"Buyi~~Buyi~~"
The Eevee Cuties trailed closely at Natsuhiko's feet.
They had officially ended their infancy and entered their growth phase.
Thanks to Natsuhiko's meticulous care, their relationship with him was excellent, and they had all been successfully captured by him with Pokeballs.
What's more,
Natsuhiko discovered something important.
The previously grayish Eevee wasn't suffering from poor development or bad fur color.
It was simply a Shiny Pokémon!
Among the eight Eevees assigned to him by the league, there was one Shiny Eevee—something even the league officials hadn't noticed.
After all, during their infancy, Eevees' fur tends to stick together and looks rather gray; without a careful check, it's really hard to tell.
Plus, Sakuragi urged him in a hurry.
This incident allowed Natsuhiko to gain an unintended benefit from the league.
Sitting on the grass in the Pokémon Ranch,
the Cherrims were busily working. The first batch of tree fruit saplings had been planted, and the Cherrims didn't mind taking care of the saplings at all; in fact, they relished the task.
They thoroughly enjoyed this intimate interaction with nature.
Natsuhiko had no worries handing the saplings over to them.
Latios and Togekiss were playfully frolicking in the sky; their similar personalities made them great friends.
Oh, and a Dreepy was always following them around.
Despite the Little Dreepy's constant chase after the two "planes," it excitedly tagged along, becoming their little tail.
Beedrill and Alakazam were honing their Techniques through battles.
The Chimchar repeatedly punched a tree trunk, more rhythmically and orderly after Natsuhiko's adjustments.
Natsuhiko could sense its evolution wasn't far away.
The Doublade had fully adapted to its coated body and could evolve anytime. Natsuhiko planned for its evolution within the next few days.
This addition would elevate four of his main Pokémon to Gym Leader Level.
During his busy periods, the Pokémon's training was unwavering, each Pokémon was diligent, making him very pleased.
Rubbing the head of the Shiny Eevee beside him,
Natsuhiko preliminarily selected a few Pokémon.
For his ace Pokémon in his Hunter identity, he chose Snorlax.
Its Elite Candidate Level power was intimidating enough.
"Technique Sea" allowed Snorlax to maximize the information advantage Natsuhiko held.
Various tactical strategies could be effectively deployed on Snorlax.
Most importantly,
Snorlax had been eating idle meals for quite some time.
It was time for it to move its body.
Otherwise, the fat would be hard to control.
Besides Snorlax, Natsuhiko also picked a Noivern.
There were too few Duraludons, making them highly recognizable. Noivern, as a Dragon-type Pokémon, offered prestige and could serve as a flying mount, making it an excellent choice.
Natsuhiko decided against preparing anything else.
He'd fill the count with a few Eevee.
And Chimchar.
It hadn't evolved yet, and without reaching its final form, it would be hard for others to remember it. When appropriate, it could be sent out for training.
Of course.
Natsuhiko would still bring Beedrill and the others along; however, unless a situation demanded it, or in entirely safe environments, he wouldn't let them fight.
Keeping them close was to ensure their well-being and consistent training.
"Let's prepare one last batch of Energy Blocks, then we can disappear for a while."
As for the uproar that's already happening on the alliance forum,
after Sakuragi mentioned it to him, Natsuhiko didn't intend to check the forum now.
Once things settled down, he'd have plenty of time to go through it.
As time passed,
a hazy moonlight gradually enveloped Suiyi Town.
Natsuhiko stretched, having finished making Energy Blocks.
He had long prepared the Energy Blocks for the main Pokémon; the ones he recently prepared were for Eevee, Snorlax, and Noivern's food.
Not sure if he'd have free time to make Energy Blocks in the near future, Natsuhiko took some time to prepare.
"Doublade."
Natsuhiko called gently.
"Hmm...Hmm!"
The Doublade, who was "admiring" its own gallant figure, shook.
It quickly tucked away its photos and shyly approached Natsuhiko.
"Alright, no need to hide," Natsuhiko chuckled, patting its sturdy body.
"Hmm..."
"Doublade, are you ready to evolve?" Natsuhiko asked solemnly, dropping his playful expression.
"Hmm?"
Doublade seemed visibly surprised, blinking its eyes.
Evolve?
Truthfully, after witnessing Natsuhiko's other main Pokémon evolve one by one, it would be a lie to say it had no thoughts.
But its personality was cautious.
