He nods, there being no sort of recognition, but at the nod to Charizard he turns to look at her. She's looking back at him, not sure what's going on, but he shakes his head to her before turning back to the professor.

"We know you- we're familiar with your work." That's an understatement. "I'm a trainer from Kanto."

Pikachu, though confused by the situation, steps forward and holds out a paw for him to take as Red continues to speak.

"There's a few pokémon trainers here, but not a lot. I think she was surprised to see you and your dragonite."

Which wasn't a complete lie. None of them knew if any of the other trainers present had one with them.