Dragging his weary body, Xia You arrived at the Pokémon Center in Vermilion City.
After entrusting his Pokémon to Joy, and once the treatment was complete, he returned to Sakuragi Research Institute.
Along the way, there was chaos everywhere.
Due to the explosion at the power plant, as Dr. Sakuragi had mentioned over the phone, there was a large-scale power outage near Sakuragi Research Institute, severely impacting transportation, dining, and work.
He even saw Jenny, with her Growlithe, standing in the middle of the road directing traffic.
Fortunately, critical buildings like Sakuragi Research Institute and Pokémon Centers have their own backup power, so they won't shut down for now.
Upon seeing Dr. Sakuragi, Xia You briefly recounted what had happened, and upon hearing that he had encountered Zapdos, Dr. Sakuragi stood up in surprise.
"You actually encountered the Legendary Pokémon Zapdos!?"
Seeing Xia You nod, Dr. Sakuragi quickly calmed down and continued, "So, it was Zapdos causing the frequent power outages at the research institute. But since an explosion occurred, I don't think that Zapdos will appear again. As for the power room, I'll call the power company right away and have them send people to repair and replace the units."
"Actually..." Xia You scratched his head, "I also happened to catch Zapdos."
"What!?" Dr. Sakuragi nearly choked on his own saliva. He coughed twice, his face filled with extreme shock, "You caught it!?"
"Yes." Xia You took out the Poké Ball containing Zapdos and shook it in front of Dr. Sakuragi to prove his words were true. "However, to avoid unnecessary trouble, I ask that you keep this a secret, Doctor."
After taking a deep breath, Dr. Sakuragi adjusted his mindset and nodded, knowing full well that this matter should not be publicized: "Don't worry, I will keep quiet until you decide to make it public."
At this moment, Xia You tentatively asked, "Excuse me, Doctor, when a Trainer carries more than six Pokémon, newly caught Pokémon are transferred to the research institute. Is there any way to change this setting?"
Hearing Xia You's words, Dr. Sakuragi laughed, "What? Are six Pokémon not enough for you?"
"Under Normal circumstances, naturally, it's enough." Xia You said, gesturing for Dr. Sakuragi to look at the Poké Ball in his hand. "But in situations like this, it's inconvenient to store it elsewhere, so I have to carry it with me. Because it takes up an extra slot, it greatly restricts Normal battles."
Dr. Sakuragi suddenly realized, "You don't want to use Zapdos as a regular battle Pokémon, do you?"
"Exactly." Xia You explained, "For me, Kirlia and Ivysaur are like open cards, while a Legendary Pokémon like Zapdos, being too eye-catching, is a hidden card, or what you call a trump card. This alternation of open and hidden cards is truly the way to achieve surprise and unfailing success."
"I see, I understand your thinking now. That's a very steady idea." Dr. Sakuragi said, extending his hand to Xia You, "Come, give me your Pokédex."
Handing the Pokédex to Dr. Sakuragi, Xia You watched as he connected it to a computer, performed some operations, and then returned it to Xia You.
"Alright, I've already changed your permissions. I've increased the Poké Ball carrying limit from 6 to 12. This way, in addition to your regular six Poké Balls, even if you catch any rare Pokémon in the future, you won't have to worry about them suddenly being transferred away."
In the afternoon, at Sakuragi Park.
Xia You opened the Poké Ball and released Zapdos.
Since this area was not yet open to the public, he didn't have to worry about anyone seeing Zapdos and causing a commotion.
Zapdos flapped its wings, staring down at Xia You.
Xia You laughed, "Being defeated by a weaker Pokémon than yourself, and being outnumbered, I know you're not convinced. But it's okay, with time, I think you'll accept me very soon!"
Zapdos raised its head, seemingly disdainful.
Xia You was unconcerned by its attitude: "It's fine if you don't want to acknowledge me, but as my Pokémon, you must have the resolve. Since you're so powerful, come and be their sparring partner!"
After speaking, Xia You, without waiting for Zapdos's answer, shouted to his Pokémon, "Now, everyone, go together! Full attack!"
With a furious roar, a powerful electric light suddenly shone throughout Sakuragi Park.
...
After a day of rest, Xia You, with his backpack and a few Pokémon, left Sakuragi Research Institute, about to head to the next Gym city, when he suddenly heard someone calling his name from behind.
He turned around and saw that it was Ash, Xiao Xia, and Brock!
Was it destiny's arrangement, that the three of them, just like in the anime, would come together to travel!
"You guys arrived in Vermilion City so quickly?" When they reached him, Xia You laughed, "Next, are you going to challenge the Kuye Gym?"
Ash rubbed his nose, and with a rather proud expression, unzipped his jacket to show Xia You the three gym badges pinned to the inside.
"Boulder Badge, Cascade Badge, and the Orange Badge?" Xia You exclaimed, "In just a few days, you've also obtained three gym badges? That's an amazing speed!"
"That's nothing!" Ash laughed heartily, "My goal is to become a Pokémon Master, so getting three gym badges is no big deal."
"I can't stand you." Xiao Xia frowned from the side, "That's only because we were kind enough to pity you and went easy on you in battle, that's how you got those gym badges."
Brock also agreed, "Exactly, it's always better to be a bit more modest."
Having just boasted, only to have the truth revealed by his two companions, Ash's expression was a bit awkward, but he just smiled it off, not taking it to heart at all.
Xiao Xia then put her hands behind her back and approached Xia You, greeting him.
However, perhaps even she herself didn't realize that her tone was less willful and more shy and joyful than usual.
Xia You smiled brightly, "After two days, Xiao Xia, you seem even prettier than before."
From the side, Brock also extended his right hand to Xia You.
"I haven't formally introduced myself yet. My name is Brock. A few days ago, I resigned from my position as a Gym Leader and began traveling with Ash and Xiao Xia. Now, I am striving to become a Pokémon Breeder."
"That's a great ambition, but I think becoming a Pokémon Doctor is also a very good choice." Xia You shook his hand, then changed the subject and asked, "But forgive my impertinence, Brock, are you really only fifteen years old? You look older than me."