Through Dr. Oak's response, Carl confirmed a few things: he would be involved in the Celebi time-travel incident and obtain the Ralts egg; later, he would meet a young Professor Oak, and their relationship would become quite friendly. Carl had handed over an egg sealed with a Jirachi crystal to the young professor to exchange for the shiny Ralts egg from Serena's mom.
This created a time loop. But Carl suddenly realized a problem: logically, he should have received the shiny egg when he gave the regular egg to the young professor.
Pondering the timeline issue, Carl thought, if he started raising this shiny Ralts today, he would have a shiny Gardevoir by next year, potentially causing a time paradox. To ensure history unfolded correctly, the only solution was to make sure Serena's mom received the egg at the appropriate time.
"If I let Professor Oak go back forty years to prepare the Ralts, the timeline should straighten out," Carl realized. "As for when my Gardevoir appears, it doesn't really matter."
Having sorted this out, Carl felt a wave of relief. His future self had clearly foreseen this and arranged for the shiny Pokémon egg to be prepared in advance.
"It's like the chicken or the egg problem, but it works," Carl couldn't help but brag, "I really am something."
He turned to Professor Oak with a grin. "Anyway, this Ralts egg is now in my hands."
Professor Oak, rubbing his fingers together with a mischievous smile, said, "So, do you think I deserve a little something for my troubles?" He knew well how generous Carl could be.
Carl gave a knowing smile. "Are you sure you want compensation?"
Professor Oak, slightly guilty but unwavering, replied, "Can't have me working for nothing, right?"
"Of course not," Carl shook his head, "You'll get what's due. But..." He reached out his hand, "Shouldn't you return my thing?"
"What thing?" Professor Oak's eyes darted nervously.
Standing nearby, Ethan Cross and Caitlin immediately saw through his act. Caitlin didn't hold back her mockery, "Old man, you're just regressing."
"Professor Oak, you're not going to go back on your word, are you?" Lorelei frowned, "Looks like we need to reconsider our collaboration."
"What's going on, Oak?" Bruno couldn't help but chip in.
As everyone chimed in, Professor Oak found himself besieged by the group. He sighed, feeling awkward despite knowing they were just teasing. What annoyed him even more was his own urge to take advantage of Carl again.
"Don't be ridiculous," Professor Oak defended himself, "I didn't take anything I shouldn't have."
"Really?" Carl moved closer and whispered, "Jirachi crystal."
Professor Oak's face changed instantly. "You knew about that?"
He had indeed kept this item of Carl's. It wasn't with any ill intent, just for research—this crystal could keep a Pokémon egg in a state just before hatching for a long time.
"It's my thing; of course, I know about it." Carl chuckled, patting his shoulder. As a time traveler, he had long since analyzed the existence of the crystal.
"Tell you what," Carl said casually, "consider that your compensation."
He figured if his future self was comfortable leaving the crystal with Professor Oak, it must not be that rare. He was merely giving it back as a gesture.
"Giving it to me?" Professor Oak was both surprised and delighted. This was a valuable item related to the mythical Jirachi, with a name alone worth a fortune, not to mention its unique sealing effect. Carl's gift was indeed generous.
Professor Oak gripped Carl's hand tightly and said, "No problem at all, it's settled then. You can't take it back."
"Hearing you say that makes me reconsider," Carl teased.
"No, please!" Professor Oak was anxious.
"Just kidding, it's yours," Carl laughed.
"Great!" Professor Oak breathed a sigh of relief. "If you need anything in the future, just ask me. Even game endorsements are no big deal."
If his grandson were here, he would surely roll his eyes: "You're not like this when you're lecturing me."
Though his grandson wasn't around, Ethan Cross and Caitlin couldn't help but look disdainfully at the esteemed Professor Oak, who was now disregarding his image.
Yet, their primary reaction was one of shock and curiosity. For Professor Oak to lose his composure like this, Carl must have offered something extraordinary. Now they understood why Oak was so warm toward Carl. They'd have to dig deeper when they had the chance.
"Ahem." Bruno cleared his throat as a reminder.
Professor Oak nodded, turning to Carl, "Let me introduce some important guests."
"Sure," Carl nodded.
"This is Ethan Cross..."
"This is Lance..."
As Professor Oak made introductions, Carl's expression grew increasingly grim. Taking these people to fight Team Rocket? They might as well surrender.
"This is Lorelei, and this is Bruno..."
"This is Caitlin, and this is Blaine from Cinnabar Gym, the second strongest leader in Kanto."
"And this is Lt. Surge from Vermilion City, always competing with Sabrina for the third strongest position in Kanto. He could break through to Elite level at any time."
"This is Will, a new member of the Johto Elite Four specializing in Psychic types."
"And Karen, also from the Johto Elite Four, specializes in Dark types."
"Know them all now?" Professor Oak finished, not noticing Carl's troubled gaze.
"Know them? I'm very familiar."
Lt. Surge was publicly competing with Sabrina for the third gym position, but secretly, like her, he had joined Team Rocket. He wasn't just an ordinary quasi-Elite trainer; he was genuinely Elite-level. Will and Karen were no simple characters either; they had been raised by Team Rocket's founder and were now core members of the organization.
With Blaine and Koga added, Team Rocket had planted six Elite-level trainers in the Kanto region. Bruno had gathered them all here; this was quite the move.
"Oh, and these two," Professor Oak suddenly remembered, pulling Koga and his sister Janine to the front. "Before you arrived, we talked with Koga. He admitted to accepting Team Rocket's offer, using their resources to reach Elite level. However, he hasn't committed any crimes, merely acted as a sleeper agent within the League."
"Now he's decided to reform, and he agreed to be a double agent, following my advice," Professor Oak said proudly, raising his chin. In Carl's presence, he always felt particularly lively.
Carl watched Professor Oak enthusiastically detailing the situation and found it hard to dampen his spirits. After all, the old man was nearly sixty, and even the thickest skin couldn't withstand repeated blows.
But the situation was urgent, leaving no room for hesitation. "Keep an eye on Will, don't let him teleport away," Carl instructed, using telepathy to communicate with Caitlin and Sabrina.
Fortunately, both usually maintained stoic expressions, so they didn't give anything away.
"So annoying," Caitlin muttered with a hint of impatience.
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