Construction of the research institute was progressing steadily, and everything was gradually falling into place. Although the application for the Ecological Park had run into some obstacles, they had not caused Yong much concern. In fact, over the past two days, Kofu had come all the way from the Unova Region to visit after learning that Yong was building his institute here.
The two were both rivals and partners who understood each other perfectly. Especially after the harrowing events at Dragonspiral Tower, Yong and Kofu had grown even closer. The Dragon Village had consistently shown goodwill toward Yong, so he was naturally delighted by Kofu's visit.
Of course, Kofu had not come merely to tour Yong's research institute. He had also brought some news from the Dragon Village.
"Oh? Word has already reached Unova?"
The boy looked astonished. He had submitted his application only a little over two weeks ago, yet word had spread far faster than he had expected. Even the Unova Region, over in the western hemisphere, had already heard about it.
At that moment, Kofu was watching curiously as the Giant Onix continued to tussle with Steelix. An amused look crossed his face as he teased,
"Tsk... where on earth did you catch such an enormous Onix as your new partner...?"
Clearly drawn in by the strange scene before him, Kofu looked thoroughly entertained. He even reached for his Pokémon Balls, intending to let his own Pokémon out to join the spectators...
"What's so surprising about that? With all the attention you're getting these days, any information about you is bound to become a focus of interest. Besides, you've not only started building your own research institute, but you've also established an Ecological Park... for people like us, the meaning behind that couldn't be clearer!"
Yong smiled