and it will also reduce the pressure on the Alliance."

have to.

I still have to keep carrying on these two identities, one black and one white.

Kikuko suddenly sat up straight and looked at Natsuhiko.

It wasn't until Xia Yan felt uneasy that he said, "Sakaki values ​​you a lot?"

"Well... I wouldn't say I value him highly, just moderately."

Xia Yan used strict wording

“That makes sense, after all, he is an ‘ideal hero’,” Kikuko said thoughtfully.

"By the way... Teacher, why did you ask me to get close to Team Rocket? I heard they're pretty well-behaved right now."

But then Kikuko said in a deep voice, "It's precisely because they're so well-behaved that it makes people uneasy."

Xia Yan was silent.

"Back then, Giovanni was just as talented as you, and... even the Kanto League intended for him to become the champion..."

Kikuko's eyes held a look of reminiscence.

Sakaki was a legendary figure in his time.

"In short, don't trust him too much. Just stick to your current identity. If you have the chance, investigate what the Rockets have been doing lately."

"Creating Mewtwo..." Xia Yan thought to himself.

But he had no evidence.

All he could do was nod and say, "I understand."

"Also, we must get into the top three in this competition, and if we have the chance, we should compete for the championship," Kikuko emphasized.

"Why?" Xia Yan asked, puzzled. "Professor Oak, King Kikuno, and you, teacher, have all been emphasizing this."

Kikuko gave him a rather complicated look.