She glanced at Natsuhiko, then compared him to the drawing on the paper in her hand.
"Natsuhiko?"
Although her cold voice was phrased as a question, the tone was very certain.
Natsuhiko did not answer, just silently looked at the mysterious person in front of him.
In the forest, it seemed that only the faint sounds of insects and bird calls were left. Occasionally, the gentle breeze stirred up waves of green, making a "rustling" sound.
This attire, this behavior, made Natsuhiko subconsciously associate the person with a bounty hunter.
Bounty hunter.
Natsuhiko had also worked as one for a while during his first sea voyage.
But what he did was hunt pirates for the alliance.
And now, is it because someone has put a bounty on his head?
Or perhaps someone is disguising themselves as a bounty hunter?
There are people who do this kind of work, though they are not many.
Because the risk is too high.
Of course, with high risks come high rewards.
But a Trainer with Elite Candidate Level Pokémon working as a bounty hunter, isn't that a bit underutilizing their talent?
Various thoughts flashed through his mind.
Finally, Natsuhiko dismissed them one by one.
This kind of situation.
It's not the time to consider these things.
What comes next could be a real life-and-death struggle.
If not careful.
The kind where your head gets taken off.
As if confirming Natsuhiko's identity, the person no longer waited, lightly waved their hand.
Crobat, Beedrill, Toxicroak, each attacked Natsuhiko from three different directions.
Three Elite Candidate Level Pokémon!
And on Natsuhiko's side, whether it's Beedrill, Alakazam, or Togekiss, they are all only Gym Leader Level.
In a three-on-three situation, the disadvantage is exceedingly obvious.
Natsuhiko's palm rested on his waist, but he did not move.
Although a bit arrogant, he still wanted to test, to see how big the gap was between his three and the opponent's three.
After settling for a month, he wanted to find suitable opponents for his Beedrill to practice with.
Isn't this a perfect opportunity?
Also, with Aegislash hidden in his shadow for protection, Natsuhiko thought he could give it a try.
If worse comes to worst.
Dragapult wouldn't watch him getting killed just like that.
Moreover, if he exposed the Elite Candidate Level Pokémon he carried, yet failed to eliminate the opponent, then his hunter identity might no longer be safe.
This was what Natsuhiko feared the most.
So.
Natsuhiko's eyes glowed with psychic power, telepathy linking to his Pokémon.
As soon as the opponent's Pokémon moved, his own three Pokémon also sprang into action.
Buzz—
Alakazam's "Psychic Arena" expanded instantly.
Facing three Poison-type Pokémon, its psychic powers were definitely the biggest threat.
Sizzle—
Electric arcs danced upon Beedrill's wings.
It charged directly towards the incoming Beedrill.
At first glance, the two Beedrills immediately recognized each other as opponents.
However.
When the person saw the speed of Natsuhiko's Beedrill, a hint of astonishment flashed in their eyes.
This fast?
Even though her Beedrill was Elite Candidate Level, she had to admit, in terms of speed alone, Natsuhiko's Beedrill was faster.
The same Pokémon, and the Gym Leader Level is faster than the Elite Candidate Level?
This surprised not only her, but even the opposing Beedrill.
"Is it because of the current?"
Meanwhile.
Togekiss unleashed another "Air Slash", intending to assist Beedrill and see if Beedrill's momentary burst of speed could take down one enemy first.
Boom boom—
The result was predictable.
The opposing Crobat retaliated swiftly with two "Air Slashes", directly negating Togekiss's attack.
"Grr—"
Toxicroak moved silently, leveraging the speed and stealth of "Surprise Strike", silently approaching Natsuhiko.
The cold, purple light gleamed on the bright red Poison Sting at the end of its fist.
Just a slight touch on Natsuhiko would be enough to end the life of this fragile human.
But don't forget.
This is within Alakazam's "Psychic Arena"!
Buzz—
Alakazam switched places with Natsuhiko in an instant, facing Toxicroak's attack, it raised its spoon, erecting a transparent, glass-like "Reflection Wall" in front of it.
Bam!!
Toxicroak's attack hit the "Reflection Wall".
Alakazam mustered all its psychic power to resist, but still could not completely offset the impact, retreating again and again.
Though it appeared quite flustered in response, this initial clash seemed successfully blocked.
However.
The truth was...
"Underground!" Natsuhiko shouted in a low voice.
Rumble—
The ground trembled violently.
A fierce Arbok burst out from the earth beneath Natsuhiko's feet.
Directly targeting Natsuhiko, who had no Pokémon by his side at that moment.
Whether it was Beedrill, Crobat, or Toxicroak, they seemed to launch ferocious attacks, but were actually creating an opportunity for this Arbok underground.
"Haha!"
Facing the ferocious gaping mouth from the earth.
Aegislash, hidden in Natsuhiko's shadow and always prepared, emerged immediately.
The solid shield fended off Arbok's bloodthirsty mouth.
Supporting Natsuhiko as he swiftly ascended, avoiding Arbok's attack range.
The fourth Elite Candidate Level Pokémon!
At this time, Natsuhiko knew he could not be too arrogant any longer.
Even if it might expose his hunter identity.
But if he didn't even have his life, saying more would be pointless.
His hand, resting on his waist the whole time, pressed the button on the pokeball as the ground trembled.
"Intelligent Swinging!"
As Oranguru appeared, it gently waved its fan, giving Arbok a "Postpone".
Aegislash, carrying the "King's Shield", swiftly retreated with Natsuhiko.
————
PS: Nearly 5000 words~~