Aegislash VS Dragonite!
Both are Elite Candidate Level Pokémon.
Dragonite's advantage lies in it being a Quasi-God Pokémon, and it holds speed and aerial advantages.
Aegislash's advantage is in its resistance to Dragon and Flying Type techniques.
Moreover, Natsuhiko's Aegislash has undergone two special coatings, and although its appearance seems unchanged, its metal density far exceeds that of typical Steel-type Pokémon.
This point.
Flint recognized this almost instantly when Aegislash appeared.
He was astonished at Natsuhiko's Aegislash's condition.
In his view, this Aegislash's defense power and weight must be terrifying.
However.
The battle they had been expecting didn't turn out as planned.
Natsuhiko's morning training plans got interrupted.
And who interrupted them was...
Professor Oak.
"Sorry for interrupting your battle. But there's no choice, the academic conference is about to start, Natsuhiko, you need to be mindful of the time."
Professor Oak was unpretentious and even seemed a bit embarrassed, scratching his head.
He had been a Trainer back in his younger days, so he understood that interrupting a battle was not the best choice.
However, considering Natsuhiko's future development as a Researcher, it would be good not to miss this conference.
An academic conference attended by numerous doctors and renowned researchers from various regions of the Pokemon Realm, having Natsuhiko be part of it was surely a great addition to his resume.
Everyone was so focused on the battle that time passed faster than they could imagine.
Upon hearing this.
While they understood, it still felt a bit disappointing.
Especially for Flint, Kona, and others who hadn't battled Natsuhiko yet.
Natsuhiko nodded seriously, showing gratitude.
He knew the significance of this conference.
Seeing the expressions on their faces, Professor Oak hesitated slightly.
After a brief pause, he said:
"You can continue after the conference is over, but I suggest, maybe postpone it a bit longer... there might be a time when you absolutely need to battle."
"A time we absolutely need to battle?"
Everyone exchanged glances.
Natsuhiko squinted his eyes.
"Professor Oak, you mean... a tournament?"
The only time there's an absolute necessity to battle is during a "tournament," right?
"Haha—did I say that?"
Professor Oak left amidst awkward laughter, waving his hand.
He left them with a sentence.
"Natsuhiko, remember to come by quickly, others can choose to sit in as well."
"Professor Oak always says strange things," Kona muttered softly.
"Natsuhiko, what tournament are you talking about?" Lance caught onto the key points in Natsuhiko's words.
"I'm not very sure myself," Natsuhiko shook his head, "but I think Professor Oak is likely hinting at that."
Natsuhiko was genuinely unsure.
Because what Professor Oak said was just as if he hadn't really said anything.
However, judging from his response to Natsuhiko's actions, there might really be a tournament, and it's one they wouldn't want to miss.
Remember.
Even the "Lily Youth Competition" is not mandatory; it's through voluntary registration.
Moreover.
They all hail from different regions, apart from grand events like the "Lily Youth Competition," which extends over various regions and is held every few years, what else could gather them together?
But honestly.
After thinking it over, Natsuhiko found it wasn't impossible.
In fact.
If his guess was right, he even speculated the venue for this tournament.
The critical point lies in...
The opening of the Alola Region!
If the Alola Region is opened up, the Alliance, for promoting the Alola Region — or perhaps the Ethereum Foundation collaborating with the Alliance, aiming to quickly get the world to accept the Alola Region — might hold a tournament to attract attention.
But theoretically, inviting them to compete doesn't seem appropriate.
Wouldn't having the Elite Four do a few exhibition matches be more captivating?
Unless....
There's an unsolved interest dispute involved.
After all.
More and more people are becoming aware of the Alola Region, not just through the revelations from the Alliance.
It's more because the Ethereum Foundation is deliberately sending Pokémon from the Alola Region to various regions of the Pokemon Realm to increase discussion about the Alola Region.
Even Natsuhiko has contributed in some way to this.
Driving public discussion, pressuring the Alliance under media scrutiny, forcing it to make some concessions.
If the Alliance is unwilling to compromise, but also doesn't want to confront the Ethereum Foundation, a long-rooted organization in the Alola Region, because strong dragons don't overpower local snakes.
If they want to incorporate the Alola Region quickly, then the Ethereum Foundation is an indispensable significant part.
At that point.
The best solution is to speak through battles.
Especially battles with considerable influence but do not create irreparable rifts are most suitable.
Of course.
All these are merely Natsuhiko's conjectures based on current information.
The specifics still need discussion.
What Professor Oak mentioned is likely pointing in this direction.
Especially considering.
His cousin, Nari Omiki, serves as the dean of the Pokemon School in the Alola Region, holding a considerable position.
"It's the same to continue after the conference. Being able to attend an academic conference like this is indeed important for you," Hilona said.
"Yeah, the battle can wait, Natsuhiko, you clearly understand how authoritative this academic conference is," Kona agreed.
"Then let's go and check it out together." Flint suggested.
Finally.
Natsuhiko and Lance's battle was postponed.
They all headed to the venue hosting the academic conference.
Many attendees were already seated inside, and people continued to arrive from outside.
Since Natsuhiko was invited, his seat was in the center, amongst a group of researchers.
As Hilona and others were attending as observers, they sat on chairs at the edge of the conference room.
Hilona and Kona were already accustomed to attending as observers, while Flint and Lance were experiencing it for the first time.
Guided by the staff, Natsuhiko reached his assigned seat.
The number of attendees for this academic conference wasn't large.
Even including several doctors of various statuses, it was less than a hundred altogether.
Given the vast number of researchers across the Pokemon Realm, yet fewer than a hundred present.
This implies.
The high quality of this academic conference.
As more attendees kept arriving, people occupied seats on both sides of Natsuhiko.
"Are you 'Dodo' Mr. Natsuhiko?"
The voice came from the right side.
The speaker was a woman in her twenties, dressed in a white coat, with blue-purple hair extending to her ankles, wearing square-frame glasses, and a purple flower clipped on her bangs.
"Uh, are you?" Natsuhiko was a bit bewildered.
Though she seemed familiar, he didn't know her.
"Hello, I'm Zhengu, researching in the 'Pokemon Dream Realm.'"
With a smile, she extended her hand towards Natsuhiko.
Zhengu?
Upon hearing the name, Natsuhiko vaguely remembered.
A doctor from the Unova Region.
A close college friend of Dr. Cypress and Dr. Barnett.
However, she seems to be a researcher currently.
After a gentle handshake, he let go, and politely smiled, "I'm Natsuhiko. My research direction... uh, it's probably Pokemon evolution."
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PS: I was busy all day returning to my hometown, normal updates will resume tomorrow, sending 1.1k words~~