The Genius Scientist Who Crosses Over Twice

As soon as Victor stepped outside, Umbreon leaped onto the windowsill, watching her master's disappearing silhouette, lost in thought for a moment. 

Should I just wait here? 

While her master bustles around outside for her, should he just sleep all day at home?

Just then, Umbreon noticed a few familiar "friends" passing by outside.

"Will, are you finally going to challenge the Cianwood Gym today?" 

"I'm so envious. Even though we're the same age, you can challenge the gym already. If only we were as strong as you, Will, then we wouldn't have had my beloved Pikachu cookies taken by that guy…" 

Umbreon recognized two of the human kids. They were the two unfortunate ones who had their snacks stolen—oh no, won—by her master two weeks ago.

But this time, there was one more person in the group.

Judging by his looks, he seemed to be a year or two younger than his master, with a bit of baby fat on his face.

However, what Umbreon cared more about was what these three kids were talking about.

A gym?

Back when Umbreon was with the old woman, she had heard of this term. It seemed to be a title for humans who possessed very strong Pokémon.

So the question arose: last night, the annoying old man had spoken of a "Champion," and among these little kids, who was known as the "Gym Leader," who was stronger?

After a brief contemplation, seeing the three kids move further away, Umbreon pushed open the window and leaped out. 

Like a black cat darting along the eaves, she followed behind the three children.

…

Not long after, inside the Cianwood Gym.

A middle-aged man with a small mustache, muscular structure, and visibly well-defined abs shouted as sunlight streamed through the window: 

"I am the gym trainer of the Cianwood Gym, Chuck! State your name, challenger!"

A confident smile appeared on the boy's face as he introduced himself: 

"I am Will, a genius specializing in Psychic-type Pokémon, currently traveling through Johto!"

Looking slightly younger than Victor, Will bowed to Chuck, but his tone didn't convey much respect.

"Will? I've heard of you from Walker; your potential seems noteworthy." 

Chuck recalled briefly. 

The Walker he mentioned was the current Gym Leader of Violet City and the father of the future leader, Falkner.

"Heh, didn't expect my name to spread so quickly. The uncle from Violet City isn't that impressive. I hope you, Uncle Chuck, won't disappoint me." 

Will teased as he opened his jacket, revealing three badges pinned inside, one of which was the Zephyr Badge from Violet City Gym.

"A talented yet arrogant young man, huh…" 

Chuck smiled slightly, his abs still well-defined, unlike how they might look in the future.

"Let's see what you've got, little one!" 

Chuck took up a stance, performing a karate starting position and throwing out a Poké Ball. 

That was… a Pokémon from the Unova region, Timburr! 

Clearly, Chuck was showing mercy.

After all, this kid seemed to be only eight or nine years old.

How strong could he possibly be?

Even if his friend Walker lost, Chuck wouldn't choose to suppress the young challenger with his old partner's level. 

That would be too low.

"Alright, I leave it to you, Natu." 

Will threw out a Poké Ball in return. 

A small bird Pokémon with seemingly unfocused eyes landed on the ground. 

The Psychic + Flying-type Natu was a complete counter to Chuck's Fighting types.

"Now starting the gym challenge between Gym Leader Chuck and challenger Will. Now… let the match begin!" 

The referee announced the moment the duel began, and Will immediately launched his quick attack.

As soon as they clashed, Chuck realized this cheeky kid wasn't all talk. 

His talent was indeed undeniable.

If he could be trained by a skilled mentor, he would surely reach the heights of the Elite Four.

However, neither the battling duo in the arena nor the sparse audience in the stands noticed. 

In a corner of the audience, an Umbreon was crouched on the back of a chair, its crimson eyes fixed intently on the battle unfolding inside the arena.

…

"Machoke has lost all combat ability; Jynx is the winner." 

Moments later, the referee raised his flag and declared: 

"Since both Pokémon of Gym Trainer Chuck have lost all combat capabilities, the victor is challenger Will." 

"Oh dear, Walker is going to laugh at me." 

Chuck scratched his head, recalling Machoke. 

After Timburr was defeated, he had taken it just a bit more seriously and sent out Machoke, which wasn't considered a primary Pokémon but held its own in his secondary team.

Yet, he still lost to the challenger.

"Hmm, it was a bit more challenging than the Violet City Gym, but that's about it." 

Will shrugged indifferently.

One must admit, he looked rather full of himself right now.

But Chuck didn't say anything.

Having such strength and arrogance was fine; was it not? 

He wouldn't say he lost because he didn't use his main Pokémon; that would be nonsense. 

Even though he used a non-primary Pokémon, losing as a trainer to Will was reality.

"Alright, Psychic kid, this Strike Badge is yours." 

Chuck handed over the badge that symbolized the triumph over the Cianwood Gym challenge to Will. 

He was looking forward to this year's Indigo Conference.

If no new prodigies appeared, he felt sure no one could stop Will from claiming the championship.

But what excited him even more was the upcoming Champion Challenge and perhaps the Elite Challenge after that.

Who would take this kid down? 

Would it be that young glasses-wearing girl, Lorelei, who had the body of a grown-up despite her age? 

Or would it be the guy draped in a cloak, always hanging around with a threatening expression, trying to collect debts, Dragon Tamer Lance? 

Hehe, with those two's personalities, neither of them would go easy on Will.

Chuck was already looking forward to it.

"Who will be the next gym leader I beat? Honestly, I'm getting a bit bored." 

Will said with an irritating tone as he received the Strike Badge. 

Thud! 

Suddenly, a loud thud caught the attention of Chuck, Will, and the sparse audience early in the morning. 

They saw a Pokémon most of them had never seen before.

It was crouched low, knees bent slightly. 

It was evidently in battle mode, approaching the two standing in the center of the arena. 

"It's that naughty Pokémon from the bad guy!" 

"Damn it! My Psyduck chips!" 

Among everyone present, only those two unfortunate kids recognized Umbreon.

But as they looked around, they couldn't find the bad guy's figure. 

This made the two wonder, could it just be wild? 

"Hm? A Pokémon we've never seen before. What do you want?" 

Chuck spoke up voluntarily.

In this era, before Professor Oak had developed the Pokédex, even the knowledge of a gym leader did not exist as comprehensively as in later generations. 

Let alone Dark, Steel, and Fairy types weren't yet classified in the official alliance textbooks.

Umbreon slightly raised its right paw, extending one claw towards Chuck, beckoning him with a clear intent.

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