An office in the Eevee Evolution Research Institute.
Mr. Sakuragi holds a folder, his expression both serious and excited, occasionally jotting down key information and points on paper.
Sitting opposite him, Natsuhiko shares a similar expression, displaying the utmost scientific attitude and meticulousness.
This has been going on for an hour between him and Mr. Sakuragi.
"So, you think there exists some unseen relationship or connection based on momentum, cooperation, temperament, and other aspects between Pokémon and humans over long-term interactions?
This special bond not only allows Pokémon to influence humans, but humans can also influence Pokémon. This hypothesis is quite constructive. I remember some researchers have attempted similar studies before, but ultimately, they couldn't reach precise conclusions due to lack of crucial verification."
When entering such a state of exploration and research on Pokémon, Mr. Sakuragi becomes extremely focused.
Frequently, his questions and insights leave Natsuhiko unable to answer.
After all, much of Natsuhiko's knowledge about Pokémon originates from his past life. Even though he has been studying for some time, compared to a seasoned researcher like Mr. Sakuragi, who is about to become a doctor, he still falls short.
Fortunately, he can somewhat utilize some angles from tricky conjectures, to avoid or "answer."
Natsuhiko nodded.
"Proving such a connection doesn't have a very good breakthrough, but as far as I know, most Pokémon can learn the 'Gratitude' technique. We can start from this angle."
Mr. Sakuragi lowered his eyes in slight contemplation.
"Specifically?"
"Actually, I have a rather bold hypothesis that the bond between Pokémon and Trainers can indeed be quantified."
"Quantified?"
"Yes, I privately refer to this bond as 'Affinity,' and the 'Gratitude' technique is the best evidence of testing this affinity."
"... Affinity... Specifically?"
"We all know the 'Gratitude' technique was initially thought to have its power based on the Pokémon's level of appreciation towards the Trainer, hence named 'Gratitude.'"
While speaking, Natsuhiko began sketching on paper with a pen.
"A simple conclusion hypothesis. The power of the Gratitude technique is variable and based on affinity, naturally the higher the affinity, the stronger the technique will be. So, can it be inferred that the higher the power of the Gratitude technique, the higher the affinity between the Pokémon and Trainer, and if it can be quantified, it can prove the existence of affinity."
This is an idea of establishing and then abstracting a basic hypothesis conclusion.
Natsuhiko wrote a figure on paper.
100.
"Suppose the affinity limit is one hundred, then the power of the Gratitude technique is at its peak.
Simultaneously, let this Pokémon use another technique with a confirmed power value for lateral comparison, accurately calculate the power of the Gratitude technique when affinity reaches full value, continue to compare with a Pokémon whose affinity is not so high using Gratitude, and so on..."
Mr. Sakuragi nodded.
With this approach, besides allowing Pokémon to learn the technique and fixing several unchangeable basic values, the rest is not difficult.
"But even if we give an exact number for affinity, the most critical step of verification is still missing." Mr. Sakuragi posed another question.
Natsuhiko smiled.
Others may indeed be unable to verify it, but he happens to know some affinity values necessary for Pokémon evolution.
"This will require you, Mr. Sakuragi, to expend some effort."
"Hmm?"
Eevee, as a Pokémon, is the best verification Pokémon.
You could cultivate four to five Eevee, or more, under the same conditions and conditions, testing the change in affinity value daily using 'Gratitude,' to see if Eevee evolves when affinity reaches a certain value.
If each one evolves, with the same values, then not only does the hypothesis of new Eevee forms get proven, but the existence of this 'Affinity' value can also be verified, achieving two things at once."
After a brief pause, Natsuhiko continued: "Furthermore, Mr. Sakuragi, you might also try to develop an instrument specifically for testing affinity, which I believe will be warmly welcomed by Trainers."
Listening to Natsuhiko, Mr. Sakuragi's eyes increasingly brightened.
As for what if these entailments or hypotheses suggested by Natsuhiko are wrong? That hadn't even crossed his mind.
Researching Pokémon inherently involves drawing successful conclusions through numerous errors; the key is direction, so being wrong isn't concerning.
However, very soon, he displayed a conflicted expression.
"Dodo, you want me to conduct this experiment? Aren't you proposing the hypothesis and conjecture, and with me doing this...?"
An overstep on another's thesis and conjecture is considered a small taboo in the research world.
If the person is forgiving, it's fine; but if not, they might resent forever.
Natsuhiko spread his hands.
"Mr. Sakuragi, do I look like someone capable of raising so many Eevee? Besides, I cannot obtain so many Eevee, and the process is lengthy."
This is blunt truth.
Natsuhiko's income and expenses for three Pokémon are already nearly untenable, much less raising so many Eevee.
Mr. Sakuragi hesitated.
To be honest, Natsuhiko's ideas and topics appear quite feasible to him, but he isn't someone who misappropriates others' achievements.
After prolonged contemplation, Mr. Sakuragi made a decision.
"Alright! Be it success or failure in the end, I will write your and my names together, and upon success, all research rewards and alliance incentives I will forgo are yours, I am merely carrying out the work."
Mr. Sakuragi's attitude was firm.
"I..."
"If you don't agree, I'll absolutely not touch this research."
Natsuhiko's mouth twitched.
'Everything I wanted to say has been spoken by you, what am I to say?'
His goal was quite simple, writing papers to earn money.
Doing research takes too much time, and even more money; he definitely wouldn't touch it.
Besides, currently, he doesn't have degrees, fame, or credentials—the paper's credibility isn't high.
The previous one was also due to Mr. Sakuragi's endorsement, gaining recognition from many.
The ideal state is involving himself in research and contributing constructive advice and opinions based on some foreknowledge, getting a credit, and a slice of the funding.
Currently, before he even speaks out, Mr. Sakuragi has adeptly given him all he wanted.
How could he refuse?
Of course, he readily accepts.
Natsuhiko "reluctantly" said, "Alright."
Seeing him yield, Mr. Sakuragi let out a long breath and smiled, "Well, it's settled, I'll immediately start writing the paper on the Affinity hypothesis and updating data and conclusions daily."
"... So urgent?"
"Research has no time to waste." Mr. Sakuragi lowered his head, starting to list their previous discussions and the paper's outline.
"Um... I actually wanted to ask whether Mr. Sakuragi could help me obtain a degree? Bachelor's will do."
Mr. Sakuragi raised his head in surprise, "You don't have a degree?"
Natsuhiko: "..."
Is that something to be surprised about?
"Nothing else to say, but a 'Bachelor's' degree should have no issues once this hypothesis and topic are published," Mr. Sakuragi assured.
"Thank you."
"By the way, I don't know your real name, stuff like degrees can't use pen names or nicknames."
Natsuhiko hesitated slightly, then slowly said, "Natsuhiko, my name is... Natsuhiko."
Then quickly added, "Though I hope Mr. Sakuragi refers to me as 'Dodo' when signing."