Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice

"Sorry, that's all there is."

Noticing the expressions of the two arrogant brats, Stephen shrugged, indicating that he was powerless to do anything.

Goh and Trip were even more bewildered.

Damn, what are the odds?

They just happened to be short of two.

The two turned their heads to look at Ash holding a Pokédex like a clueless deer, endlessly scanning the Pokémon in the research institute's backyard.

Their sense of injustice deepened.

Although Goh and Trip didn't think much of each other, they both looked down even more on this idiot who got electrocuted by Pikachu seven or eight times a day.

Why did this guy get one, but they didn't!?

Noticing Goh and Trip casting unfriendly glances at Ash, Red's eyes narrowed slightly, and he stepped forward, silently positioning himself in front of Red and staring at the two.

Under Red's gaze, the two awkwardly withdrew their stares.

Although, as far as they remembered, this mute hadn't spoken a word since the first day of summer camp,

For some reason, their instincts told them this guy was not to be messed with.

"Goh..., h-how about I give you mine...?"

Chloe hesitantly extended the Pokédex towards her childhood friend.

Goh's eyes lit up, and he immediately reached out, "Really?! Then I won't be pol—"

Before he could finish the last syllable of polite,

He suddenly realized that everyone in the laboratory was staring at him intently.

Even big names like Lorelei, Rose and others were looking at him with expressions of disdain, as if he were garbage.

Although he was shameless, under the pressure of so many people's gazes, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Awkwardly, he retracted his hand.

"...What a bastard,"

Blue raised an eyebrow and commented.

He was certain that if there weren't so many people here, that guy would have snatched the little girl's Pokédex without hesitation.

"Well then, everyone, goodbye."

Stephen waved to the summer camp kids, preparing to leave with Rose.

"Stephen, are you heading to Galar next?"

Lorelei started a conversation.

"Yes, the Pokédex project will be released in Galar and Alola next month, and I also need to retrieve something that Chairman Rose helped me find in advance."

Stephen nodded.

"Then you wouldn't mind having one more person join you, would you?"

Lorelei smiled.

As she said this, she pointed at herself.

Karen's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression turning unfriendly.

Rose introducing Nessa to Stephen had already annoyed her, and now this cow was clinging on as well.

"Miss Lorelei, as a member of the Indigo League's Elite Four, wouldn't it be inappropriate to travel to another region on your own accord?"

Karen deliberately reminded Lorelei.

"How unfortunate, this isn't on my own accord."

Lorelei crossed her arms, emphasizing her already prominent assets.

"Chairman Goodshow just contacted me. He has returned from Johto and is preparing to meet up with you all in Viridian City before heading to Galar together. I'm just tagging along as an escort."

With such a legitimate reason, even though Karen was displeased, she had nothing to say.

However, Lorelei's gesture once again drew the attention of the other women present.

Hilda muttered in a low voice, "My god... what did she eat to grow that big..."

Rosa patted her friend's shoulder, "Hilda-chan, does that bother you a lot? Don't worry, if yours isn't enough in the future, I'll share some with you!"

"Screw you!"

Hilda snapped.

Serena lowered her head, lost in thought.

Mine... should be fine, right?

If Stephen knew what Serena was thinking, he would reassure her in his heart.

In the future, among her peers, her figure would only be second to Rosa's—at least, that's how it was in the manga version.

Of course, he would only think that in his head. Saying it out loud would make him a total creep.

...

...

Since there were so many people heading to Viridian Airport,

Rose arranged for a luxury stretch limousine instead of a helicopter.

Not only Stephen and his group, but also Lorelei, Iono, Rosa, and the others got into the car, traveling together from Pallet Town to Viridian City.

"Goodbye!"

As they departed, the lively girls Iono and Rosa rolled down the car windows, waving enthusiastically to Chloe, who was being picked up by her parents, as well as to Ash and the others.

"Serena-chan, do you want to become a League Champion in the future? Or a Performer or Coordinator Trainer?"

On the road, Stephen struck up a conversation with Serena.

"Ah? Me? Umm... I-I haven't decided yet..."

After four days of summer camp, Serena's personality had improved slightly, but she was still a bit shy.

"I see. No rush, take your time to figure it out."

Stephen smiled gently.

He was just curious which path this Serena would choose.

After all, in the parallel worlds of the anime, games, and manga, Serena had chosen different career paths.

League Champion, Coordinator Trainer, Sky Trainer...

"But if you're picking a starter Pokémon, I'd recommend Froakie."

Stephen was referring to Ash's Bonded Greninja.

