The identity of Pokémon scholar was something he had suffered too many losses over in his previous life, because of Professor Rowan.
Thinking of this person, Tetsuya could not help grinding his teeth again. In his previous life, he had truly been driven into a corner. He had wanted to rely on certain special Pokémon Evolutions he knew from Earth to improve his living situation. In one move, he published the Evolution principles and Evolution methods of Leafeon, Glaceon, Magmortar, Electivire, and Magnezone.
However, Professor Rowan, who always wore a perpetual sour expression, had sued him in court for infringement. For a very simple reason, he lost the case: "How could someone who was not even a Pokémon scholar possibly have such research results?".
It was also his own fault for being too eager for quick success and thinking too simply at the time. Publishing so many things at once led to no one believing him at all. It was just that Professor Rowan had truly gone too far, directly cutting off his retreat…
Therefore, his approach to Professor Witherwood was only for a Pokémon scholar certificate. With such a certificate, if he were to publish some advanced research results, they would have a certain degree of persuasiveness.
On the road to success, it would be another source of assistance!
Now Tetsuya directly told Professor Witherwood the Evolution principles of Politoed and Slowking. In return, he could ask him to apply for a Pokémon scholar certificate for him. For Witherwood himself, it would also bring great benefit. At the very least, he would no longer have to rack his brains over these matters and might even live a few more years.
Under Tetsuya's deliberate tone of sighing, Witherwood was somewhat shaken.
Witherwood's hesitant gaze sized up the young boy before him.
'Hmmm…' Though young, he was indeed full of spirit. 'The Rapidash beside him also appeared obedient before him.' Moreover, daring to ride Rapidash out alone truly made one look at him with new eyes.
"…Then since you have such research results, why not publish them yourself and instead come to find this old man?" Witherwood asked.
"Because I am an unknown nobody without status. Even if I publish them, there would be no reputation and perhaps no one would even pay attention. Moreover, I am not a Pokémon scholar…
Publishing such academic research would inevitably arouse jealousy among certain scholars. Therefore, I could only seek someone of your prestige. However, if you believe my method is correct, I hope you can help me apply for a scholar certificate. I would be deeply grateful," Tetsuya said.
Now Tetsuya also spoke cautiously, because in his previous life he had never interacted with Professor Witherwood and did not know his character, so he could only proceed step by step.
Afterward, Witherwood laughed heartily and said, "Wihahaha! It is better to state your purpose openly. I, Witherwood, have never taken benefits from others for nothing!
Rest assured, I will certainly handle the matter of the scholar certificate for you. For now, why not come back to the Laboratory with me? We can discuss it properly."
"Then I will thank you first, Professor," Tetsuya said with a slight smile as he followed behind him.
From Witherwood's words, it was almost possible to judge what kind of person he was. He was someone who did not believe that Appletun -pies- fell from the sky. Even meat delivered to his mouth had to be tested to see whether it was Poisoned. However, after Tetsuya stated his conditions, it instead made Witherwood feel more at ease.
For Witherwood, arranging a Pokémon scholar certificate was only a simple matter and he would not go back on his word. Even so, Tetsuya still had the Evolution method of Slowking in hand. Both were Pokémon that evolved using King's Rock. Even if questioned, he could completely say that he simply liked King's Rock and had accidentally discovered this form of Evolution, cough…
Under the guidance of Professor Witherwood, Tetsuya arrived at his Laboratory. There were many Pokémon scholars and assistants inside, responsible for various kinds of research. Witherwood directly brought Tetsuya to his research room, where there was only one other person.
That person was the future chief Professor of the Johto Region, Professor Elm.
"Professor, you're back?" Elm put down the work in his hands and stepped forward.
"Did today's observation yield any results?" Professor Witherwood asked.
Elm could only shake his head helplessly.
Tetsuya looked around the research room. There were seven Pokémon here: Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Slowpoke, Slowbro, and Slowking.
It was evident how great a cost Professor Witherwood had paid to research the Evolutions of Politoed and Slowking. He had even caught Politoed and Slowking, which were almost never seen in the wilderness.
It was truly unbelievable!
"I have not yet asked your name…" Witherwood said to Tetsuya.
"Tetsuya."
Witherwood nodded and said, "Very well. Now you may speak about your view on the Evolution of Politoed."
Tetsuya smiled slightly. "Politoed must be the leader of a group of Poliwag and Poliwhirl."
"I have also researched that and mentioned it in my paper. What are you trying to explain?" Witherwood asked.
"Pokémon Evolution is nothing more than two types. One is achieved through the accumulation of battle experience and the increase of 'level'. The other is achieved through the aid of external items, such as certain Evolution Stone. Since no matter how high Poliwhirl's 'level' rises it does not evolve into Politoed, this indicates that Politoed's Evolution must also require an Item," Tetsuya said.
Elm beside them patted his forehead and said, "But we have tried all kinds of Evolution Stone! Only Water Stone allows Poliwhirl to evolve into Poliwrath. The other stones have no effect!"
"Oh? Perhaps you have forgotten an important Item…" Tetsuya said deliberately, acting mysterious.
""What!?"" Witherwood and Elm spoke in unison.
"King's Rock!"
After Tetsuya said this, Witherwood and Elm both revealed astonished expressions. After all, the only Pokémon that evolved by holding King's Rock were Politoed and Slowking, and since this had not yet been discovered, they would not have thought of using King's Rock for Evolution.
Moreover, King's Rock was expensive. It was generally purchased by wealthy Trainers to have their Pokémon hold it, because a Pokémon holding it might cause the opponent to enter Flinch Status when using attacking moves. However, no one would give such an important Item to a Pokémon like Poliwhirl to hold.
"Are you not curious about Politoed's unique leadership ability? Does such an ability come from level increase and greater power? Clearly not, because Poliwrath does not possess such an ability!
Therefore, I believe that Politoed's Evolution must be related to an Item like King's Rock that carries a unique… 'kingly' aura! Then I conducted experiments, and sure enough, I was correct..."
Tetsuya spoke nonsense with a serious expression.
Witherwood and Elm nodded repeatedly. "Mhm mhm! Indeed. We did not expect that at such a young age you would have such thoughts and insights. Truly, not simple!"