"I'm here."
Natsuhiko hung up the phone, put away Yanmega, and jumped straight down from mid-air.
The acceleration trait of Yanmega really is unmatched for traveling.
As long as the flight time is long enough and there are no obstacles encountered en route, the speed can be incredibly fast.
Although Yanmega is theoretically supposed to be extinct by now, if it were to appear in public view, it would undoubtedly attract significant attention.
But since it can't be seen, it's fine as long as no one sees it.
While traveling, Natsuhiko had Yanmega fly above the clouds, not only to avoid unnecessary attention but also to make his flight more comfortable without facing much wind and rain.
Plop—
Natsuhiko landed smoothly, his feet crunching on dry leaves.
He didn't need his superpowers to completely support him, just to slow his descent was enough.
Natsuhiko had to admit, as his superpower strength increased and his control ability improved, he increasingly appreciated the benefits these conveniences brought. He also understood why so many superpower users look down on ordinary people.
It's really because possessing such special abilities offers considerable advantages in various aspects.
Natsuhiko arrived at a small town in the Sinnoh Region, a town that's not very large but quite famous: Murasaki Town.
Its fame comes from a renowned research institute in all of Sinnoh and the prestigious figure in the Pokémon research community, Dr. Yamanashi, and his Dr. Yamanashi Research Institute.
Upon noticing the appearance of Darkrai and Cresselia, Natsuhiko decided not to linger too much in Snow Peak City.
Things are definitely going to happen in that area, and he doesn't want to get involved in such complex matters. He just hopes to quickly convert the resources and items obtained in Regigigas's Alternate Space into real strength.
There have been too many incidents recently, and the levels of power he's encountered from people and Pokémon have been extremely high. The fact that he survived largely depended on external forces, or rather Pokémon that didn't belong to him.
Such as Snorlax, Dragapult, and Regice.
The changes brought by external forces are unstable; ultimately, what one can rely on is personal strength.
Even with Dragapult, should he not earn the qualification to be its Trainer when the time comes, it might look for the Dragon Crystal.
So he desperately needs time to settle down.
He came to Murasaki Town because of invitations from Hilona and Dr. Yamanashi.
Hilona is undoubtedly the future Champion of the Sinnoh Region, with no one able to compete with her, unlike Lance, who faces Kona as the biggest obstacle in his Championship path. Hilona is unmatched throughout the Sinnoh Region.
This is quite similar to Flint in the Hoenn Region.
Maintaining contact and relationships with a future, secure Champion is valuable.
After all, Hilona isn't like Flint, who had to return home after years as a Champion to take over billions in assets, leaving the Championship to others.
This brings only benefits to Natsuhiko, rarely drawbacks.
Not just Hilona, but Dr. Yamanashi is the same.
As a renowned Pokémon Doctor in the Pokémon research community, Natsuhiko will soon become part of the research community himself. To make further progress and gain more benefits, building good ties with such a Doctor is undoubtedly necessary.
Currently, he's closest with Researcher Sakuragi, who will soon become a Doctor. If Natsuhiko indeed wants to advance to "Dr. Natsuhiko" or "Dr. Dodo" someday, the endorsement and support of other Doctors would be crucial.
"Natsuhiko."
Suddenly, while nearing Murasaki Town, Natsuhiko hears a familiar, cool voice.
He looks up.
Standing at the crossroads, clad in a black gown with long, golden hair, couldn't it be the future Sinnoh Champion Hilona?
Seeing Hilona waiting for him, Natsuhiko hastened his pace a bit.
He approached.
"Hilona," Natsuhiko greeted politely.
Hilona nodded subtly, "I didn't expect you to be so fast, coming over from Snow Peak City didn't take much time."
"It's alright, planning to leave,"
"Dr. Yamanashi is expecting you."
Saying this, Hilona led Natsuhiko towards the Dr. Yamanashi Research Institute.
On the way.
"You...apologies, you originally chose to hide your identity," Hilona said somewhat apologetically.
Natsuhiko naturally didn't want to reveal his identity by choosing the title "Dodo," but Hilona introduced him to Dr. Yamanashi, though she had sought Natsuhiko's attitude, she still felt somewhat guilty.
Upon hearing, Natsuhiko waved his hand with a smile.
"It's okay, they'll find out eventually anyway."
He's about to obtain a Bachelor's degree.
Such formal achievements obviously can't use a somewhat "outrageous" nickname like "Dodo."
Moreover, Hilona did act out of goodwill.
Interacting with Dr. Yamanashi, it's clear it's of great benefit to Natsuhiko.
No need to dwell on it.
After hearing Natsuhiko's words, Hilona visibly relaxed.
The two walked slowly on the stone road of Murasaki Town, suddenly unsure of how to converse, falling into silence.
The atmosphere was slightly awkward.
Natsuhiko pondered, perhaps he should be the one to break this silence—it felt uncomfortable.
But just as he was about to speak, Hilona said:
"Right... I heard you and Researcher Sakuragi have made some progress in your study of 'affinity?' Especially regarding Eevee's evolutionary forms."
Natsuhiko paused, then nodded.
"Yes, Espeon and Umbreon are Pokémon that appear when Eevee reaches an affinity of 220 with the Trainer; they evolve during the day and night respectively. Their attributes are Dark Type and Psychic Type."
"Dark and Psychic Type?" Hilona blinked.
A bit hesitant.
Because, regardless of whether it's Dark Type or Psychic Type, her current lineup already includes Pokémon with these attributes, namely Spiritomb and Kirlia.
If possible, she'd rather not choose these two directions; her Eevee might not like them either.
Should she just choose one of the original three evolutionary paths?
If it were those three, Hilona could have long since made her Eevee evolve.
Unexpectedly, she circled around and ended up back at square one.
Choosing is the most troublesome.
Seeing Hilona's expression change, Natsuhiko thought for a moment and quickly guessed her thoughts.
"Actually, you don't have to rush because according to our research predictions, Espeon and Umbreon are not the entirety," Natsuhiko reassured.
"Oh?"
Hilona's eyes lit up.
"There are other evolutions?"
"Eevee already has five evolutionary forms. Who can guarantee that no new evolutions will appear later on? Right?"
Hilona nodded thoughtfully.
Indeed.
There are already five types, possibly more are yet to come.
However...
Five evolutionary forms already cause her quite the dilemma. If new forms appear, how would she choose?
"Think about the attribute of Pokémon you most worry about facing when battling others, then decide."
"Which attribute am I most worried about?" Hilona thought for a moment.
Shaking her head, she replied, "Seems like none."
Natsuhiko: "..."
Almost forgot who was in front of him.
He took a deep breath.
"In other words, which attribute do you find the most troublesome, the hardest to deal with?"
"In that case... Dragon-type Pokémon, Dragon-type Pokémon are quite bothersome," Hilona said hesitantly.
"Then that's settled; no need to overthink it. Just choose a Pokémon that restrains Dragon-types when the time comes."
Eevee's evolutionary forms include two types that can counter Dragon-type Pokémon.
Ice-type Glaceon and Fairy-type Sylveon.
Although the Fairy type hasn't appeared yet, and Fairy doesn't counter Flying type, right?
"Got it, thank you, Natsuhiko."