Shenhe Town.
By the time we returned to Shenhe Town, it was already completely night.
As usual, Natsuhiko stayed at Hilona's house. The house was empty with just her, as Dr. Jiezilan was often away and rarely came home, causing Hilona to not return often either.
Although both body and spirit were exhausted, the physiological hunger could not be ignored.
After chewing on dry rations for a month in Regigigas's Alternate Space, then another ten days in Groudon's Alternate Space, even though Natsuhiko wasn't picky about food, he couldn't resist when he saw the fresh ingredients regularly stocked in the stove and refrigerator.
To be honest, after such a long time eating dry rations, his mouth was almost flavorless.
He must have a flavorful meal today!
No one could stop him!
But looking at the brand new kitchen equipment, it was obvious Hilona wouldn't cook.
She might manage making coffee, but cooking seemed a bit too much for her.
Having lived with her grandmother Jiezilan from a young age, Dr. Jiezilan, who was busy with researching mythical history, was already doing well not to forget to eat, let alone cook?
She would have better luck dreaming.
In dreams, everything is possible.
Hilona was always busy with studies and interacting with Pokémon from a young age.
If it weren't for relatives in Shenhe Town, she probably would have missed meals as a child.
So.
If he wanted to eat something, he would have to rely on himself.
Natsuhiko took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and skillfully put on an apron.
Don't underestimate the abilities of a single man living alone for over twenty years.
He could even walk through walls.
The only fortunate thing was that although Hilona didn't cook, her home was well-equipped.
Watching Natsuhiko's actions, Hilona showed a look of surprise.
"You can cook?"
"Heh heh—Scared?" Natsuhiko replied rather smugly.
Pfft——
Hilona couldn't help but laugh, quickly covering her mouth and shaking her head, but then realizing she shouldn't shake it, she immediately nodded.
"What do you want to eat?" Natsuhiko ignored her gesture.
"Hmm..." Hilona fell into thought.
Pressed her temples.
She shouldn't have asked, again forgetting that Hilona was a notorious decision-maker in difficulty.
"It's cold, udon noodles would be perfect, and tempura goes naturally with noodles, how about that?"
Hilona's face blushed slightly, responding in a mosquito-like voice: "Okay."
A very seasonal food.
Natsuhiko turned to enter the kitchen.
"Oh, by the way, could you keep an eye on these little guys for me?"
As he spoke, a flash of red light brought out several of Natsuhiko's Pokémon into the room, including the recently joined Chimchar.
Having had no previous chance, Chimchar hadn't appeared much.
It was its first time in the world outside the Alternate Space, and it was stunned by the room's scene, somewhat at a loss.
Fortunately, Togetic was beside it, introducing Chimchar to these new items.
"Chimchar, did you just catch it?" Hilona's eyes brightened when she saw the curious, cautious Chimchar.
Natsuhiko's main Pokémon, she was aware of.
Being one of Sinnoh Region's Fire Type starter trio, she was naturally familiar with Chimchar.
"It's a very outstanding Pokémon."
With her understanding of Chimchar, it wasn't hard to judge the excellence of Natsuhiko's Chimchar.
"Mm." Natsuhiko's casual acknowledgment came from the kitchen.
He hadn't studied Chimchar's status in detail yet, also hoping Hilona, a native Sinnoh person, could give constructive advice and suggestions for raising Chimchar, helping him avoid some detours.
Hilona beckoned Togetic and Chimchar over.
"Toge-ee——" Togetic had a good impression of Hilona, and upon her beckoning, it plunged into her embrace.
Chimchar still felt somewhat unfamiliar with Hilona. Even with Togetic there first, it only came to Hilona, not going any further.
"Toge-ee~~"
Togetic rolled around on the sofa under Hilona's teasing.
Chimchar was slowly adapting to the new environment, and sensing no malice from Hilona, it gradually accepted her presence.
"Let me introduce a new friend to you."
Hilona smiled, reaching over her waist. With a flash of red light, an adorable little Togepi appeared on the sofa.
"Toge-?" Togetic was stunned seeing Togepi, gazing dumbfounded at it.
"To...Toge-ee..."
Togepi's reaction wasn't much better than Togetic's.
Togetic-type Pokémon were always rare. Whether it was Natsuhiko's Togetic or Hilona's Togepi, it was the first time seeing the same species.
For a moment, they were at a loss.
Togetic dashed into the kitchen, pulling Natsuhiko out.
"Toge-ee!"
'Look, look at that!'
"I know, I know, Hilona's Togepi. Don't scare it, get along well, you could teach it some of your experiences." Natsuhiko said as he returned to the kitchen.
Tempura's cooking requires constant attention.
Teach it experiences?
Togetic's eyes lit up.
This is its forte!
It must teach its best techniques to Togepi!
Flying back to the sofa, it stood in front of Togepi.