Chapter 4: The Second Pokémon, Bulbasaur

"Lalulas, use Telekinesis!"

At Xia You’s command, the body of the Bulbasaur was suddenly enveloped in light, lifted into the air. Despite the initial panic and the continuous damage it endured, the Bulbasaur did not surrender. Instead, it endured the pain and, though unable to move freely, lashed its vines fiercely at Lalulas.

Naturally, Xia You would not let Lalulas take the attack head-on.

"Use Teleport!"

Through the red horn on its head, Lalulas keenly sensed Xia You’s emotions. Even as the words left his mouth, Lalulas vanished instantly from its spot, disappearing without a trace.

The whip struck the ground, scattering countless blades of grass.

When Lalulas reappeared, it had shifted from in front of Bulbasaur to behind it.

With a swing of its hands, Bulbasaur’s body was sent flying to the side, crashing hard against a tree trunk before falling down.

Bulbasaur cried out in pain, its bud trembling. From within, a seed about the size of a peach pit shot out, heading straight for Lalulas!

It was a parasitic seed capable of draining the opponent’s energy!

"Lalulas, dodge!"

Using Teleport again, Lalulas narrowly avoided the attack. But as it reappeared, it saw Bulbasaur suddenly rush forward, ramming its body fiercely into it.

This time, Xia You didn’t need to say a word. Bulbasaur’s body was once again enveloped in light, and with even greater speed than before, it crashed again into the large tree.

With a loud bang.

This time, Bulbasaur lost consciousness completely.

Seeing this, Xia You quickly pulled a Pokéball from his waist and threw it at Bulbasaur.

A red light surrounded Bulbasaur as it was drawn inside the Pokéball. The ball shook slightly, then with a soft click, the button dimmed.

Bulbasaur was successfully captured!

Only then did Xia You’s anxious heart finally settle.

---

In the distance, several Bulbasaurs had been drawn by the sounds of battle. Xia You picked up the Pokéball but did not leave immediately. Instead, he quietly moved to the edge of the basin, took out his phone, and took many photos of the Mysterious Garden before leaving satisfied.

Several hours later, as he emerged from the forest, the moon hung high in the sky amidst a scattering of stars.

Bathed in moonlight, using its faint glow, Xia You spread out his sleeping bag. Lalulas gathered some twigs, and once the campfire was lit, the blazing flames not only dispelled the surrounding chill but also brought a touch of brightness to the night.

Setting up the pot stand, Xia You took out canned instant food and prepared a warm, simple meal for himself and his two Pokémon.

The aroma wafted through the breeze, drifting far into the distance.

Though not skilled in cooking, warming canned food was no challenge.

Once everything was ready, Xia You opened the Pokéball, releasing Bulbasaur.

After several hours of rest, Bulbasaur’s energy had recovered greatly. Yet, upon seeing Xia You, it immediately took a step back, eyes still filled with wariness.

Looking at it, Xia You spoke softly, “Bulbasaur, I’m sorry about earlier. But I still want to welcome you to the team. From now on, please take care of each other.”

With that, he placed a plate of food before Bulbasaur.

The enticing aroma drifted past Bulbasaur’s nose.

Swallowing nervously, this was the first time Bulbasaur had seen such food, and it was deeply attracted to it.

Xia You smiled quietly.

Those who have tasted canned food know that regardless of how it actually tastes, at least its aroma is very appetizing.

Perhaps driven by hunger or seeing Lalulas elegantly enjoying its meal, Bulbasaur hesitated a long while but finally lowered its guard and started eating heartily.

...

Following the path he had come, Xia You returned to the Sakuragi Research Institute.

Seeing the Bulbasaur by Xia You’s side, everyone, including Haru Sakuragi, was greatly surprised.

“Bulbasaur!? You really found the Mysterious Garden!?”

---

Xia You took out his phone and sent all the photos of the Mysterious Garden to Professor Sakuragi.

Professor Sakuragi opened the images on his computer, several heads leaning close together, all marveling in astonishment.

After carefully examining them, Professor Sakuragi adjusted his glasses and said, “The discovery of the Mysterious Garden is certainly big news. But from the photos, it’s clear that the environment remains pristine and untouched. I think, regarding this secret, we must not publicize it. Instead, we should ensure it remains preserved.”

“The professor is right,” Xia You nodded in agreement. “I also hope this secret habitat will remain undisturbed.”

With their thoughts aligned, the topic of the Mysterious Garden was tacitly dropped.

At this moment, Renji looked down at Bulbasaur.

“This Bulbasaur looks very sturdy. Its strength must be considerable, right?”

Though merely a researcher, Renji owned a Magnemite named Francesca and often enjoyed watching Pokémon battles. Among the institute’s staff, he paid particular attention to Pokémon strength.

“Yes,” Xia You squatted beside Bulbasaur and gently touched its forehead. “This Bulbasaur is very strong. On the way back, we encountered a challenge from a boy in shorts. Bulbasaur fought two opponents at once, defeating both Diglett and Cubone. Thanks to that, my bond with Bulbasaur has grown even closer.”

At that moment, Professor Sakuragi approached Xia You.

“Xia You, there is something I would like to ask of you.”

Seeing the professor’s solemnity, Xia You asked with curiosity, “Please don’t hesitate, professor. Whatever it is, I’ll do my best to help.”

Professor Sakuragi said, “From what happened earlier, I’ve realized you are truly exceptional. Not only can you uncover secrets that others cannot, but you are also calm and thoughtful towards Pokémon. Perhaps there is a remarkable talent hidden within you. Therefore, would you be willing to serve as a Special Investigation Researcher at our institute?”

“Special Investigation Researcher?”

The professor explained, “While traveling, you will encounter, interact with, and communicate with all kinds of Pokémon across this planet. Together, we will deepen our understanding of Pokémon and uncover the hidden secrets scattered throughout the world!”

Xia You was taken aback. He clearly remembered that in the anime, both Ash and Max had once served as Special Investigation Researchers at the Sakuragi Research Institute. Now, he was taking the lead, accomplishing it ahead of them.