"Beedrill, use Double Needle."
A Qualified Level Ekans that launched a surprise attack couldn't withstand Beedrill's strike and fell to the ground, losing its ability to battle.
Natsuhiko didn't attempt to capture it.
The value of a Qualified Level Pokémon is relatively low, especially such a common one.
Of course, if it has a unique trait or possesses some special techniques, its value would undoubtedly increase.
Stepping over the Ekans, Natsuhiko continued deeper with Beedrill, pondering over some matters along the way.
"Although Beedrill has evolved, the power of its current techniques is still somewhat lacking," Natsuhiko mused, rubbing his chin.
"While the Sniper trait can be skillfully used to compensate for this to some extent, that's only because the opponents we've faced so far aren't on the same level as Beedrill. If we encounter an adversary with Senior Level strength that has type advantages over Beedrill, its weaknesses will be exposed."
"Looking at the techniques Beedrill currently has, Flying Technique Acrobatics, and Poisonous Liquid Impact are decent. The other techniques seem more supportive, whether it's Qi Gathering, Shadow Clone, or Tailwind."
"So the goal is clear now: continue to explore the potential of the Sniper trait, deeply study and master acrobatics and Poisonous Liquid Impact, and try to learn new techniques. We can temporarily aim to learn the Insect-type Cross Cut and Dark Type Smack Down to increase Beedrill's attack range and enhance its offensiveness."
Battle is the process for Pokémon to gain battle experience and find their shortcomings, while training is the process of compensating for those shortcomings, and both are indispensable.
Beedrill still has plenty of potential, and only a small part of it has been developed. As Beedrill's Trainer, and something of a Breeder, Natsuhiko has authority in this matter.
This is all thanks to Natsuhiko's nurturing during its time as a Weedle and protection during its Kakuna period.
Now, the strength and talent gained from those accumulated resources have finally shown themselves to the fullest extent after evolving into Beedrill.
"Sss-Bzzz!"
Beedrill's sudden sound interrupted Natsuhiko's thoughts.
Indeed.
After leaving the safe area, the frequency of wild Pokémon attacks increased significantly.
Some Pokémon, usually of a gentle disposition, began to show signs of agitation.
A Gloom appeared before Natsuhiko and Beedrill, with a red-brown flower atop its head speckled with white spots, a blue-body resembling a plant bulb, and purple lips dripping with viscous saliva, emitting a thick stench as it moved.
With its appearance, the already unpleasant air was immediately filled with a foul odor.
The smell was like a mixture of old sneakers, garbage, rotten eggs, and weasel emissions.
Natsuhiko couldn't help but furrow his brow at the scent.
Even the sleeping Abra in his arms awoke from the pungent odor, twitching its nose.
"K-shee!"
It exclaimed, jumped up, and covered its nose with its tiny hands.
With deepening knowledge of Breeder and Pokémon studies, and spending time surviving in the wild, Natsuhiko's understanding of Pokémon had deepened. Based on their appearance and display of abilities, his judgment of a Pokémon's strength became more accurate.
Just like an experienced Breeder can roughly judge a Pokémon's condition and strength at a glance, Natsuhiko was gradually mastering this skill.
Another small step along the path of a Breeder.
After scanning the Gloom that appeared, he grasped its situation.
It likely had Excellence Level strength, and its trait was probably Chlorophyll.
"We've barely left the safe zone, and we've already encountered Pokémon at the Excellence Level? Why does it feel like these wild Pokémon are subtly moving towards Goldenrod City?"
Natsuhiko pondered internally but didn't hesitate to command Beedrill into battle.
However, the Gloom didn't seem to prepare to counterattack Beedrill's assault; instead, it swayed its body, and the flower on its head shook incessantly.
Suddenly, a peculiar fragrance spread, masking Gloom's original stench.
"K-shee?"
Abra showed a bewitched expression, similar to when it spotted MooMoo Milk.
But Natsuhiko's expression changed immediately.
"Sweet Fragrance? This is trouble."
"Beedrill, finish it swiftly, Acrobatics after Tailwind."
Sweet Fragrance can be a massive problem in the wild. If allowed to spread, who knows how many Pokémon might be attracted.
"Sss-Bzzz——"
Beedrill's golden-patterned wings fluttered lightly, and a gust of air spread around it, enabling its speed to increase with the wind's aid.
Soon, a golden flash sliced through the air, targeting Gloom.
Sharp spikes glimmered with cold light.
Pfft——
In almost the blink of an eye, Beedrill struck through Gloom's body.
Only to hear a painful cry from Gloom.
Falling to the ground.
Natsuhiko furrowed his brow.
Beedrill failed to hit Gloom's weak point, and the Sniper's trait wasn't triggered, even though Flying Technique Acrobatics had a decent restraining effect, it still couldn't solve it in one hit.
Not very reasonable.
As Natsuhiko's gaze lowered, realization dawned in his eyes.
Beneath Gloom, unnoticed earlier, were tiny roots dug deeply into the ground, continually absorbing energy.
This was why it couldn't be taken down just yet.
In the next moment.
The fallen Gloom finally moved, swinging its arms, dozens of emerald leaves appeared, shooting at the hovering Beedrill.
Natsuhiko's mouth moved slightly.
Beedrill flickered through the air, dodging the Flying Leaf Swift Sword, and a strike of the Long Needle procured by its stab made Gloom lose its ability to battle.
Before Natsuhiko could throw a Pokeball to attempt capture, there were constant "rustling" sounds coming from the dense forest.
Chirp——
At the same time.
A Pidgeotto circling above let out a loud, clear cry, giving a warning.
Quick without hesitating, Natsuhiko gave Beedrill a look and swiftly turned to the slightly quieter part of the forest.
Beedrill flapped its wings and followed closely alongside Natsuhiko.
Now he finally understood why those two league staff members said that many had encountered danger.
This is ridiculous, random Glooms popping out, not attacking directly but spreading Sweet Fragrance, and essentially opting for a mutually destructive posture.
Anyone dealing with this would struggle, wouldn't they?
The Trainers who dare to enter the wilderness usually have some confidence in their abilities and their Pokémon's strength.
Yet, they couldn't withstand Glooms acting like this.
You must know, in the wild of the Kanto Region, besides commonly seen Pokémon like Weedle, Caterpie, and Rattata, next in line is Oddish.
And the evolution of Oddish is Gloom.
After Natsuhiko left, several Pokémon appeared where Gloom lay.
These Pokémon lingered for a long time before slowly retreating.
However, in their haste, Natsuhiko and Beedrill inadvertently entered another Pokémon's territory.