Chapter 298: The Starter Pokémon of the Research Institute

"Sorry, Gym Leader Natsume. That must have been embarrassing to watch."

After resolving the conflict between the Pokémon, Saoirse walked over to Natsume.

Natsume, seeing the exhausted look on Saoirse’s face, asked curiously, "Do you always mediate Pokémon conflicts personally?"

Saoirse shook her head. "Not really."

"Actually, it’s usually Mr. Barry’s Rillaboom that handles these situations."

"Rillaboom?"

"That’s right."

Saoirse explained, "Mr. Barry is the strongest Trainer in this area."

"But a few days ago, he took that Rillaboom away for some reason. Also, that Thievul belongs to Mr. Barry too."

Saoirse rested her hands on her hips. "Honestly, I don’t understand how two Pokémon owned by the same Trainer can have such different personalities."

Natsume glanced at Thievul, which was now lying in the shade grooming its fur. "Well, it’s a Pokémon known for its cunning. It’s not surprising that its personality is a bit rough."

"Though, what it did earlier was definitely over the line."

"Grookey~"

At Natsume’s feet, a Grookey had appeared at some point, nodding vigorously while crossing its arms.

Natsume looked down at the little green monkey and crouched down with a smile. "You don’t like that Pokémon either, huh?"

"Grookey!"

Grookey said that the annoying fox kept stealing everyone’s food, even though it had enough to eat.

It even stole from a little monkey like itself! How outrageous!

Natsume chuckled at Grookey’s indignant expression. "That does sound pretty annoying."

"Grookey~"

Saoirse quietly watched the young man crouching on the grass.

Her gaze held a hint of curiosity.

He didn’t look very old, with a gentle face.

He seemed like any ordinary teenager, happily chatting with a small Pokémon on the ground.

But Saoirse knew—this person was a Trainer of legendary status.

Natsume’s reputation had even reached Ireland.

Just the incident with the Dynamax Gym alone had made a huge impact here.

Not to mention, Natsume’s farm was now known as the "land of gods."

"Gym Leader Natsume."

From behind, an elderly man with glasses and his hands clasped behind his back approached quickly.

Natsume turned his head to look, then stood up.

"Gym Leader Natsume, this is Dr. Hyde, the head of our research institute."

Saoirse made a brief introduction.

Dr. Hyde seemed very enthusiastic about Natsume.

He stepped forward and extended his hand. "Welcome, Gym Leader Natsume, to our research institute."

"So, has Saoirse shown you around?"

Natsume nodded. "The Pokémon here are full of energy."

Dr. Hyde smiled. "Our institute primarily focuses on the impact of natural ecosystems on Pokémon."

Natsume: "I’m not particularly interested in research, but I’m very curious about Pokémon living in different environments."

Dr. Hyde chuckled at Natsume’s words. "I see. Gym Leader Natsume is someone who truly loves Pokémon."

"Please, come this way."

Dr. Hyde led Natsume to a semi-open lounge area.

From here, they could see the Pokémon outside.

They were also free to enter and leave the lounge.

Saoirse brought Natsume a cup of coffee and placed it on the table.

"Thank you."

Natsume thanked Saoirse softly as she bent down to set the coffee in front of him.

Plop~

A soft sound came from the table, and the coffee in the cup began to disappear. A Sobble, previously invisible, gradually revealed itself.

Saoirse quickly said, "Sobble, this isn’t for you."

She reached out to pick it up.

Natsume stopped her. "It’s fine. I’ll just have water."

The Sobble, its mouth now stained with coffee, looked back at Natsume.

"Sobble~"

Natsume smiled at Sobble and made a gesture of wiping its mouth with his thumb.

Sobble immediately licked its lips clean.

Dr. Hyde, sitting across from Natsume, watched this scene and said, "I’ve long heard that Gym Leader Natsume’s Land of Gods is a truly magical place."

"All kinds of Pokémon can live freely there, even legendary ones."

Natsume looked at the elderly man. "You’re too kind. My farm is just a place where everyone can live freely."

"It’s not that magical."

Natsume sensed that Dr. Hyde had something to ask, so he took the initiative. "Dr. Hyde, is there something you need my help with?"

Dr. Hyde hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "Actually, I’m very curious about your territory, Gym Leader Natsume."

"If you don’t mind, I’d like to visit your farm to conduct some research and experiments."

"I see."

Natsume didn’t hesitate. "My farm is home to many Pokémon I’ve rescued from illegal labs."

"So, no."

Outside the Hyde Research Institute - Soccer Field

"Scorbunny~"

Scorbunny ran quickly, waving at Celebi, who was flying in the air, skillfully dribbling the ball.

"Celebi~"

Celebi kicked the ball hard, sending it rolling swiftly toward Scorbunny.

"Scorbunny~"

Scorbunny jumped into the air, performing a bicycle kick!

Bang!

Scorbunny scored!

"Scorbunny~"

Scorbunny cheered.

"That doesn’t count!"

Just as Scorbunny happily high-fived Celebi, a five or six-year-old boy ran up, panting. "It was flying! That’s cheating!"

"Celebi?"

Celebi tilted its head.

"Scorbunny!"

Scorbunny glared at him, then took two steps forward and headbutted him.

"Wah~"

The boy started crying.

"Scorbunny!"

"Kids, what’s going on here?"

At that moment, a middle-aged man walked over with a smile.

"Uncle Barry, it’s bullying me!"

The crying boy pointed at Scorbunny.

"Scorbunny!"

Scorbunny crossed its arms, lifted its head, stomped its foot, and let out a huff.