Chapter 2: The Sakuragi Research Institute and Koharu

After leaving the Pokémon Center, Xia You didn’t bother seeking out Professor Oak, preferring not to go out of his way. Instead, he headed directly to the Sakura Research Institute in Vermilion City.

The Sakura Research Institute was located on the outskirts of Vermilion City, occupying a vast area. At its entrance, there was a large courtyard, and the main building was an imposing three-story structure with an attic. Rumor had it that this estate was once a grand manor owned by nobility, until half a year ago when Professor Sakura purchased it at a considerable price and transformed it into his research center.

Ascending the steps to the institute, Xia You was just about to ring the bell when he heard light footsteps behind him.

He turned and saw a youthful girl, dressed in a white dress reminiscent of a school uniform, standing not far behind him, watching him curiously.

She possessed a delicate, beautiful face, with long wine-red hair tied into a single ponytail, casually swept back. Her large, clear eyes lent her an air of purity and charm.

Xia You recognized her instantly. She was Haru Sakura, childhood friend of Goh—the other protagonist in the seventh Pokémon anime series—and daughter of Professor Sakura.

Haru tilted her head and asked softly, “Excuse me, do you need something?”

Xia You hurriedly replied, “Hello, I have a matter I’d like Professor Sakura’s assistance with. Is he at the institute now?”

“You’re looking for my father?” Haru sized him up and nodded. “He’s inside. Come with me.”

She opened the door, and Xia You followed her through the entry hall into a lounge-like room.

He glanced around, finally realizing how astonishingly large the house was, reminiscent of a small castle. The layout, decor, and furnishings all exuded an English manor style.

Pointing to the sofa in the lounge, Haru said, “Wait here for a moment. My father is still working; I’ll go let him know.”

“Thank you.”

Xia You nodded. Once Haru left, he didn’t sit but instead strolled to the window.

Outside lay a dense forest, vibrant with spring. Looking farther, he could see the bustling city of Vermilion, and with a quiet mind, he could faintly hear the sound of the waves.

It wasn’t long before Haru returned, accompanied by a middle-aged man with the same hair color as hers.

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This man, about thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old, wore thick-rimmed glasses and a friendly smile. He was clad in a white lab coat, and his scholarly demeanor made it clear he was a dedicated researcher.

In Xia You’s memory, Professor Sakura was not only a protégé of Professor Oak but also one of the Pokémon Professors of the Kanto region. He had been dubbed a genius in his youth, with a promising future ahead. Though still relatively young, he had been entrusted by the Pokémon League to provide starter Pokémon and Pokédexes to new trainers—one of the few authorities in the entire region.

Upon seeing Xia You, Professor Sakura was about to speak, but his gaze was drawn to the Ralts at Xia You’s feet.

“A Ralts!? That’s really rare!”

At that moment, a short Pokémon scampered in from outside. It spotted Haru and affectionately rubbed against her pant leg.

This Pokémon resembled a small dog, with a tan body and a large tuft of fluffy yellow fur around its neck. Its bright eyes and lightning-shaped tail gave it a lively appearance.

It soon noticed Ralts, its eyes full of curiosity. It tried to approach, but Ralts’s hands suddenly glowed, startling it, and it quickly retreated to Professor Sakura’s side.

Professor Sakura crouched down, patting the Pokémon’s forehead.

“This is our family Pokémon. Sorry, did it startle you?”

“No problem,” Xia You replied gently. “Yamper is indeed an energetic Pokémon—hard to keep it calm.”

“Oh?” Professor Sakura paused in surprise. “You know it?”

Xia You explained, “Yamper is an Electric-type Pokémon from the Galar region. It stores electricity in the fur around its neck, so you often see them zapping away as they dash around.”

“Well-informed, I see. You’re clearly not just an ordinary trainer.” Professor Sakura got straight to the point. “Haru told me you needed my help?”

“Sorry to interrupt your work, Professor.” Xia You produced his Pokédex. “My name is Xia You, from the Kalos region. I just arrived, and I’d like your help upgrading my Pokédex so it works for all regions.”

Taking the Pokédex, Professor Sakura examined it.

“No problem, it’s a simple matter. Come with me.”

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Following Professor Sakura, Xia You left the lounge and entered the research area. Besides Professor Sakura, there were two assistants—a man and a woman—helping him here. The female assistant was Chrysanthemum, graceful and attractive, with long, dark blue curly hair. The male assistant, Lens, wore glasses and had messy hair; he looked unremarkable but was quite talented.

Both Chrysanthemum and Lens were easy to get along with. Introduced by Professor Sakura, they greeted Xia You warmly.

“Hello, I’m Lens, Professor Sakura’s assistant!”

“Hello, I’m Chrysanthemum!”

Xia You shook hands and greeted them, “Nice to meet you—sorry for the trouble.”

Chrysanthemum waved it off with a warm smile. “It’s no bother at all. The institute isn’t officially open yet, so we’re not busy—actually, it’s quite relaxed.”

“That’s right,” Lens agreed. “There are just a few of us here. Your visit brings a bit of life to the place!”

Professor Sakura operated the Pokédex, placing it on a machine. After a few minutes, he handed it back to Xia You.

“All done—the data is upgraded. Are you planning to challenge the Indigo League next?”

“Yes,” Xia You nodded. “But I only have this Ralts for now. I’ll need a few more Pokémon to take on the gyms.”

Hearing this, Lens grew interested. “There are so many Pokémon in Kanto—any you’re aiming to catch?”

Xia You replied, “Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur—the three starters, definitely. As for others, I’ll leave it to fate.”

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