That evening, at the dinner table.
Chen Shi absentmindedly shoveled food into his mouth, thinking about what he needed to do now that he was back.
It was time to speed a few things up, such as publishing his findings on Scizor's evolution and finding a way to raise his researcher rank.
Ideally, he would become a Senior Researcher. If that wasn't possible, he needed to at least become an Intermediate Researcher.
While training his Pokémon, he needed to build his reputation in the research field as quickly as possible.
If possible, he also needed to find someone to back him.
That person needed considerable influence within the League, enough that others wouldn't dare offend them. Only then could they stand up for him when the time came.
Chen Shi already had someone in mind. Once Drakloak evolved, he would go see Professor Birch.
In the Hoenn Region, aside from Steven and his father, Professor Birch was the only person whose character he trusted.
Chen Shi planned to visit Professor Birch's laboratory and discuss a few things with him.
Actually, Professor Oak was Chen Shi's ideal choice. Not only did he carry considerable weight within the League, but he was also powerful in his own right.
His Dragonite was unbelievably strong.
Unfortunately, Professor Oak was based in Kanto, so it might be difficult for him to stand up for Chen Shi.
Chen Shi laughed inwardly at himself. He would be lucky if even one of these big shots spoke up for him. How had he started getting picky?
After some thought, Chen Shi decided to write his paper on Scizor that very night... and add one on Politoed. That would definitely draw all those professors out.
Then he could naturally bring up some ideas and ask to visit them.