Three days later.
Natsuhiko's Pokemon Ranch.
"Milotic, how's it going? Getting used to living here?"
A specially dug pond, not large but not small either, for Milotic and the Feebas.
Currently, only Milotic and the Feebas reside inside.
However, Natsuhiko estimates that he'll continue to put Water-type Pokémon inside, expanding the ranch's Pokémon variety.
"Oooh~~"
Milotic joyfully nodded, gently waving its tail, splashing some water.
The resources in this water can't compare to the island, but given the potential danger there that could erupt at any moment, this place is much more secure.
Moreover, with Natsuhiko preparing Pokémon Food, there's no need to worry about sustenance.
Plus, the environment here is nice, without concerns of disturbances from wild Pokémon.
Milotic and the Feebas quickly adapted to living here.
"That's good then."
Natsuhiko glanced at the Feebas sparring back and forth with Latios.
This was the Feebas that insisted on fighting Natsuhiko before agreeing to come along, now battling Latios daily.
Natsuhiko was quite pleased with it.
It's a way to help Latios hone its fighting prowess.
Moreover, this Feebas is indeed quite exceptional, and Natsuhiko is considering whether to take it in.
But for now, he doesn't have the energy to train a new Pokémon.
The Feebas isn't like Latios or Eevee; it needs a water source for training.
For now, it's not suitable to keep it.
As for the future, that can be dealt with later.
"Oooh~~"
Milotic noticed Natsuhiko's gaze and slowly approached him.
Natsuhiko smiled and patted its scales, nodding, "It's indeed promising. If you have the chance, train it well."
"Oooh~~"
Milotic's eyes curved.
"Hiss—"
At this moment.
A Salandit suddenly appeared at Natsuhiko's side, holding a card in its mouth.
After a quick glance, Natsuhiko said to Milotic, "Would you mind watching over things here briefly while I'm gone?"
Milotic did not refuse.
With its Elite Candidate-level strength, plus Turtonator, two Elite Candidate-level Pokémon overseeing things, along with the pheromone barriers of Salandit and Salazzle, security should be assured.
Holding the card, Natsuhiko recalled his Pokémon, picked up Eevee, summoned Latios, and quickly left.
...
Outside the dojo.
From afar, Natsuhiko spotted that familiar figure and the eye-catching, robust Pokémon standing beside him.
Fatty, Dragonite!
The visitor.
It's Dragon Master Lance.
With short dark red hair, a flowing cape, and Dragonite's Quasi-God status, some passing girls were almost immobilized.
The corners of Lance's mouth slowly curved into a grin, competing lightly with Natsuhiko's dojo for allure.
Ultimately, Lance had the upper hand.
"Natsuhiko."
Lance noticed Natsuhiko as Natsuhiko saw him.
His eyes lit up, and he shouted.
"Are you here to steal business?" Natsuhiko approached Lance, glancing at the increasingly robust Dragonite beside him.
"You dare accuse me? As a newly appointed Dojo Leader, you handed over your dojo to someone else."
Lance retorted defensively.
Then the two exchanged a grin.
Despite the teasing.
What friendship doesn't have some banter?
Natsuhiko extended a hand to Lance, "Let's talk inside?"
Lance's smile gradually faded, shaking his head, "Not this time. Come with me."
"What's going on?" Seeing his serious demeanor, Natsuhiko instinctively dodged Lance's reaching hand.
Lance's hand grasped nothing, feeling a little awkward.
But he explained, "There's a mission that needs your assistance."
"A mission?" Natsuhiko froze and stepped back again, "I'm not part of your Investigator team. Why task me?"
"You are now."
Lance then took out an identity badge.
It prominently displayed his photo, along with the words "Junior Investigator."
Natsuhiko: "..."
"You... are that casual?"
The Investigator organization is basically the Alliance's secret task force, dealing with covert matters.
The public affairs are handled by Officer Jenny Race's Alliance police, but pressing or covert matters belong to the Investigators.
Thus, the Investigator assessment is quite rigorous.
"Ghost-type Elite Four Agatha arranged it for you," Lance admitted.
Natsuhiko: "..."
It appears the issue stems from the source.
"Anyway, let's head off first, and I'll explain on the way. Trust me, once you hear it, you won't refuse."
Lance "sincerely" looked at Natsuhiko.
I almost believed him.
But since he said so, Natsuhiko couldn't easily refuse.
After all, when Natsuhiko needed help, Lance arrived without question.
Even though this has nothing directly to do with him, Lance's invitation is hard for Natsuhiko to decline.
"Alright."
Fortunately.
He didn't need to go back and prepare; all his belongings were with him.
One could say he's always ready, or simply prepared to flee at any time.
Fetching Yanmega.
Noivern couldn't be his Flying Pokémon now; he'd have to bring out Yanmega.
Unexpectedly, Lance was quicker, throwing his Pokeball to summon Charizard.
"I have more Flying Pokémon."
You know it too...
Natsuhiko didn't refuse either.
Thus, both were carried by Dragonite and Charizard, soaring high towards the north of the Sinnoh Region.
"So, what exactly is the matter? Tell me," Natsuhiko asked.
"A few days ago, the Kanto Alliance's gene vault was breached from within," Lance said gravely, his expression serious.
"Gene vault?" Natsuhiko raised an eyebrow.
This isn't some ordinary place.
Exploded just like that?
"Wait, could it be..."
"That's right, Rocket Team," Lance confirmed his suspicion.
Natsuhiko stayed silent.
Connecting Rocket Team's genetic research with the previous Mist Island episode at sea, Nancy, and the Legendary Beasts appearances.
Pieces of clues gradually pieced together in Natsuhiko's mind.
"Then why head to Sinnoh?" Natsuhiko frowned and asked again.
"That's what I'm about to tell you."
Lance slowly clenched his fist, seemingly recalling some unpleasant matters.
"After investigating the individual's past movements and contacts within the Alliance, guess who recommended him into the Alliance?"
"Who?" While asking, Natsuhiko quietly harbored a guess.
"Tom Rokicki."
Indeed.
As Lance stated the name with some resentment, Natsuhiko finally pieced everything together.
The ambiguous connection between Tom Rokicki and Rocket Team isn't a secret in Natsuhiko's view.
Hence Lance's reason for involving him, explained.
Picking up from where one falls, Lance guessed Natsuhiko's thoughts aligned with his.
"So, where is this person hiding?" After a moment of silence, Natsuhiko asked again.
"Latest info." Lance looked northwards in the Sinnoh Region and said, "Severe Mountain."
"Wait, where?!"
"Severe Mountain," Lance looked puzzled at the suddenly animated Natsuhiko.
"Should we... go back and plan again?" Natsuhiko awkwardly laughed, suggesting from the heart.
Originally confident in their deductions towards Tom Rokicki.
Yet hiding in Severe Mountain forced Natsuhiko to reassess.
Because.
There seemingly lies a formidable entity within Severe Mountain...
Almost believed it.
————
Updates begin after midnight; not sure how many I can release, but I'll try~~ Do you trust I can write ten chapters a day? Scratching my head~~