The Kamisato Estate was unusually lively that afternoon. Servants hurried around with decorations, researchers from the Clan's internal science division were preparing equipment, and even Cynthia and Juniper were wearing neat clothes instead of their usual play outfits.
In the nursery, Ayato sat in Cynthia's lap, watching the commotion with bright, curious eyes.
Juniper adjusted her hair and muttered,"He's coming back today… I need to look proper."
Cynthia rolled her eyes."You look fine. It's not like Professor Shiro is going to grade your appearance."
Juniper puffed her cheeks."But he's the Shiro Kamisato! Assistant to Professor Rowan! Friend to Professor Oak! A researcher whose publications appear in every academic journal!"
Cynthia sighed."He's also Ayato's dad. Calm down."
Ayato blinked.
Dad is coming home? Professor Shiro Kamisato… the future top researcher of Sinnoh… interesting.
He gurgled softly, earning immediate attention.
"Ayato-chan smiled!""He must be excited too!"
The two girls clung to him like devoted attendants, and Ayato mentally sighed.
The Arrival of Shiro Kamisato
Minutes later, a luxurious hover-car pulled into the estate courtyard. The Kamisato butlers lined up in two rows as the doors opened.
Out stepped a man in his early thirties—tall, refined, wearing a white coat embroidered with the Kamisato crest. His calm blue eyes softened the moment he saw the crowd.
Shiro Kamisato, one of Sinnoh's leading researchers, had returned.
Hana appeared beside him, greeting him with a small smile."Welcome home."
Shiro exhaled wearily."Finally… I missed both of you."
But his gaze quickly shifted toward the front porch—where Cynthia was holding Ayato, and Juniper hovered nervously behind her.
The instant Shiro saw Ayato, his face melted.
"My son!"
He practically rushed forward.
Cynthia quickly handed Ayato over with surprising grace. Juniper bowed like she was presenting a sacred item.
Shiro lifted Ayato gently, his voice trembling slightly."Ayato… my little boy. You're even more adorable than the pictures Hana sent."
Ayato stared at him with clear, intelligent eyes.
This… is my father in this life. He seems trustworthy. And he smells like a Pokémon lab.
Shiro chuckled."Oh? That look… He already has the eyes of a researcher."
Cynthia nodded firmly."He's very smart."Juniper added, "He reacts to stimuli better than average infants!"
Shiro blinked."…Did you two babysit him again today?"
Both nodded proudly.
Shiro chuckled."I see the household expanded while I was away."
A Special Announcement
Hana touched Shiro's arm."You should take Ayato to see it."
Shiro nodded."Yes. I finished setting it up before leaving last month."
"See what?" Cynthia asked."See what?" Juniper echoed.
Shiro smiled mysteriously.
"Ayato's first Pokémon laboratory."
Both girls gasped, almost in unison.
"He's one month old!""That's too early!!"
Shiro shrugged."It's never too early to nurture talent."
Ayato's eyes sparkled.
A Pokémon lab… for me?
His little hands reached out, grabbing Shiro's coat.
Shiro's heart practically burst."He wants to go! Good boy!"
Cynthia and Juniper chased after them instantly.
The Infant Laboratory
Shiro led them to a separate building behind the estate—clean white walls, glass doors, research equipment humming softly. But everything inside was miniaturized, colorfully decorated, and… baby-safe.
A baby-friendly Pokémon lab.
Small incubators shaped like Pokéballs.Mini research desks made of soft materials.Gentle holographic displays showing simplified Pokémon images.A crib-like chair connected to sensory monitors.
Juniper's jaw dropped."This is… This is incredible…"Cynthia whispered, "He built a lab… for a newborn…"
Shiro proudly declared:
"This is the world's first Pokémon Infant Development Research Room!"
Ayato practically vibrated with excitement.
I love this world.
Ayato's First Lab Experience
Shiro placed Ayato into the crib-chair. A holographic projection gently appeared—a floating image of a Piplup, chirping cutely.
Ayato reached out.
The scanner beeped softly.
Shiro grinned."He already responds to Pokémon visuals. Exceptional reflex for his age."
Hana appeared at the doorway, smiling warmly."Ayato is special."
Cynthia leaned closer."He likes Piplup a lot!"Juniper scribbled notes on her clipboard."Observation: Ayato shows early affinity toward Water-type Pokémon—"
Suddenly—
Ayato turned toward Cynthia.Then toward Juniper.Then raised his hands to both of them.
Both girls froze.
"T–T-That means…?" Cynthia whispered."He chooses BOTH of us again…" Juniper muttered.
Both girls' faces turned red as they reached for him.
Ninetales, who entered silently, nodded approvingly.Gardevoir floated in, smiling softly.
Shiro's Soft Declaration
Shiro placed a gentle hand on Ayato's tiny hair.
"Someday, my son… you will be a great trainer. Maybe even a great researcher."
Ayato's eyes gleamed.
No… I'll be more than that.
But all the adults saw was a baby smiling.
Cynthia smiled back.Juniper grinned.Hana sighed lovingly.
And Shiro held his son a little closer.
The newborn heir of the Kamisato Clan had just taken the first step into his future…
Inside his very first Pokémon lab.