This kind of thing can't be rushed; the more you rush, the less likely you are to achieve your goals.
Fortunately.
After some battles and sharpening, Latios has indeed made progress. Just like Monferno before, Latios is actually not far from Gym Leader level now.
If a chance arises, it could step right into Gym Leader level; if not, with time and sharpening, it's only a matter of time.
Once Latios also has Gym Leader level strength, the Dual Core lineup Natsuhiko built with six Pokémon should display quite strong combat effectiveness.
Under Natsuhiko's conscious cultivation, Latios has developed the qualifications and abilities to undertake core responsibilities.
Although it's still quite behind Alakazam, it's believed that under Alakazam's guidance, Latios can catch up quickly.
"Togekiss?"
Togekiss flying beside Natsuhiko looked at Meloetta sitting on his shoulder with a curious expression.
"Melo~~"
Meloetta squinted its eyes and greeted Togekiss.
Even a gentle call seemed to carry a unique melody.
Its presence was soon accepted by several Pokémon.
As a "Social Butterfly," Togekiss naturally took on the role of a communication bridge well.
And Meloetta felt a great affection for Togekiss, the "Happiness Shell-breaking Cuteness."
They just chatted casually by Natsuhiko's side.
After a while.
Meloetta jumped from Natsuhiko's shoulder to Togekiss's back, showing an intimate relationship between the two Pokémon.
Natsuhiko didn't prevent such development, even enjoying it.
"Melo~~"
Meloetta gently stroked its wavy long hair, showing great love for its hair.
"Togekiss~~"
Togekiss shook its head, the three feathers on its head swaying lightly, Zerunias' Horn faintly visible among them.
"Melo!"
Seeing Zerunias' Horn, Meloetta covered its mouth, seemingly very surprised.
It was already the third time today that Meloetta felt those peculiar and familiar yet unfamiliar vibes from Natsuhiko or his Pokémon.
Togekiss chatted with it proudly.
Even gave Natsuhiko a cheeky wink.
Obviously.
Togekiss understood Natsuhiko's intentions deeply.
Proactively fostering a good relationship with Meloetta.
Bluff?
This tactic, I'm familiar with.
Seeing this scene, Natsuhiko couldn't help but be at a loss.
Togekiss, who initially needed reminders from Alakazam to understand Natsuhiko's methods, has grown into the "big girl" who can proactively share "pressure" with Natsuhiko now.
Helping its Trainer "seduce" Pokémon, it's unmatched.
However.
While Togekiss was dodging Thunder and maintaining a good relationship with Meloetta.
A thin and barely discernible small Poison Needle shot out from somewhere in the dense grass on the slope.
Due to the surrounding dense Thunder, Alakazam couldn't extend psychic abilities to sense environmental changes.
This ambush was something Natsuhiko's Pokémon had prepared for.
Buzz——
The psychic threads of Alakazam that floated around their group instantly assembled into a Superpower Barrier, intercepting the path of the Poison Needle.
But what Alakazam didn't expect.
Its Superpower Barrier slightly impeded the Poison Needle's progress but couldn't entirely block it.
"Hudi?"
Clink!
Alakazam wasn't very flustered, just showing a look of surprise.
Beedrill flashed by, waving its Long Needle, smacking it down to the ground.
When the Poison Needle hit the ground, the area around it was instantly corroded by the toxin carried by the Poison Needle, emitting a foul stench.
The toxin is strong.
Natsuhiko also looked somewhat surprised at the Poison Needle that fell to the ground.
If he accidentally got stabbed by this Poison Needle, even if he had some resistance as a Superpower User, without timely detoxification, he would probably end up like the rotting ground.
Aegislash had already emerged from the shadows; if Beedrill hadn't blocked just now.
It would have been the last and toughest protection for Natsuhiko.
The Pokémon collectively looked toward where the Poison Needle had been fired.
Natsuhiko stopped Infernape from rushing toward a raid.
Squinted his eyes.
"Directly attacking a human is indeed a good choice, but the more powerful Wild Pokémon usually target equally strong opponents. Even as predators, their first targets are typically the seemingly weaker Pokémon."
Scornfully, he said loudly: "So...S?"
Gurgle——
What responded to him was a bubbling dark purple viscous bubble rising around him, and a nauseating stench when the bubble burst.
Poison!
"Melo~~"
Seeing this, Meloetta immediately jumped back onto Natsuhiko's shoulder from Togekiss's back.
Its ethereal voice constructed splendid notes that excluded all the poison gas outside of the psychic abilities.
Natsuhiko slowly lowered his raised hand, signalling to Alakazam not to be nervous.
Obviously.
This Venom Trap was intentionally set up here.
And the previous Poison Needle was just a means to distract them and keep them in the trap.
Although this Venom Trap seemed to be arranged quite well, it was isolated by Meloetta's ability.
Indeed.
Even without Meloetta, Natsuhiko had a way to block it.