Leaving the "Land of Dragons".
Natsuhiko and Hilona returned to Shenhe Town once again.
The Pokémon Egg hatched a month or two earlier than Natsuhiko had expected, so some of the plans he had made before needed to be changed accordingly.
Fortunately, not much needed to be changed, and the general direction remained the same.
Currently.
The Dojo is definitely the first thing that needs to be handled well, as it is one of his biggest sources of income for the foreseeable future.
Second, the Pokémon Ranch must also be arranged well, as this will likely become another major source of income for him.
Only once these two sources of income are stabilized can he better use them to nurture his Pokémon.
Otherwise, relying solely on side jobs would waste time, be unstable, and if luck was bad, might yield nothing.
Given Natsuhiko's current strength and his Pokémon training requirements, the resources consumed every day are an astonishing figure.
In fact, most Pokémon trainers are like this.
Every time they open and close their eyes, they've already spent a lot of money.
Maintaining a balance between income and expenses is the key to long-term Pokémon training.
Otherwise, why do so many people either join the Alliance or various factions?
Isn't it all for acquiring resources?
After returning from the "Land of Dragons," Natsuhiko spent an entire morning planning for the upcoming period.
Not just regarding the Dojo and Ranch, but also his path as a Researcher.
Due to the competition.
He hasn't published any new papers on Eevee in a long time, and many people online are urging him to.
Moreover, the "Affinity" research with Sakuragi should be nearing completion.
The final paper release, although somewhat anticipated, will undoubtedly cause quite a stir.
As one of the two most important people in this research, Natsuhiko, also known as "Dodo," will surely be pushed to new heights.
Then there's Dr. Yamanashi's "Egg Group" project.
Although Natsuhiko only had a minor involvement, Dr. Yamanashi promised to include his name, which will surely have a substantial impact and bring some benefits.
What Natsuhiko values more is the direction he needs to choose next.
If managed well, his status as a Researcher can also help him gain substantial resources.
While planning, he scribbles and revises on paper.
A sudden phone call interrupted Natsuhiko's train of thought.
He took out his phone to see.
It was Sakuragi.
This was when Natsuhiko suddenly remembered that before participating in the tournament, it seemed he had asked Sakuragi to contact the Alliance to request a batch of supplies.
"Hello, Natsuhiko..."
After pressing the answer button, Sakuragi's extremely weary voice came through from the other end.
Hearing this voice, Natsuhiko instinctively spoke, "Mr. Sakuragi, take care of your health."
He originally wanted to ask when to start the meal, but fortunately, his persona stopped him from finishing the sentence.
"Hehe—thank you. It's just that the experiment's results are about to come out, so I've been working overtime for a few days."
Upon hearing this, Natsuhiko remained silent.
To be honest, if Natsuhiko had to think deeply about who he owes the most in this world, Sakuragi would definitely be among them.
The project was his proposal, the results partly credited to him, but it was Sakuragi who did most of the hard work, which made him feel a bit guilty.
However, for Sakuragi, having a direction to focus his research efforts, contributing some of his power to the entire Pokémon Realm, such exhaustion really didn't count as much.
He even found joy in it.
He was genuinely grateful to Natsuhiko for allowing him to participate in this project.
So Sakuragi never refused any requests for assistance from Natsuhiko.
Although they've only met once, they are considered good friends.
At least that's how Sakuragi sees it.
"By the way, Natsuhiko, I'm sorry to keep you waiting so long. I thought it was a simple matter, but it got delayed," Sakuragi said apologetically.
Natsuhiko understood that Sakuragi was referring to the request the Alliance made for him to write a paper on Eevee, and his own request to the Alliance.
"It's okay, I'm not in a hurry anyway," Natsuhiko replied.
A wry smile came from the other end of the phone.
"But the Alliance is in a hurry. Recently, they're urging more papers on Eevee's evolutionary forms, especially Espeon, so they mean..."
"I understand."
This was not for the Alliance or those Trainers, but for Sakuragi.
It must be admitted that the Alliance chose the right person in asking Sakuragi to reach out to Natsuhiko.
After all, Natsuhiko felt indebted to Sakuragi.
"I'll come up with a more in-depth explanation soon."
"Oh—it's okay. Pokémon research can't be rushed; it values accuracy over speed." Sakuragi breathed a slight sigh of relief.
But he quickly added, "However, the batch of things you requested last time has been approved. They're in Sinnoh now, where should they be sent?"
Send them where?
Natsuhiko hadn't thought about this matter yet.
If he sends them to Suiyi Town, wouldn't that expose his "Dodo" identity?
Although there's nothing much to hide, and quite a few people know, Natsuhiko still chooses to keep it a secret for as long as possible.
The Alliance might consider him more talented in Pokémon research and pull him into focusing solely on research.
Or some underground forces might eye his research abilities, kidnap him as labor; it's not impossible.
After all.
In the Pokémon Realm.
While talented Trainers are scarce but plentiful, capable Researchers are truly precious resources.
A Trainer whose abilities haven't reached a certain level will not have as much impact on a large power as a highly capable Researcher would.
"Oh, don't worry, I'll have Chrysa deliver them, without Alliance personnel."
Sakuragi seemed to sense Natsuhiko's concerns.
Chrysa is Sakuragi's assistant, who already knows Natsuhiko's identity.
Hearing this, Natsuhiko breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Mr. Sakuragi. Just send them to Suiyi Town. I'll send you the exact location right away, and I'll be there to receive them," Natsuhiko said.
"You're welcome."
The two exchanged a few more words about research matters before hanging up the call.
Then.
Natsuhiko told Hilona, who was training Pokémon in the garden and quickly headed for Suiyi Town.
Upon arrival, he saw a special Alliance cargo helicopter landing in a corner of Suiyi Town.
Accompanied by the whistling wind, Chrysa's figure was gracefully clad in a lab coat, disheveled hair, carrying a box, eagerly jumping off the helicopter.
She sprinted up to Natsuhiko in a few steps.
"Mr. Natsuhiko." Chrysa's face was flushed, catching her breath, evidently due to the short run.
"Miss Kikuna." Natsuhiko nodded, immediately taking the box from her hands.
As soon as he touched the box, Natsuhiko could clearly feel that it wasn't filled with items, but with living creatures!
The disorderly footsteps transmitted through the box to his hands.
A considerable number of them.
Curiously opening the box.
He found eight pairs of shiny eyes staring at him inquisitively.
"Buyi~~~"
Eight Eevees!
Chrysa quickly explained, "Because of the previous batch the professor applied for, these little ones are still in their infancy."
Natsuhiko grinned.
Perfect.
Eight Eevees, not one more, not one less.
Yet, Chrysa expressed her confusion.
"Mr. Natsuhiko, aren't there only seven evolutionary forms of Eevee? Why did you request eight?"
Natsuhiko smiled mysteriously.
Have you ever heard?
"I may not need it, but I cannot be without it?"
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Thanks to Pigeon Ghost for the generous reward! Asking for votes!