Professor Oak continued, "Right now, I'm not particularly familiar with the data on Pokémon from other regions."
"Just researching the Pokémon of the Kanto region keeps me busy enough on a daily basis."
"So I simply can't keep up with research on Pokémon from other regions."
"Even asking old friends in other regions for their data feels embarrassing."
"After all, they gathered it through their own hard work, and it isn't comprehensive enough either."
"That's why I need the family's data. Over the past few years, as exchanges between several regions have continued to deepen, my family has been deliberately collecting information on Pokémon from other regions."
"I need all of that badly, but when I asked the family for it, they were unwilling to give it to me."
"That's why we had that bet earlier."
Eichi nodded. So that was it. Although Professor Oak had not explicitly explained his relationship with his family—
—it was clear enough from the side that they did not get along well.
Otherwise, he would not have needed a wager just to obtain those materials.
Still, Eichi had no interest in learning why Professor Oak's relationship with his family had turned out that way.
Even if he asked, Professor Oak might not tell him.
So he did not press the matter and instead began thinking about other things.
Ash walked over and asked Professor Oak, "Professor, that Zhiyuan was really strong! Even though he wasn't a match for Brother Ying Shi, I could tell he was incredibly powerful too."
"And his personality was so much like Trace's. They're both so annoying."
Professor Oak smiled. "Ash, you'll become stronger too."
Then Professor Oak left the arena and went back to his research.
Eichi, meanwhile, prepared to return to Ash's house to rest.
Just as he