Underground Man

The Underground Man (Japanese: ちかおじさん Underground Man) lives in Eterna City in a house next door to the Pokémon Center. He is the father of Byron and grandfather of Roark.

In the games
When the undefined first meets him, he gives them the Explorer Kit. The other NPCs in his house describe various aspects of exploring the Underground.

He also gives the player a series of tasks, each with various rewards for completion:

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

 * Eterna City
 * First encounter
 * "I am! I am the first to have gone underground and dug some tunnels. You can call me the Underground Man. Everyone else does. I'll make a gift of this to you. You hold up your end of the deal and put it to good use!"
 * "My gift to you, the Explorer Kit, will instantly take you underground! You need only to use it, and you will be down in the tunnels! The Underground is a different world where you can do this, that, and the other thing, too! Let me mentor you into becoming a full-fledged spelunker! Will you take on that challenge?"
 * Yes: Hm! Well said, my young friend! I will teach you by assigning missions. First, go underground! Going underground is quite easy. Simply use your Explorer Kit. If you accomplish that, I will give you your next test."''
 * No: "I had hoped to teach a youngster like you about the many charms of the underground tunnels... But I can't force you to accept my proposal if you're not inclined. Sigh... I get so lonely sometimes..."


 * If talked to again without saying Yes
 * "Let me mentor you as you become a full-fledged spelunker! Will you take on that challenge?"
 * Yes: Hm! Well said, my young friend! I will teach you by assigning missions. First, go underground! Going underground is quite easy. Simply use your Explorer Kit. If you accomplish that, I will give you your next test."''
 * No: "I had hoped to teach a youngster like you about the many charms of the underground tunnels... But I can't force you to accept my proposal if you're not inclined. Sigh... I get so lonely sometimes..."


 * If talked to again before using the Explorer Kit and going to The Underground
 * "You've not gone underground yet? To get down to the underground tunnels, you need only to use your Explorer Kit. But you need to be outside. It can't be used indoors or in a cave. Now, off you go!"


 * If talked to again after using the Explorer Kit and going to The Underground
 * "Hm! I see that you've gone down to the underground tunnels! Well done! Take these as rewards!"
 * "Those are called Traps. They're triggered when stepped on. The Underground is a place where you can go with your friends. You might try setting those Traps when you're down there with others. Now, what should I assign you next..."
 * "How was it in the underground tunnels? Big and empty, I would think. But that's only because you are a novice spelunker! There are many hidden things down there that are not visible to the eye. For my next test, I want you to dig up some Treasure or Spheres for me. While underground, check the Radar for yellow spots. Go to such a location and search for Treasure using the Touch Screen."


 * If talked to again before digging something out of the wall
 * "You've not located any Treasure or Spheres yet? Listen. Check the Radar and go to any yellow spot that's shown. Next, use the Touch Screen to identify places to dig. Try to get right on top of a yellow spot on the Radar, OK? Once you are right in front of it, press the A Button! Now, off you go on your search!"


 * If talked to again after digging something out of the wall
 * "Ah! You dug up what I was looking for! Good job on finding it! Well done, indeed! Take these as your reward!"
 * "Dig in the walls of the underground tunnels to unearth hidden stuff. Fossils and Stones can be dug up and brought out from down under. Spheres, which are gems, cannot be brought out, but they can be exchanged for goods down there. Now, what should I assign you next...?"
 * "My tests aren't over yet! Next, let's use some Spheres! The Spheres one can find underground are very peculiar. When buried in the ground, they grow daily, a little bit at a time. I want you to go bury these strange Spheres in the underground tunnels. That is my latest test!"


 * If talked to again before planting a Sphere in the ground
 * "You've not buried the Spheres yet? You're afraid of losing them? Have no fear! Spheres are easily buried and just as easily dug up. Don't be afraid. Go bury those Spheres like I've said. Just don't forget where you've buried them--the Underground is huge!"


 * If talked to again after planting a Sphere in the ground
 * "Good, good! You've buried your Spheres! The next time you go underground, they should have grown bigger! Just don't forget where you've buried your Spheres! Anyway, well done! This is your reward!"
 * "You may have seen them already, but there are Sphere collectors. They wander about in the underground tunnels seeking Spheres. They'll happily trade you items for big Spheres. Now, what shall I assign you next...?"
 * "Have you grown weary of repeatedly going back to the Underground? Well, it's not over yet! Next up is your Secret Base! That's right, I will teach you how to make your own Secret Base! All you need is the Digger Drill I gave you earlier. Simply go underground and use the Digger Drill wherever you like. That will instantly make you your very own Secret Base! So, your next assignment is: go make your own Secret Base!"


