Kanto Region — Pallet Town
Outside the Oak Research Lab
"Hello, I have an appointment with Professor Oak. The name is Severe Indecision Disorder."
At the gate, the security guard visibly twitched when he heard that bizarre username.
But he still checked the appointment list.
Sure enough—there it was.
He opened the gate without further questions.
Inside, Chen Shi scanned the surroundings curiously.
This wasn't some high-tech central lab.
It looked more like someone's home—warm, relaxed, lived-in.
The space felt… comfortable.
While he was still observing, a sharp young voice sounded behind him.
"Hey! Who are you? How'd you get in here?"
Chen Shi turned around.
A seven- or eight-year-old boy with brown hair stood staring at him.
Eyes wide with curiosity.
Gary Oak.
Not even ten yet.
Given the timeline—this was perfectly correct.
Chen Shi smiled.
"Hello. Is Professor Oak here? I have an appointment with him."
Gary frowned a little.
"You're looking for my grandpa? He's in the backyard taking care of his Pokémon."
He opened a door.
"Follow me."
They walked through a hallway and exited into the back garden—
a miniature ecosystem built for Oak's Pokémon.
Forests, a pond, open fields…
And Pokémon everywhere.
By the lake, a group of Squirtle splashed around.
Clearly the batch intended for beginner Trainers.
Somewhere nearby, the Charmander and Bulbasaur batches should be too.
And not just starters—
Chen Shi spotted over a dozen species already.
Weak, strong, young, old—
and even a quasi-Elite Blastoise sunning near the lake.
"Pidgey, where's my grandpa?" Gary asked a perched bird.
"Pidgey!"
The Pidgey pointed toward the woods.
Gary nodded and led Chen Shi deeper into the forested area.
Soon, they found Professor Samuel Oak, crouching while feeding a group of Bulbasaur.
Seeing his grandson return with a stranger, Oak blinked.
"Oh, Gary. And this is…?"
"He said he's here to see you. Something about an appointment," Gary reported.
Chen Shi stepped forward, bowing politely.
"Hello, Professor Oak. My name is Chen Shi. We arranged an appointment online."
Oak scratched his cheek.
"Chen Shi… ah! Yes! Old Chen's grandson. The youngest Intermediate Breeder in the League."
Then he hesitated.
"But… I don't recall arranging an appointment with you…?"
Gary snapped his head toward Chen Shi, disbelief in his eyes.
This guy—
An Intermediate Breeder at that age?
Was he lying?
Professor Oak didn't schedule—
Chen Shi rubbed his forehead.
"I'm… Severe Indecision Disorder."
Oak froze.
Then blinked.
Then:
"YOU'RE Severe Indecision Disorder?!"
"You're not just a Breeder?!"
His voice echoed across the garden.
Gary's jaw dropped.
The young prodigy shaking up the entire Researcher Forum…
was standing in front of him?
Chen Shi laughed weakly.
"It's me, Professor. I came because I have questions."
Oak recovered quickly—befitting a legendary professor.
"You're quite impressive…"
"This isn't the place for deep discussion. Come with me."
He led Chen Shi back toward the lounge area.
Once seated, Oak poured him a glass of water.
"The setup here is simple—I hope you don't mind."
"Ask whatever is on your mind. Is this about your Affinity Evolution Theory?"
Chen Shi nodded.
"Yes. I want to confirm whether evolution through affection truly exists."
"I'm certain that Riolu and Togepi evolve through affection. But I can't prove it yet."
"And I believe there are other species like them."
Professor Oak stroked his chin.
"Why are you so certain? Do you have any evidence?"
Chen Shi sighed inwardly.
Anime knowledge doesn't count as evidence.
So he simply answered:
"No hard evidence. Only experience."
"My friend owns a Lucario. I witnessed its evolution."
"No battles, no items, no environment triggers."
"It evolved while my friend was treating its injuries."
"My Togekiss was the same.
No stones. No manuals. Just… affection.*"
Oak raised a brow.
"And based on only that, you propose an entirely new evolutionary mechanic?"
"One that has never appeared in any historical record?"
"Isn't that too reckless?"
He leaned forward, voice firm.
"If we invest time and manpower and find nothing, the loss will be significant."
"This kind of research overturns established norms."
Chen Shi didn't back down.
He looked Oak straight in the eyes.
"Professor Oak, I believe a true researcher must dare to imagine—and dare to act."
"Only by breaking old rules can we discover true breakthroughs."
For a brief moment—
A spark lit behind Oak's eyes.
Then he laughed.
A bright, hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! Well said, young man."
"Only those who challenge conventions can change the world."
"When Masaki first said he wanted to create the Pokémon Transfer System, everyone thought he was insane."
"And yet… he succeeded."
Oak's gaze softened.
"When I saw your theory online, I felt the same excitement."
"After reviewing what documents we have, I believe you're correct."
"Affinity evolution likely exists."
"But proving it… is the difficult part."
He paused.
Then said slowly:
"I pondered it for a long time. And finally… I found one possible direction."
Chen Shi leaned in subconsciously.
Oak looked straight into his eyes and stated—
"The move… Return."
Chen Shi's eyes widened.
And then—
Understanding struck him instantly.
Of course. Return—
the move that grows stronger the more a Pokémon loves its Trainer.
No wonder he's Professor Oak.
Brilliant.
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/lucarioTL