"Dr. Yamanashi wants to see me?"
Natsuhiko furrowed his brows as he looked at the message sent by Hilona, pondering for a moment before understanding.
Originally, Hilona had given him Dr. Yamanashi's business card. It seemed Dr. Yamanashi knew that this "Dodo" was Hilona's friend, so he wanted to meet him.
"Dr. Yamanashi's Egg Group Theory hasn't emerged yet, but he should already have some ideas and concepts. If he can leave his name on this research, which has higher validation value than 'Affinity', the 'Dodo' would certainly go down in history—nah, he would definitely earn a lot of experimental subsidies and profit shares."
Thinking of this, Natsuhiko responded to Hilona with agreement.
However, he mentioned, as she suggested, to wait until Dr. Yamanashi's current experiment concluded before arranging a meeting.
Soon after, Natsuhiko received information about the Divine Hall of Snow Peak.
There were many pictures, mostly taken from old ancient books, accompanied by some textual explanations.
The main content was much as Natsuhiko knew: a Regigigas slumbered within the Divine Hall of Snow Peak, guarded by the Regi Trio—Regice, Regirock, and Registeel.
Of course, this was information from historical records. Whether a Regigigas truly exists was unknown, and no one had ever seen it.
There were also maps of the Divine Hall of Snow Peak, information about its customs, personnel arrangement, and main persons in charge, among others.
"Indeed, having someone on the inside makes things easier. Having this data can save a lot of trouble from investigations," Natsuhiko remarked.
Having acquired the materials on the Divine Hall of Snow Peak, Natsuhiko could begin his arrangements.
To escort Meiyu and Kage to Snow Peak City and the Divine Hall of Snow Peak—whether by plane or by car—it would inevitably draw some attention.
Though their current disguises were effective, it didn't mean they could disguise themselves indefinitely.
Therefore, Natsuhiko proposed first to head to the Divine Hall of Snow Peak alone, leaving psychic "anchor" points along the way with Yujira.
This way, without any tools, they could be transported there using Yujira's Instant Movement technique.
Although this would exhaust Yujira, it was undoubtedly the safest method for now.
Reaching Snow Peak City was not difficult, but approaching the Divine Hall of Snow Peak was.
Since the opposition knew Meiyu and Kage would definitely go to the Divine Hall of Snow Peak, they only needed to wait to catch them.
Thus, the path from Snow Peak City to the Divine Hall of Snow Peak would be the toughest.
Natsuhiko could act alone first, head to Snow Peak City, investigate the situation, and then make further arrangements.
As for informing the League?
Having the League transport them?
As soon as this thought arose, Natsuhiko squashed it.
To be honest, his trust in the League wasn't that high.
Who knew if there were people from other factions among them?
Using their power was fine, but handing everything over might not be viable.
Otherwise, why would Kage choose Natsuhiko and even offer a top-quality Stone of Light as a reward?
Why not seek help from the League?
Even if it was just for simple protection.
Some people in this world do understand reality.
Reeling in his straying thoughts.
From here, the task was simple.
First of all.
Head to Lake Verity, a renowned inland freshwater lake located west of Binhai City, in the Sinnoh Region!
Then, cross Lake Verity to the foot of the Celestial Crown Mountain Range, and travel northward along its base until reaching the northern world of the Sinnoh Region, Snow Peak City.
The advantage of this route was that it bypassed the routes defined by the League, allowing Yujira to use Instant Movement while dodging some viewpoints.
Of course, most importantly, Natsuhiko hadn't forgotten about the sizable shard of stone that fell from Arceus.
In the Sinnoh Region, the Celestial Crown Mountain was one of the targets he speculated about.
With the route planned, Natsuhiko no longer hesitated and set off immediately.
Everything he needed was already prepared at the Poke Center, and now both he and his Pokémon were in perfect condition!
Leaving the city.
Entering the long-missed forest.
It was winter now, with the Sinnoh Region located directly north of the Kanto and Johto Regions, so the temperature was quite low.
Natsuhiko tightened his clothes.
Only when the human traffic sharply decreased and the forest vegetation became denser, with obvious signs of Wild Pokémon activity emerging did he throw a Pokeball to summon Yujira.
He instructed it to leave psychic "anchor" points from time to time, facilitating future instant transportation.
Then he summoned Honedge from the shadows.
"Jya—"
Honedge softly hummed, its blue eyes warily scanning the surroundings and swiftly making judgments.
Outdoor environment.
Danger!
High alertness.
Maxed out!
"Honedge."
"Jya?"
After spending time interacting and deliberately fostering understanding and rapport, Natsuhiko and Honedge knew each other fairly well.
In Natsuhiko's view, Honedge was very strong, though overly cautious, which wasn't necessarily a bad attribute.
At least when tasks were entrusted to Honedge, it would consider a lot and act reliably, yet sometimes it could be hesitant due to its over-cautious nature.
Meanwhile, Honedge viewed Natsuhiko as a trainer who met its expectations, being thoughtful and cautious.
They complemented each other well.
"Cut down the branches and shrubs blocking the path..." Natsuhiko instructed.
"Jya?"
Honedge was momentarily puzzled but then quickly sprang into action.
'Got it! Cutting the branches and shrubs that block the view can prevent potential attacks exploiting visibility gaps!'
Seeing Honedge, who had over-interpreted, clearing a small path into what resembled a "Zhuangkang Avenue", Natsuhiko rubbed his temples before finishing his sentence.
"...to make the path easier to walk."
"Yongji."
Yujira couldn't help but chuckle, turning its head to hide its smiling face from Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko opened his mouth and ultimately kept it to a simple phrase, "That works too."
Thus, Honedge cleared the path ahead while Natsuhiko and Yujira silently followed, gradually delving deeper into the forest.
As they moved further in, the number of Wild Pokémon naturally increased, and their strength grew stronger the deeper they ventured.
However.
None of these Wild Pokémon could pose a real threat to Natsuhiko, each falling to Honedge's blade.
"Indeed, battling truly is the best way to hone our rapport," Natsuhiko couldn't help but admire.
Until, accidentally, they wandered into a Pokémon territory.
A gray Pokémon appeared in their sight and, to Natsuhiko's surprise, endured Honedge's Shadow Assault without any damage.
Raising his brows, "Glamreow?"
As this Glamreow appeared, more Glamreow seemed to be summoned, converging on them.
Thud, thud, thud—
After gathering so many Glamreow, the heavy footsteps and signature stout body, contemptuous lazy eyes, coupled with its self-perceived graceful steps.
Purugly!
Honedge hurried back to Natsuhiko's side, casting alert eyes over the dozen or so Glamreow and Purugly.
"Jya?"
'Numerous adversaries, time for a retreat?'
Natsuhiko's mouth twitched, grabbing onto Honedge's hilt.
Clang!
"Fight first, retreat if we can't handle it."
Throwing Honedge into the fray.
The strongest among them was only at Senior Level, what was there to fear?
"Yongji."
Yujira expanded the Psychic Arena to assist Honedge.
"Yongji?"
However, as Yujira unfolded the Psychic Arena, its curious gaze turned to a particular spot in the forest.
"What's wrong, Yujira?"
Yujira hesitated and shook its head.
It hadn't seen anything, but there was a moment when it seemed like something flashed by.
Yet, following the direction, it found nothing.
Clutching the Buddha Beads in its hand and tightening its grip on the Spoon.
The battle commenced.