"Oh? Mr. Natsuhiko has heard of me?" President Chi Ri said with a smile that was not without surprise.
"President of the 'Sinnoh Commerce Association', I have heard a bit."
Since Chi Ri came smiling, Natsuhiko wouldn't do anything out of line.
Chi Ri came as the President of the 'Sinnoh Commerce Association', as a billionaire, which indicates that he is still abiding by the league's "rules of the game."
Within the rules, even though Chi Ri makes Natsuhiko wary, it wouldn't cause him to make a fool of himself or reveal anything due to nervousness.
After all.
His current identity is that of a league Dojo Leader, legitimate and rightful heir of the league.
Even Rocket Team, Natsuhiko has never heard of them taking down a Dojo Leader in front of so many people.
Of course, if there are means behind the scenes to pull him down, or secret assassinations, that's another story.
But fortunately, Natsuhiko is now also a Dojo Leader, one of the leaders in Suiyi Town, and there's no need to lower his position upon meeting a wealthy businessman, even if he's willing, the league wouldn't want it.
Moreover.
It's not like he has never seen a wealthy businessman before.
Flint, Hilona, and even Lance, their statuses are no lower than that of Chi Ri the billionaire.
Hence, regarding Natsuhiko's attitude in response, neither Chi Ri nor Chrysa beside him showed much surprise.
Isn't it typical for a Dojo Leader to behave this way?
Natsuhiko.
He is gradually adapting to the identity of a Dojo Leader, and is also gradually adapting to the transition between his current and past identities.
"Hehe—it's truly an honor." Chi Ri took out a business card from the pocket of his clothing and handed it to Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko did not refuse.
He glanced down.
"President of the 'Sinnoh Commerce Association', Chi Ri."
The few golden words were prominently displayed.
"I wonder why Mr. Chi Ri has come this time..." Natsuhiko asked knowingly.
"It's like this, we've heard that Mr. Natsuhiko, the runner-up with a known reputation in the 'Lily Youth Competition', is going to open a Dojo in Suiyi Town. Our association happens to have some a little business in Suiyi Town, so I wanted to ask if Mr. Natsuhiko needs investment." Chi Ri explained.
Listening to Chi Ri, the emphasis seems to be on the investment at the end.
However, to Natsuhiko, the emphasis was on the "some business in Suiyi Town."
It seems that the Nursery behind it belongs to the Galaxy Team.
Understanding this, Natsuhiko realizes what kind of position this Nursery holds within the Galaxy Team.
A team.
Human resources are one aspect, Pokémon resources are another.
Obviously, this Nursery is significant in the eyes of Chi Ri in the Galaxy Team.
Natsuhiko squinted his eyes slightly, pretending not to understand the implications in Chi Ri's words, "Ah, apologize Mr. Chi Ri, just a few days ago, Mr. Flint from Devon Company has already visited and promised investment in terms of development, so....
I'm really very sorry, though I would very much like to cooperate with the 'Sinnoh Commerce Association', but I have prior commitments."
Upon hearing this.
Chi Ri's expression stiffened but quickly returned, although the change was quick, it was noticed by Natsuhiko, whose observation skills were increasingly enhanced due to the strength of his psychic abilities.
"That's truly regrettable..." Chi Ri shook his head "regretfully."
Devon Company is indeed not a small company.
Although the headquarters is in the Hoenn Region, its powerful influence covers many areas, with quite a few businesses in the Sinnoh Region, Chi Ri cannot create conflict and cause large financial disputes with Devon Company for a small Suiyi Town.
After all, the position of President of this association is not only a cover but also an essential funding source for the normal operation of the Galaxy Team.
Chi Ri then said with a smile: "Well, there's nothing that can be done. But I still hope Mr. Natsuhiko can make the Dojo and Suiyi Town thrive."
"Thank you for your kind words, President Chi Ri." Natsuhiko made a slight bow.
"If that's the case, I'll take my leave first." Chi Ri said as he prepared to turn away.
Natsuhiko nodded, "Due to numerous tasks ahead, I won't be seeing off the President."
"No need, no need."
Suddenly, Chi Ri, halfway through turning, said to Natsuhiko: "Oh, I almost forgot about this."
Saying this, he took out a card from his clothes, "This is an elite membership card for the Nursery in Suiyi Town, with a thirty percent discount. If Mr. Natsuhiko has any needs, feel free to visit, anyway it's just in the same town."
Natsuhiko revealed a look of surprise, taking the card.
"Is this... appropriate?"
Chi Ri watched Natsuhiko's swift action of directly slipping the membership card into his pocket, twitching at the corner of his eye.
He forced a smile, "Appropriate, appropriate, I hope Mr. Natsuhiko can provide more business for the Nursery, for mutual benefit."
Chi Ri no longer concealed the true purpose of this visit, he said frankly.
"No problem." Natsuhiko gently patted his chest.
"I'll be leaving now then."
"Take care."
Watching Chi Ri's slowly retreating figure boarding the helicopter parked outside Suiyi Town, he squinted his eyes.
"Mr. Chi Ri is indeed agreeable." Chrysa, witnessing the whole process, commented.
Natsuhiko glanced at her, curled his lips, took out the card given by Chi Ri from his clothes, muttered, "The weasel paying a New Year's visit to the hen."
"What?"
Chrysa clearly hadn't heard the saying Natsuhiko said, didn't understand what he meant.
"Nothing."
Natsuhiko fiddled with the card in his hand, suddenly said: "Chrysa, there are many Pokémon-related things we haven't prepared, have we?"
"Ah? Are there?"
Chrysa looked down at the notebook in her hand.
She didn't remember any arrangements in that regard.
"Let's go, shop!"
Since the benefits have been offered on a platter, who wouldn't seize the opportunity?
Natsuhiko strode toward the Nursery in Suiyi Town.
Moreover...
Isn't this exactly what Chi Ri wants to see?
Does he truly believe that Natsuhiko and Chi Ri just casually chatted for a bit?
There's a lot more going on beneath the surface here.
Although the Nursery in Suiyi Town is quite famous, and Natsuhiko has visited Suiyi Town many times, this was his first time actually entering this Nursery.
...
...
From the helicopter taking off from Suiyi Town.
Chi Ri, having just boarded the plane, had all expressions on his face vanish instantly.
The true "Master of Face-Changing!"
"Netherworld King, I need someone to investigate this Natsuhiko. I require all information about him, including interpersonal relationships, Pokémon, strategies, goals, and all other details," Chi Ri said calmly.
Upon hearing this.
A pudgy man with red round sunglasses, sporting a purple, comical hairstyle, displaying a receding hairline that exemplifies what a scientist should have, turned his head from the front of the helicopter.
"Understood, Mr. Chi Ri."
After a brief pause, the Netherworld King asked: "Well... into which category shall we list this Natsuhiko?"
Chi Ri didn't hesitate, saying: "Secondary observation list."
For some reason, his mind flashed back to Natsuhiko's quick action of accepting the membership card, his eyes twitched again.
But he quickly added: "Have the Nursery over there give a report within three days. Check if Natsuhiko went shopping, and if he did, what he bought, report it."
The Netherworld King showed slight surprise, but still responded.
"Understood."
"If he bought a lot... list him under the secondary wooing list."
"...Understood."
If it's someone who can be wooed with benefits, Chi Ri wouldn't mind spending extra money, anyways the other side doesn't know his true identity.
And a person who is keen on bargains, signifies imperfection.
Since there's imperfection, there's no need to be overly cautious, just grabbing Natsuhiko's weakness will do.
It's not the first time Chi Ri has done this.