Now, having just fully adapted to its current body, stepping outside its comfort zone brought some inner resistance.
Because it was uncertain of what it would become after evolving.
Its unique personality, too, was an unknown factor in how it might be affected.
Yet, by not evolving, it could clearly feel its slow progress in strength.
If it were alone, it might not matter, but it's not alone anymore.
It has Natsuhiko to protect, and other companions to protect and care for.
"Hey!"
Just as Doublade hesitated, the eye on its other sword opened, filled with determination.
"You guys... discuss this."
Natsuhiko pursed his lips, choosing to respect the Pokémon's own wishes.
If Doublade wants to evolve, Natsuhiko still has time to let it, and if it's not quite ready for evolution, Natsuhiko will not force it.
Then it was seen.
Doublade hid behind a tree, and two completely different tones of voice alternated.
Latios, Togekiss, Dreepy, and the eight Eeveelutions, crouched beside the tree where Doublade was hiding.
One by one, they pressed their ears against the tree, eavesdropping on its exchange.
For Doublade's self-talk mode, they were already well aware and used to it.
But still, they couldn't help but want to hear what it was saying.
When Togekiss led the "eavesdropping team" to scatter like birds.
Doublade came again to Natsuhiko's presence.
It had made a decision.
Evolve!
Though various reasons made it feel a bit anxious.
But as Doublade's outspoken personality aptly put it: when have you not worried? Haven't you grown until now anyway?
With that said, Doublade's cautious personality suddenly gained insight.
Indeed.
When has it not been worried?
Moreover, Doublade is well aware of the responsibility Natsuhiko has it bear in the team.
Mainly defense, secondly offense.
But presently, it still has obvious shortcomings.
After evolution, its only weakness will be rectified.
For Natsuhiko, for his companions, also for itself.
It chooses to evolve!
"Alright."
Natsuhiko is very pleased with Doublade's decision.
Perhaps even Doublade itself hasn't realized, its personality is gradually changing.
But Natsuhiko has noticed.
Doublade's two personalities, or rather two differing consciousnesses within it, make it seem strange, but the personalities complement quite well.
Especially with Natsuhiko's help, after they started communicating.
Some of the inherent personality flaws have been addressed.
The current Doublade is not much different from regular Pokémon anymore.
It has long ceased to be the timid and cowardly Doublade.
Natsuhiko takes out the top-grade Dark Stone that Agatha gave.
Beneath the glowing moonlight, the Dark Stone continuously emits dark radiance, even faintly feels like swallowing the light.
All other Pokémon gather around.
"Ready?"
"Hey!" Doublade nodded heavily.
Natsuhiko took a deep breath and approached Doublade with the top-grade Dark Stone in hand.
When less than half a meter away from Doublade, the Dark Stone in his hand suddenly flew up by itself.
Under the surprised gaze of both Natsuhiko and Doublade, the Dark Stone gently knocked against Doublade, sounding crisply.
Ding!
This is the best proof that Doublade has long reached the evolution stage; the Dark Stone resonates with its internal energy.
Black energy rapidly spreads from the Dark Stone, firmly enveloping Doublade.
Latios, Dreepy, Eevee Cuties blinked curiously.
It was their first time witnessing evolution, very curious.
Doublade's evolution, because it was during peacetime, although lasting a while, did not encounter any unexpected incidents.
When the dark radiance completely recedes.
A brand-new Pokémon presents itself before them.
First to catch one's eye is a massive round shield, replacing the sheath's presence, and the huge, solid sword body behind the round shield. The sword handle, guard, and ridge are all golden, the sword edge wider than the central part, serrated, two ribbon arms, one on each side of the guard.
Deep purple eyes reveal an abyss.
Evolve!
Aegislash!
However, something about this form of Aegislash surprises Natsuhiko, seems like... the dominant personality is that flamboyant one?
Which means, in sword mode, is the cautious personality dominant?
Which is...
Shield mode is arrogant, sword mode meek?
Seems, there is imagery!
Although Natsuhiko already had an inkling long ago, but somehow still somewhat...
Amused.
In the future, he not only has a shield with maxed-out taunting capability, but also a carefully cautious sword.
This combo is just... perfect.
Which is, a shield fully imbued with aggressiveness and a sword fully imbued with defensiveness.
With time, one gets used to it.
————
Today hit 12,000 words, requesting a monthly ticket~~