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Professor Oak had noticed the unfamiliar Trainer, Sato, from the very beginning. Even as he scolded Ash and the others, he was quietly observing both Sato and the Pokémon at his side.
A young and capable Trainer with real strength—that was the evaluation Professor Oak formed in his heart after carefully watching Sato and the Pokémon following him.
Dressed in a red-and-blue Elite Trainer uniform, Sato appeared to be in top condition. His sharp, deep black eyes exuded calm and confidence.
He carried himself with poise and composure, his bearing unmistakably that of someone highly confident in his abilities as a Trainer.
Moreover, Professor Oak noticed that each of the Pokémon accompanying Sato was of excellent potential and had clearly been trained with exceptional care.
In particular, his Swampert, shiny Beautifly, Arbok, and the Pichu perched on his head immediately caught Professor Oak's eye, leaving his heart racing with excitement.
If he hadn't been in a hurry to give Ash and the others a proper talking-to, his instincts as a researcher would've already taken over—he would've asked Sato for permission to examine these four outstanding Pokémon up close.
"Hello, young Sato. I'm Professor Oak. Thank you for looking after Ash and the others just now. This group of little rascals snuck off early this morning—I was worried sick, this old man nearly had a heart attack."
Now that this promising young Trainer was showing him such respect, Professor Oak's tone naturally softened, and he expressed his gratitude to Sato for looking after and playing with Ash and the rest.
"You flatter me, Professor Oak. I didn't do anything special—it was nothing at all, no need to thank me. Now that the man himself has arrived, it's about time I hit the road again."
Sato shook his head and replied modestly. Now that he'd successfully made an appearance in front of Ash, Gary, Serena, and Professor Oak, he was ready to take his leave.
Though he'd been quite happy to unexpectedly run into Ash and the others during their summer camp and was tempted to stick around and build a bit more rapport, the remaining time before the Rocket Team Rookie Competition was cutting it close—he simply couldn't afford to spend it on play.
"Ah, Big brother Sato, you're leaving so soon? Can't you stay a little longer?"
"Yeah! Pichu and I just started playing together, pleeease?"
"Please stay, Big brother…"
Hearing that Sato was already leaving, the kids' faces instantly fell. They'd only just become friends with Swampert and the others, and now it was time to say goodbye—it was hard not to feel reluctant. One by one, they began pleading with him to stay.
"So soon? How about staying for lunch at least? Consider it a small thank-you for watching over Ash and the others earlier."
Professor Oak, too, was dismayed at Sato's sudden departure. He'd been hoping to observe Swampert and the other Pokémon more closely. Not wanting to miss his chance, he pushed aside his usual reserve and quickly made the offer.
"Sorry, Professor. I've got an important matter in Cinnabar Island to attend to. You know how ferry schedules are—they don't wait for anyone. I'd rather not miss today's boat. Honestly, if I hadn't been worried about leaving Ash and the others here alone, I might've already left. If there's another chance, I'd love to share a meal with you then."
Though surprised by both the kids' and Professor Oak's heartfelt attempts to persuade him, Sato politely declined, explaining his urgent schedule.
"Ah, I see. In that case, I won't keep you. If you ever have the chance, stop by the Oak Research Lab in Pallet Town—this old man owes you a meal."
Professor Oak nodded in understanding, though his face still showed a tinge of disappointment. He deeply regretted not getting the chance to study the outstanding Pokémon at Sato's side more thoroughly.
Seeing that even Professor Oak wasn't insisting Sato stay, the kids didn't speak up again—but the sadness on their faces only deepened.
"Please wait a moment, Mr. Sato. I'm Daisy Oak, Gary's older sister. I'm a Trainer as well. I saw how powerful your Pokémon are—would you accept a challenge from me? A three-on-three battle shouldn't take too much of your time. Look—don't the kids all want to see a Pokémon battle?"
At that moment, the beautiful brunette who had come along with Gary and Professor Oak but hadn't spoken until now finally stepped forward. Her eyes gleamed with cleverness as she walked out from behind the professor, smiling as she addressed Sato.
As soon as Daisy Oak spoke up, both the children and Professor Oak's eyes lit up. One by one, they turned expectantly toward Sato, their faces filled with excitement.
'Daisy Oak… Gary's sister? That's right—if I remember correctly, in the FireRed and LeafGreen games, there was a mention of Professor Oak's granddaughter winning a Contest Championship. But judging by how she looks now, she hasn't gotten into Contests yet—she's giving off total elite Trainer vibes.'
Sato was slightly taken aback as he looked at the beautiful Trainer standing before him, dressed in a neat and capable Elite uniform, reminiscent of May's outfit. He gave her a closer look and pondered to himself.
Since she was Professor Oak's granddaughter, that made Daisy Oak a Trainer representing Pallet Town. That meant she couldn't be weak.
A chance to battle a fellow Pallet Town Trainer—this was an excellent opportunity to test and improve his strength. Sato couldn't help but feel tempted.
He'd also noticed the eager expressions on the kids' and Professor Oak's faces. He didn't want to disappoint them or leave a bad impression.
"Miss Daisy, since you're Professor Oak's granddaughter, you must be a formidable Trainer. I can't decline a challenge from a fellow strong Trainer. Alright—let's have a three-on-three battle. Where's the battlefield?"
After thinking it over for a moment, Sato nodded at Daisy, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.
"Yay! We get to watch a Pokémon battle! This is the best!"
Before Daisy could respond, Ash jumped up and shouted with excitement upon hearing Sato agree.
Beside him, Gary may not have been as loud, but his face was also glowing with excitement—clearly happy at the chance to see his sister in action.
"If it's a battlefield you need, I know a great spot nearby. Follow me."
Seeing his granddaughter struggling to figure out a location, Professor Oak stepped forward and offered with a smile.
"Then we'll be counting on you, Grandpa." Daisy smiled in response.
Before long, Professor Oak led everyone to a clearing deep in the woods—an overgrown patch of open land.
The terrain there was mostly flat, and the trees had already been cleared away, leaving only moss-covered stumps behind. It was a perfect makeshift battlefield that wouldn't damage the forest.
Soon, with everyone pitching in, a simple battle area was quickly set up in the clearing.
"Mr. Sato, I just got back from the Sinnoh region recently, so all the Pokémon I brought are from there. If you're not familiar with them, feel free to ask—I can share some basic info."
Standing at one end of the field with an Ultra Ball in hand, Daisy smiled warmly at Sato.
"Then I must thank you for the offer, Miss Daisy—but no need. I'm fairly familiar with Sinnoh Pokémon. Let's release our Pokémon together."
Sato shook his head with a smile and pulled out a PokéBall containing Bellossom.
"Come on out, Bellossom!"
"Time to dance, Lopunny!"
Then, at Professor Oak's signal—serving as their temporary referee—both Trainers tossed their PokéBalls at once.
In the next instant, Sato's Bellossom and Daisy's Lopunny appeared on the battlefield.