030: Professor Oak's Laboratory Backyard!
In the more recent chapters of the anime, particularly Pokémon Journeys, Gary returned to the storyline with renewed purpose. He had matured and was no longer just the arrogant rival of Ash. He applied for the prestigious international research initiative known as Project Mew, a collaboration between elite researchers across regions.
To qualify, Gary had to meet rigorous entry standards. His personal trial was to retrieve a Moltres feather, a task demanding both intellect and battle skill. Gary's own powerhouse Pokémon, including Blastoise and Electivire, battled Moltres with precision and teamwork, proving his strength and strategic growth since his earlier Trainer days.
This moment highlighted a key theme of the Pokémon world: the paths of Trainer and Researcher are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, the power and knowledge of a seasoned Trainer can be a tremendous asset in research. Professor Oak himself embodies this dual path an accomplished Trainer in his youth and later a world-class Pokémon researcher.
Of the four companions now walking together, Ash had the most singular, unshakable dream. Whether in his original form from the manga, or the reincarnated, time-traveling Ash of this tale, his goal has always been crystal clear: to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer, the legendary Pokémon Master.
Ash understood better than anyone that dreams require focus. Time and energy are finite. While casual hobbies or minor ambitions can coexist, truly excelling in a profession especially to the point of being the best demands total commitment.
With knowledge from both his lives, Ash had already dismissed the idea of pursuing multiple careers. For him, the path of a Pokémon Master is all-consuming, and there's no room to dilute that effort.
He didn't dream of becoming a regional champion or a member of the Elite Four. His ambition was to become the definitive number one across all regions the undisputed top Trainer in the entire Pokémon world.
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The group of four chatted about their respective dreams as they made their way toward the northern edge of town, where Professor Oak's Laboratory stood proudly on a gentle hill, nestled beside the forest.
As Gary had mentioned earlier, Pallet Town was bustling today. Children from nearby cities had arrived for the Pokémon summer camp, and the usually quiet town had transformed into a vibrant, noisy gathering.
Ash and the others deliberately avoided the crowds and made their way to the lab. Outside the main gate, several kids were begging the lab staff to let them in, but were being gently refused.
Unlike in some games or simplified adaptations, the lab in the manga and anime was not open to casual visitors. It housed volatile equipment and rare Pokémon, and researchers often worked on sensitive experiments. Uncontrolled foot traffic posed real risks not just to safety, but to data integrity and Pokémon wellbeing.
From Ash's perspective especially with his maturity from two lifetimes he also understood that some of the lab's experimental results and classified data likely couldn't be revealed, even to harmless-looking kids.
"Children, there are researchers working hard inside the lab today," said Professor Oak's assistant, Tracey Sketchit, who now helped with archival duties. "Professor Oak will give them the day off tomorrow, so you'll all be able to tour the lab then."
"Okay~"
"Yay~"
Despite their disappointment, the kids gradually dispersed.
"Mr. Tracey, where are the two students I asked you to bring for a lab tour earlier?" Gary stepped forward once the crowd cleared.
"Ah, Gary. They're in the media room next to the archives. I had them watch footage of the Professor's fieldwork he's been doing some fascinating studies on wild Garchomp behavior in Sinnoh."
Gary nodded. "Thanks. I'll catch up with them later. Right now, I want to show my friends around."
"Heading to the backyard?" Tracey asked with a knowing smile. "It's a safe area, but remember those Pokémon belong to Trainers or are under temporary lab custody. Be cautious."
"Got it!"
With that, Tracey led them through the entrance. As they passed through the inner halls, Ash, Gary, Tierno, and Trevor walked quickly, careful not to disturb the focused researchers.
Many of the lab's staff were buried in data analysis or tending to incubators. Their attention was so laser-focused that none even looked up as the group walked by.
Ash, already familiar with the lab from past visits, paid little mind. Gary, being a frequent visitor himself, looked perfectly at home.
Tierno and Trevor, however, were in awe. Their eyes darted around, taking in everything from fossil specimens to holographic data displays.
"The current research cycle is wrapping up," Gary explained casually. "That's why Grandpa had time to organize the summer camp this year. But for now, let's not distract them. I'll take you guys to the backyard first we'll tour the interior lab later."
"Oh, okay!" Tierno and Trevor answered eagerly, a little embarrassed but clearly thrilled.
"The backyard's where the fun really is," Ash added with a grin. "There are tons of Pokémon there. Some are being studied, and others are left in care by Trainers who've gone abroad."
"Pokémon?!" Tierno and Trevor perked up, their expressions shining with excitement.
Though the research labs held intellectual value, what really drew the hearts of six-year-olds were the Pokémon themselves their shapes, movements, and behaviors.
"Shhh " Gary gestured for silence. "Don't disturb the researchers. Follow me."
He led the group through a rear hallway that opened out into a wide, fenced path behind the building.
Although the area was officially called the "backyard," it was more accurate to call it the ecological reserve or habitat zone.
The lab sat atop a small hill, and the rear opened into a sweeping valley bordered by forest. The "backyard" contained a range of biomes: from lush grasslands and deep woods to rocky cliffs, sandy patches, swamps, and even a small lake.
In total, the enclosed environment spanned over 4,000 mu a size rivaling Tsinghua University's campus in Ash's previous life.
Within this zone lived a vast array of Pokémon. Some had been captured temporarily for behavioral study. Others had been entrusted to Professor Oak by Trainers traveling abroad, like Paul, Ritchie, and even Red, who made a rare appearance in early chapters.
This was a place where science, conservation, and love for Pokémon met and now Ash, Tierno, and Trevor were about to see it with their own eyes.
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