Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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The evening deepened, with the sun setting gradually, casting long shadows across a wide and smooth road where a sports car sped along.

Professor Oak glanced at Liam, who sat beside him, holding a Pokémon egg with utmost care, his demeanor cautious and reserved. The sight warmed the professor's heart, deepening his favorable impression of the young man.

As a former League Champion, Professor Oak valued not just strength but also a deep love for Pokémon. Watching Liam handle the egg so carefully reminded him of his younger self.

"Young man, I realized I haven't asked for your name yet. That's quite rude of me," Professor Oak said, turning slightly to smile.

"Huh? Oh! My name is Liam…"

Startled by the sudden question, Liam quickly replied but then fell silent, his tension evident.

Seeing this, Professor Oak laughed heartily.

"Haha! No need to be so nervous. Am I that intimidating? Liam, is it? That's a nice name. But you're not from around here, are you? Your accent doesn't give away which region you're from either."

Scratching his head awkwardly, Liam grinned. "Not at all, Professor. You're very approachable. It's just that you're so famous, and this is my first time meeting someone like you. It's a bit overwhelming."

"You're right, though. I'm not from Kanto. My hometown is far away. Because of an accident, I ended up here, and I don't think I'll be able to go back. Hehe…"

Liam smiled as he spoke, treating it as a new beginning rather than a source of sorrow. However, Professor Oak misinterpreted his words, assuming Liam was masking his pain with a smile. 

Feeling a bit guilty, Oak's expression softened.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry into your personal matters," Oak said apologetically.

"No, no! Not at all," Liam waved his hands quickly. "It's nothing for you to apologize for, Professor. I'm not sad about it. For me, this is a fresh start, a new world where I hope to live even more happily."

Hearing the sincerity in Liam's words, Oak relaxed, a hint of affection appearing in his gaze.

"You're quite the optimistic one, Liam. Mind if I call you that?"

"Of course not! You can call me whatever you like, Professor!"

"Haha, great! Well then, Liam, first of all, let me welcome you to Kanto. I hope you'll make some wonderful memories here."

"Thank you, Professor! I'll do my best."

"Good, good! Youthful energy is always refreshing to see. You remind me of myself at your age. We're almost in Pallet Town. I hope you don't mind starting your Kanto journey at my house. Let me extend some hospitality as your host."

"It's no trouble at all. Thank you for having me, Professor."

"Not at all! I'm thrilled. It's been a while since I've met such an interesting young man. Your personality is so easygoing—much better than my grumpy kid. I'll introduce you two later. Maybe you can teach him a thing or two about being approachable. He's so standoffish, it drives me crazy."

Liam chuckled awkwardly, suspecting Prof. Oak was referring to his son. Despite his harsh words, Liam could see the fatherly affection shining through Prof. Oak's eyes, making it clear he was the quintessential "tough-love" parent.

The sun dipped completely below the horizon, but in the distance, the glow of a small town came into view. The last rays of sunlight lingered on the rooftops, casting the town in a golden veil, creating a breathtaking scene.

Liam straightened slightly, his face lighting up with excitement. "It's beautiful…"

Professor Oak, satisfied with Liam's reaction, smiled. Though he had seen the view countless times, hearing someone praise his hometown filled him with pride. Slowing the car slightly, he allowed Liam to take in the scenery.

"Here we are, Liam."

At some point, the car had stopped in front of a villa. Prof. Oak got out and patted Liam's shoulder, snapping him out of his reverie. 

Realizing they'd arrived, Liam blushed, hurriedly getting out while carefully cradling the Pokémon egg. His bashful demeanor drew another hearty laugh from the professor.

"Your laughter can be heard from inside the house. Did your thesis finally get approved?"

The front door opened, revealing a graceful woman. Her soft smile complemented her gentle voice as she addressed Professor Oak.

"Haha! Liam, let me introduce my wife, Fumiko. You can call her Aunt Fumiko. Fumiko, this is Liam, a new friend I met today. And no, my thesis didn't pass… Haha…"

Fumiko's eyes briefly reflected worry but quickly shifted to warmth as she turned to Liam. "Liam, is it? Come in, come in! Dinner is ready. Let's eat first and talk later."

She took Professor Oak's briefcase and gently ushered Liam inside, her kindness melting away any lingering awkwardness. Liam couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart.

Inside, the spacious dining room held a table laden with food. At one side, a serious-looking boy with a stoic expression sat quietly.

"You can wash up here, Liam. Once you're ready, we'll eat. I made lots of food today, initially to celebrate Max's milestone, but now it's also to welcome you!"

Fumiko placed a soft mat for Liam to rest his egg, then urged him to wash up. After rinsing his hands and face, Liam returned, only to find himself seated next to the stern boy from earlier.

The boy glanced at Liam, their eyes meeting briefly before they both nodded in silent acknowledgment. Then the boy turned away, resuming his indifferent demeanor.

"That's Max," Prof. Oak said after washing his hands. "I just met Liam today, but I already admire him greatly. Max, you should learn from Liam—he's excellent in many ways."

Max remained silent, focusing on his food, leaving the atmosphere a bit awkward. Fumiko intervened, smiling at Liam. "Don't mind Max. He's always like this. Eat up and enjoy yourself."

Despite the earlier tension, the meal ended on a lighter note, with Prof. Oak and Aunt Fumiko chatting warmly with Liam. Afterward, Liam helped Fumiko with the dishes, earning more of her fondness. 

By the time he sat down with Prof. Oak to chat, they had already struck a friendly rapport.

As they discussed various topics—mostly about Pokémon—Prof. Oak found himself increasingly impressed by Liam's vast knowledge. It far exceeded what someone his age should know. 

Finally, as the night wound down, Prof. Oak asked a crucial question:

"Liam, what are your plans for the future?"