Chapter 297:Hyde Pokémon Research Institute

"Hyde Pokémon Research Institute."

Natsume glanced at the name of the research institute.

This institute also served as a breeding center for starter Pokémon, which was why Natsume wanted to visit.

"Scorbunny~"

The door of the institute opened from the inside.

A Scorbunny walked out, peeking around to observe its surroundings before making a break for the outside.

"Wait, Scorbunny!"

Behind Scorbunny, a blonde woman in a white lab coat hurried out.

Her name tag read "Saoirse."

Saoirse grabbed Scorbunny's hand. "No, Scorbunny, you haven’t finished your health check yet."

"Scorbunny."

Scorbunny stomped its feet, pointing its little paw toward a nearby field where several Scorbunny were playing soccer with some children.

"I know, I know."

Saoirse patiently explained, "You can go play after your health check is done."

"After all, new trainers will be arriving tomorrow. I’m sure you want to start your journey soon, right?"

"But if you don’t have your health report, you won’t be chosen."

"Scorbunny."

Scorbunny’s expression turned conflicted.

"Celebi?"

Celebi, curious about Scorbunny, flew off Natsume’s shoulder and landed in front of the fire rabbit.

This was a Pokémon it hadn’t seen before.

Saoirse, noticing the sudden appearance of Celebi, was momentarily stunned before covering her mouth in surprise.

"This... this is..."

Saoirse looked up and finally noticed Natsume standing nearby.

"Hello, I’m Natsume."

Natsume took a step forward. "I’d like to tour the research institute. I’ve already submitted a request."

Saoirse quickly stood up, nervously fidgeting with her hands. "Oh, Gym Leader Natsume! Is this... Celebi?"

Natsume smiled gently. "No need to be nervous. Celebi is my Pokémon."

"It really is Celebi!"

"Oh my."

Saoirse covered her mouth again, then quickly lowered her hand.

Her face was filled with disbelief and awe.

A legendary Pokémon, right before her eyes!

"Please, come in."

Saoirse, now completely forgetting about Scorbunny, ushered Natsume inside.

Scorbunny, seeing that Saoirse wasn’t holding it back anymore, happily dashed toward the soccer field.

Celebi followed.

Natsume glanced at Gardevoir.

Gardevoir nodded slightly and then went after Celebi.

Natsume followed Saoirse into the institute.

Saoirse led Natsume through the institute and into the ecological park at the back.

The area was vast, with diverse environments.

Grasslands, lakes, wetlands, and more.

Various Pokémon roamed freely here.

Saoirse, still nervous, explained, "Dr. Hyde is currently conducting research. I can show you around in the meantime."

Natsume nodded. "That’s fine. Thank you for your help."

Bang~

As Natsume and Saoirse chatted, an explosion suddenly sounded from the grassy field ahead.

"Granbull!"

A Granbull glared angrily at a Thievul.

Thievul, with an arrogant look, suddenly swiped at Granbull with its paw.

"Granbull!"

Granbull, enraged, lunged at Thievul with its teeth bared.

Flames erupted from Granbull’s mouth.

Fire Fang!

Saoirse sighed, looking exasperated.

"These two are at it again."

"Calm down, both of you!"

Saoirse ran toward the battling Pokémon.

Thievul glanced at Saoirse and deliberately blocked her path, taunting Granbull.

Granbull took a deep breath.

Whoosh!

Flamethrower!

"Thievul~"

Thievul nimbly leaped aside, dodging Granbull’s flames.

The Flamethrower shot straight toward Saoirse!

Natsume, seeing this, waved his hand, and Saoirse instantly disappeared, reappearing safely beside him.

Granbull’s Flamethrower missed.

"Need some help?"

Natsume asked.

Saoirse, still shaken, nodded. "Yes... thank you, Gym Leader Natsume."

Natsume took out Greninja’s Poké Ball. "Come on out, Greninja."

"Greninja!"

Natsume pointed at Thievul and Granbull. "Calm them down."

"Greninja."

Greninja charged straight at Thievul.

Quick Attack!

Thievul, seeing Greninja rushing toward it, tried to dodge with its own Quick Attack.

But Greninja was much faster.

Thievul stopped and immediately used Swift!

Greninja, seeing the incoming attack, suddenly changed direction.

Aerial Ace!

"Thievul!"

Thievul, seeing Greninja’s speed, panicked.

It turned to its left, but Greninja was already upon it.

Greninja, holding two Water Shuriken, slammed them down on Thievul without hesitation.

Thud~

Thievul collapsed to the ground.

"Granbull!"

Granbull, seeing Thievul knocked down by Greninja, roared and prepared to attack again.

Greninja raised its hand.

Whoosh~

Water Shuriken flew and embedded themselves in the ground in front of Granbull!

Granbull immediately stopped, glaring angrily at the fallen Thievul.

"Greninja."

Greninja looked at Natsume.

"Good job, Greninja."

"Greninja~"

Natsume turned to Saoirse. "Are these Pokémon also part of the institute?"

Saoirse shook her head. "These two Pokémon were left here by trainers."

"Many trainers catch a lot of Pokémon but don’t have the ability to care for all of them."

"So they leave their Pokémon here at the institute."

Saoirse sighed. "Since they belong to different trainers and have different personalities, they often end up fighting like this."

Saoirse walked over to Thievul, scolding it. "You! That was on purpose, wasn’t it?"

"That was really dangerous..."