Unlike the original story, where the timeline was eternally stuck in the same year,

Time in this real world flowed naturally.

If every region Ash traveled through took about a year,

By the time he reached Kalos, six years would have passed.

Would that Froakie still be available for him?

Besides, Ash's favorite thing to do was to release his fully trained partners or leave them with Professor Oak.

Rather than letting him waste its potential, it would be better for Serena to use it.

Serena didn't quite understand why Stephen wanted her to choose Froakie, but she figured that if Dr. Stephen said so, there must be a good reason.

With that thought, she obediently nodded.

Before long, the luxury car arrived at Viridian Airport.

Outside the window, on the tarmac, a private jet bearing the logo of the Macro Cosmos had been waiting for quite some time.

"Big brother, goodbye! Next time we meet, I'll be a really strong Pokémon Trainer!"

Just as she was about to board her flight back to Unova, Rosa turned around at the boarding gate and waved to Stephen, standing next to Hilda.

"Mm, goodbye!"

Compared to other game protagonists, Rosa didn't have much screen time. However, her figure and signature black stockings left a deep impression on many.

She's the Doujin Queen for a reason.

"Goodbye, Big Brother."

Serena spoke softly.

"Goodbye."

Stephen nodded.

After saying farewell to three female protagonists in a row, Chairman Goodshow approached with a smile, flanked by several assistants.

"Hello everyone, this old man is here to intrude."

"Chairman Goodshow, regarding the issue of the Pokédex distribution regions, I believe we've already made our stance clear, haven't we?"

Rose replied calmly.

Yesterday, Goodshow ran off to Johto, and now he had rushed back early this morning.

As one of the top business tycoons, how could Rose not see through his intentions?

"Rose, I think there's still room for negotiation on this matter."

Goodshow dropped his benevolent smile and became more serious.

"Oh…?"

Rose's expression shifted slightly.

"Chairman Rose, it's time to board the plane."

Oleana reminded him.

Hearing this, Rose gestured invitingly to Stephen and Goodshow.

"Well then, gentlemen, let's continue this discussion on board."

"Big Brother Stephen, can I come along and visit Galar with you?"

Iono clasped her hands together and pleaded with Stephen, eyes sparkling.

"Aren't you going back to Paldea?"

Stephen asked.

"Hehe~ I'm already over 10, and I have my own Pokémon partner. I was planning to travel anyway. Plus, I get to hitch a ride on Chairman Rose's plane—how could I pass up this opportunity?"

Iono grinned playfully, revealing her signature shark-tooth smile.

"You just want to film me to boost your views, don't you?"

Stephen exposed Iono's little scheme with a chuckle.

Iono's cheeks flushed slightly as she stuck out her tongue, trying to play cute and deflect.

...

On the Plane.

"My conditions remain unchanged. The Pokédex needs to be distributed in all regions. Kanto and Johto can forgo all profits."

Seated across from Rose, Goodshow stated his terms in a firm voice.

Stephen and the others sat diagonally, watching the conversation unfold as bystanders enjoying the drama.

Rose smiled and shook his head.

This was a golden opportunity to close the power gap between the Galar League and the Indigo League. There was no way he would pass it up for such a trivial concession.

"What exactly do you want!?"

Seeing how impervious Rose was to persuasion, the usually mild-mannered Giovanni finally lost his patience.

"Give me Bruno and Giovanni."

Rose raised his right hand and made a "2" gesture with his index and middle fingers.

"What?!"

Goodshow's expression changed drastically.

Rose smiled and continued,

"Transfer these two Trainers to Galar and make them part of our Elite Four. If you do that, I'll agree to your request."

"Pfft!"

Stephen had just taken a sip of juice from the flight attendant and immediately sprayed it all over Iono's face.

But Iono, juice still dripping from her face, didn't even care—she, Stephen, and Karen all turned to look dumbfounded at Rose.

Rose went on,

"Let's be honest. One of Galar's biggest headaches has always been the inability to assemble a complete Elite Four. If Chairman Goodshow is willing to help us solve this problem, I would be more than happy to compromise."

Compared to other regional leagues, the Galar League had an awkward issue—it lacked an Elite Four.

Because they simply couldn't find four trainers at that level.

Currently, Galar has Champion Leon, Elite-level Raihan and Melony, and over ten Gym Leaders.

But they were still two Elites short.

Rose was trying to poach talent from the Indigo League, which had no shortage of top trainers.

"Wh-Why Bruno and… and Giovanni? Aren't there three other Indigo Elite Four members?"

Iono wiped the juice off her face and raised her hand like a curious student.

