I don't know why.
The image of a fierce and cruel Trainer wielding a whip that Bagon slowly imagined in its mind has faded a lot.
At least.
The fierce person's image is already clearly different from Natsuhiko.
It can feel that every word Natsuhiko says is true, with no fabrication.
"So, I will also conduct some training in the future, and you'll have to participate in some battles," Natsuhiko was essentially giving Bagon a heads-up.
But Bagon found it wasn't very resistant to this idea.
It even felt a subtle sense of anticipation.
Because.
In the story, Weedle eventually became a swift-flying Beedrill after relentless effort and Natsuhiko's guidance.
And that Beedrill was the big brother introduced by Togekiss.
The Beedrill who seemed a bit stern but silently helped other Pokémon.
If I also train and battle... can I fly too?
Bagon couldn't help but connect the story with Natsuhiko's act of flying with it.
Natsuhiko seemed to say nothing, yet seemed to say everything.
At least.
His sincerity made Bagon less resistant.
"Go play." Natsuhiko patted its head.
This time.
Bagon didn't dodge or resist; it just quietly walked towards the Beedrills.
"This little guy has quite a complicated mind." Looking at its small body, Natsuhiko smiled and shook his head.
Then he called over Goomy.
Compared to the secretive and disguising Bagon, Goomy was much more accepting of Natsuhiko.
No need for him to tell any little stories.
But since each Pokémon's personality is different, Natsuhiko certainly wouldn't treat them all the same.
"If there's a chance, we'll also go to Hisui."
Just this one sentence made Goomy's fondness for Natsuhiko dramatically increase.
Of course.
To have the two little ones reach the closeness level of Togekiss and Beedrill, there's still a long way to go.
But now, Natsuhiko has time to wait for them to slowly accept.
...
...
Waiting in the canyon on Ula ula Island for seven days.
Kapu-Muu didn't appear.
Natsuhiko realized Kapu-Muu was avoiding him.
As for the reason.
Just a little thinking would make it clear.
But it's okay.
If it was the old Natsuhiko, he wouldn't have been able to find Kapu-Muu even if he wanted to.
But now.
He has ways.
He's not in a hurry.
Under Latios's support, he came to Melemele Island again.
The "UB Countermeasures Department" operation base has moved out of the Kukui Research Institute thanks to the "free" help from the Ethereum Foundation.
But it's still on Melemele Island.
More accurately, still next to Kukui Research Institute.
Natsuhiko came this time due to a meeting convened by Lira.
There weren't many people in the meeting room.
Minister Lira, Deputy Minister Natsuhiko, Special Advisor Dr. Kukui, Head of the Research Group Barnett, Head of the Special Operations Group Handsome Guy, and some other heads.
"Natsuhiko, I've wanted to meet you for a long time, but never had the chance. Finally seeing you today, hahaha—"
Dr. Kukui, with brown-gray glasses, wearing a baseball cap, and a white lab coat showing dark skin, smiled as he approached Natsuhiko.
The two shook hands.
"Really? I've admired Dr. Kukui for a long time, and sometimes thought I'd met him." Natsuhiko said with a half-smile.
Seeing Natsuhiko's expression, Dr. Kukui couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
He felt like Natsuhiko's words carried some other meanings.
"Dr. Kukui is very busy. Inviting him as our Special Advisor is thanks to Headmaster Nari Omiki's introduction and recommendation. The Doctor indeed provided us much help and convenience." Lira said sincerely, expressing gratitude.
She was also explaining Dr. Kukui's identity to Natsuhiko.
Since she promised Natsuhiko would oversee the "UB Countermeasures Department's" Research Group.
Telling him Dr. Kukui is independent of the "UB Countermeasures Department," unlike Barnett, who is considered a member.
Dr. Kukui quickly gestured, "Inspector Lira, with Natsuhiko, the Doctor here, my role is actually limited."
"Doctor? Natsuhiko?" Barnett looked puzzled.
Others were also somewhat confused, except for Lira, who had heard some news.
"Uh..." Dr. Kukui paused, looking at Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko pressed the brim of his hat and said, "It's not officially announced yet."
Listening to their conversation, they realized.
"Deputy Minister Natsuhiko, you're... becoming a Doctor?" Barnett's voice trembled slightly.
Only Barnett, as a fellow Researcher aiming for a Doctorate, knew what those words meant.
"Just passed the application..."
Natsuhiko didn't intend to boast.
The few people in the office exchanged glances.
This...
A Pokémon Studies Doctorate, under twenty?
Originally, Natsuhiko as a young Deputy Minister of the "UB Countermeasures Department" drew some grumbles from people.
But Natsuhiko's skills were indeed not weak, and he significantly contributed by inventing the Ultimate Aura Detection device, and later leading a group to repel the invading Ultimate Beasts, which finally earned the recognition from others present of his abilities.
But now.
With the Doctor title publicly revealed.
It's completely different.
In terms of importance, even Minister Inspector Lira of the "UB Countermeasures Department" isn't as crucial as a Pokémon Studies Doctorate.