Ash smiled at the sight, roughly understanding what was going on with Professor Oak's hand.
"Kingler, you stay with Professor Oak for now!" Ash said to Kingler on the other end of the phone. It wasn't that he didn't want to bring it, but there simply wasn't any room.
Moreover, this Kingler was accumulating strength, and the longer it stayed, the better. Hearing Ash's words, Kingler showed no dissatisfaction, squinting its eyes and waving its pincers in response.
"Hmm? Is that Professor Oak?" At this moment, Bill also came to Ash's side. He had heard the voice earlier and felt it was a little familiar. When he walked over and saw the phone screen, he realized it was indeed Professor Oak.
"Oh?? Isn't this Bill? Long time no see. Ash, you're there, so does that mean you've reached White Strait?" Professor Oak was also a little surprised to see Bill.
"Yes, we just arrived here!" Hearing the Professor's question, Ash also nodded.
"Professor Oak, do you two know each other?" Misty asked curiously from the side.
"Of course! Bill is a Pokémon researcher who's no less talented than me. Ash, you should know that, right!" Professor Oak asked Ash. When Ash was little, he had mentioned over 130 different regional Pokémon researchers.
"I know, I've read about him in books." Ash nodded slightly. Ash hadn't actually read about him; he was purely relying on memories from his previous life.
"To receive such praise from Professor Oak, I, as a junior, am deeply honored. No wonder this young man knows so much about ancient Pokémon; so you two are acquainted." Professor Bill responded humbly.
Indeed, he wasn't wrong. Almost all regions, except for Professor Elm of the Johto region, had researchers who would likely refer to Professor Oak as a senior.
"Of course, Ash is our highly anticipated new trainer here. He has great potential! It just so happens that he's with you, so I'll trouble you to look after him!" Professor Oak also expressed his recognition of Ash, and at the same time, gestured for Bill to take care of him.
"Rest assured, Professor!" Professor Bill also nodded slightly upon hearing this. He had already planned to let Ash and the others stay overnight here anyway.
"Hmm! In that case, I'll sign off for now, Ash! Ah!! My tofu is overcooked, can't talk anymore, Ash, I'll see you!"
"Uh... hehe!" Looking at Professor Oak, who nervously hung up the phone (aebf), Ash and Misty exchanged an awkward smile.
"So you two know Professor Oak!" After the call ended, Professor Bill also spoke.
"Yes, Professor, he looked after me when I was little."
"To be so highly regarded by Professor Oak, my judgment was indeed correct. You truly are an extraordinary trainer." Professor Bill also looked at Ash with an admiring gaze.
"Thank you!" Ash said his thanks. At this moment, Brock came out and told everyone that dinner was ready.
Soon, everyone came to the dining room. Brock had already prepared a rich meal, with fried noodles, fried rice, pancakes, and salad. Everyone sat down together to enjoy a sumptuous dinner.
The environment here, outside it looked like a lighthouse, but internally, it was more like a castle than a lighthouse. Dining here felt like being in a royal palace.
"Whoa!! I haven't eaten this much in a long time. Thank you for your hospitality." For his acting career, he had always just managed to eat, rarely enjoying such delicious food. With a chef like Brock, Professor Bill was completely stuffed.
"Professor, as long as you're satisfied, we should be thanking you for letting us stay here!" Brock was naturally very happy to hear his cooking praised, and also expressed his gratitude.
"No, no, it's nothing. Professor Oak already spoke for you, and it's usually very quiet here. Having you all here makes it lively." Professor Bill waved his hand slightly.
He had lived here for many years. Although it was to have a quiet place for his acting, it could indeed get lonely after a long time.
"Professor, can we stay here for a few more days?" At this moment, Ash also put down his fork and looked up at Bill.
"Hmm? Of course, you can. With you all here, I can also enjoy delicious meals. You can stay as long as you want." Professor Bill responded generously upon hearing this.
"Ash, aren't we supposed to be rushing to Vermilion City?" Misty asked, looking up at Ash. On this journey, they had been constantly on the move, basically not staying in one place for more than a day.
"It's fine. Vermilion City is almost here anyway. The beach here is very suitable for Pokémon training. I want to use this beach to train my Pokémon and prepare for the next Gym!"
Ash explained his reasons. Previously, he had been traveling and training at the same time, achieving considerable results. However, upon arriving here, most of his Pokémon were newly caught.
So, Ash wanted to seize this opportunity to conduct special training for his Pokémon here. The beach was an excellent training location.
In the past, they were either on mountains or in jungles, which sometimes made training difficult for Water-type Pokémon like Squirtle and Gyarados. The beach was perfect, allowing all Pokémon to train.
"Oh, I see! That's good. This way, I can enjoy the sun and sand." Misty, understanding Ash's meaning, didn't object. She didn't need to collect badges, so she wasn't in a hurry. Being able to stop and rest occasionally was also nice.
Misty didn't object, and Brock naturally had no issues either. He had no specific goals himself, just traveling with Ash.
Conversely, as a Pokémon breeder, his main goal was to understand Pokémon, and Professor Bill happened to be an expert in this field. Being able to stay here and learn more about Pokémon from him would be a very beneficial experience.
"Professor, do you live here alone?" Brock asked Professor Bill curiously.
"Yes! This kind of place allows me to think very calmly." Professor Bill nodded slightly upon hearing this. Although it was sometimes very quiet, he didn't dislike this life; on the contrary, he was immersed in it.
"Professor, don't you get lonely?" Misty couldn't help but ask.
"No, because I have the company of Pokémon." Professor Bill shook his head. Hearing this, Misty looked around with some confusion. This place wasn't like Professor Oak's lab. Although the lighthouse wasn't small, it didn't seem like a place that could accommodate many Pokémon.
And so far, she hadn't seen a single Pokémon.
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