Iono, Nessa, and the other younger trainers were equally confused.

If Rose wanted to recruit Elite Four members, why did he only target Bruno from Indigo's Elite Four while ignoring the other three?

Even Lorelei, sitting there with her glasses on, had a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

Rose replied calmly,

"Aldus is the son of President Caishen—he won't leave Johto. Lance and Lorelei both have terrible tempers."

Oof, straight to the point.

Aldus was the son of President Caishen, and in reality, he was more like his father's personal bodyguard than a dedicated Elite Four member. There was no way he'd leave Johto to move to Galar.

As for Lance and Lorelei… well, anyone who knew them understood.

Compared to those two, Bruno was much easier to deal with.

Hearing this, Lorelei's expression darkened slightly.

"So I don't get any respect now?"

"Lorelei, calm down."

Stephen gently placed a hand on Lorelei's to comfort her.

To be fair, Lorelei's public image… well, she never really came across as a mild-mannered person. Especially when dealing with criminals.

Certainly, she didn't seem more easygoing than Bruno.

The moment Stephen's hand touched Lorelei's, another hand immediately reached over to separate them.

Karen and Lorelei exchanged glances, and for a moment, a faint electric spark seemed to pass between them.

"But Uncle Giovanni has a really good temper... uh..."

 Will was halfway through his complaint when he suddenly realized that Rose wanting Giovanni made perfect sense.

 After all, to the general public, aside from rarely appearing in public, Giovanni had the perfect image of a kind and respectable Gym Leader.

 Not to mention, during the recent Viridian disaster, he covered all the losses of the local citizens.

 Strong, good-tempered, and highly respected.

 Isn't that the ideal candidate for an Elite Four member?

"Absolutely impossible!"

 Goodshow sternly rejected the idea.

"Chairman Goodshow, the Indigo League is full of talent, and you're not even willing to give me two people? That makes me seriously doubt your sincerity."

 Seeing Goodshow reject him so decisively, Rose stopped pretending and simply gave a "suit yourself" expression.

"Hmph! We're leaving!"

 Even the usually good-tempered Goodshow was visibly upset.

"Chairman, we're on a plane. We can't exactly leave..."

 His assistant said with a helpless smile.

Goodshow: …

...

...

A few hours passed in an extremely awkward atmosphere.

Finally, the flight attendant's announcement came over the speakers:

["Chairman Rose and distinguished guests, our flight is about to arrive at the Isle of Armor. Please ensure your seatbelts are fastened and prepared for landing. It has been an honor to serve you."]

Isle of Armor?

Hearing this name, Goodshow, Lorelei, and the others were momentarily stunned.

 Shouldn't they be heading to Rose's territory, Wyndon City?

Noticing the confusion on Goodshow's face, Rose explained:

"One of the items that Dr. Stephen requested is located on the Isle of Armor. It's better to retrieve it first before discussing business."

Goodshow secretly curled his lips in disdain, sighing inwardly at how skillful Rose was at winning people over.

The cabin door opened.

Rose stepped out first and gestured politely toward Stephen.

As Stephen stepped out, he immediately spotted a man with a small beard on his chin. His features were rugged yet exuded a friendly aura.

It was none other than Leon, the Champion of the Galar League!

"Chairman Rose."

Seeing the two of them descend, Leon called out.

"Leon, this is Dr. Stephen."

Introduced by Rose, Leon flashed a bright smile and extended his hand toward Stephen.

"Dr. Stephen, it's a pleasure to finally meet you! I've heard so much about you. Just a short while ago, I was training my Charizard to use Thunder Punch. But right after we finally got it down, you released a TM for it, haha..."

"Alright, Leon, as much as I'd love to chat with Dr. Stephen, the priority right now is the item he needs. You mentioned that you've already found it, correct?"

Rose interrupted.

Leon nodded, releasing Stephen's hand.

"Yes, the Galarian Articuno. It's currently on Challenge Road. My mentor is keeping it from escaping. Please follow me!"

"No need. I know where Challenge Road is. If I let you guide us, we'll probably get lost."

This time, Rose didn't bother sparing any face for the champion he had personally nurtured.

Leon awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

On their way to Challenge Road, he kept striking up conversations with Stephen.

"This Champion has a very different personality from Lance."

Watching Leon constantly chatting with Stephen, Lorelei commented in a low voice.

As a genius who had become Champion slightly earlier than Lance, Leon was often compared to him by fans from different regions.

This was also the first time Lorelei had seen Leon in person.

In terms of strength, it was hard to say who was superior, but at the very least, Leon had a much better temperament.

