"Be careful; these two are well-known among the core members and strong contenders for the top three positions this time," Joanna reminded.
Though she knew Natsuhiko was strong, the other two were no pushovers either.
Moreover...
Joanna couldn't guarantee they didn't have Elite Candidate Level Pokémon.
After all, those who dared to covet a position should have some confidence.
Not everyone was like her, daring to covet that position with a Quasi-God Violent Flying Dragon despite not having the matching strength yet.
Like Natsuhiko, didn't he have an Elite Candidate Level Snorlax, eyeing that position?
Normally speaking...
To have the strength and qualification to sit in any of the twenty regular seats of the Hunter Guild, one should have at least two or three Elite Candidate Level Pokémon.
Some stronger ones might even have five or six Elite Candidate Level Pokémon.
Some might even have one or two Elite Trainer Level Pokémon stashed away.
And these people might be targeting the top six seats.
With twenty seats, a big disparity in strength is normal.
If not for the guild suddenly losing so many regular seats, the core members wouldn't have such a great opportunity, causing everyone to itch for action.
"You don't want it?" Natsuhiko glanced at Joanna with a teasing smile.
Indeed, there were two people on the opposite side.
But there were also two people on their side.
Joanna shot him an annoyed look.
Instead of answering, she asked back.
"Are you willing to share the spoils with me?"
The question hit the nail on the head.
If Natsuhiko allowed Joanna to join in, it meant sharing the spoils with her.
But Natsuhiko's answer was just a shrug.
He didn't speak, but his meaning was clear.
These two were his prey.
...
"Two Elite Candidate Level Pokémon?"
Meanwhile...
Billis and Bernie, upon seeing the Pokémon beside Natsuhiko, looked somewhat solemn.
The scene of Bewear flooring Machamp with a punch was witnessed by them.
Plus, what Joanna said earlier.
Could it be they had become Natsuhiko's prey?
This result made them want to scoff at themselves.
Just a while ago, they were eager to hunt Joanna, yet so quickly their roles flipped.
"Sir, no offense intended; if Joanna is your friend, we apologize," Bernie spoke.
His voice, sharp and grating, was hard on the ears.
But in simpler terms: You're strong, we won't fight.
Natsuhiko nodded, saying with a smile, "I'm not heartless. Here's the deal; leave all your Pokeballs and you can go."
Natsuhiko, full of humanity.
Upon hearing...
Their expressions darkened instantly.
Natsuhiko meant all the Pokeballs, which of course included their own Pokémon.
That was as good as saying nothing.
Billis and Bernie exchanged glances, mutual dissatisfaction evident in their eyes.
And that dissatisfaction meant one thing.
"If that's the case, then we have no choice but to fi—" Billis rumbled as he attempted to detach a Pokeball from his waist.
Bernie mirrored his movements.
Indeed...
As Joanna had anticipated, both had Elite Candidate Level Pokémon.
But...
Before Billis finished his words, Natsuhiko had already acted.
What a joke.
It's not child's play to wait for you to finish your empty talk before making a move.
"Grrumph!"
Snorlax patted its belly, its smooth and massive body glowing with a metallic sheen before quickly fading.
The technique "Roundify."
A technique that enhances its own defense power, one that seems quite weak and ignored by many Trainers and Pokémon.
Because the defensive boost from this technique compared to others seemed minimal.
For instance, "Curse" not only boosts defense but also attack power.
Yet, it has an advantage.
Its execution is swift.
If used adeptly, it can be completed almost instantaneously.
Additionally, it has a less known ability effect as well.
Having finished, Snorlax moved as indicated by Natsuhiko.
Its nearly four-meter-tall bulk, as wide as its height, curled into a ball and rolled straight towards Bernie.
Everything in its path was pulverized without exception.
Leaving a huge groove on the ground behind.
Snorlax's movement speed is sluggish, but it's not irremediable; this "Rolling" technique is one of the best ways to cover its weakness.
Moreover...
The "Rolling" technique and "Roundify" technique form a combo.
It's well known that the longer the duration of "Rolling," the more powerful it becomes, initially at 30 power, eventually reaching a terrifying 480, multiplying exponentially.
But if "Roundify" is used before "Rolling," as the name implies, the body becomes more rounded, allowing for smoother rolling and enhancing the technique's power.
Starting at a basic 30 power, it increases to 60 power.
And when reaching the final limit, it achieves a staggering 960 power!
Even more exaggerated than Aegislash's Holy Sword Slash combination.