"Togetic?"
Togetic entered the den of the Blazing Beasts and landed beside the little Chimchar, gently calling out.
As a Happy Pokémon, Togetic might feel it even more keenly than Natsuhiko; it could clearly sense the loneliness and loss emanating from the little Chimchar.
"Chim..."
The little Chimchar glanced at Togetic but didn't show much sign of rejection.
It knew that without Togetic's help earlier, it might have ended up as food for Centiskorch with Cyndaquil.
Moreover, within Togetic's petite form lay immense power, and the little Chimchar longed for such a display of strength.
The one it admired most before was the mighty Blazing Beast.
But today, Natsuhiko's Pokémon showed it another side of strength.
Strength is not all about individual might; with a group of reliable friends, and through teamwork, one can also become very strong.
This was a new understanding it gained today.
It dreamed that in the future, when it becomes stronger and Cyndaquil evolves into a Blazing Beast and grows strong, the two Pokémon would join forces to rule this area.
However....
Thinking about how Cyndaquil might join its kin rather than choosing an "outsider" like it made it a bit dejected.
Togetic was very talkative, something evident from early on.
Maybe it was its personality, or perhaps it was in its nature as a Pokémon; even when alone before, Togetic was always optimistic.
It didn't show the same acquisitive hesitance as the little Chimchar.
On the outside, the little Chimchar appeared very strong-willed, stubborn, and resilient, displaying a strong facade.
But it actually proved its inner fragility.
The more obvious its outward appearance was, the more vulnerable its inner self became.
This was its disguise, an unconscious form of self-protection.
Of course, you can't deny it had a genuinely strong-willed nature.
And its character complemented Togetic perfectly.
Seeing Togetic and the little Chimchar chatting casually made Natsuhiko smile with relief.
At the Blazing Beast's den, there was no need to worry about where they might run off to.
He still had plenty of time to learn more about the little Chimchar and then try to capture it.
But not now.
With the Pokémon outside the Blazing Beast's den, he found a relatively flat spot to settle down.
It was time to rest.
A lot happened today; he not only disguised himself and infiltrated the Magma Team but also entered Flame Valley to search for suitable Fire-type Pokémon, and eventually, he did find a few targets.
Though not yet captured, it was a positive result, and things went smoothly.
But after a day of battles, the Pokémon needed rest; just today alone, Beedrill Mega-evolved twice, which was a significant burden for both him and Beedrill.
Doublade had only been plated for a few days and was still in the adaptation phase, battling the Evil Fire-type Pokémon all day naturally wore it out.
However, it must be said that battle is the best way to bond, compared to the day it was plated, Doublade had become much more accustomed now.
Originally, according to the plan, Natsuhiko should have used Yujira's Instant Movement to return to the Vigoroth's territory to rendezvous with Kona and Du Juan.
But now, having found the little Chimchar and Cyndaquil, he decided not to return.
Anyway, after spending a few days together, Kona and Du Juan proactively learned and improved their wilderness survival skills significantly, typical of academic types.
With the Vigoroth's territory as a natural protective barrier, safety wasn't too much of a concern.
If he returned under such conditions, Natsuhiko felt he was really about to become their babysitter.
After deciding not to return.
He began to prepare tonight's dinner.
Though light changes couldn't be seen underground, Flame Valley was probably pitch-black by now.
Natsuhiko's food was easy to handle; he brought enough provisions and water this time, so he could make do with a quick meal, but he couldn't afford to be careless with the Pokémon's food.
Energy Blocks should be consumed in sufficient quantities daily to maximize their effect.
It wasn't just the main Pokémon like Beedrill; Natsuhiko had a number of support Pokémon with him, and he couldn't leave out Cherrim, Mudsdale, and Tyrantrum. With the number of Pokémon Natsuhiko was carrying, feeding time was always a major task.
Nearing a dozen Pokémon in total.
The outside commotion naturally attracted the attention of the Blazing Beasts and Cyndaquils inside the den.
Faced with the sudden appearance of so many Pokémon, they all curiously peered out.
The Blazing Beast leader was inevitably watching the outside situation too.
However, upon seeing Snorlax, who seemed to devour everything voraciously, Turtonator, who breathed fiery breaths but behaved when caught by a glance from Natsuhiko, and those Elite Candidate level Pokémon like Barbaracle, it was stunned.
This lineup...
So strong!
Even the Blazing Beast leader could sense a considerable threat from these Pokémon.
The only fortunate thing was that Natsuhiko didn't seem to harbor any ill intentions towards them.
The Blazing Beast leader thought.
In fact, Natsuhiko was not too concerned about Pokémon he'd leave and sell for resources after departing; missing a few meals wasn't a big deal, as long as they didn't starve to death.