Chapter 153: Conducting Research with the Help of Kulu-Ya-Ku?

Ash was very grateful to Su Yi for bringing him news about Pidgeot.

Learning that Pidgeot was doing well made him happy and relieved, and what Su Yi had said to him also sparked some new thoughts.

After May and Max learned about Ash and his Pidgeot, their initial impressions of Ash's recklessness changed quite a bit.

"I never expected you to have such a mature side, Ash," May said.

Ash replied, "I just figured that if Pidgeot stayed at the Professor's corral, it would constantly worry about its flock, so it's better to let it focus on protecting them."

"Still, Su Yi, I can't believe you're actually collaborating with Professor Oak," Max said in surprise.

"It's mostly studying the ecology of some newly discovered Pokémon," Su Yi said, choosing his words carefully.

"Newly discovered Pokémon?!" Ash immediately perked up with interest.

"I want to see what kind of Pokémon they are!" Max was equally fascinated by Pokémon.

May looked at Meowstic, asking expectantly, "Will they be as cute as Meowstic?"

"You might just get to see them in tomorrow's gym battle," Su Yi said mysteriously.

Compared to bustling metropolises like Wyndon or Saffron City, Petalburg City was not nearly as busy.

However, nestled among mountains and forests, this city possessed a sense of ease and leisure lacking in other sleepless, traffic-choked cities.

Ash took Pikachu into the Pokémon Center for treatment first, while Su Yi bought a few ice creams and waited outside with May and Max, eating and chatting.

"Huh?" Su Yi noticed a few people dressed like pirates walking past not far away.

"What is it, meow?" Meowstic asked, licking its ice cream.

"Nothing," Su Yi shook his head.

Judging by their attire, those people should be members of Team Aqua.

Believing that the ocean is the source of all life, they plotted to control Kyogre to expand the seas and establish a Pokémon utopia based on the oceans.

Su Yi really wanted to ask: Have you ever considered the feelings of land-dwelling Pokémon?

In contrast, another organization called Team Magma attempted to control Groudon to expand the land, increase human activity space, and make humanity the rulers of the world.

Regardless, the ideologies of both organizations were extreme.

"Forget it, it's none of my business," Su Yi shook his head. Better leave it to the League to deal with the headache.

"Su Yi! Professor Oak is looking for you~" Ash shouted as he walked out of the Pokémon Center.

"Oh?" Su Yi curiously walked over to the videophone inside the Pokémon Center.

"Ah, Su Yi, you're here." Professor Oak smiled and waved through the video call.

"It really is Professor Oak!" Max's eyes sparkled as he squeezed in front of the screen, leaning forward eagerly to get a closer look.

"Hello there, young man," Professor Oak greeted.

Seeing the restless Max, May pulled him back to her side with a blush and said, "Max, how rude! I'm so sorry, Su Yi, Max is just like this."

Su Yi smiled indifferently and said, "He's just a kid, I understand. It's fine."

Professor Oak was the idol of many Pokémon enthusiasts, and Max was one of his most fervent fans.

"Professor, is something the matter?"

"Well, after you left, I asked some old friends about Honedge, and now we've made some progress. I'd like you to transfer Honedge over so we can conduct more detailed research," Professor Oak said.

"There's news already? Thank you so much, Professor," Su Yi said happily.

Only two days had passed, and Professor Oak had already found leads. It was clear that the Professor had taken the matter to heart and started investigating immediately from the very beginning.

"Besides that, I actually have a favor to ask," Professor Oak said.

Since this was part of their cooperation, Su Yi nodded upon hearing this and said, "Go ahead."

"Lately, Professor Rowan and I have been collaborating on researching Eevee's various evolutionary paths."

"Then I got some inspiration from Kulu-Ya-Ku's trait that you mentioned last time. It seems it might help us in certain aspects, so I'd like to borrow your Kulu-Ya-Ku," Professor Oak said.

Su Yi was immediately puzzled. "Kulu-Ya-Ku? How does the 'Scavenger' trait have anything to do with Eevee's evolution?"

Professor Oak laughed, "From our perspective, this trait is quite fascinating."

"In a way, this trait involves the absorption and reutilization of elemental energy. Of course, we still need to study how this trait specifically works, but it might bring us some pleasant surprises."

"Alright, I'll leave Kulu-Ya-Ku in your care for a while, Professor." Su Yi used the machine to transfer Kulu-Ya-Ku over.

"Don't worry." Professor Oak opened a Poké Ball. "Come out, Kulu-Ya-Ku."

"Gya?" Finding itself in an unfamiliar environment, Kulu-Ya-Ku let out a startled cry.

Su Yi called out through the video call, "Kulu-Ya-Ku."

"Gya?!" Kulu-Ya-Ku rushed up to the screen, looking at Su Yi in surprise.

"You'll stay with Professor Oak for a while and help him with some research."

Su Yi added to Professor Oak, "This guy has a very picky palate and only likes to eat—"

Professor Oak laughed, "Eggs, right? I still remember what you said that day. Don't worry, there'll be plenty of food."

He hadn't expected that after just casually chatting about his Monstie with Professor Oak that day, the Professor would remember all their traits and habits. He truly lived up to his title as a Pokémon Professor.

Hearing Professor Oak promise an endless supply of food, Kulu-Ya-Ku, which had initially been somewhat reluctant to leave Su Yi, immediately agreed with a loud squawk.

"You rascal," Su Yi smiled helplessly.

It was fortunate that Kulu-Ya-Ku had such a personality; otherwise, if he had lent a different Monstie to Professor Oak, he would have worried about whether it might harm the Professor.

"Kulu-Ya-Ku, don't cause any trouble. Professor Oak's research and equipment are very precious," Su Yi specifically warned.

"Gya~" Kulu-Ya-Ku nodded in agreement.

Next, Su Yi transferred Honedge over as well.

"Honedge, cooperate well with the research, okay? Maybe this will solve your problem."

"Clang~" Honedge shook its blade. Although slightly reluctant, the thought of being able to repair itself and help Su Yi made Honedge resolute.

"Well, without further ado, Su Yi, we'll start our research on this end. I'll call you when we have results." Professor Oak waved goodbye.

Su Yi nodded and said solemnly, "I'm counting on you, Professor Oak."

"Wow, those two Pokémon are so unique! One is so tall, and the other is literally a sword," Ash said in wonder.

"But Su Yi, since you transferred two Pokémon away, will you have enough for the Gym battle? The Petalburg Gym is a 3-on-3 battle, you know," Max reminded him.

Su Yi pulled six balls from his pocket and smiled, "Even a full battle wouldn't be a problem."

"Whoa! Su Yi, you have that many Pokémon?" May asked in astonishment.

"Not really that many, I suppose," Su Yi put the balls back into his pocket.

Ash's herd of Tauros alone was a number many people could never hope to match—though thankfully Professor Oak was helping take care of them.