"Oss."
'Middle cup.'
Latios quickly responded.
Natsuhiko nodded and continued, "Then this small cup represents the amount of energy Flame Monkey can hold when it was a Chimchar. It must evolve to increase its capacity because the small cup can't hold more. This is also evolution."
Latios showed a thoughtful expression.
"Similarly, after its recent evolution, it has changed from a middle cup to a large cup."
"Oss…"
"But you're different. From birth, you have the capacity of a large cup. Every time you advance, it's an expansion on the base of a large cup. Do you understand it this way?"
Natsuhiko poured water into another identical large cup.
"Oss."
Latios suddenly understood.
Pokémon can't be entirely measured by these cups, as defeating evolved forms before evolving isn't uncommon.
The most extraordinary example would be Uncle Liu's Swinub, showing its initial form toughing it out against a Divine Beast.
However, Natsuhiko hasn't witnessed Uncle Liu's Swinub and doesn't know if it exists in the Pokémon Realm.
Thus, the capacity size of Pokémon in each form is variable.
Perhaps Uncle Liu's Swinub, in its strongest form, could have a capacity similar to Champion-level Pokémon, or even more.
If an upper limit isn't meant to be broken, what is the point of its existence?
But Latios is a complete form from birth. Without evolution, a transformation in form enabling Pokémon to break through its limits and undergo significant changes is slightly more difficult than for average Pokémon.
Moreover.
Latios isn't just a normal Pokémon without evolutionary forms. Even being captured without a Divine Position, it is still a Divine Beast.
Slow progress is what it should expect.
But clearly, Natsuhiko's Latios is advancing very rapidly.
After hearing this analogy, Latios felt much better.
So, there are such complexities.
Seeing its expression, Natsuhiko smiled.
This analogy was casually made, not rigorous.
But as long as it eases Latios' pressure, it's a good analogy.
"However, I do have some ideas for you," Natsuhiko added.
"Oss?"
He put on new clothes, covering the wound on his shoulder, stood up, and said, "Interacting more with other Pokémon will be beneficial for your progress."
Latios was somewhat surprised.
Is this… finally not hiding it anymore?
"Yes," Natsuhiko said frankly.
Now he already possesses Elite Candidate-level skills. Even facing real Elite Trainer-level opponents, as long as they aren't like the Elite Four with perfected lineups, with Hydreigon and Dragapult, he should at least be able to protect himself.
Moreover, with his researcher status revealed, unless in specific situations, nobody should dare to trouble him.
So, there's no longer a need to hide Latios.
Doing so would hinder its growth and development.
Of course.
Not hiding doesn't mean announcing to the entire world, "I have a Latios."
Having a few people know, especially trustworthy ones, is not a big issue.
But before that, Natsuhiko has some matters to attend to.
...
...
Twin Dragons Dojo.
Natsuhiko once again visited this majestic dojo located at the heart of Twin Dragons City.
Looking at the carvings of Zekrom and Reshiram on it, he couldn't help but click his tongue.
This time, the impression was entirely different from the last.
"Big brother!"
Seeing Natsuhiko, Alice, who seemed distracted holding a broom, suddenly became energized.
Natsuhiko smiled and asked, "Is Mr. Xia Ka around?"
"Grandpa Xia Ka is here. But are you here to challenge the dojo, big brother? I'm afraid you'll need to make a reservation first; let me lead you!"
Saying this, Alice dropped her broom and guided Natsuhiko into the dojo.
The internal architectural style of the dojo was similar to the external, blending classic and sci-fi elements.
Alice was very enthusiastic, introducing the dojo's atmosphere and some carved mural contents to Natsuhiko as they walked.
"This depicts a Dragonite; it's said to fly around the entire Pokémon Realm in just eighteen hours, supposedly the fastest Dragonite in the world."
"This is Hydreigon, the most famous dragon-type Pokémon in the Unova Region. But Hydreigon is the hardest among dragon-types to nurture, especially during its Deino and Zweilous stages."
"This mural narrates the founding hero legend of Unova; those two are the legendary Reshiram and Zekrom."
"And this one…"
Natsuhiko quietly followed Alice, not interrupting, rather showing interest in these murals.
Comparing it to his own dojo, Natsuhiko realized.
The difference wasn't just in scale and heritage; the disparity in cultural building within the dojo was the most significant.
"Meloo~~"
"Eh?"
Alice seemed to have heard something, looking towards the source of the sound but seeing nothing.
She scratched her head, "Was it an illusion?"
Meloetta sat on Natsuhiko's shoulder, covering her mouth and bending her eyes, appearing rather mischievous.
But Alice quickly dismissed it from her mind.
A while later.
Alice exhaled deeply, "We've arrived, big brother. This is the registration area; you just need to register."