In the calm training days, a week passed in the blink of an eye.
After the almost closed-off training of the first two days, on the third day, Natsuhiko and Weedle began to "receive orders" again... ahem, started taking on tasks.
After all, life goes on. There's no need to worry about Weedle's Energy Blocks for now, but sooner or later he will have to train a second Pokémon, so earning more is never a bad thing.
During this time, Kenji came the most.
His arrival didn't affect Natsuhiko and Weedle's training, but Kenji also had his gains. He brought his Bulbasaur to train along, gradually starting to resemble a proper Trainer.
Although in battles with Natsuhiko, he was always the one being thrashed, his command in battle and Bulbasaur's performance were starting to take shape, occasionally surprising Weedle.
At the same time, Weedle's progress was visibly noticeable.
After undergoing two shell molts, one strengthening itself and the other enhancing its poison, it never had a chance to settle down and transform these changes into its own strength.
This training provided it a great opportunity to settle, clearly recognizing its own changes and familiarizing itself with these changes, gradually turning them into an increase in strength.
Now, just looking at Weedle's appearance, one could clearly sense the solid muscles hidden under its shell, and its small, deep purple eyes radiated with intense confidence.
It was training that led to progress both physically and mentally.
Its strength also improved significantly.
Although it's still at the Excellence Level in evaluations, previously it barely reached the Excellence Level, but now it has solidly established itself at this tier, advancing towards higher levels.
During this period, Natsuhiko also used this time to learn more about Pokémon-related knowledge, focusing particularly on Breeder knowledge.
Always buying Energy Blocks is not a long-term strategy.
Having just one Weedle is manageable, and even capturing a second Pokémon soon should still be bearable, but he can't always limit himself to just one or two Pokémon.
In the future, as the number of Pokémon increases, their food will be a big issue.
If he can make Energy Blocks, he would save a lot of resources, which can be used to train other Pokémon, and perhaps even earn some money.
However, this is not something that can be done overnight. It can't be rushed, and it may not succeed, but at least trying won't hurt.
In any case, he's learned a lot about Pokémon breeding knowledge.
...
...
The supervisor's office in the club.
Supervisor Lotto called Natsuhiko again.
Watching him sitting behind the desk, impeccably dressed in a crisp suit, with slickly combed shiny hair, it seemed this supervisor was always dressed like this.
He lightly brushed a golden quill over a document a few times and handed it to Natsuhiko.
"There's a task here. Take a look, and if there's no problem, it's yours," Lotto said blandly, his gaze briefly pausing on the Weedle perched on Natsuhiko's shoulder.
Natsuhiko accepted the document and skimmed through it briefly.
His brow gradually furrowed.
"What's wrong?"
He closed the page, rolled it up, and clenched it in his palm. "No, I'll take the task."
Lotto nodded with satisfaction. "Do well; there won't be a shortage of tasks in the future, if you can continue staying in the club."
"Hmm," he acknowledged softly, then turned and walked out of the office.
After leaving, the Weedle on his shoulder nuzzled his cheek lightly, "Woo?"
Weedle, familiar with Natsuhiko, keenly sensed his hesitation.
"Nothing, it's just that this task seems too friendly," Natsuhiko tightened his grip on the rolled-up document, his fingers feeling the paper's tension.
"Woo?"
Weedle was even more puzzled. Isn't it best if the task is friendly?
Complete it easily, then return to hand in the task, earn money, and buy more delicious food.
Happiness.
Natsuhiko didn't take Weedle's joy to heart, merely reviewing the task's specific details.
This time, the task was to capture a Tangela in a forest outside Goldenrod City, with a reward of fifty thousand Alliance coins. The reward was relatively high because it also included the intrinsic value of the Pokémon.
Tangela is a pure Grass-type Pokémon, not numerous, but not very popular due to its single Grass attribute, and it's also not very attractive, making it less valuable.
Moreover, pure Grass-type Tangela is doubly restrained by Weedle's Insect-type and Poison Type attributes, making it indeed very suitable for this task.
It seems there's no issue at a glance.
But let's not forget the people assigning this task: Rocket Team!
Since when has Rocket Team been so friendly?
Not a very difficult task, plus substantial rewards, anyone would feel tempted.
But upon careful contemplation, there's indeed nothing wrong, with reasonable target Pokémon, reasonable rewards, and reasonable task objectives. Everything seems reasonable.
Yet when someone is too suspicious, things that are too reasonable become less reasonable in their eyes.
However, he truly couldn't pinpoint anything wrong.
"Could it be that I'm overthinking? Does Rocket Team see the potential in me and Weedle and want to nurture me in this way?" Natsuhiko thought to himself, somewhat self-mockingly.
It seems there's no other reason besides this.
"Wait."
Suddenly pausing, an image flashed through his mind.
A large, confident smile, a costume akin to a friend of justice, and that unique cape.
It was Lance.
"Is it because of Lance?" his dark eyes flickered.
It's not impossible.
After a while, he exhaled a long breath, "Whatever, it's all the same. Getting the money is what matters."
Back in his room, he packed up his gear and Weedle's food, changed into light clothing, and once more boarded the vehicle leaving Goldenrod City.
The time before Weedle evolves is probably still a week or a bit longer. Making the most of this remaining time to push Weedle's limits is crucial.
Moreover, once Weedle evolves into Kakuna, it will require a significant amount of resources to accumulate, money that must be earned.
Carrying a backpack, just a passerby; putting down burdens, one finds a home.
Natsuhiko constantly carries the backpack in his heart. To this world, he may still just be a passerby.
...
...
Once again, leaving Goldenrod City, he ventured alone into the area where Wild Pokémon roam.
This task still only had a general area with no specific location, unlike the slums where someone might provide useful information. So, he was prepared for a relatively extended period surviving outdoors.
Unhindered, they passed through the initial safe zone and entered the forest with a danger level rated as Intermediate.
Here.
Few people tread.
In the dense grass over one meter high, Natsuhiko hunched his body and dived in.
This place still had a considerable distance from his target location. On the map, this grassland spanned a vast area. Though circumventing it was safer, it would undeniably waste more time.
Going straight in, the overgrown grass inevitably blocked visibility, increasing the danger, but Natsuhiko still chose this approach.
Weedle's strength improvement, and the vigilance it showcased in their many cooperative adventures, were the sources of Natsuhiko's confidence.
Of course, this inevitably led to encounters with Wild Pokémon.
Just like now.
The rustling in the surrounding grass grew louder, not needing a reminder from Weedle to realize a Pokémon had sniffed out their "delicious" scent and was quickly approaching them.
Natsuhiko halted his steps, awaiting the anticipated attack.
Suddenly, when the rustling around also ceased, a robust Raticate suddenly leapt out from the grass on Natsuhiko's left side, its enlarged, sunlit front teeth glinting with sharp menace, aiming for Natsuhiko's neck, with narrow, crafty eyes full of greed for its prey.
Obviously, Raticate had mistaken the tender-skinned human Natsuhiko for the perfect prey.
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Second update!