Departure, Grandfather's Gift

After finishing his battle with Gary, impatient Ash hurriedly boarded a flight to the Hoenn Region the very next day.

As for Gary, he was in no rush to head to the Hoenn Region. The Ever Grande Conference was still far off, and he had plenty of time, so there was no need to leave so soon.

Besides, the long journey had left Gary somewhat exhausted, both physically and mentally. So he stayed in Pallet Town and rested properly for a few days.

One day, after seeing that Gary had rested for several days, Professor Oak could no longer contain his curiosity. He asked Gary, who was taking care of the Pokémon in the backyard, "Gary, when are you planning to set off for the Hoenn Region?"

After hearing his grandfather's words, Gary put down what he was doing and said, "I've already bought a ticket for tomorrow. I'm planning to leave then."

"I see." After learning Gary's departure date, Professor Oak nodded and continued, "Have you packed your luggage?"

"Grandpa, is there something you need?" Seeing his grandfather ask about his itinerary and luggage, Gary grew curious and looked at Professor Oak questioningly.

"Ahem, well, as your grandfather, I have to show some concern for my grandson." Faced with Gary's question, Professor Oak coughed before giving his reason.

"Really? Why don't I believe you?" Recalling his own actions over the past few days and noticing his grandfather's unusual behavior, Gary had already guessed something. He looked at Professor Oak with disbelief written all over his face.

"Of course it's true." Even under Gary's suspicious gaze, Professor Oak stubbornly stuck to his explanation.

"Then don't worry. I packed my luggage long ago, and I'll be leaving tomorrow."

After saying that, Gary went back to taking care of his Pokémon.

"That's good." Having received the answer he wanted, Professor Oak finally relaxed.

Just as Professor Oak was about to get up and leave, one sentence instantly shattered him.

"Oh, right, Grandpa." While tending to the Pokémon, Gary said to Professor Oak, who had yet to leave, "Before I go, I'll tell Tracey not to let you stay up late doing research or use laboratory equipment to make instant noodles anymore."

"Ah!" Upon hearing Gary's words, Professor Oak, who had been fairly happy just moments ago, instantly froze as though he had been turned to stone.

"Grandpa, I'll have Tracey arrange your daily life properly." After finishing his work with the Pokémon, Gary did not forget to walk over to Professor Oak's side and say that with a smile.

Then, without caring about his grandfather's reaction, he simply left.

"How could this happen?!"

Professor Oak was left alone, throwing his head back toward the sky and letting out a miserable, unwilling howl.

Gary, who had already entered the laboratory, naturally heard the sound. He merely revealed a helpless smile.

The next morning soon arrived. After breakfast with Professor Oak and Tracey, Gary prepared to set off.

Just as Gary was about to leave, Professor Oak stopped him.

"Grandpa, is there something else?" Gary asked in confusion as he looked at Professor Oak standing before him.

"Gary, you're setting out on a journey to pursue your dream. As your grandfather, I should support you too!" Professor Oak said with a smile.

"Oh? What kind of support?" Gary immediately grew interested. When Professor Oak gave something away, it was definitely no ordinary item.

"This."

Under Gary's puzzled and curious gaze, Professor Oak took a Poké Ball from the pocket of his lab coat and handed it to him.

"This is?" Gary took the Poké Ball his grandfather handed him, then looked up at Professor Oak.

"You'll know once you open it." Professor Oak did not explain himself, merely chuckling softly at Gary's questioning look.

"All right."

Although Gary did not know what Professor Oak was being mysterious about, he knew his grandfather would not harm him, so he opened the Poké Ball directly.

Soon, after a flash of white light, a tiny light-green figure appeared before Gary and the others.

"This is... Larvitar!"

Gary recognized the little figure at a glance. It was undoubtedly Larvitar, the pre-evolved form of the pseudo-legendary Tyranitar.

"Grandpa, this is..."

After seeing that the Poké Ball contained a Larvitar, Gary was overjoyed and looked up at his grandfather excitedly.

"Gary, you've been traveling for so long, and Grandpa has never given you a proper gift."

Seeing Gary's excitement, Professor Oak said with a warm smile, "I'll take this opportunity to give you this belated gift. I hope you'll like it."

"Well? Do you like this gift?"

After saying that, Professor Oak fixed his gaze on Gary's face.

"I like it very much." Gary nodded.

"I'm glad." Seeing that Gary liked it, Professor Oak revealed a satisfied smile. "Then I'll leave this child in your care, Gary."

"Okay."

After agreeing, Gary turned his gaze toward the Larvitar before him.

Soon, Larvitar's Attribute Panel was transmitted into Gary's field of vision through the system.

Pokémon: Larvitar

Type: Rock, Ground

Ability: Guts

Gender: Male

Level: 25

Potential: Pseudo-Legendary

Moves: Tackle, Rock Throw, Payback, Bite, Rock Slide, Dig, Double-Edge, Dragon Dance, Ancient Power, Iron Defense, Iron Head...

After reading Larvitar's Data Panel, Gary became even more pleasantly surprised. He had not expected the Larvitar before him to possess such astonishing talent.

Even with Professor Oak's current status and position, obtaining such an exceptional Larvitar must have been extremely difficult.

At that thought, warmth welled up in Gary's heart.

Thank you so much, Grandpa. Gary silently thanked him as he looked at his grandfather's face.

Right, since Grandpa had given him such a valuable gift, he would have to find time to ask Tracey to keep an even stricter watch on him. After all, it was for his grandfather's health.

If Professor Oak knew that this grand gift would make his future life even more miserable, who knew how he would feel?

After deciding how he would "thank" his grandfather later, Gary crouched down and extended his right hand toward the little Larvitar before him. "From now on, we're partners, Larvitar."

"Please take care of me from now on."

Larvitar looked at Gary, who gave it such a warm and familiar feeling, then listened to his heartfelt words. Without thinking too much, it stretched out its tiny arm and placed it on Gary's hand.

The meaning was obvious. It had agreed to become Gary's Pokémon.

Seeing this, Gary smiled and recalled Larvitar into its Poké Ball. Just like that, another future powerhouse had joined Gary's team.