 * If talked to again before digging a Secret Base
 * "Hm? You don't know how to use the Digger Drill? OK, I'll admit this test may have been a little tricky for you. All you need to do is find the Digger Drill among your Traps. Then, face a wall and use the Digger Drill. That's all it takes. Do that and you'll have your Secret Base before you can say... Boo! No, seriously though!"


 * If talked to again after digging a Secret Base
 * "Ah, you've made your Secret Base! Excellent! I thought I might have been asking too much of you, but you did it! Well done! Take these as your reward!"
 * "Incidentally, a Digger Drill can be used only once. If you wish to move your Secret Base, you will need to obtain another Digger Drill. You can trade a Sphere for one underground. What should I make you do next..."
 * "Hm! You've stuck it out to the end! This is my final test. You've made yourself a Secret Base, but it's totally empty, is it not? Not to worry! You can decorate your own Secret Base as you see fit! So! For my final test, I want you to decorate your Secret Base. Use furniture and interior goods to give your Secret Base character!"


 * If talked to again before decorating a Secret Base
 * "Ah, have I finally managed to stump you? Perhaps you've left your Secret Base's door open? You see, the underground tunnels are visited by many Trainers. It wouldn't do to have someone barge in on you while you're working on your Secret Base. Don't forget to close the door while you're redecorating!"


 * If talked to again after decorating a Secret Base
 * "Ah! You've even managed to decorate your Secret Base! I knew I recognized a spelunker in you! Don't forget to close the door when you're decorating! We don't want any visitors getting hurt by walking in on you! Also, if you want to place goods you've received, store them in the PC first. Anyways, well done! This is your reward!"
 * "There are ways of collecting more decoration goods. You can grow Spheres you've found and trade them for goods. It's also possible to obtain goods from friends."
 * "I've taught you all I know, but if you insist, there is one more thing I should tell you. The Secret Base you've made has Big Boulders that get in the way, yes? There is actually a way of moving those boulders aside... However, the task may be dangerous for you now. I suppose I could tell you how when you get better as a spelunker..."


 * If talked to again before capturing a flag from another player's Secret Base
 * "...Hm! However, you are someone I'd recognized as a born spelunker... Fine! I will tell you, but only because you're exceptional! You know that you may go underground with your friends, correct? That means your friends are certain to have Secret Bases of their own. Now, this is what you must do: First, find a friend's Secret Base. Next, go to the PC and steal your friend's Flag. Then, run back to your Secret Base and take the Flag to your PC! If you can do that, I will permit you to move boulders."


 * If talked to again after capturing a flag from another player's Secret Base
 * "Ah! My spelunker! Are you spelunking with your friends? It's a hundred times more fun to play with friends underground! If you manage to steal a Flag from a friend's Secret Base, you be sure to come show me!"
 * "Wait! Don't tell me! You've captured a Flag? Excellent! You should already be capable of moving Big Boulders inside your Secret Base! You can shunt aside a boulder by storing it like furniture. Anyways, well done! This is your reward!"
 * "There really is nothing else that I can teach you. If you wish to put away more Big Boulders or put out more goods, keep capturing more Flags. Become the spelunking master for me!"


 * If talked to again
 * "So, my spelunker, are you going underground with your friends? The underground tunnels are vast. They can be a place where you meet many others like you."


 * If the player has captured three flags from another player's Secret Base
 * "Ah, you've captured three Flags! Well done! Take this as your reward!"


 * If the player has captured ten flags from another player's Secret Base
 * "Ah, you've captured ten Flags! Well done! Take this as your reward!"


 * If the player has captured fifty flags from another player's Secret Base
 * "Oh! Oh! My goodness! You've captured fifty Flags! Fantastic! Take this as your reward!"


 * If talked to again
 * "You have been outstanding! There really is nothing left to teach you. From now on, you are the spelunking master!"


 * If the PC is full
 * "Oh? Your underground PC appears to be full. Discard a decorative item or two, then come see me again."


 * If talked to again
 * "Hm! This belongs to you!"

