This also placed him among the top echelon in the Pokémon world research community.
Although his actual status hasn't improved.
But his influence is incomparable to before.
"Ahem." Natsuhiko gently tapped the microphone.
He wasn't stage-shy.
"I'll take a little of your time. Before I reveal my rather bold guess, let me first announce a recent research finding of mine," Natsuhiko said.
Upon hearing this, many people sat up straight.
This was also part of the academic exchange conference.
Natsuhiko brushed his hand over his waist, and with a flash of red light, a massive Pokémon instantly occupied the large stage.
Onix.
Natsuhiko continued, "Steelix, a Steel Type and Ground Type Pokémon, evolved from Onix."
Suddenly, there was a buzz of whispers below.
One person even raised his hand and stood up directly.
"Mr. Natsuhiko, it's no secret that Steelix is the evolved form of Onix. Do you know how Onix can evolve into Steelix?"
"Yes." Natsuhiko nodded, calmly.
Although this research finding is not as influential as the "Egg Group", it has troubled quite a few researchers in the field.
"Natsuhiko, tell us about it."
Professor Oak opened his notebook.
He wasn't the only one doing this; many others also opened their notebooks, preparing to take notes.
Natsuhiko pondered briefly and did not speak immediately. Instead, he asked Flint behind him, "Flint, you brought the 'Metal Film', right?"
Sitting in his seat, Flint was momentarily taken aback, then stood up and replied, "I brought it."
"Then come up and help me a bit."
"Alright."
After going on stage, Flint handed the heavy Metal Film to him.
At the same time, he leaned in and asked softly, "Natsuhiko, are you saying that Onix can evolve into Steelix through 'Metal Film'?"
"More or less," Natsuhiko nodded.
"But... hasn't someone tried this before..."
"Of course, special methods must be added," Natsuhiko said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Flint seemed to make a decision and solemnly said, "Then... how about we use my Onix?"
Natsuhiko looked at him, seeing the serious expression on his face.
Shook his head and said, "No, your Onix shouldn't use this method. You'll understand when I'm done; it's for the good of your Onix."
Flint was momentarily stunned, then responded, "Okay."
Flint trusted Natsuhiko quite a lot. When he said it was for Onix's good, Flint had no doubts.
Then, under everyone's gaze, Natsuhiko and Flint worked together to apply the Metal Film onto Onix.
At first glance.
The originally gray-yellow Onix turned into a metallic color.
However, its form did not change because of this.
As everyone expressed doubt, Natsuhiko summoned another Pokémon, Beedrill.
Once Beedrill came out, it understood Natsuhiko's intent.
Its wings vibrated rapidly, and the fine-threaded electric currents formed a magnetic field, enveloping the entire Onix.
Strands of electric current, like spider silk, danced on the metal coating applied to Onix.
"The electric currents carried by Natsuhiko's Beedrill are increasing, I must find an opportunity to observe them,"
Professor Oak, unable to restrain his desire to study, said as he watched Natsuhiko's Beedrill.
"Is this... a special magnetic field enveloping Onix?" Dr. Yamanashi murmured.
As an authority on Pokémon evolution research, Dr. Yamanashi was curious about Natsuhiko's approach.
But very soon.
Stimulated by Beedrill's magnetic field, the Onix, coated in metal, began to emit the white light of evolution.
As the dazzling white light illuminated the entire hall, many people widened their eyes.
"It really... evolved..." Flint murmured as he watched Beedrill withdraw the magnetic field.
The evolution time wasn't long.
Before long.
When the white light of evolution faded, a Steelix appeared on the stage.
Fortunately, the stage was specially reinforced; otherwise, Steelix's weight might have easily collapsed the platform.
It was Natsuhiko's first time seeing Onix evolve into Steelix.
However, seeing the just-evolved, somewhat excited Steelix, Natsuhiko couldn't help but shake his head inwardly.
This Steelix looked good, but compared to the one he caught, it was lacking.
In terms of metal luster, body weight, and even metal density, it was inferior.
At this point, someone else stood up, excitedly saying:
"Mr. Natsuhiko, are you saying that the 'Metal Film' is indeed the material needed for Onix to evolve, but it must be accompanied by a special magnetic field?"
It's not that no one has tried coating Onix with metal in an attempt to make it evolve, a research that once attracted much attention but failed.
Natsuhiko then began to explain.
"As far as I know, there are two ways for Onix to evolve into Steelix. One of them is exactly what I just showed you: applying 'Metal Film' and then stimulating the metal coating and Onix with a magnetic field to fuse them."
This is what is known as "Communication Evolution."
But actually, "Communication Evolution" is not necessary.
However, this approach has high requirements for both the Pokémon and the 'Metal Film' material.
For ordinary Onix, the influence of a special magnetic field, which can replace the communication scenario, can lead to its evolution.
This is also the main reason why how Onix evolves into Steelix remains a secret to this day.