Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World

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Pallet Town, Professor Oak's Laboratory.

Professor Oak was studying the various items made by Hikaru, including an ancient statue he had purchased.

Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle.

"This is truly fascinating. While some artificially crafted tools can provide incredible boosts for Pokémon, the fact that handmade items can achieve similar effects is astonishing. Just what era did this mysterious craft originate from?"

"The Focus Sash, for example—it's clear that it was sewn together using materials from Pokémon and common durable fabric. But does its effect stem from an inherent property of the sash itself, or does it bind with the Pokémon, triggering some latent power within?"

"The other items are equally intriguing."

"The Pickled Veggies—a doubled portion—can put a Pokémon into a heightened state, increasing both Attack and Special Attack while also boosting some defenses. Is this some kind of specialized food? Regular Pokémon meals don't have this kind of effect."

"Charcoal, an excellent choice for training Fire-type Pokémon. Protective Pads, which enhance Steel-type energy and prevent contact-based damage—also quite impressive."

"The King's Rock and the Clear Amulet… This King's Rock is different from the naturally occurring ones found in the wild, and I've never even heard of the Clear Amulet before."

Driven by his curiosity and his profession as a researcher, Professor Oak had an urge to purchase all of these items for further study. Even though his primary field of research was the relationship between Pokémon and humans, maintaining a strong curiosity was a fundamental trait of a good professor.

Buying these items wasn't just about analyzing their "composition"—Professor Oak was actually quite knowledgeable about natural items. However, things like Evolutionary Stones had long been studied and held little mystery for him.

"These sculptures also have a rather interesting design."

As Professor Oak pondered, someone entered his laboratory.

"Oh! Blue, you're finally here. Take a look at these fascinating tools I just bought. They should be useful for a Gym Leader like you, right?"

The person Professor Oak called over had wild brown hair, a pendant around his neck, a dark jacket, and yellow work pants.

"Fascinating tools? Don't tell me they're just Evolutionary Stones or something. You called me back just for these?"

Blue glanced at the statues near the workbench, as well as some strange-looking cloth strips and charms, looking rather puzzled.

"Grandpa, what exactly are you up to? This whole setup is giving me an unsettling feeling."

Blue seemed exasperated, and only then did Professor Oak realize how odd the arrangement looked. He chuckled awkwardly.

"Ah, my apologies. I didn't consider that putting these items together might create an eerie atmosphere. They don't actually have any particular connection to each other."

"Anyway, let's not dwell on that. You're always traveling—how are things at the Viridian Gym?"

"It's fine, I guess," Blue shrugged. "Most challengers don't have much skill. There's no way they could beat me. I barely even need to give commands—my Pokémon can handle them on their own."

"Besides, trainers need to collect seven Gym Badges before they can challenge me. Not many can manage that."

"Trainers these days just aren't that strong."

Professor Oak laughed. "Come on, you were once a Champion yourself. Don't be too hard on the rookie trainers."

Blue scratched his head, then turned his attention to the various items.

"So, what exactly do these do?"

Professor Oak pointed to three statues.

"First, these sculptures of Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle."

"The Charmander statue makes the air noticeably warmer. The Bulbasaur statue promotes plant growth. And the Squirtle statue maintains humidity in the surrounding area."

"Huh? They just look like ordinary statues to me," Blue said skeptically. Professor Oak remained silent and simply moved the Squirtle statue aside. Almost immediately, Blue noticed a change—the air grew warmer and drier.

"It actually works?" Blue's skepticism deepened.

"Indeed. These are their effects. But despite appearing ancient, these sculptures are actually modern replicas crafted by an artisan. I only used the statues to introduce you to these other tools."

"Now, this—this is the Focus Sash," Professor Oak said, holding up the orange-red cloth band and explaining its function.

Blue's expression turned odd. "You're telling me… that this sash can keep a Pokémon standing through sheer determination? I've trained so many Pokémon, and sure, sometimes, the bond between a Pokémon and its trainer allows them to push through in a crucial moment—but that's the result of years of careful training."

"And yet, this sash can do the same thing? That sounds impossible."

"But it's true. I've tested it myself," Professor Oak replied seriously. "It's made from Pokémon materials and crafted with an extraordinary technique. I'm currently researching how it works."

"And then there's this…" Professor Oak introduced Blue to Hikaru's store.

"What?! These items—" Blue furrowed his brows, his eyes filled with astonishment.

"Yes, all of these tools were made by the same artisan who runs this shop. Everything I purchased matches the descriptions on the website perfectly. This craftsman seems to have mastered an unknown technique for creating Pokémon gear. To be honest, I rarely saw trainers using specialized items in battles before now."

