Jiang Mo gently picked up the tired Eevee, softly stroked its head to let it rest assured, and then took out an empty Poké Ball and recalled it.
Immediately, Jiang Mo turned around and looked at Dr. Bulano with a calm expression, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity: "Dr. Bulano, actually, I came to see you today for something more important."
Dr. Bulano raised his eyebrows. Although he was convinced by the results of the experiment, he hadn't completely let down his guard: "What is it?"
Jiang Mo took a deep breath, his eyes slightly complex: "The North America Alliance sent us here to protect you and move you to a safer place."
"Now the conflict between the Shenzhou Alliance and the North America Alliance is gradually escalating. We are worried that your research results will become a flashpoint for the conflict, so it's better to leave as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, Dr. Bulano didn't agree immediately; instead, he smiled meaningfully: "Jiang Mo, you are indeed exceptionally talented in research, but that doesn't mean I will easily believe your words."
"Do you think I can't tell? You are not people from the North America Alliance at all."
Jiang Mo was stunned, then his expression subtly changed as he tried to cover up: "Dr. Bulano, what do you mean by that? We were sent here on a mission..."
Dr. Bulano waved his hand, interrupting Jiang Mo: "Stop pretending, Jiang Mo. You might be able to fool others, but you can't fool me."
"A genius Researcher and a genius Breeder from the Shenzhou Alliance, and a direct disciple of Dr. Ouyang, would betray the Shenzhou Alliance to join the North America Alliance? That sounds like a joke."
As soon as he said this, Jiang Mo was speechless.
He had indeed never said he was from the North America Alliance; at most, he had blurred his identity, but he hadn't expected the Doctor to already know.
He was silent for a moment, then sighed, deciding not to pretend anymore: "Alright, Dr. Bulano, you are indeed very formidable. However, since things are already like this, we don't need to beat around the bush."
Dr. Bulano smiled coldly: "Since you know my attitude, hurry up and leave."
"The people coming to pick me up are from the Fujiwara Family, and they'll be here soon. I don't want to make things difficult for you. Considering our pleasant exchange just now, I can pretend I haven't seen you this time."
Jiang Mo, however, smiled faintly and said: "Heh heh, the Fujiwara Family? I'm afraid they won't be able to make it..."
Dr. Bulano frowned and asked: "Won't be able to? What do you mean?"
Jiang Mo continued: "It means exactly what it says. The Taiping Islands region is so chaotic; encountering pirates is quite normal, isn't it?"
Dr. Bulano now understood what Jiang Mo meant. He feared that the Fujiwara Family had already fallen into Jiang Mo's hands.
However, Dr. Bulano continued: "Don't say anything more. Even if the Fujiwara Family can't make it, the Alliance will send someone else to pick me up. Just give up on this idea."
Jiang Mo remained unmoved, taking a step forward and saying firmly: "Dr. Bulano, I just want to ask one more question: Are you truly willing to stay in the North America Alliance? Is this research truly what you want to do?"
Dr. Bulano was stunned by the question, his gaze flickered for a moment, but he quickly said coldly: "These are not questions you should be asking."
Jiang Mo smiled and continued: "Dr. Bulano, these cloned Pokémon you are researching, although powerful, all have lifespan issues."
"The people of the North America Alliance don't care about these things. They only hope you can research more powerful clones, preferably ones that can be mass-produced."
"As for their lifespan, it doesn't matter to them, because they only see these as consumables, to be discarded once used."
Dr. Bulano's eyes darkened, clearly somewhat swayed, but he still didn't express an opinion: "So what? Only the North America Alliance is willing to invest enough resources to support my research. If it were your Shenzhou Alliance, could you do that?"
Jiang Mo shook his head, looking at him frankly: "Dr. Bulano, resources are indeed important, but is this truly the research direction you wish to pursue?"
"Can a pile of tools without life meaning truly bring you a sense of accomplishment? Or rather, are you willing to let your hard work become fuel for war?"
Dr. Bulano fell silent, clearly, Jiang Mo's words had hit a sore spot.
He lowered his eyes and murmured: "But, without funding, these researches simply cannot proceed..."
Jiang Mo saw his hesitation and pressed on: "Dr. Bulano, I am not asking you to join the Shenzhou Alliance."
"In fact, I myself do not entirely belong to the Alliance. I only hope you can join an organization that is truly willing to support your research dreams, a place where you can display your talents while avoiding being reduced to a mere tool."
Jiang Mo had no intention of poaching talent for the Shenzhou Alliance. For someone as brilliant as Dr. Bulano, it would be better for him to work for Dawn.
"Dr. Bulano, have you ever seen the scene before dawn? That sliver of light cutting through the dark sky, bringing forth light?"
Dr. Bulano looked up, staring at Jiang Mo: "You mean... Dawn?"
Dr. Bulano instantly understood what Jiang Mo was talking about. Although Dawn had declined somewhat in recent years, its reputation was still very great.
Especially since Dr. Bulano had experienced the era when Jiang Mo's grandfather controlled Dawn. Back then, Dawn was not just a headache for the Shenzhou Alliance; other alliances also changed their expressions when it was mentioned, fearing to get involved with this trouble.
Jiang Mo boasted without batting an eye: "That's right, Dawn doesn't simply serve any one alliance, but exists for all who love Pokémon and wish to protect the world."
"Dr. Bulano, isn't what you want to do to research the true possibilities of Pokémon? Here, you will find the most suitable soil to achieve all of this."
Dr. Bulano fell into deep thought, his hands clenched, as if weighing something. Jiang Mo didn't rush him, but quietly waited for his answer.
Dr. Bulano shook his head, his tone firm: "Jiang Mo, your proposal sounds very tempting, but I will not agree."
"Why would I stop being a proper Alliance Doctor and become a rebel? This is not only my profession, but also my responsibility."
"I know your ideals for Dawn are great, but this path is destined to be full of thorns."
"Moreover, I heard that Dawn's situation seems to be getting worse day by day. What makes you think you can persuade me?"
Jiang Mo had expected him to refuse, but he still cursed the 'stubborn old man' under his breath. Now, Jiang Mo had no choice but to pull out his last trump card.
"Dr. Bulano, I have a research project here that is enough to revolutionize the entire research world. Perhaps, this will change your mind."
Looking at the righteous Dr. Bulano, a glint flashed in Jiang Mo's eyes as he slowly spoke.
