Centered around the small town, after conducting a simple investigation of the nearby area, Natsuhiko found that it wasn't devoid of wild Pokémon, but rather seemed like these Pokémon were reluctant to approach the town.
It seemed as if there was something they dreaded.
Moreover, the size of this island exceeded Natsuhiko's expectations.
After wandering around and returning to the town, he had explored at most a third of the island.
The entire island centers around a not-so-high mountain, with the town located on the western side, near the sea. Meanwhile, in the dense shrubs on the eastern side of the town, lives a group of Skuntanks and Stunkies, whose territory contains a stinky swamp rich in food sources.
Just approaching the shrubs, Natsuhiko couldn't help but step back.
It was too smelly.
He thought he had built enough resistance to stench after experiencing the odors emitted by Gloom and Grimer.
Until he faced the Skuntanks and realized he had overestimated himself and underestimated the Pokémon's abilities.
Without any need for the Skuntanks to deter him, he couldn't stand it and retreated.
On the eastern side of the town lived a group of Mightyenas and Poochyenas, behaving like bullies.
Upon Natsuhiko's entry, he was aggressively attacked by this group of Mightyenas, forcing him to retreat without a specific goal for now.
To the north of the town is the path up the mountain, densely covered with trees.
There weren't any defined Pokémon territories in the woods, and many Pokémon lived there, but Natsuhiko noticed a peculiar trait.
The closer to the mountaintop, the more resources seemed to be abundant, with an ample amount of Pokémon food like Tree Fruits. Quite a few Tree Fruits even fell to the ground and rotted due to nobody picking them.
This was quite odd.
Given this island's not-so-abundant ecological resources, these Tree Fruits should be highly contested food among the wild Pokémon, yet many were left to rot on the ground.
It seemed that besides avoiding the small town, wild Pokémon were also reluctant to approach the areas above the mountain's midsection.
Even.
Natsuhiko observed two Senior Level wild Pokémon that would rather fight over the last remaining Tree Fruit on a tree at the mountainside, choosing not to take another step forward over the mountainside.
Clearly, merely crossing the mountainside.
There lies an expansive forest of Tree Fruits, with lots of matured Tree Fruits available to be picked, even enough to sustain a Pokémon race.
Yet even so, they are unwilling to proceed further.
As if taking another step forward would lead to certain death.
At this moment.
Natsuhiko stood by the clear borderline on the mountainside.
Looking at the mess behind him, as well as the thriving fruit trees in front of him, he fell into thought.
"For wild Pokémon to maintain this behavior can only mean that the area above this mountainside is the territory of a strong Pokémon, so strong that other Pokémon dare not even approach...."
Natsuhiko could only make such a conjecture.
Currently.
He hesitated whether to take another step forward.
After all, there were many Tree Fruits on the trees ahead, including some high-value ones. If harvested, this would bring considerable income.
Yet he hesitated.
If these wild Pokémon are so wary, it must not be simple.
"Forget it, I should first scout around, and approach after confirming the situation. It's not too late."
Ultimately, Natsuhiko decided it was prudent to be cautious.
He kept a lookout.
Thus, he started circling around the borderline on the mountainside, strictly adhering to the demarcated line.
This demarcation line was quite easy to recognize.
Slowly, Natsuhiko moved from the southern side of the mountain to its northern side, circling around before coming back near the southern side again.
But.
Initially thinking there were no territorial boundaries in the area, his opinion changed as he approached a giant cave.
"Roar—"
A loud roar echoed through the mountain forest, the sound filled with an unyielding majesty, causing many flying creatures to take off in fright.
Hearing the sound, Natsuhiko's face changed.
"It's coming."
A figure slammed into tree trunks, rushing swiftly in his direction.
It had a blue-purple body with many diamond-shaped structures, adorned with several red spikes, and most importantly, its entire head was red, with wings on its back that did not seem capable of flight.
"Druddigon?!"
Seeing the Pokémon's full appearance, Natsuhiko couldn't help but shout, his expression slightly peculiar.
Not that he looked down on this Druddigon.
It's just...
The title "Shame of the Dragon Race" was all too notorious.
Additionally, even the Earth Dragon Garchomp, a Ground Type Pokémon, could fly, yet Druddigon, with wings, couldn't. What sense does that make?
Speaking further, it would be one thing if a certain Pokémon couldn't fly due to a lack of wings, but having wings and still not being able to... at least they had some "sword" to backstab with.
Despite the criticism, this menacing Druddigon in front of Natsuhiko posed a substantial threat to him and several Pokémon.
After all, it was a Dragon-type Pokémon, and even if it was a "shame," it still was a Dragon-type Pokémon with inherent physical advantages. The dragon lineage made this Druddigon exceptionally robust, with skin even tougher than rock.
Much like some Pokémon only carrying the "Dragon" designation, their bodies graced with dragon blood were significantly stronger than the average Pokémon.
And a self-proclaimed Dragon-type Trainer rarely possessed a decent number of Dragon-type Pokémon.
"Moreover, this aura...."
The Beedrill beside him wore a serious expression, quietly positioning itself in front of Natsuhiko, holding its twin needles ready, arcs of electricity sparking across its wings as it prepared to face the threat it distinctly sensed from this Druddigon.
A strong threat!
Abra quietly came to Natsuhiko's side, using its psychic powers slightly to shield him.
The Togepi curled up in his arms, filled with fear.
"Elite Level?!"
Natsuhiko struggled to voice his speculation.
An Elite Level Dragon-type Pokémon Druddigon, certainly surpassed Natsuhiko's expectations and exceeded the tolerable range for the Pokémon accompanying him.
"Roar!!"
As ideas flashed quickly through Natsuhiko's mind and the Pokémon assumed defensive stances, the Druddigon had already broken several tree trunks, charging in his direction.
Whoever claimed speed was this Dragon-type "Shame's" weakness, Natsuhiko would definitely seek to "theorize" with them, to see if they could still say that when faced with such a scene.
The imposing physique matched with such a ferocious demeanor was quite overwhelming.
Along with an angry roar facing an intruder, its strong, forceful claws, imbued with rich blue-purple Dragon Energy, swung fiercely at him!
Dragon Claw!
"Sizz buzz!"
The Beedrill reacted the fastest, crossing its twin needles in front of its chest, a green halo emanating from the needles as it executed a Cross Cut to parry.
The green glow collided with the purple claw.
Boom!!
A massive thunderous sound reverberated.
The Beedrill's figure was blown away, barely controlled by Abra's psychic power.
Though the Druddigon's movement briefly stalled, it remained steady, its fierce eyes casting a slightly surprised glance at Beedrill.
Natsuhiko retreated alongside Beedrill, his peripheral vision catching sight of it.
He saw Beedrill looking rather disheveled, with three claw marks on its previously sleek and shiny double needles.
In just a single collision, Beedrill fell into a definitive disadvantage.
This was the first time Beedrill encountered such a formidable opponent, one that outmatched it comprehensively.