"So, if you want Shellder to learn 'Hatching' before evolving, ensuring its pre-evolution strength is the key?"
The empty backyard of the Poke Center.
Natsuhiko and Kona sat on the grass, discussing some issues regarding Pokémon nurturing.
At this moment, Kona was like a student listening to a lecture in school, exceptionally serious, even holding a notebook in her hand.
Natsuhiko twitched the corner of his mouth, expressing his admiration for Kona's attitude.
This kind of genius, working so hard, makes it hard for others to compete.
But he still said, "I think, since we want Shellder to remain unevolved for a longer period, by the time it learns the 'Hatching' technique, the potential in its current form should have been almost fully tapped.
You need to know, Shellder is a Water-type Pokémon, and the evolved Cloyster is both a Water and Ice-type Pokémon, gaining an Ice attribute, which is really the part of Cloyster worth noting.
So, while maintaining Shellder's form for a sufficiently long time, it's also crucial not to waste its Ice-type talents once evolved into Cloyster."
Kona nodded repeatedly.
She thought what Natsuhiko said made a lot of sense; learning the 'Hatching' technique was one thing, but ensuring Cloyster's competitiveness post-evolution was another aspect.
If it were up to her, she might have overlooked these influences, focusing all her attention on the 'Hatching' technique.
The reason Natsuhiko seemed to understand so well.
Was because he had firsthand experience with Togetic.
Togetic initially was a General-type Pokémon, but to prevent wasting its Fairy-type talent, Natsuhiko went to great lengths to create Energy Blocks suited for Fairy-type Pokémon.
It's proven that his approach was correct.
After awakening its Fairy type, Togetic didn't struggle to adapt due to the sudden type change; it quickly embraced its identity as a Fairy-type Pokémon.
Moreover, Togetic was able to complete its attribute metamorphosis thanks to Natsuhiko feeding it Fairy-type Energy Blocks early on, accumulating Fairy-type energy within it, which acted as the catalyst, ultimately achieving a complete type transition.
Otherwise.
There are many alternate spaces, and many trainers who enter them; some carry Pokémon that could awaken Fairy types in the future, but why hasn't there been any change?
"So how can Shellder's time and its Ice-type development not be wasted?" Kona asked persistently.
"Energy Block."
Natsuhiko casually mentioned it, and Kona instantly understood.
Feeding Shellder Energy Blocks rich in Water and Ice energies early on can, to some extent, compensate for this problem.
Woosh—
While Kona was taking notes, a gust of strong wind blew from the sky.
Looking up, they found it was a very healthy and spirited Charizard.
Upon seeing this Charizard, Kona's expression immediately darkened.
She recognized this Charizard.
Thud—
With the sound of footsteps landing, two shadows descended from Charizard's back.
Laughing and walking towards Natsuhiko was the future Kanto Elite Four and Johto Champion, Lance.
Behind him, a blue-haired girl with a furrowed brow, wearing a light blue leather outfit with a whip at her waist, was Lance's cousin, the "Dragon's Messenger" from the Dragon Taming Race, and the future Dojo Leader of Yanmo City, Xiaochun.
"Natsuhiko." Lance approached with a smile, but halfway through, he was stopped by a cold gaze.
Following the source of the gaze, Lance's expression froze.
Kona.
Lance forced a smile that appeared quite awkward, "Ah, morning... morning, Kona."
"Hmph—"
Kona snorted coldly, turning her head away, disinclined to engage with him.
At this moment, Natsuhiko found himself in the most awkward position between them.
Thankfully, someone came forward to relieve him from this awkwardness, although in a rather...
"Cousin, is she the 'fearsome one' you mentioned? Doesn't look... mmm—"
Lance hurriedly covered Xiaochun's mouth, embarrassedly smiling at Natsuhiko and Kona, and pulled her aside.
Kona's expression showed some bewilderment.
Fearsome one?
Natsuhiko secretly sighed in relief; his awkward situation had been taken over by Lance, but judging from Kona's gradually chilling demeanor, it seemed these siblings were being eyed by someone they probably shouldn't have provoked.
No matter if you're a Dragon-type Trainer or a Flying-type Trainer, don't you understand the principle of not offending an Ice-type Trainer?
Why hasn't there been a Dragon-type Trainer becoming an Elite Four or even a Champion in Kanto Alliance until now?
Isn't it because of Uncle Liu, standing there impressively for decades?
Young is ultimately young.
"Ahem, Kona, don't be bothered by a young girl," Natsuhiko successfully offered Kona a way out.
Upon hearing Natsuhiko's words, Kona's expression softened.
However, the muttered remark from Kona made Natsuhiko smile helplessly.
"Fearsome one? If I'm a fearsome one, then what is he?"
Fortunately.
Once Lance calmed Xiaochun down, he returned.
Despite Xiaochun's reluctance, she bowed ninety degrees towards Kona, "I'm sorry!"
This act made Natsuhiko view Lance in a new light.
Despite Xiaochun being the apple of the Dragon Taming Race's eye, having lived in the most privileged environment since childhood, showing arrogance was understandable; once grown up and faced with life's challenges, she would be more obedient.
No one expected Lance, who had returned to the Dragon Taming Race later, could firmly keep her in check.
Moreover, there's a rather unpleasant trend in the Pokémon Realm currently: Dragon-type Trainers often have an innate superiority when facing other trainers.
But once the Fairy type emerged, they all learned their lesson.
While Kona continued organizing notes on the ground, Xiaochun sat beside her, puffing her cheeks, and Lance led Natsuhiko to the side.
"Why is Kona here?"
Lance was also a bit intimidated by Kona now, not in terms of strength, but intimidated by women.
"She arrived before you," Natsuhiko shrugged.
"For what? Tactics rehearsal?"
"Not entirely."
"Hmm?"
"She came to ask me how to deal with you," Natsuhiko replied frankly.
Lance's expression instantly stiffened.
"What... did you say?"
If someone else mentioned dealing with him, Lance would surely laugh it off.
But hearing it from Natsuhiko was a different matter.
Natsuhiko was one of the few who understood him well, and Lance had some understanding of Natsuhiko's capabilities.
Upon hearing this, Natsuhiko smiled mysteriously, "You'll find out later. Besides, whether I'm involved or not, she's definitely going to be one of your toughest opponents in the future; such rivals are rare."
He just "slightly" pushed things forward by a tiny bit.
Lance didn't oppose Natsuhiko's statement.
Not only from a strength perspective but also due to their respective factions, they were destined to be opponents.
As for what Natsuhiko taught...
Lance pondered and didn't dwell on it.
To reach that position, whatever the opponent, he had to defeat them; strength level or type advantage/disadvantage was not the primary concern.
"Forget it, the stronger Kona becomes, the more interesting things get. I came to inform you of something."
"What?"
"Ghost-type Elite Four Agatha, representing Kanto Region, will be observing this time's competition, and she wants to meet you before the knockout rounds start."
Seeing Lance's mysterious demeanor, Natsuhiko's expression stiffened.
Could it be his tacit acceptance of being "Agatha's Disciples" had somehow been exposed?