Elite Trainer Level Azumarill!
And it's an injured Azumarill!
Natsuhiko's expression turned serious.
He wasn't tense about the appearance of this Azumarill, but he could clearly see that this Azumarill was a Pokémon bred by humans.
Seeing a wild Elite Candidate Level Pokémon might be possible, but a wild Elite Trainer Level Pokémon is truly very, very rare.
What is needed is not just resources and time, but also absolute talent and exceptional luck.
The Azumarill in front of him is a Trainer's Pokémon.
And what Natsuhiko could think of.
On this island, there is only one person who could have an Elite Trainer Level Pokémon!
Miss Q!
The person in charge of their mission this time!
One of the top six at the Hunter Guild.
But if this is really her Pokémon, then the state of this Azumarill......
"Woo~~"
Milotic's tail swayed gently, just like it soothed Natsuhiko earlier, crystal water droplets scattered from its tail, drifting to the side of Azumarill.
Azumarill's angry demeanor eased noticeably.
But it still watched the suddenly appearing Natsuhiko and Milotic warily.
Milotic slowly climbed out of the water and came to Natsuhiko's side.
It coiled its serpentine body around Natsuhiko, enveloping him in its protection.
Natsuhiko was brought here by it; Milotic wouldn't watch him get hurt, even if the opponent is an Elite Trainer Level Pokémon.
However, it's not surprising that Milotic could sense Azumarill's anger and thereby find this cave.
"Azumarill!"
Azumarill called out to Milotic, its hostility towards Milotic relatively low.
"Cough cough..."
Suddenly.
A very weak coughing sound came from within the tunnel.
"Azumarill!"
Azumarill showed a hint of worry on its face and called out towards the tunnel.
Upon hearing the sound, Natsuhiko was even more certain about who was inside.
"Azumarill, let him come in."
Upon hearing the words, Azumarill appeared conflicted but still did not disobey the command and stepped aside to clear a path.
Natsuhiko glanced at Azumarill, then looked into the dark passage, hesitated slightly, but still lifted his foot and walked in.
Natsuhiko was familiar with this Pokémon.
After all, as the "Dragon Slayer Second Generation," he perfectly took over the "Dragon Slaying Aura" from the "Dragon Slayer Shell" and successfully assumed the role of "Dragon Slayer Warrior."
Currently, the single Water attribute Azumarill, once the Fairy Energy awakens, will become a Water Type and Fairy Type Pokémon, and the Fairy Type allows it to be immune to some of the damages from Dragon-type Techniques.
Coupled with Azumarill's trait "Strongman," the power of Physical Attack Techniques is doubled, paired with a Fairy-type Physical Attack Technique "Play Rough," it's simply describable with one sentence.
There's not one in the Dragon Race who stands a chance against it!
Though the Fairy Type hasn't awakened yet, Natsuhiko estimates it won't take much longer.
As someone who foresees and understands opportunities, maximizing benefits involves collecting Azumarill—relatively less valuable compared to other Fairy-type Pokémon—in bulk, definitely a strategic move.
Therefore, he has gained a certain understanding of this Pokémon.
Glancing at the wary Azumarill, Natsuhiko, surrounded by Milotic, walked to the deepest part of the passage.
Then he witnessed a scene that made his blood race.
Miss Q, already scantily clad showcasing her advantages to the fullest, was now weakly lying on a stone bed at the end of the passage, her clothing in tatters, barely covering key areas.
Her originally exquisite face was now stained with some mud, showing signs of fatigue, but her captivating cat-eye remained alluring.
The tenderness and fragility invoked a sense of pity.
Making one instinctively want to protect.
This woman certainly knows how to exploit her advantages.... Natsuhiko thought to himself.
Women involved in underground circles either are very strong or very good at utilizing their advantages; when these two traits combine, such a person warrants caution.
Maintained a certain distance and did not continue to approach.
"I didn't expect it to be you who found this place." For the visitor to be Natsuhiko, Miss Q couldn't help but show a look of surprise.
Her eyes discreetly swept over Milotic coiled around Natsuhiko, easily gauging its strength.
Elite Candidate Level!
Possibly very close to Elite Trainer Level, but just lacking that crucial point.
Yet, Miss Q was somewhat surprised that Natsuhiko had an Elite Candidate Level Milotic.
"Miss Q's situation is indeed far from optimistic." Natsuhiko glanced at the bloodstained shreds beside her and said.
"Indeed."
Miss Q seemed indifferent to it, gently moving her legs, crossing them, and shifting her posture.
Presenting her pristine whiteness fully within Natsuhiko's view.
Enchanting.
Even though Natsuhiko mentally prepared himself, he couldn't help but smack his lips.
But he wasn't an inexperienced young boy, not shy in the least, even fixated on the deliberate display before him, brazenly observing.
As long as I'm not embarrassed, then it's you who should feel awkward.
Indeed, Miss Q couldn't help it.
No freeloading like this!
Her face turned slightly red, once again changed her position, her movements becoming a little more restrained.
