Sato realized… they had arrived too early.

When the three of them entered the Oak Research Lab, they discovered that both researchers and guests were still busy setting up the place.

"You must be Sato, right? I'm Professor Samuel Oak, the head of the lab. Sorry, things are hectic right now. I can't properly welcome you… Gary, come here!"

Professor Oak was wearing a standard lab coat. After quickly greeting Sato and the others, he zipped off to continue working.

The three looked at each other but didn't feel slighted at all. It was obvious the place was genuinely busy.

After all, Samuel Oak had only recently stepped down as Champion. In terms of strength and seniority, he was incredibly well-established. They were just kids… nothing to make a fuss over.

On the other side, Gary had already walked over, trying to act mature as he formally led the three into the lounge.

"Please, have a seat. I'll go make some drinks!" he said "solemnly", turning toward the water dispenser.

White quickly pulled him back. "No need, no need! We're not thirsty. If there's anything you need help with, just say it."

Gary pretended to frown and hesitated on purpose. "Are you sure? You're guests…"

"It's fine, really. Everyone's busy, and it feels weird for us to just sit around. Tell us what you need." As White spoke, he had already rolled up his sleeves.

"Well then… could I trouble you three to blow up those balloons over there?"

Sure enough, Gary had only been putting on a show of politeness. The moment White gave the OK, he wasted no time issuing orders. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ NovᴇlFɪre.ɴet

As for the drinks?

Work first!

And so, the three of them each got a little stool and sat in a corner of the lab, endlessly inflating balloons.

Hiss-shoo… hiss-shoo… hiss-shoo…

"Gary acts so mature, but then he does childish stuff like fighting over a broken Poké Ball with someone else?" White said while pumping air into a balloon.

Hiss-shoo… hiss-shoo…

"In the end, he's still a little brat. The way he acted earlier was what's really out of place," Clair rolled her eyes, continuing to inflate balloons without pause.

Hiss-shoo… hiss-shoo…

"Hey! Sato, you're here too!"

A somewhat familiar voice came from behind. Sato turned and saw that it was Ryoko, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

"You came too? Coming all the way from the Hoenn Region isn't exactly close," Sato said, noticing that Ryoko was holding a bundle of cut ribbons, clearly also helping with setup.

"It's not just me. Phoebe and Norman came too, they're helping set up the place outside! Where's Joseph and Mark? Didn't they come?"

Ryoko smiled as she spoke, clearly happy to run into an old friend after so many years.

"They couldn't make it. I'll catch up with Norman and the others later, but I've got stuff to do right now."

Sato chuckled and pointed to the balloon in his hand with a helpless look.

"No rush. A lot of old friends are here this time. We'll talk soon. I'd better get back to work for now~"

Ryoko nodded and walked away without hesitation… just like always.

"Hey hey hey! Sato, that's not cool~ When did you get to know that gorgeous lady, huh? Not even gonna introduce us?"

The moment Ryoko left, White raised an eyebrow and questioned him. With that expression -already not the most handsome- he looked downright sleazy.

"I know a lot of people. I'll introduce them to you later," Sato replied seriously, pretending not to get what he meant.

"Hurry up with the balloons. No one's going anywhere until we finish!" Clair suddenly snapped, glaring at both Sato and White with clear disgust.

Sato: …?

Hiss-shoo… hiss-shoo… hiss-shoo…

Sato and the others hadn't even been inflating balloons for a few quiet minutes when -thump thump thump- a large group suddenly rushed over, and from far away they heard someone yelling, "…SATO! SATO!"

Well… not that far, actually.

Sato turned his head and saw Norman charging in front, followed by Ryoko, Phoebe, Winona, Steven, and Wallace… all of them were here!

"Come fight me! My Slaking didn't slack off today!"

"Move aside! All you ever do is fight. Sato, didn't you miss me~?"

Phoebe shoved Norman's head aside and grinned playfully as she leaned in toward Sato.

Sato pressed his lips together and glanced at Steven and Wallace.

"Long time no see, Sato." Steven gave a small nod, reserved as ever.

"Sato… it's been a while for us too. Have you been taking good care of the Skorupi I gave you?"

Wallace immediately stole the spotlight, even though they'd just seen each other not long ago at Lake Valor in Sinnoh.

"Yeah, it's almost ready to evolve..."

Sato barely got a few words out before being interrupted again.

"Sato, let's fight already!"

"Aww, little Sato's ignoring his big sis now~? I'm so heartbroken!"

POW!

Suddenly, a balloon popped, and everyone instantly went silent, all turning to look at Clair.

Clair's face shifted rapidly from annoyance and impatience, to startled shock, to innocent wide-eyed, and finally to a smile she clearly thought was irresistibly cute.

"Um… wanna help blow up balloons together?"

Soon, a rather bizarre scene appeared in the corner of the lab.

A group of renowned "Star Trainers" from Johto and Hoenn, now sitting around chatting and blowing up balloons.

Among them were a Flying (Dragon)-type Elite Four member's cousin.

A rich kid who refused to inherit his fortune but was still loaded.

The League's most intimidating Investigator.

A quietly powerful Trainer deeply trusted by the League

A future Top Contest Champion, the Gym Leader suspected to be his girlfriend.

And a certain company heir who loved rocks more than being Champion…

In comparison, Sato and Norman -the two young, solitary Gym Leaders- didn't stand out all that much.

Wait, no… those two were the only ones in the group without any family background to rely on, who had earned everything through their own strength!

Hiss-shoo… hiss-shoo… hiss-shoo…

Of course, regardless of background, everyone had to sit and blow up balloons here.

And with more hands on deck, hundreds of balloons were handled in no time.

Now that the task was done, there was no need for Gary to assign them anything else. Everyone wandered around, helping wherever needed.

But most of them spent the time chatting, those who didn't know each other quickly became acquainted, and the whole atmosphere was cheerful and lively.

Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

"GARY, GET THE DOOR!"

No one knew where Professor Oak was when he shouted that. Gary, who had been admiring himself in the mirror, jolted and bolted toward the entrance.

Moments later, another wave of guests arrived… including Cynthia, Flint, and Volkner.

After helping defend the cities attacked by Team Rocket, the three had told Sato they were still tied up with other matters; who would've guessed they were actually coming to the Oak Research Lab inauguration?

And they weren't the only ones…

Many Gym Leaders from Johto -or their juniors- also showed up.

Like Morty from Ecruteak City, Falkner from Violet City, Chuck from Cianwood City, and others.

Ding-dong~ ding-dong~

The doorbell rang again!