Chapter 79: The Hidden Mastermind! (Fifth Update, Ten Thousand Words—Cast Your Votes! That's How Bold I Am!)

The town of Violet Garden was under lockdown.

Chen Ou only learned of this upon arrival. The blockade had been in effect for less than two hours.

“Uh, may I ask what exactly happened?” he inquired.

Chen Ou managed to enter, thanks to Scarlet’s connections.

Before him sat an elderly man, bald with white eyebrows. This was Elder Fuji, a philanthropist who was on friendly terms with Scarlet. He was the one who had brought Chen Ou into the town.

“Lately, the ghosts in town seem to have fallen into a state of frenzy. They could attack humans at any moment. Most people have evacuated, and we’ve already requested rescue from the League. Nearly everyone has left. I couldn’t bring myself to abandon the children, so I stayed. Here, have some tea.”

Elder Fuji spoke with a gentle smile, handing a cup of tea to Chen Ou as he spoke.

Chen Ou took the tea, thanked him, and sipped it, his face relaxing in pleasure.

When he arrived in Violet Garden, night had already fallen. Now, it was dinner time. Early spring in Kanto was still chilly at night, and after spending time outside in the cold wind, Chen Ou felt much better after a sip of hot tea.

But it was an act.

Chen Ou was a Flame-Flame Fruit user; he could wear a down coat in the desert and a T-shirt in the snow. Unless he was swimming in magma, heat and cold meant nothing to him.

Still, if he didn’t act like a normal person, it would arouse suspicion. Ace and Sabo, also Flame-Flame Fruit users, never had this problem—after all, the world of pirates was brimming with superhuman monsters.

But in the world of Pokémon, it was best to behave like everyone else in front of strangers.

No need to frighten others—after all, even someone like Sabrina only possessed a normal human body, with no extraordinary physical traits.

Elder Fuji smiled at Chen Ou’s gesture, feeling a strong affection for this handsome and friendly young man. That was one reason he was willing to help Chen Ou.

Besides, there was a hint of pressing him into service. Though ghost-type Pokémon were rampaging through Violet Garden, most weren’t particularly strong.

Seeing the Growlithe at Chen Ou’s side, Elder Fuji judged that the little creature could handle itself amid such unrest. Since Chen Ou insisted on entering Violet Garden, Fuji hadn’t objected much—he was the only one left in town, and having someone to talk to was a blessing.

As for why Chen Ou insisted on coming to Violet Garden despite the danger...

It was actually because of this elderly man before him.

If he hadn’t met him, Chen Ou might have forgotten that such a formidable figure existed in the original story.

One must understand: this seemingly ordinary old man before him was once hailed by Professor Oak as “the greatest scholar of his time.”

He was the brilliant mind behind the creation of Mewtwo!

Were it not for his Rocket Team history and the enmity he drew in the research community due to ideological conflicts, he would not be living out his days in obscurity in this small town.

Chen Ou was utterly fascinated by the knowledge and materials this man possessed.

As a researcher himself, Chen Ou’s attitude toward knowledge was one of absolute respect and reverence.

To Chen Ou, even Arceus was less impressive than this elder.

Mewtwo! The legendary Pokémon with the greatest potential. Unlike Magearna, Mewtwo was a true fighter—a being capable of arm-wrestling with Mega Rayquaza and Unbound Hoopa. Chen Ou didn’t expect to replicate another one. He was a traditional researcher, and frankly, he didn’t endorse Elder Fuji’s methods. Mewtwo’s existence wasn’t the main issue; after all, Porygon was also an artificial Pokémon, now widely used in the League’s information departments.

Artificial Pokémon weren’t the problem. The key issue was that Elder Fuji had given Mewtwo a human mode of thinking.

Thus, whether Mewtwo was truly a Pokémon or a human became an open question.

“Professor Fuji, allow me to introduce myself,” Chen Ou said, setting down his tea and looking earnestly at the elder, who was playing with Cubone.

Elder Fuji turned to him with a smile, saying, “Didn’t you already introduce yourself… What did you call me?”

As he spoke the last words, his smile vanished.

“My name is Chen Ou. I am a trainer traveling with the goal of collecting the eight badges and competing in the Indigo League. I am also a Pokémon Professor specializing in ancient legends, apprenticed to Professor Oak. I learned of your renowned reputation through him, have seen your photograph, and have studied your papers on genetic inheritance.”

Chen Ou spoke with genuine sincerity. He truly meant it. In the field of Pokémon genetic research, even if given thirty years, Chen Ou doubted he could surpass this seemingly frail old man.

Chen Ou never displayed arrogance before those stronger than himself.

“Professor… I haven’t heard that title in a long time. Have those old fellows in the research community not erased my name yet?”

Elder Fuji sat across from Chen Ou, his expression complicated.

“Truly great research never vanishes from history, even if the discoverer’s name is lost. Your works ‘Gene Transplantation’ and ‘Gene Function’ are absolute classics. Many documents in the field now may look different, but their core still follows your genetic theories.”

Chen Ou smiled as he spoke. He wasn’t lying; no matter what, the research community could never sidestep this giant. Even when his name was avoided, his legend still circulated.

Elder Fuji’s smile was deeply genuine—he was truly happy. For a researcher, nothing was more terrifying than seeing their theories forgotten.

“You’re remarkable, too—a doctor at such a young age. I’ve never seen that before. You study ancient Pokémon legends? A mythologist?”

Mythologist was a special category of researcher; Cynthia, Professor Magnolia, and Chen Ou were all mythologists.

“Yes, though I focus more on the practical study of legendary Pokémon.”

Chen Ou noticed that when he mentioned legendary Pokémon, Elder Fuji’s face flashed with a subtle unease.

“Haha, an outstanding junior. So, what brings you to me?”

Elder Fuji laughed heartily.

“I actually just came to see Violet Garden, but now that I’ve met you, my main purpose has changed.”

Chen Ou spoke calmly.

“Oh? Tell me more,” Elder Fuji asked with keen interest.

“What are your thoughts on the existence of Mewtwo?”

At this, the room fell silent. Only the wind howled outside the window.