Farewell, Absol.
Natsuhiko summoned Yujira, ready to leave.
Klei was left in "Meteor Village."
According to their intentions, they would give Klei a certain punishment, but eventually hand him over to the Alliance.
"The 'Meteor People' are not completely isolated from the world; they likely have some influence within the Alliance, even among the top ranks."
That was indeed true.
Even Ryuzi wanted to learn battle techniques from Natsuhiko, showing they weren't completely rigid.
"Perhaps they are preparing for the millennial period..."
Natsuhiko didn't care much about how to handle Klei, whether he was killed or imprisoned, it hardly mattered to him now.
Not to mention, Klei, who had lost all his Pokémon, wouldn't have the power to seek revenge against him.
Just the two major mountains of the "Meteor People" and the Alliance were obstacles he couldn't easily overcome.
Moreover, Klei still didn't know Natsuhiko's identity, so how could he find him?
To consider even the unlikely, if Klei managed to escape from the Alliance and discover Natsuhiko's identity, by the time he cultivated his Pokémon again and regained such strength, Natsuhiko would surely be an existence he could only look up to.
"Let's go, Yujira."
Time to go back and tally the gains.
This was initially a simple training exercise but ended up involving the Phantom Beast Jirachi, and the "Meteor People," bringing Natsuhiko unexpected benefits.
"Yongji."
Yujira's psychic powers enveloped Natsuhiko.
Instant movement.
When he opened his eyes again, he was already in a corner near the exterior of Meteor Falls, a few steps away from witnessing the majestic Meteor Falls.
He departed with Yujira, just like those ordinary sightseeing trainers, leisurely walking away.
However.
Just as Natsuhiko was about to leave.
He saw a familiar figure.
"Hmm?"
Red short hair, neat attire, and most recognizable of all, a cape — wasn't this...
"Why has the Flying-type Elite come to the Hoenn Region?" Natsuhiko murmured to himself.
The person seemed to notice Natsuhiko's gaze, turning around and locking eyes with him.
First, there was a moment of surprise, followed by unexpected delight and uncontrollable joy.
He grinned broadly, walking quickly toward him, eventually breaking into a run.
"Natsuhiko!"
He said as he opened his arms, giving Natsuhiko a big hug.
"It's really great that you're okay," he said with a tone of guilt and self-reproach.
The visitor was none other than the future Dragon-type Elite in the Kanto Region, Dragon Master Lance!
Natsuhiko struggled to free himself from his embrace.
He adjusted his clothes and cast him a disgruntled look.
"Why are you here?"
"I should be asking you that; what was that 'runaway' you mentioned last time?" Lance retorted.
Runaway...
Natsuhiko's expression turned awkward.
Hadn't he made off with so many things from the Trainer Guild in Goldenrod City last time?
He casually shrugged and said, "Just joking with you; I just wanted to explore, and this is one of my stops."
He pointed to the ground.
"Venturing out can indeed broaden horizons and increase knowledge," Lance nodded in agreement.
He had done the same after becoming an Intermediate Investigator for the Kanto Alliance, traveling the world and witnessing new affairs and Pokémon, broadening his perspective.
This might not help him much in the short term, but in the future, it would undoubtedly bring unexpected benefits.
"You haven't answered my question; why are you here?"
"Oh, Alliance mission, capturing a hunter, pursued him all the way from Kanto to Kanaz City, latest news says he might have entered Meteor Falls, seeing if we can catch him," Lance explained, his expression slightly unnatural.
'Hunter? Klei?'
Natsuhiko noticed the peculiarity in Lance's demeanor.
But he didn't inquire further, as it might involve some secrets of the Investigation Department's tasks.
If the 'hunter' Lance referred to was indeed Klei, he was already in the hands of the "Meteor People."
It wouldn't be long before they'd hand him over to the Hoenn Alliance.
It seemed Lance's mission was bound to fail...
"Stay safe," Natsuhiko could only say.
"Don't worry, my strength is much greater than before," Lance replied confidently.
Natsuhiko nodded.
He never doubted Lance's rapid progress.
Despite the 'Dragon-type Trainer' title being easily criticized, to be fair, Lance's ability and strength were undeniable.
If he dared to come to the Hoenn Region to capture Klei, he must have some information and data about him.
That indicated Lance's Pokémon were at least Elite Level if not Gym Leader Level.
Perhaps there's even one or two at Gym Leader Level.
After all, Klei's Nidoking, Ariados, and Drapion were all Gym Leader Level; the rest, like Excadrill and Golbat, were Elite Level if not Gym Leader Level.
'Looks like Lance's strength is skyrocketing with the support of the Dragon Taming Race; he's entering a period of rapid growth, and once Dragonite emerges, he'll be at his peak.'
The benefit of relying on a powerful force is having no concerns over resources, focusing wholeheartedly on training and culturing Pokémon.
Compared to him, Natsuhiko, who had to worry about everything, found his path much harder.
'Perhaps, that plan should be put into action...'
"You focus on your mission, I won't disturb you," Natsuhiko said.
Lance mouthed.
Having finally reunited with Natsuhiko, he wanted to sit down and chat, and even engage in a thrilling battle.
But unfortunately, he was an Alliance Investigator, and he had tasks to complete.
So, Lance reluctantly agreed.
"Alright."
"I plan to stay in Kanaz City for a few more days; if your task ends or takes a pause, contact me by phone," Natsuhiko gestured as if making a phone call.
"Staying for a few more days?" Lance's eyes brightened. "Great! I'll try to finish the task quickly."
'By then, I must have a good battle with Natsuhiko!' Lance internally vowed.
"I'll be off then."
Saying this, Natsuhiko waved.
He left Meteor Falls with Yujira.
As he had arrived at Meteor Falls directly by plane and hadn't been to Kanaz City, he hadn't left any psychic "anchor" point, unable to use Instantaneous Movement to leave directly.
Lance stared at his departing figure, his eyes filled with battle spirit.
"Natsuhiko has become stronger too."
Regarding the Goldenrod City incident, he had heard and even meticulously reviewed the files on the Goldenrod City incident.
Natsuhiko, as just a humble ordinary trainer, occupied quite an extensive section within it.
The current Elite Four Agatha and former Elite Four Uncle Liu both gave a substantial evaluation of him.
If Natsuhiko hadn't left afterward, he might have held a position in the Trainer Guild of Goldenrod City, formally entering the Alliance system.
He might even ultimately become his colleague.
Lance had no doubt Natsuhiko had that capability.
A trainer praised simultaneously by two Elite Four members, if the Alliance was wise, they would surely value him.
"Mr. Lance..."
A Hoenn Region investigator approached.
"Speed up the progress! We must quickly capture that guy!" Lance turned around, his tone indisputable.
"But..." The investigator instinctively shrank back.
Half an hour ago, wasn't he saying to choose a cautious method to increase the success rate, taking step by step?
How did it change so quickly?
"No buts, we've locked him in Meteor Falls!"
Facing Lance's gaze again, the investigator quickly stood straight.
"Yes!"
It was strange how Lance, previously so kind, suddenly became so assertive...
'Men sure are fickle...'