Agatha continued:
"Besides, don't you have another identity as a researcher, called Lance...'Dodo'? This name you chose... If you reveal this identity, the Alliance would hold you in high regard. Who would dare challenge you then?"
The identity of "Dodo" was something Natsuhiko originally planned to reveal later, once his strength reached the level of an Elite Candidate.
However, he glanced at the Beedrill that was cleaning up the battlefield not far away.
The Elite Candidate level wasn't far from his reach.
But revealing this identity meant the Alliance would treasure him, yet he feared underground forces might start to target him.
Therefore, he kept aiming to reveal it once he reached the Elite Candidate level.
Otherwise, he'd have to stay in the research lab like Sakuragi, continually doing research.
"At the very least, you're my disciple, others would still have to give me some face." Agatha spoke with confidence.
Natsuhiko muttered quietly:
"Teacher, there was an Elite Candidate who didn't give you face earlier, and apparently, the Sinnoh Alliance ones aren't very respectful either..."
Agatha was momentarily speechless.
"You brat..."
"Teacher, don't be angry, I was just joking." Natsuhiko quickly admitted his mistake.
"Stop going in circles with me. That Hoshino Ryuzi, I will find him."
Actually, the purpose of Natsuhiko's call was precisely for this.
Just that Agatha, being his teacher, he couldn't directly say: I've been bullied, teacher, please go teach that old guy a lesson.
If he did, Agatha might end up teaching him a lesson first, before anyone else.
The art of conversation lies in this.
The purpose is the same, but the way of speaking differs, leading to different outcomes.
Natsuhiko didn't need Agatha to eliminate Hoshino Ryuzi, the Alliance wouldn't allow Agatha to do such a thing.
He merely wanted Hoshino Ryuzi to know that Natsuhiko had someone backing him.
Also, letting those future Elite Trainers that Hoshino Ryuzi might contact know.
His teacher Agatha.
Would stand up for him against a member of the Elite Four.
Let those who might be contacted by Hoshino Ryuzi consider whether they could withstand Agatha's wrath before making decisions.
If it makes those people apprehensive, that's enough.
As long as Elite Trainers don't intervene, Hoshino Ryuzi can't act directly, Natsuhiko isn't afraid of Elite Candidate level Trainers.
Even if he can't win, escaping is always an option.
But Hoshino Ryuzi likely didn't anticipate becoming the example to keep others in line.
Agatha obviously understood Natsuhiko's intention, hence she said he was going in circles.
After chatting briefly with Agatha again, Natsuhiko hung up the phone.
The Pokémon had also finished dealing with the scene.
Natsuhiko then prepared to see if he could find anything of value from the woman's belongings.
While searching, he noticed a small, white flower embroidered at the collar of the woman's clothes.
He wasn't sure if this emblem had any special significance.
But after searching thoroughly, Natsuhiko didn't find anything valuable.
Only some bank cards.
Unfortunately, to Natsuhiko, bank cards were worthless, no matter how much money was in them.
Setting off once again, heading towards the Hoenn Region.
This time, Natsuhiko was much more cautious.
He had Alakazam perform several consecutive Instant Movements to leave the area around Zhuqing City, before riding on Noivern to fly upwards.
After leaving the Sinnoh Region, he switched to Latios.
The speed soared once again.
This journey.
Didn't encounter any unexpected situations.
After a long trek, Natsuhiko successfully entered the Hoenn Region.
Returning to Meteor Falls once more.
Meteor Falls, known as a famous scenic and adventurous spot in the Hoenn Region, was as crowded as ever.
However, Natsuhiko no longer needed to explore bit by bit like last time.
The psychic "anchor" point left by Abra remained, enabling him to use Instant Movement directly to enter.
As the dark cave was illuminated by glaring light.
Natsuhiko successfully entered Meteor Falls' interior area with Alakazam.
After navigating several crossroads and areas of complex terrain, Natsuhiko finally arrived at the entrance of Meteor Village.
At this moment.
A young man dressed in brown clothes with a wide cloak was sitting on a nearby rock, chewing on an unidentified grass root, talking to the Flygon beside him.
"Ryuzi."
Natsuhiko recognized the man and called out with a smile.
Hearing this, Ryuzi quickly turned his head, and upon seeing Natsuhiko, his eyes sparked with surprise.
He leaped lightly from the rock, quickly jogging to Natsuhiko's side.
"Mr. Natsuka, you're here."
Natsuhiko rubbed his nose.
Actually, there's a somewhat awkward situation.
Back then, when Ryuzi asked him for his name, Natsuhiko blurted out "Natsuka" without thinking.
But actually, he hadn't changed his appearance or restrained his Pokémon at the time.
Ryuzi had seen his Beedrill, Abra, and Togetic back then.
After considering it, Natsuhiko decided to say, "Ryuzi, call me Natsuhiko."
"Natsuhiko?"
Natsuhiko then briefly explained his mindset and thoughts from back then.
After all, he and Ryuzi had fought even before they met.
Having some caution was normal.
He's not worried that using both "Natsuhiko" and "Natsuka" would negatively impact himself.
Not to mention the Meteor People seldom venture outside, perfectly self-sufficient, with minimal interaction with the outside world.