Chapter 406:
"Food?"
Hearing this, Hayashi Kaede was momentarily taken aback internally, but he didn't avoid the question. "Probably, yes. Dishes made by breeders incorporate their own feelings, always carrying some strange, special effects."
Blue, however, sighed with emotion. "Then it's no wonder. It seems you are the same type of person as Red and I—people who can fuse their own emotions into their interactions with Pokémon, thereby causing incredible changes in them."
"The same type?"
Kaede looked at Blue with some confusion.
"It's like this. Among all Pokémon, there are always some unique individuals. They can break through their own limits in various encounters or learn all sorts of moves that aren't naturally theirs.
Other Pokémon can unleash incredible power due to emotional stimulation.
Humans are the same. There are always some humans with unique abilities, like the Viridian Power or psychic abilities. These abilities might be bestowed or innate talents.
And then there are the infinite possibilities born from interacting with Pokémon.
Although it sounds a bit abstract, both Red and I are actually that type of person."
Blue explained with a smile. "Compared to others outside, Pokémon around me grow faster. Whether it's evolution or getting stronger, they can break through their limits."
"What about Red?"
Kaede had some understanding but couldn't help asking.
"That guy, Red... his interaction with Pokémon happens in battle. During battle, his Pokémon can gain more from it, carrying his will. Whether it's strength or energy intensity, they increase. That's also the reason I could never beat him."
Speaking of Red, Blue's face showed a hint of reminiscence and helplessness.
Those days of fierce rivalry, chasing each other, seemed like just yesterday.
But in the end, even now, he still had no way to best Red.
That guy was a born Trainer.
"Mhm, mhm."
Kaede nodded quickly.
Put that way, it made sense.
In this world, there were real protagonists.
Hadn't he seen Ash's Pikachu shock Arceus?
And his physical body could punch through Mewtwo's barrier?
Although he could do similar things, Kaede knew very well his abilities were all system-bestowed. They were definitely different from theirs~
The chat with Blue didn't last long.
He didn't delve deeply into the particularity of Kaede's cooking effects either.
After clarifying the corresponding questions, Kaede bid him farewell.
However, just as he was leaving, Blue said to him, "You know, you're also an excellent Trainer now. Perhaps you should go to Mt. Silver sometime, find Red. If possible, have a battle with him. See if you can stir up some of his fighting spirit..."
Kaede paused, then nodded.
Then, with Mewtwo, he wandered through various districts of Viridian City. Finally, he found a small street vendor selling masks and bought a Glaceon mask.
Putting the mask on, Kaede looked at Mewtwo. "Hey, Mewtwo, look. Does this give me any concealment?"
Mewtwo: "..."
Wearing a mask doesn't mean people won't recognize you!
It silently shook its head.
"Right, that's how it is. It's obvious at a glance. But people in the anime are all blind like that."
Kaede also felt somewhat helpless.
A mask could only conceal the face. Build, physique, height—these could all be used to check identity.
So it was not very useful to conceal with just a mask on...
But Kaede wasn't worried at all. Besides that randomly bought Glaceon mask, he had actually prepared a lot more.
And they were all bought from random shops back in Eastova.
A wide, white traveling robe that could cover his entire body, leaving no skin exposed, plus a hood and the mask. Trying to recognize him from his appearance would be utterly impossible!
Then, when launching an attack, Kaede would also ask Mewtwo to alter his appearance slightly.
Basically, just casting Illusion over his face. That was simple enough.
This time, Kaede could only say he was being as cautious as possible.
"Let's go, Mewtwo, Salamence! We're off to find Team Rocket!"
Looking at his fully disguised self, Kaede wasted no more time. He returned to Viridian Forest and summoned Salamence.
"Rooaarr!"
Salamence tore through the air with its roar, loudly taunting.
Its screeching roar set all the Pokémon in the forest abuzz.
Until...
Its head got a knock from Kaede.
"What are you roaring for? This time we're coming quietly, keeping it low-profile. Don't make a racket."
"Roo... aarr..."
Salamence lowered its head and took to the sky.
It couldn't help feeling wronged.
You didn't say that earlier.
"Alright, alright. This time it's all about speed. For an organization like Team Rocket, research facilities like these definitely aren't just one. Since we're here, let's make it big. Aim to take out several research facilities in one go, prevent places like these from continuing to operate."
Seeing Salamence's wronged look, Kaede comforted it.
Then he looked at Mewtwo. "I'll need your help with this~"
Back at the Viridian Gym, the moment he heard Salamence's roar, Blue, who had been tidying the gym, paused. He then looked somewhat curiously in the direction Salamence had flown.
"What is that... such intense resentment?"
.....
Meanwhile, at an unnamed island base beneath the sea.
Under the glow of various fluorescent lights, a group of researchers in white lab coats hurried back and forth inside the facility.
All around them were various research equipment and instruments.
"How is the Lapras in Room Three? Lapras are getting rarer and rarer. If we can breed them successfully, selling them would be very profitable."
One researcher in a lab coat spoke excitedly.
"Hard to say. It's a pity the chaos caused by Mewtwo last time let some of the hard-captured Dragon-type Pokémon escape. Otherwise, extracting their blood, the production of specialized Poké Balls wouldn't be at a standstill."
"Don't mention it. Those are rare commodities. We're trying hard to capture more lately. Just wait. Powerful Dragon-types are inherently scarce in number."
"Sigh, don't you think working here is somewhat dangerous? What if Mewtwo comes back? Or what if the League raids us someday?"
Another researcher whispered at this point.
"Shh, what are you talking nonsense about? It won't be good if the higher-ups hear. Besides, we've relocated. How could Mewtwo possibly find us here?"
"That's true."
"Stop overthinking. Working here is great. A salary with six to seven figures a month..."
The group of researchers dispersed the topic and gradually went their separate ways.
And at that very moment, high above the research facility in the sky, a figure slowly materialized...