Lance had no doubts about Natsuhiko, "I understand."
"Don't stay here any longer; the Magma Team is retreating, and it's pointless to remain. If you go in this direction, you'll enter Vigoroth territory, where Du Juan and Kona are." Natsuhiko pointed a direction for Lance.
"Kona?" Lance was taken aback.
"You don't know her?" Natsuhiko raised an eyebrow.
Lance shook his head upon hearing, "No, she's a top student at Silver Academy, said to be the most talented Ice-type Pokémon Trainer after Celestial King Liu Bo. I've heard of her."
"That's good then. She's quite strong, but lacks outdoor experience. You could 'teach' her."
Strong?
If Natsuhiko says strong, Lance's interest is piqued instantly.
He loves battling strong individuals.
But he quickly realized, Natsuhiko was telling him to go, "What about you?"
"I have some things to handle; I'll join you later. Once the Magma Team leaves, the three Kings might come in. Who knows if the trial will continue..."
Upon hearing Natsuhiko had things to handle, Lance didn't insist.
He had confidence in Natsuhiko's abilities and strength.
Moreover, Lance viewed Natsuhiko as careful and measured; he wouldn't do anything too dangerous.
In summary, he's quite prudent.
"Alright, that's it, I'm off. You should leave quickly too."
With that, he got up and headed towards Flame Valley.
Watching his departing figure, Lance shouted, "Stay safe!"
Natsuhiko waved his hand without turning around.
Lance grabbed his clothes and pulled, quickly returning to his original outfit.
"I forgot to ask him how he managed to gain attention from the Campfire level."
Only then did Lance react belatedly.
Both were infiltrating, how was he just a regular member while Natsuhiko reached Elite Captain level, maybe even aspiring for an officer position?
Lance decided that after leaving, he'd ask Natsuhiko for advice.
With this thought, he no longer hesitated, tossed a Pokeball, summoned Charizard, and quickly headed in the direction Natsuhiko pointed.
...
...
After sending off Lance, Natsuhiko began his final preparations.
Though primarily relying on Dragapult, the situation was different from the Divine Hall of Snow Peak.
Only Dragapult was there; if the opponent sent one or two Pokémon against him, Natsuhiko couldn't just withstand it physically. He's not Master Ash, nor part of Rocket Team's trio.
So he needed to ensure his own safety with enough protection.
He changed out of the Magma Team's clothes, donned a black cloak often worn in black markets, and put on a black market mask.
Then he tossed Pokeballs, summoning several Pokémon.
Turtonator, Noivern, Snorlax, plus the stealthy Dragapult made quite a formidable force.
Natsuhiko suddenly realized.
His non-main Pokémon, when cobbled together, seemed capable of easily crushing an ordinary Gym Leader?
But these Pokémon's growth limits were already fixed, or rather, they had no potential for continued growth. Their tactics and battle rhythm were entirely fixed, yielding high short-term gains, but over time, they would surely be surpassed by Beedrill and the others.
This is why many appear strong but may remain stagnant in the same position for life.
Too focused on immediate strength.
The choice between now and the future is an easy one.
Anyway, Natsuhiko grasped both.
He took out Energy Blocks, various potions, and energy supplements, giving them final status adjustments.
Before long.
The Volcarona in the sky finally showed change.
The light gradually dimmed, and the emitted temperature noticeably weakened.
"It's coming." Natsuhiko looked up and said.
"Baluya."
Dragapult gradually revealed its form.
Suddenly, a figure shot up into the sky, riding Charizard—it was the long-awaiting, restless Campfire, exuding uncontrollable excitement between his brows.
And upon rushing up, promptly engaged in battle with the fatigued Volcarona.
From sky to ground.
Sparkling scale powder scattered across the land, and raging flames like wildfires instantly covered a large area, obstructing the view of all those watching the battle.
Feeling the restless impulses of Dragapult beside him, Natsuhiko said in a deep voice:
"Go, assist!"
————
Next chapter, coming soon~~