"I don't expect Lance to be this cheerful. I just wish he wouldn't overthink and burn himself out so much."

Goodshow sighed.

...

Challenge Road was located in the eastern part of the Isle of Armor, a mountainous path.

As they reached the base of the mountain, they could hear the piercing cries of Flying-type Pokémon from up ahead.

One of them was a large, heavily armored bird covered in black steel plating.

It was Corviknight, the regional bird of Galar, known by many players in Stephen's previous life as the coolest regional bird!

Facing it was another bird Pokémon with a mask-like face, resembling a magician. Its purple feathers fluttered mysteriously, making it seem just like a real illusionist.

Galarian Articuno!

It looks like grown-up Will...

Seeing the Galarian Articuno in person, Stephen had the same thought he'd had when playing the game in his past life.

Yes, this legendary bird looked exactly like the future Elite Four member Will.

Both had purple feathers, similarly styled masks and were even both psychic types.

Stephen almost thought Will and Articuno had been fused by a Reuniclus!

Of course, in the present, the kid Will and the Galarian Articuno had no real similarities apart from the purple feathers.

For one, Will was still a chubby kid, and for another, he wasn't wearing a mask yet.

"Master! They're here!"

Leon cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted.

"Oh-ho! Then I'll leave it to you guys~"

Only then did everyone notice that a thin, elderly man with a white beard was sitting on the Corviknight's back.

It was Leon's mentor—Mustard.

"Will, it's your turn."

Stephen glanced to the side.

"I've been waiting for this!"

Will grinned and pulled out a Poké Ball.

Just as he was about to throw it, Karen suddenly kicked him in the butt.

"What the hell, violent girl!?"

Will, who had fallen flat on his face, turned around and shouted.

"Idiot!"

Karen shot him a look, motioning toward all the people around them.

Will instantly realize.

Oh right, he almost forgot—he wasn't Psychic Fatty right now.

He needed to change his lineup.

Damn, speaking of which, I don't like this nickname at all!

Will quickly stood up and, from an angle where the others couldn't see, switched Poké Balls.

"Come on! Alakazam!"

Jumping out from the new Poké Ball was Alakazam, the most famous Psychic-type Pokémon from the Kanto region.

"Go! Shadow Ball!"

A light purple psychic energy surged around Alakazam's body as it levitated like an elevator, rapidly closing in on Galarian Articuno, who was perched halfway up the mountain.

When they were less than ten meters apart, Alakazam crossed the spoons in its hands and formed a dark energy sphere, launching it from the side toward Galarian Articuno.

Galarian Articuno turned its head to look.

Since Mustard had already put some distance between them while riding Corviknight, Articuno now had the freedom to deal with other opponents.

In the next instant, Galarian Articuno slightly parted its beak.

A mirror appeared between them, and at the tip of its beak, a ball of dark energy rapidly formed—the same move!

Shadow Ball!

Boom!

The two Shadow Balls collided mid-air and exploded.

Was it an even match?

No!

In the next moment, Galarian Articuno's Shadow Ball emerged from the smoke. Although its power had been slightly weakened, it still struck Alakazam directly.

"Huff!"

Alakazam cried out in pain, seemingly about to plummet from the sky.

"Even though Will-san is Big Brother Stephen's companion, the skill gap seems pretty big."

Iono had already skillfully pulled out a camera and started filming, making a merciless remark.

Will's face darkened.

Damn it, I've only been in Pallet Town for less than a week! Catching an Alakazam was already my limit!

If I could use my main team, would I be getting mocked by this little girl?

"It's coming again."

Karen reminded them.

Everyone looked up and saw Galarian Articuno spreading its wings wide in the sky, its entire body wrapped in an orange-red aura, resembling a small phoenix.

That was Brave Bird Attack!

"Going all out like this?!"

Will exclaimed dramatically.

"Looks like Master Mustard's prolonged battle with it pissed it off."

Leon speculated.

All that could be said was that Will was unlucky—he had become the scapegoat.

"No choice. Capture first, tame later."

Stephen suddenly interjected.

Before the others could react…

High above, Galarian Articuno suddenly withdrew its Brave Bird's momentum because it sensed it—an overwhelming pressure that made it feel suffocated.

Its narrow avian eyes looked downward.

Standing at the forefront was a human, and behind him, a towering shadow slowly rose, gradually standing up.

Even though that figure was positioned below it, its gaze felt as though it was looking down upon Articuno.

Will and Karen instinctively took half a step back, distancing themselves from the invincible presence standing behind Stephen.