Back over at Juniper's lab, Oak, Delia and Ash were in the lab's kitchen enjoying a feast that Juniper had certain assistants of hers prepare for them as a welcome gift to Unova. As they were eating and chatting, Professor Oak turned to Ash.
"So, Ash, I was wondering if you would be up for doing a little something for me while you're on your journey," he said to him.
Ash looked up at Oak, motioning for him to continue.
"Well, as you know, I'm only on vacation here for a little while, so I won't have that much time to go out and see all of Unova's Pokémon for myself," Oak said. "And that's where you come in. What I'm asking is if you'd be willing to check up with me from time to time to tell me about the different Pokémon you encounter?"
Ash nodded, swallowing his food. "Absolutely! I'd be happy to do that for you, Professor."
Oak smiled, satisfied with the answer. "Wonderful! I just know you're going to meet all kinds of new Pokémon."