Pokémon Platinum

 * Eterna City
 * First encounter
 * "I am! I am the first to have gone underground and dug some tunnels. You can call me the Underground Man. Everyone else does. I'll make a gift of this to you. You hold up your end of the deal and put it to good use!"
 * "My gift to you, the Explorer Kit, will instantly take you underground! You need only to use it, and you will be down in the tunnels! The Underground is a different world where you can do this, that, and the other thing, too! Let me mentor you into becoming a full-fledged spelunker! Will you take on that challenge?"
 * Yes: Hm! Well said, my young friend! I will teach you by assigning missions. First, go underground! Going underground is quite easy. Simply use your Explorer Kit. If you accomplish that, I will give you your next test."''
 * No: "I had hoped to teach a youngster like you about the many charms of the underground tunnels... But I can't force you to accept my proposal if you're not inclined. Sigh... I get so lonely sometimes..."


 * If talked to again without saying Yes
 * "Let me mentor you as you become a full-fledged spelunker! Will you take on that challenge?"
 * Yes: Hm! Well said, my young friend! I will teach you by assigning missions. First, go underground! Going underground is quite easy. Simply use your Explorer Kit. If you accomplish that, I will give you your next test."''
 * No: "I had hoped to teach a youngster like you about the many charms of the underground tunnels... But I can't force you to accept my proposal if you're not inclined. Sigh... I get so lonely sometimes..."


 * If talked to again before using the Explorer Kit and going to The Underground
 * "You've not gone underground yet? To get down to the underground tunnels, you need only to use your Explorer Kit. But you need to be outside. It can't be used indoors or in a cave. Now, off you go!"


 * If talked to again after using the Explorer Kit and going to The Underground
 * "Hm! I see that you've gone down to the underground tunnels! Well done! Take these as rewards!"
 * "Those are called Traps. They're triggered when stepped on. The Underground is a place where you can go with your friends. You might try setting those Traps when you're down there with others. Now, what should I assign you next..."
 * "How was it in the underground tunnels? Big and empty, I would think. But that's only because you are a novice spelunker! There are many hidden things down there that are not visible to the eye. For my next test, I want you to dig up some Treasure or Spheres for me. While underground, check the Radar for yellow spots. Go to such a location and search for Treasure using the Touch Screen."


 * If talked to again before digging something out of the wall
 * "You've not located any Treasure or Spheres yet? Listen. Check the Radar and go to any yellow spot that's shown. Next, use the Touch Screen to identify places to dig. Try to get right on top of a yellow spot on the Radar, OK? Once you are right in front of it, press the A Button! Now, off you go on your search!"


 * If talked to again after digging something out of the wall
 * "Ah! You dug up what I was looking for! Good job on finding it! Well done, indeed! Take these as your reward!"
 * "Dig in the walls of the underground tunnels to unearth hidden stuff. Fossils and Stones can be dug up and brought out from down under. Spheres, which are gems, cannot be brought out, but they can be exchanged for goods down there. Now, what should I assign you next...?"
 * "My tests aren't over yet! Next, let's use some Spheres! The Spheres one can find underground are very peculiar. When buried in the ground, they grow daily, a little bit at a time. I want you to go bury these strange Spheres in the Underground. That is my latest test!"


 * If talked to again before planting a Sphere in the ground
 * "You've not buried the Spheres yet? You're afraid of losing them? Have no fear! Spheres are easily buried and just as easily dug up. Don't be afraid. Go bury those Spheres like I've said. Just don't forget where you've buried them--the Underground is huge!"


 * If talked to again after planting a Sphere in the ground
 * "Good, good! You've buried your Spheres! The next time you go underground, they should have grown bigger! Just don't forget where you've buried your Spheres! Anyway, well done! This is your reward!"
 * "You may have seen them already, but there are Sphere collectors. They wander about in the underground tunnels seeking Spheres. They'll happily trade you items for big Spheres. Now, what shall I assign you next...?"
 * "Have you grown weary of repeatedly going back to the Underground? Well, it's not over yet! Next up is your Secret Base! That's right, I will teach you how to make your own Secret Base! All you need is the Digger Drill I gave you earlier. Simply go underground and use the Digger Drill wherever you like. That will instantly make you your very own Secret Base! So, your next assignment is: go make your own Secret Base!"


 * If talked to again before digging a Secret Base
 * "Hm? You don't know how to use the Digger Drill? OK, I'll admit this test may have been a little tricky for you. All you need to do is find the Digger Drill among your Traps. Then, face a wall and use the Digger Drill. That's all it takes. Do that and you'll have your Secret Base before you can say... Boo! No, seriously though!"