"Do you like what you see?"
"Hmm."
Natsuhiko rubbed his chin, finally slowly saying:
"Alright, it's average."
It really is average.
I'm not one who hasn't seen the world, I've seen Kona in black stockings, Nanami in mini-skirts, even caught a glimpse of Hilona's calves halfway, this isn't much.
But after hearing, Miss Q felt utterly irked!
Average, yet you stare so intently?
She didn't know Natsuhiko's "average" was relative to those like Hilona.
But truly, the view is quite pleasing.
Miss Q slowly sat up, trying to adjust herself, and after giving a charming smile, she blinked her cat-like eyes and asked:
"Wanna try?"
Natsuhiko: ...
Wanna try?
Probably wanting but not daring to risk your life.
But Natsuhiko flashed a bright set of white teeth.
"Sure."
Miss Q's expression froze briefly.
But she quickly recovered, though her keen perception didn't escape Natsuhiko's notice.
Natsuhiko inwardly shook his head.
Pretending?
"Don't just stand there." Miss Q lightly toyed with her hair, her eyes full of mockery.
But Natsuhiko remained standing where he was, with no intention of moving closer.
He's not foolish.
There's no way he believes she really has no ability to resist.
Besides.
Natsuhiko is not the kind of person driven by lust.
Though the scene before him is indeed tempting.
The truth is, he only had two choices before him now.
First, the most straightforward option, giving it his all to seize the moment while she's weak, taking down an Elite Trainer Level trainer, who surely possesses some decent assets. The downside is that it's highly risky.
Second, help her. The downside is the chance of benefiting from it is fifty-fifty, and he might end up in trouble.
As for pretending nothing happened, don't even think about it. Once she returns, she'd definitely target Natsuhiko first.
So.
Natsuhiko quickly made his decision.
He put away his playful expression and seriously asked, "Who did this?"
In her severely injured state, Miss Q reluctantly allowed Natsuhiko the chance for temporary equal communication.
Miss Q looked at Natsuhiko's serious demeanor, slightly stunned, with a peculiar glint in her eyes, she put away her joking demeanor.
She pursed her lips and slowly said, "Specifically who, I don't know, but I know there are three people, one of them rides a Skarmory and throws Forretress to cause 'Big Bang'."
Upon hearing this, Natsuhiko's pupils slightly shrank.
Chakra?
Were the attackers the Rocket Team's Legendary Beasts?!
Why would the Rocket Team, or Giovanni do this?
Is it because of Tom Rokicki?
Oh right.
This task was indeed brought by Tom Rokicki.
She definitely anticipated the Hunter Guild not allowing her to lead this task anymore, so no matter who comes, they are Tom Rokicki's competition now.
Did she want to leverage the Rocket Team to eliminate Miss Q in front of her?
Natsuhiko's mind went into a brainstorm, roughly deducing the cause based on his thoughts.
Though not 100% certain.
It's probably accurate except for some overlooked details.
As Giovanni's secret force, few people know about them.
Nancy, who appeared, was likely just to divert attention.
As for why Tom Rokicki could still contact Giovanni.
Knowing Giovanni's character, he wouldn't be used twice, surely she promised some terms.
Like having the Hunter Guild serve the Rocket Team.
Knowing this information.
It confirmed Natsuhiko's decision.
Rescue!
No matter if he finally gains benefits.
The key is to prevent Tom Rokicki from gaining anything.
"You seem to know something?" Miss Q also noticed Natsuhiko's change in expression.
But Natsuhiko just shook his head, "No, just remembered encountering a hunter on the island, using similar tactics."
"Oh~~ you mean Jiu Jie?" Miss Q suddenly realized, "But Jiu Jie is far from that person."
Indeed, one is one of the Rocket Team's top executives, the other is merely a core member of the Hunter Guild, and not very noticeable.
"You don't know who attacked you, but who wants you dead, you should know, right?" Natsuhiko asked again.
Speaking of who wants her dead.
Miss Q's face showed anger, glancing at Natsuhiko she said, "Tom Rokicki."
"Alright then."
Natsuhiko shrugged, took some potions from his backpack.
"Do you have a grudge with her?" Miss Q raised an eyebrow.
How could Natsuhiko, a core hunter, have a conflict with the highest ranking?
"No, I've got a grudge with one of her subordinates." Natsuhiko said casually.
"Who?"
Miss Q seemed very cautious about this topic.
Natsuhiko hesitated slightly, then said quietly, "Kenta, Sato Kenta."
Sato Kenji's brother.
Natsuhiko hadn't forgotten what he promised Sato Kenji.
Miss Q was silent.
After a long time, as Natsuhiko prepared the healing potion, she slowly raised her head.
Gave a charming smile and said, "Then from now on....you can tag along with me."
This was her feedback, considered a sign of goodwill.
An enemy's enemy is an ally, at this moment, both displayed mutual understanding.
It also can be seen as a promise for Natsuhiko's decision to help her.
————
Another day of 1.2w~~