Although knowing Dragapult was nearby, there's no guarantee it was able to react in time either?
Luckily.
The fist of Bewear was still a few centimeters away from his head.
The sound of breaking came from the tree that Natsuhiko was leaning against.
Gently swallowing, Natsuhiko's face turned a little pale. He was just about to stand up and say something to lighten the mood when his brows furrowed.
Because he sensed a hint of unusual psychic energy fluctuation.
Moreover.
The tree that was punched by Bewear didn't fall; instead, it remained intact, connected to the stump.
A thin layer of green glow could vaguely be seen wrapping around it.
Bewear tilted its head, gently grabbing the tree.
It was also puzzled, wondering why the tree, which usually breaks with one punch, didn't fall?
With both hands, it lifted the trunk, exerting force!
Still didn't move.
Bewear was even more surprised.
It still wanted to continue its actions, but Natsuhiko, who had stood up, placed a hand on Bewear's arm, stopping it.
He looked up at the tree.
The first thing he saw.
Was a pair of red exquisite leather shoes, without a speck of dust, even the soles were brand new, as if they had never touched the ground.
Which was almost impossible on this humid, muddy island.
The shoes swung playfully.
No.
It should be said that the ones swinging were legs; above the red shoes were slender legs wrapped in black stockings, swinging flexibly, causing the shoes to sway.
Above them...
Was a delicate face leaning forward and looking down, and eyes with a faint green glow, along with a sweet smile.
Blinking at Natsuhiko.
Beside the trunk where she sat was a Pokémon with a purple body.
Espeon!
With its body crouched, it stared warily at Bewear on the ground, the ruby on its forehead emitting a shimmering light.
Superpower User!
Moreover.
Very strong psychic power!
It could even prevent Bewear from easily moving the tree trunk!
Natsuhiko instinctively took two steps back, furrowing his brows. "Did you sense it?"
The question was directed at Bewear.
Earlier, that punch almost made Natsuhiko think he hadn't fully earned its approval.
Now it seemed, Bewear's extremely sensitive awareness let it detect the anomaly of the tree.
Otherwise, given the strength of the opposite's psychic power, it would be easy to hide her presence from Natsuhiko.
But the response Bewear gave him was.
Silently tilting its head and looking at the tree.
Natsuhiko was helpless.
"I'll just take that as an admission."
Suddenly, the girl sitting on the tree spoke.
"Found you." Her light voice, although not the most pleasant, was so charming that it was difficult to evoke dislike.
Such psychic power...
Natsuhiko's mind quickly flashed several figures, including Jade Liya whom he met at the last conference!
For someone with psychic power comparable to Jade Liya and at such a young age.
The name of this person naturally became evident.
Rocket Team's executive, Nancy!
The ensuing question was...
Why would Nancy appear here?!
Recalling what Joanna said, that the employer for this mission was contacted by Tom Rokicki, coupled with the ability to find this island in the mist, and Nancy's appearance here.
The so-called "employer" Joanna mentioned was probably Rocket Team!
Found you...
The meaning of this sentence is that Nancy had been searching for him all along?
Natsuhiko only felt his head ache.
How did he end up being targeted by this Nancy whom he didn't want to encounter?
Natsuhiko opened his mouth.
Only to close it again.
Because....
Bewear found itself unable to shake the tree with sheer force.
And clashed with it.
Its arms wrapped in thick, creamy general energy, directly using the technique "Machamp"!
And such effort finally paid off, allowing Bewear to lift the big tree as it wanted.
Sensing the movement of the tree, Nancy showed a hint of surprise.
This Pokémon could actually shake her psychic power?
However, the swaying sensation from moving the tree made her quite happy, reminiscent of swinging as a child.
"Hehe—this is fun."
The sound of silver bells rang from the tree.
Nancy's growth environment and her extremely strange and exceptional psychic power destined her growth path to be markedly different from a normal person's.
Mental immaturity, like a never grown-up girl, was her at this time.
Though Nancy realized this flaw later, she resolutely sealed her child-like personality, along with her humanity, into a doll, completing the transformation from child to adult in an instant.
Indeed, powerful psychic abilities could allow you to do anything.
But Nancy's current personality remained more like a child.
Hearing her cheerful laughter.
Natsuhiko wondered if he should make a break for it.
Bewear also heard Nancy's words and tilted its head again while shaking the trunk forcefully.
Fun?
Then.
Bewear's foot suddenly stomped on the ground, creating a huge dent, and with powerful force from its back, executed a smooth "Snorlax over-the-shoulder throw" move.
The tree drew a parabolic arc in the air.
Plop—
Crashing into the lake!
Bewear clapped its hands contentedly.
The most fun of all.
Wasn't it all about throwing and hugging high up?
Bewear loved playing like this the most.
It satisfied the other party.
After finishing, it waved towards the lake.
No need to thank.
Watching the tree slowly submerge into the water.
Natsuhiko:...