 * If talked to again after digging a Secret Base
 * "Ah, you've made your Secret Base! Excellent! I thought I might have been asking too much of you, but you did it! Well done! Take these as your reward!"
 * "Incidentally, a Digger Drill can be used only once. If you wish to move your Secret Base, you will need to obtain another Digger Drill. You can trade a Sphere for one underground. What should I make you do next..."
 * "Hm! You've stuck it out to the end! This is my final test. You've made yourself a Secret Base, but it's totally empty, is it not? Not to worry! You can decorate your own Secret Base as you see fit! So! For my final test, I want you to decorate your Secret Base. Use furniture and interior goods to give your Secret Base character!"


 * If talked to again before decorating a Secret Base
 * "Ah, have I finally managed to stump you? Perhaps you've left your Secret Base's door open? You see, the underground tunnels are visited by many Trainers. It wouldn't do to have someone barge in on you while you're working on your Secret Base. Don't forget to close the door while you're redecorating!"


 * If talked to again after decorating a Secret Base
 * "Ah! You've even managed to decorate your Secret Base! I knew I recognized a spelunker in you! Don't forget to close the door when you're decorating! We don't want any visitors getting hurt by walking in on you! Also, if you want to place goods you've received, store them in the PC first. Anyway, well done! This is your reward!"
 * "There are ways of collecting more decoration goods. You can grow Spheres you've found and trade them for goods. It's also possible to obtain goods from friends."
 * "I've taught you all I know, but if you insist, there is one more thing I should tell you. The Secret Base you've made has Big Boulders that get in the way, yes? There is actually a way of moving those boulders aside... However, the task may be dangerous for you now. I suppose I could tell you how when you get better as a spelunker..."


 * If talked to again before capturing a flag from another player's Secret Base
 * "...Hm! However, you are someone I'd recognized as a born spelunker... Fine! I will tell you, but only because you're exceptional! You know that you may go underground with your friends, correct? That means your friends are certain to have Secret Bases of their own. Now, this is what you must do: First, find a friend's Secret Base. Next, go to the PC and steal your friend's Flag. Then, run back to your Secret Base and take the Flag to your PC! If you can do that, I will permit you to move boulders."


 * If talked to again after capturing a flag from another player's Secret Base
 * "Ah! My spelunker! Are you spelunking with your friends? It's a hundred times more fun to play with friends underground! If you manage to steal a Flag from a friend's Secret Base, you be sure to come show me!"
 * "Wait! Don't tell me! You've captured a Flag? Excellent! You should already be capable of moving Big Boulders inside your Secret Base! You can shunt aside a boulder by storing it like furniture. Anyway, well done! This is your reward!"
 * "There really is nothing else that I can teach you. If you wish to put away more Big Boulders or put out more goods, keep capturing more Flags. Become the spelunking master for me!"


 * If talked to again
 * "So, my spelunker, are you going underground with your friends? The underground tunnels are vast. They can be a place where you meet many others like you."


 * If the player has captured three flags from another player's Secret Base
 * "Ah, you've captured three Flags! Well done! Take this as your reward!"


 * If the player has captured ten flags from another player's Secret Base
 * "Ah, you've captured ten Flags! Well done! Take this as your reward!"


 * If the player has captured fifty flags from another player's Secret Base
 * "Oh! Oh! My goodness! You've captured fifty Flags! Fantastic! Take this as your reward!"


 * If talked to again
 * "You have been outstanding! There really is nothing left to teach you. From now on, you are the spelunking master!"


 * If the PC is full
 * "Oh? Your underground PC appears to be full. Discard a decorative item or two, then come see me again."


 * If talked to again
 * "Hm! This belongs to you!"

In the anime
The Underground Man appeared in A Grass Menagerie! while Team Rocket was exploring The Underground. He convinced Jessie, James, and Meowth to dig up spheres and shards for him from the Underground, and fed them as a way of thanks. However, while they ate, he fled with the treasures.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga
The Underground Man was first mentioned in A Conk on Cranidos's Cranium, spending time with his grandson in the Underground. He makes his first appearance in Double Trouble with Dialga and Palkia I, where he and Byron were digging underground with the Explorer Kit to avoid Team Galactic from tracking the Sinnoh Gym Leaders. In the next chapter, he suffered the effects from the distortion of time and space caused by and  battling. In Double Trouble with Dialga and Palkia VI, the Underground Man along with Byron, Professor Rowan, and Sir Berlitz reappear at the Spear Pillar and attempt to stop Charon from escaping.

In other languages
Untergrund-Mann Hombre Topo Homme du Souterrain Esploratore sotterraneo ちかおじさん 地底探險者