"It evolved, it evolved! Natsuhiko, it really evolved!"
Natsuhiko moved the phone away from his ear.
Sakuragi's excited voice was so loud that even the phone screen seemed to shake.
Just hearing the sound, one could feel Sakuragi's excitement.
There was no helping it; the time spent on this research wasn't very long. After all, with Natsuhiko, the foresighted transmigrator, leading the way, he avoided many detours, which naturally resulted in an earlier realization of success.
What truly excited him was how this research's outcome would bring immense benefits to the entire Pokemon Realm, all the Trainers, and all the Pokémon.
This was no longer just about the evolution forms of Eevee; it involved the entire huge system of "Affinity."
Some Pokémon require a certain level of affinity to evolve, but this doesn't mean only those Pokémon have affinity with their Trainers.
All Pokémon have an affinity value with their Trainers.
This isn't just a topic of conversation over a meal; it has significant positive implications.
The affinity between Trainers and Pokémon can reflect their momentum to some extent; it can further reflect whether the interaction mode with the Trainer is appropriate. Most importantly, it can verify unknown reasons for some evolutions.
Following Natsuhiko's suggestion, Sakuragi recruited some League Trainer volunteers who had Eevees to closely monitor their affinity levels over a long period, providing all necessary resources during their time at the research institute.
Finally, not long ago, Eevee's first new evolution form, Espeon, appeared!
The affinity value stopped at 220 points.
But just one Eevee evolving doesn't prove everything, so Sakuragi suppressed his excitement and waited silently for a few more days.
As a result.
Last night, another Eevee and its Trainer had their affinity reach 220 points and successfully evolved into Umbreon!
Another new evolution type!
If one Eevee evolving at 220 points of affinity can't prove anything, then two Eevee evolving at this level can indeed indicate something.
Though the type, appearance, and attributes of the evolution differ, it at least proves that Natsuhiko and Sakuragi's theory that affinity relates to Pokémon evolution is verifiable.
This indirectly confirms that such affinity data indeed exists.
The problem that had troubled the Pokemon Research Community for over a decade was solved at this moment.
No wonder Sakuragi was so excited.
His doctoral application had been submitted a long time ago, and the doctoral degree should be awarded within the next month or two.
And the success of the "Affinity" experiment will be his first major achievement in the Pokemon Research Community and the wider Pokemon Realm after earning his postdoctoral degree, an undeniably critical milestone.
"Calm down, Mr. Sakuragi."
When Sakuragi's voice calmed down a bit, Natsuhiko finally put the phone back to his ear.
He somewhat understood his excitement.
In fact, Natsuhiko was also quite thrilled. The success of this experiment destined him to acquire substantial wealth, support from the League, emerging fame in the research community, etc...
All were beneficial aspects.
"Right, indeed, we should remain calm. The sample size of the experiment is still insufficient and lacks persuasion; at least twenty successful cases and accurate values are needed to draw a conclusion."
He could hear the sound of Sakuragi taking a deep breath on the other end of the line.
"And it can't just be with Eevee, otherwise people will nitpick and claim it's not persuasive enough," Natsuhiko added.
"...Indeed."
There was a brief silence from Sakuragi, but Natsuhiko's words reminded him.
Indeed, the experiment shouldn't only be conducted on Eevee; otherwise, people might wonder if it only works for Eevee and not for other Pokémon.
Hence, tests on other Pokémon are necessary.
However, thinking about this.
Sakuragi felt a little headache coming on.
Who knows which Pokémon may have a potential to evolve further, or which Pokémon's evolution is due to an increase in affinity rather than an increase in strength?
It's a headache.
"It seems that other Pokémon experiments are needed to validate this conclusively."
It still has a long way to go.
The existence of affinity is certain, but now they need to thoroughly confirm its existence by eliminating all influencing factors.
Natsuhiko mused for a moment before saying, "Mr. Sakuragi, perhaps... I could try to provide you with a few Pokémon to try."
"Oh?" Sakuragi was momentarily taken aback, then realized, "That's right, being a Trainer, you surely have your unique insights into Pokémon. Tell me what you think, and I will focus on trying them."
In this regard, Natsuhiko certainly had a say.
He then provided a list of Pokémon like Golbat, Pichu, Azurill, although it wasn't possible to list only those relying on affinity for evolution—some false suggestions were included as well.
However, overall, following this list would certainly be much quicker than Sakuragi blindly searching on his own.
"Alright, I've noted it down."
Sakuragi truly regarded Natsuhiko as someone on the same level as him.
Although some things were sometimes unexplainable, Natsuhiko always seemed to be able to give him reminders and appropriate advice at critical moments.
In fact, his suggestions often proved to be constructive.
"Oh, by the way." Sakuragi suddenly mentioned, "Last time you asked me to help you apply for a degree, though it took a bit longer, it eventually came through."
Hearing this, Natsuhiko was taken aback.
If Sakuragi hadn't mentioned it, he would have almost forgotten.
"You're currently only eligible to apply for a Bachelor's degree, so it must be through some schools. But don't worry, once this research is published, I believe obtaining a Master's degree will be smooth, and becoming a Master's degree holder and Researcher won't necessarily require going through these academies; you can directly interface with the League, making the process relatively quicker."
Additionally, as this achievement will benefit the entire world, it will greatly help you in your future endeavors towards a doctoral degree."
A Master's degree does not equate to being a Researcher, but all Researchers are at least Masters; it's not a reciprocal relationship.
The Master's degree is the highest degree that can be conferred by a Pokemon Academy, while becoming a Researcher requires League evaluation, after which, based on capabilities and contributions, a certain annual funding support is provided.
As for becoming a Doctor, that's entirely overseen by the League.
Of course, all these degrees pertain to Pokemon Studies.
Doctors are crucial talents whom the League definitely prioritizes.
Like Sakuragi, who can already receive ample funding from the League as a Researcher and can apply for various Pokémon resources at any time, becoming a Doctor is almost a certainty.
Through this collaboration with Sakuragi, Natsuhiko will inevitably make his mark in the Pokemon Research Community and earn some degree of attention from the League.
Other aspects, Natsuhiko doesn't care much about.
The funding...well...
Since his "research" doesn't cost much, won't this funding simply go into his pocket?
"By the way, Mr. Sakuragi, do you know where this degree comes from?"
The source of the Bachelor's degree is crucial as it affects one's ultimate limit to some extent.
"Rest assured, it took some time because it was applied through the 'Silver Pokémon Academy,' but they have already approved it, and it will be in your hands soon," Sakuragi said with a smile.
"Silver...Pokémon Academy..." Natsuhiko repeated, his eyes gradually widening.
Wouldn't that mean he would become an alumnus with Kona in the future?
And with Lance...
All alums should help each other, right?
To face the Flying-type Elite, it is our duty!
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Organizing outlines and detailed outlines, today's update will be slow, sorry. Asking for some monthly tickets!