After everyone finished the morning group stage, Natsuhiko and the others had lunch together at Flint's villa.
Flint arranged everything, so aside from taking care of their Pokémon, they didn't need to worry about any trivial matters.
In addition to the original few people, there was a new member joining the group, and that was Oak Nanami.
According to her, she snuck out with not much money on her, and given Lily Island's current popularity, she could only stay in a small hotel with limited space even for Pokémon care.
Fortunately, aside from Natsuhiko who was meeting Nanami for the first time, the rest were either very familiar with her or knew her.
Plus, Nanami was very easygoing, so no one rejected her, and she smoothly moved in at Flint's invitation.
After all, the villa was big, and there were plenty of empty rooms available.
In the afternoon, it was time for the ranking matches of the group stage.
But.
In the villa's backyard, Natsuhiko was taking care of his Pokémon and looking at everyone with a hint of exasperation.
"Hey, aren't you guys going to join the ranking matches?"
"Already entered the knockout stage, participating in rankings doesn't matter," Hilona said.
"I don't want to face Natsuhiko early in the knockout rounds; it would take away much joy and lower my expectations," Lance said.
"Since none of you are going, then being first in the group doesn't matter," Flint reasoned.
"I still have some tactics to revise," Kona explained.
"Have to keep in sync with the group," Xiaochun said.
"Natsuhiko, you said you'd teach me strategies," Nanami chimed in at last.
Natsuhiko wore an odd expression.
If they all skip, the folks scrambling for top ranks just to avoid the likes of Lance, will definitely find it amusing to see their first-round opponents.
"It's your choice; don't say I prompted it," Natsuhiko shrugged.
It's for the best; Natsuhiko had been worried about encountering them right away.
Now it seems there's no concern.
And so, in this expansive backyard, they trained, revised strategies, rested.
"Hey Natsuhiko, what's the brilliant strategy you mentioned?" Nanami asked, watching Natsuhiko massage Togetic.
"Just explaining won't do it justice; ideally, demonstrate it in practice. Plus, the strategy demands high standards from Pokémon; using it in the current matches isn't guaranteed," Natsuhiko mused.
"Hmm..."
Nanami found sense in that.
"Need help with strategy practice? I can assist," Lance offered suddenly.
Natsuhiko looked at him.
"Are you sure?"
"What's wrong?" Lance asked, puzzled.
Apparently, he wasn't aware Nanami had a Chansey from Professor Oak, powerful enough to rival Elite Candidates.
"No issue, let's try it." Natsuhiko said, trying not to laugh.
But he couldn't suppress his smile.
Seeing Natsuhiko's expression shift, a hint of caution grew in Lance's mind.
Although it's mere strategy practice, the crux is the process, not the result.
"So... try it?" Lance asked cautiously.
"Nanami, mind lending me your Chansey?" Natsuhiko inquired.
"Sure thing."
With that, Nanami handed the Pokeball containing Chansey to Natsuhiko, full of trust.
"Let's start in fifteen minutes; I'll communicate with Chansey," Natsuhiko said.
He walked into the villa with Togetic and Nanami's Chansey.
The dialogue piqued Flint and the others' interest.
They highly valued Natsuhiko's strategic skills, especially Kona, who was thoroughly beaten by Natsuhiko in a Pokémon battle game once.
Now hearing Natsuhiko would use Nanami's Pokémon with Lance for strategy practice, everyone paused their activities.
Already felt like pulling up chairs for a front-row view.
Lance, sensing Natsuhiko's demeanor earlier, grew cautious, daring not to underestimate.
Strictly speaking, this was his first match against Natsuhiko.
Despite it not being a formal battle and Natsuhiko using someone else's Pokémon.
Still, Lance took it seriously.
Because across him stood someone named, Natsuhiko.
Fifteen minutes later.
Natsuhiko emerged from the villa with Chansey's Pokeball, beaming.
On Natsuhiko's shoulder, Togetic covered its eyes, finding it unbearable to watch.
Lance had prepared well.
To show respect for this strategy practice and Natsuhiko, Lance planned to use Aerodactyl, arguably not his strongest, yet the first to reach Gym Leader Level.
Strategy practice didn't need a referee.
Standing opposite Lance, Natsuhiko glanced at Aerodactyl, asked solemnly, "Ready?"
"Let's go."
Woosh—
Aerodactyl flapped its wings, soaring, its fierce look and unrestrained aura, reflecting Lance's dedicated cultivation.
Natsuhiko nodded in satisfaction.
If not for using Nanami's Chansey, he'd be reluctant to challenge Lance's Aerodactyl.
Threw the Pokeball.