Ann Jie captured one of Froslass's Snorunts as a "hostage"!
So...
In the howling blizzard, the red-eyed Froslass appeared intermittently.
Although the Froslass Pokémon species is generally unfriendly to humans and Pokémon as targets due to its habits, they are very friendly to what they trust and care for, especially to the Snorunts that are their children.
Seizing the Snorunt is equivalent to grabbing Froslass by her weakness, forcing her to act according to Ann Jie's commands.
The blizzard gradually envelops Natsuhiko and his two Pokémon.
Ann Jie smiles coldly, indeed the value of the Froslass and the Shining Snow Child is not small, but before capturing and selling them, they could be exploited to a greater potential value.
Now the task target has not yet appeared, and the Hunter Guild's constraints aren't very tight, so after discovering the Froslass and successfully capturing one of her children, he continued to shrink in this area, directing Froslass to continuously attack passing Trainers or Pokémon.
Moreover, he promised Froslass that as long as she could catch a hundred Trainers, he would release her child.
For this reason.
Froslass has continuously taken the initiative to deal with the passers-by.
Just didn't anticipate this time encountering Natsuhiko, who foresaw the deception using Yujira's Instant Movement to trick Froslass and then followed her into this Ice Cave.
Although he detests Ann Jie's actions, Natsuhiko also has to admit that it's indeed a method to maximize benefits.
His eyes flickered slightly.
From his fleeting shadow, a dark figure shoots out, swiftly aiming at Ann Jie.
Honedge!
Simultaneously, Beedrill turns to deal with Froslass. In the confined space of the Ice Cave already with the fierce blizzard, Beedrill's movements are significantly hindered.
Yet it still successfully limits Froslass's approach.
Clang!
On the other side, Honedge employing Shadow Assault is detected by Copper Bell, who blocks its blade and intercepts the attack.
Feeling Natsuhiko's difficulty, Ann Jie immediately throws another Pokeball, and a Glalie appears.
"Yongji!"
Yujira instantly unfolds the Psychic Arena, repeatedly using Instant Movement to distance herself from Natsuhiko while waving her Spoon, unleashing waves of Spirit Blades.
The Psychic Arena, combined with the Life Treasure Pearl and the Curved Spoon's enhancement, causes Glalie to immediately fall into a disadvantage upon contact, barely able to defend itself without any chance to counter.
Clang!
Copper Bell and Honedge, these two Steel Type Pokémon, are now entangled, with Honedge in the upper hand, having a ghost-type attribute that significantly restrains Copper Bell.
Ann Jie's Copper Bell and Glalie both possess Senior Level strength, being quite top-tier among the Senior Level, yet still no match for Yujira and Honedge.
If not for Froslass blocking Beedrill, Natsuhiko could solve the situation shortly upon contact.
Observing the current battle situation, Ann Jie's face becomes gloomy, not expecting the battle to be so difficult even with Froslass's assistance.
He urgently shouts, "Finish him quickly! Or this Snorunt is doomed!"
His words provoke the Froslass, who frantically starts attacking Beedrill.
Completely ignoring her own defense, adopting a desperate stance of exchanging injury for injury despite Beedrill's offensive, unexpectedly putting Beedrill in a passive position.
But obviously, Froslass's approach still couldn't satisfy Ann Jie.
"Woo!!"
The Snorunt in his hand cries out in pain.
The sound reaches Froslass's ears.
Whoosh—
The blizzard suddenly transforms into ice pellets, hail!
With bloodshot eyes, she starts recklessly releasing her Ice Energy.
"Enough." Natsuhiko spoke in a calm tone.
Despite understanding Ann Jie's way, he still cannot fully accept it.
"Enough?" Ann Jie sneers.
Already completely at odds with Natsuhiko, today only one person can leave this Ice Cave.
Natsuhiko's Pokémon make him envious.
The resources and wealth he possesses must be considerable as well. If he can deal with Natsuhiko, his Pokémon will surely sell for a high price on the black market, even though they are owned by a Trainer, they are very well-trained.
Moreover, he could take the chance to deplete Froslass, saving effort to capture her.
Killing two birds with one stone.
He swipes his hand over his waist, two Pokeballs fall into his hand.
This time, the two Pokémon aren't as strong as Glalie and Copper Bell, but seeing Natsuhiko beside him without any Pokémon left, it's undoubtedly a very good choice.
Just.
Before he could throw the Pokeballs, an invisible attack hits him.
His ferocious expression freezes, the two Pokeballs, along with the Snorunt, slip from his hand.
Togetic pokes its head out from Natsuhiko's wide coat.
With eyes full of disgust directed at Ann Jie.
Divine Power.
"Go help them," Natsuhiko tells Togetic.
"Chaka-yi!"
Togetic nods furiously, flying towards Yujira's side.
Once it, as the Controller, joined in, the battle situation instantly changes.
And Natsuhiko lightly gestures, the fallen Pokeballs and the weak Snorunt slip into his hand.
Ann Jie staggers from recovering from the Wither's effects, barely suppressing the damage from Divine Power, looking at Natsuhiko in disbelief.
Just now, was it superpower?
He always thought the superpower emanating from Natsuhiko came from Yujira, but didn't think he was actually a rare Superpower User.
"Stop, your child is safe."
Natsuhiko ignored him, instead speaking to Froslass, who was frantically attacking Beedrill, already carrying considerable injuries.
"Mm?"
Seeing the Snorunt in Natsuhiko's hand, Froslass's figure suddenly freezes, and the hail stops abruptly.
With a look of supplication.
Natsuhiko slightly exerts strength in his arm and directly tosses Snorunt towards Froslass.
"Mm!!"
Froslass quickly catches Snorunt, mother and child embracing.
Moments later, Froslass urgently checks if Snorunt has suffered any injury, eyes full of worry and compassion.
And Snorunt, seeing Froslass's injuries, tenderly licks her wounds with its little tongue, feeling very guilty for causing Froslass to be hurt.
"Buzz-pei."
Beedrill returns to Natsuhiko's side, shaking off the ice crystals from its body.
Watching the reunion of mother and child, it feels touched.
It acknowledges Froslass's power.
Three Snorunt hiding in another corner, once they confirm the safety, quickly rush out, surrounding Froslass and happily chirping.
Froslass's gaze softened, placing the Snorunt she was holding on the ground, deeply bowing to Natsuhiko.
Meanwhile, Yujira, Togetic, and Honedge have all finished their battles, collectively witnessing this heartwarming scene.
Despite being in an ice-cold cave, the scene before them fills the heart with warmth.
Behind them remains only Ann Jie standing isolated, face ashen.
Natsuhiko waves to Froslass.
Froslass hesitates briefly before coming to his side, gazing at Ann Jie with full resentment.
Natsuhiko reassures, "I'll ask a few questions, then he's yours."
Regarding Snow Peak City and the Hunter Guild's situation, perhaps there's no one more knowledgeable than he is now.
"Mm!"
Froslass nods fiercely, filled with spite.