Because it happened so fast, Natsuhiko couldn't quite see it clearly.
But those red eyes and that yellow shell resembling bricks; in his impression, the only match could be a Kabuto.
Yet Kabuto is a Fossil Pokémon, and up to now, the Alliance's archaeological experts have only found its fossils; he has never heard of a living Kabuto being discovered.
Perhaps there are some, but at his level, he hasn't come across such information or records.
Why would there be a Kabuto in such a place?
Natsuhiko surveyed the area once more.
At this moment, he found himself in a low-lying area surrounded by several low hills, where a huge fissure had been created by a Nidoking.
He walked to the edge of the small pond, bent over to look into the water.
It didn't seem too deep; he could see the bottom, where a few Water-type Pokémon were moving sporadically.
Noticing Natsuhiko, these Water-type Pokémon suddenly vanished without a trace.
"It appears ordinary, but on closer thought, if this is stagnant water, how do the Water-type Pokémon survive? As a source of water, it would quickly be drained by nearby Wild Pokémon without replenishment..." Natsuhiko pondered.
Just relying on rain, the replenishment rate definitely cannot keep up with the rate of consumption.
The messy footprints on the ground indicate that quite a number of Wild Pokémon frequently come here to drink water.
"Could it be an underground spring?"
Natsuhiko offered a speculation.
It seems to be a more reasonable guess.
If it is an underground spring, one wonders how complex the relationship of the currents would be beneath this pond.
Probably it was due to the disturbances of Nidoking, the vibrations of the ground, that led these creatures residing deeper underground to emerge.
"Too bad I didn't bring any diving equipment, and Beedrill simply cannot fight underwater." Natsuhiko looked at this "ordinary" pond, feeling a hint of regret.
It's not that Kabuto is particularly wonderful; it's more that, as a living fossil, a Pokémon from over thirty thousand years ago, it holds immense research value.
If he could catch a Kabuto, its value could potentially allow him to nurture two more Pokémon.
Only, he can't go underwater.
"Forget it, since this place has remained unnoticed for so long, it's unlikely anyone will pay attention in the short term. I should wait and come back with stronger capabilities and Pokémon that can fight underwater."
After thinking it over, although he felt a strong urge, Natsuhiko rationally chose to abandon the idea.
Mainly because he currently indeed lacks the capability.
After silently committing the location to memory, he left the small hollow with Beedrill, Abra, and a backpack full of Dragon Fire Fruits.
...
...
Three more days passed.
Natsuhiko finally managed to return to the safe zone of Goldenrod City with the help of Beedrill's hard-fought battles and protection.
This sudden outbreak of Wild Pokémon activity had caused significant trouble for trainers like him.
When Natsuhiko returned to the safe zone, he saw that the number of Alliance officers guarding the surrounding area had increased.
They were preventing Wild Pokémon from crossing into the safe zone and trying to stop some trainers from venturing into the wild during this dangerous period.
"Hello."
As soon as he entered the safe zone, an Alliance officer in dark green clothing appeared in front of him.
Together with the officer was a certificate held in their hand.
"Forest Ranger?"
"Yes, I'm Keqi, captain of the Goldenrod City Forest Ranger Club's 13th squad, tasked with investigating the unusually active Wild Pokémon around Goldenrod City during this period. Considering if the Wild Pokémon are showing resistance due to excessive capturing, we need to investigate each trainer returning from the wild.
Please present your credentials and the Pokémon you are carrying, thank you for your cooperation."
The tone was indeed polite and reasonable, yet presented in an irresistible manner, not particularly amiable.
Natsuhiko frowned.
To be honest, although how many Pokémon a trainer possesses isn't quite a secret, being directly asked for a check feels rather intrusive.
Perhaps sensing Natsuhiko's discontent, Keqi showed a remorseful expression.
"In these special times, for the safety of Goldenrod City residents, we must promptly investigate the causes, and we mean no offense, hoping you can understand our difficulties." Keqi again lowered his stance.
He was aware that such behavior was disrespectful, but they had no choice; a strict order from above compelled them to comply.
It's said that the Goldenrod City power plant had suffered several attacks from Wild Pokémon, which led to increased guard measures following the last incident, otherwise resolving the attacks wouldn't have been so easy.
Who can tell when the next attack might target the city center of Goldenrod City?
"Of course, we won't check the specific status of your Pokémon, merely whether there has been excessive capturing."
Natsuhiko took a deep breath.
Fortunately, on this trip, due to the frequent Wild Pokémon attacks, he hadn't captured Pokémon excessively.
This arrangement by the Alliance seems to suspect that a large hunting group has appeared nearby, causing a collective unrest among Wild Pokémon.
He presented his Alliance proof and a total of seven Pokeballs.
Indeed, Keqi, after glancing at Natsuhiko's Alliance ID and scanning his seven Pokeballs, refrained from further inquiry.
After nodding apologetically again, he made way.
Natsuhiko didn't speak, tightened his backpack, and made his way to Goldenrod City.
Watching Natsuhiko's departing back, Keqi seemed puzzled, "Natsuhiko? Why does this name feel familiar... Never mind, the current matters are of more importance."
Returning to Goldenrod City.
Natsuhiko didn't immediately go home but instead made a visit to the slums.
After the Zapdos incident, the already dilapidated slums seemed even more run-down, marked with traces of thunder strikes and collapsed houses.
"I wonder if Sanfu and the others survived Zapdos's onslaught."
Ever since the Zapdos incident, Natsuhiko had clearly recognized the importance of intelligence, and included in Sanfu's information were key insights related to Tom Rokicki's plans.
He had been away for a month, yet didn't wish to waste the scarce sources of intelligence he had.
After leaving a message at their usual meeting spot, Natsuhiko didn't linger.
On the way back, sitting in the taxi, Natsuhiko began to ponder over the Ranger encounter.
"I have read some conspiracy theories before, suggesting that the Alliance might tamper with trainers' Pokeballs; I wonder if it's true..."
The taxi stopped in front of an old villa.
Just upon entering, the sleeping Abra suddenly jerked awake, crawling out from the collar.
Its reaction gave Natsuhiko a rough idea of things.
Knock knock—
The door was knocked on.
Opening the door, only to see a Gastly appear at the entrance, sticking out its tongue at Natsuhiko and winking at Abra before dropping off a letter and quickly disappearing underground.
Expressionlessly, Natsuhiko picked up the envelope and closed the door.
Not long after he had returned, Old Bill's Gastly approached.
"Apparently, the capability of this Intelligence Merchant is much more impressive than imagined...."
The contents of the envelope were simple; after eight o'clock in the evening, there would be a meeting at the usual spot.
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Fourth update! Bonus update for Meowth Meow Meow's patronage. Check the author's note for recommendations, everyone take a look!