Arriving at the courtyard.
He threw out several Pokeballs and released some Pokémon.
Besides Beedrill, there were Pidgeotto and Ditto.
It must be said, Natsuhiko treats his Pokémon pretty well. Even those like Pidgeotto and Ditto, purchased as tools, have shown more vitality after nearly a week of interaction, transforming from their previously rigid demeanor.
Although they're tools, Natsuhiko doesn't see them as purely such. He never skips on their food, always asking for their opinions before making decisions, and promises them freedom once their tasks are completed.
From Natsuhiko, Pidgeotto and Ditto can feel respect.
Even if Natsuhiko didn't respect them, they would still complete their tasks like tools. But it is precisely this respect that makes them work more diligently and eliminates their hidden rebellious feelings.
Just returning from the wild, Natsuhiko isn't in a hurry to make them train and gives them time to play.
The always sleepy Abra suddenly seemed lively, bouncing around to join in the play, even if he looked out of place, he was still very eager.
Just like younger children, who always like playing with older kids and are sometimes disliked, yet also dislike those younger than themselves.
Though clearly still in the growth stage, he can already use his psychic powers quite fluently.
Floating in the air, chasing after Beedrill, the sound of laughter "Kasee Kasee" filled the air.
Sitting nearby, watching the Pokémon play, a smile unconsciously appeared on Natsuhiko's face.
A sense of comfort and peace rose from within.
"Perhaps when I'm old, watching the Pokémon play carefree every day will be a nice feeling?" he mused to himself.
But it's not the time yet.
He silently withdrew his gaze and opened his computer.
Logged onto the Alliance's official website.
"It's been a week, I wonder if anyone has noticed the paper I wrote."
Publishing a paper on Pokémon knowledge can be profitable, supported by the Alliance policy.
Gaining researcher status not only allows earning from papers but also qualifies for funding from the Alliance.
Don't say money's not important, or that publishing papers is just for spreading knowledge—without funds, lacking the resources and capability to conduct Pokémon research is inevitable.
For some researchers, the money required for Pokémon research far surpasses the cost of raising them.
Various precise instruments, all kinds of Pokémon, common and rare, are foundational for conducting subjects more effectively.
Natsuhiko attempted to write a paper on Eevee with the intention of making some side money by publishing it.
If the paper content is recognized by the site's professional reviewers, he could earn at least 30,000 Alliance coins in royalties.
However.
When he entered the researcher's interface, he was dumbfounded.
Aside from a few top-tier papers, he unexpectedly saw the somewhat peculiar name "Dodo" amidst a sea of big-name elites.
The replies and comments had exceeded ten thousand, and the views had surpassed one hundred thousand.
"I anticipated being noticed and valued, but not so quickly."
Curiously, Natsuhiko clicked on his paper post.
And then.
Saw the first, and most popular, comment.
"Sakuragi? Researcher?"
The name seemed familiar to Natsuhiko, but he couldn't immediately recall where he had heard it before.
"Hmm?"
Upon clicking on Researcher Sakuragi's profile, Natsuhiko finally remembered.
"Eevee Evolution Research Institute? So, this Sakuragi Researcher is the future Dr. Sakuragi?"
Thinking of this, Natsuhiko roughly understood why his paper post became popular.
Many frequent these researcher websites, not only researchers but also Trainers and others keen on learning and trying things out.
And some who hope to find undiscovered opportunities.
But with Sakuragi being a well-known researcher and soon enough to become a new doctorate, his actions attract considerable attention.
If even he is so sure of the feasibility of Natsuhiko's paper, it goes without saying the comments below are likely just as positive.
Natsuhiko tapped on the keyboard.
"My contact information is..."
"Why does it feel a bit like arranging a meeting online?"
He shook his head, chuckling self-deprecatingly, and rewrote it.
"Thank you for the affirmation, and I hope to have an in-depth discussion with Researcher Sakuragi."
This seemed much more reserved.
After strolling through some more comments, Natsuhiko chuckled and closed the page.
Most were delightful compliments that made one extraordinarily happy.
For example:
"Witnessing a rising star in the research world."
"Noticed, I firmly believe he won't just publish one paper."
"My contact information is..."
Reading too many made even Natsuhiko a bit embarrassed, with the latter comments getting more exaggerated.
Sakuragi's influence in the research community is considerable.
"Seems like the 30,000 royalties are certain, not much but not little either. After some fermentation, gaining some reputation, I can try publishing other papers—a sustainable income."
He closed the website and opened files on Beedrill and Abra's training.
Began pondering over Beedrill's next steps and the direction for Abra, who will soon conclude his growth phase.
Beedrill's direction is largely set, mainly combining speed and attack.
After all, as a certain crooked-mouthed man said, speed is strength, which applies in many worlds.
The primary focus remains on Abra, whose initial development is crucial.
As he typed word by word, the sky quickly darkened.
...
...
A simple dinner was had.
Natsuhiko put away his Pokémon and once again headed to the "Challenger Bar."
This time, the bartender recognized him at once and pointed towards the first private room, gesturing for him to head in.
Curious about the bartender's role in organizing such gatherings, Natsuhiko entered.
"Young man, you finally made it."
As soon as Old Bill saw him, he warmly approached.
Natsuhiko deftly sidestepped Old Bill's seemingly friendly embrace.
To that, Old Bill, cunning as ever, didn't show any embarrassment and continued with a smile: "Had you not come, the one you entrusted might have run out of patience."
"I mentioned a week; there're still a few hours left."
Standing firm, Natsuhiko said plainly.
Towards this seemingly grandfatherly Old Bill, who actually used a Gastly to spy around, Natsuhiko remained highly cautious.
"Indeed." Old Bill seemingly couldn't read Natsuhiko's wariness, supporting his waist as he stepped aside, "When one grows old, one's legs become less agile. Go on ahead, young man; I'll keep waiting for others here."
Natsuhiko nodded, took out the Ditto-made mask, and ventured into the dim corridor alone.
As he blended into the dark, Old Bill clicked his tongue.
"Looks like he really got the Dragon Fire Fruit, a very rare commodity in Goldenrod City now."
Having a wealth of information, he was well-versed in the current market of Dragon Fire Fruit in Goldenrod City.
It was truly something money couldn't buy, not because it was expensive, but because it was unobtainable.
Once again, Natsuhiko found himself before the wooden door, knocking in the rhythm Old Bill used last time.
The door was still opened by the Duskull, who, after a check, let him inside.
It was the familiar room.
The "Breeder" was seated on his single sofa, with quite a few people already waiting quietly for the meeting to start.
The number was a bit greater than last time, with many newcomers who hadn't attended the previous gathering.
After a glance around, Natsuhiko silently leaned on his old spot.
"The little monk who loves food and drink isn't here today?"