Professor Oak pondered aloud, "Of course, major corporations have long been developing items for Pokémon. They've produced things like Zoom Lens and Scope Lens, along with unique Poké Balls and stat-boosting medicines. But all of those rely on technology to enhance their effects, and they're quite expensive."

"However, if we look at the development of Poké Balls, we can see an important pattern. Before modern Poké Balls existed, trainers used Apricorn-made Poké Balls. Likewise, there must be ancient crafting techniques that remain unknown to us."

"And now, those techniques are finally being rediscovered."

Blue carefully examined the Focus Sash in his hands, contemplating its function. After a long silence, he finally spoke.

"Grandpa, I'm taking this Focus Sash with me."

"Hah! Go ahead, that's why I called you over in the first place. I actually have another one here." Professor Oak pulled out another Focus Sash from seemingly nowhere.

"Interesting… Pokémon items, huh? These might have a significant impact on Pokémon training."

Blue opened his Pokégear and browsed the store's item descriptions, a smirk forming on his lips.

Trainers in the Kanto region were about to have a rough time. If this Focus Sash really worked as described, just imagine their faces when they thought they had defeated his Pokémon, only for it to endure the hit and keep fighting. The despair on their faces would be priceless.

The final Gym Badge wasn't something a trainer could earn so easily!

And even more importantly… if he could get his hands on these items, maybe—just maybe—he could finally beat Red!

"Blue, why are you smiling like that?" Professor Oak asked, puzzled.

Blue chuckled. "Oh, nothing. Just thought of something amusing. Grandpa, thanks for calling me over! I can't wait to test this sash out."

"How about a battle right now? Oh, by the way, have you told Red about this yet?" Blue asked while subscribing to Traveler's Workshop—the store selling these items.

Professor Oak stroked his chin. "No, I haven't. I haven't been able to reach him. Are you planning to—"

"No! Don't tell him yet!" Blue's eyes gleamed. "And don't tell Leaf either!"

If there were incredible new tools to be used, he was going to be the first to enjoy them!

But before Blue could continue speaking, the laboratory door swung open once more.

A woman with yellow hair and dressed in purple robes stepped inside.

"Uh…?!"

Blue instantly stiffened. He glanced at Professor Oak, then back at the elderly woman, unsure of what to say.

"Oh, Oak's grandson? What are you doing here instead of running Viridian Gym? The challengers have been complaining that their Gym Leader is never around!"

"Don't tell me… you got called here to test out some gadgets?"

"Ah, Granny Agatha… yeah, well, I mean—Grandpa did call me back." Blue scratched his head awkwardly, then shot Professor Oak a mischievous grin. "Well then, I'll leave you two to talk! I'm heading out now!"

And with that, Blue bolted from the lab like a fleeing Rattata.

Agatha turned to look at Professor Oak.

"It's been a while, Agatha. I didn't expect you to actually accept my invitation," Oak greeted with a smile.

Agatha, however, remained indifferent. "Hmph. You old fool, always cooped up in this place. And you didn't even invite me for a battle—how disappointing."

"You claim to be all about Pokémon research, and now you're suddenly interested in items?"

Professor Oak laughed awkwardly. "Haha… Well, these are things I've never seen before, so I got curious. Besides, they are closely related to Pokémon research."

Agatha sighed. "Enough talk. Where's the stuff?"

Professor Oak quickly pointed at the charms on the table.

"These. I figured that, as a former member of the Elite Four, you might be able to help me analyze them."

"Elite Four? I'm not part of them anymore. Quit dragging up old news," Agatha scoffed. "You really don't keep up with information, do you, you old coot?"

Professor Oak scratched his head in embarrassment.

Agatha picked up the two charms and examined them briefly.

"Hah! These? They're just basic spiritual talismans—a Purifying Charm and a Cursed Charm."

"But… the way the spiritual energy is applied…" She frowned. "This is highly unusual. No, I've never seen anything like it before."

"Huh? My Gengar is trembling?"

Agatha sensed an unusual reaction from the Poké Ball at her waist. Her eyes immediately lit up with intrigue.

Perhaps… being called here wasn't such a bad idea after all.

But as she continued observing, her expression grew more serious.

"Hey, old man. I don't recognize the technique used for these charms, but I have a bad feeling about this. The spiritual energy inscribed on them is basic, yet it doesn't seem to follow any known human summoning methods."

"This is just my speculation, but… the knowledge used in these charms might be related to the Spirit World."

"And that raises an important question—just who exactly created these?!"

Professor Oak smiled. "Oh, just a rather unusual craftsman. Here, I'll send you the link to his shop."

(End of Chapter)

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