Natsuhiko knew that Abra would end its growth phase in the next couple of days.
He just didn't expect it to be stimulated by Hilona's Eevee.
But it's good, at least Abra's Instant Movement ability will provide him a lot of security.
Silently watching Abra wrapped in psychic powers.
Eevee had already run back to Hilona's side, pointing at Abra floating in mid-air.
"Buyi—"
Hilona laughed, picked it up, and stroked its fur.
"Buyi~~"
Eevee immediately relaxed, closing its eyes comfortably, stretching its body, its small ears twitching, matching Hilona's rhythm.
Under the gaze of the three, Abra's psychic aura gradually receded and returned to the table.
"Abra."
Calling out, Natsuhiko appeared next to Abra.
"Abra—"
Abra frantically approached Natsuhiko.
It had just raised its hand, but then froze.
Natsuhiko seemed to have gotten smaller.
Upon closer inspection, it wasn't Natsuhiko that had shrunk; it had grown bigger itself.
It couldn't help but look up at Natsuhiko's hair.
Apparently, it won't be able to sit there anymore.
Noticing Abra's gaze, several black lines appeared on Natsuhiko's forehead.
He took out a brand-new Pokeball, "Abra, become my partner."
"Abra?"
Abra was stunned.
Glanced at Natsuhiko, then at the Beedrill beside him, hesitated briefly, then nodded vigorously, tapping the Pokeball with its fingers.
It had long been accustomed to Natsuhiko's presence.
So now it can fight like Beedrill?
Thinking about Beedrill's majestic appearance made it a little excited.
As the Pokeball's red light opened, Abra was sucked inside with no struggle, captured successfully.
The Pokeball was opened again.
"Abra~~"
Abra tilted its head, feeling amazing; is this how a Pokeball feels?
The space isn't big, but enough for it to move freely.
However, it seems Natsuhiko's jacket pocket is still the most comfortable.
Unfortunately, it seems it can no longer return there.
Abra drooped its head.
Pat, pat...
Natsuhiko patted its little head, "Growing is a good thing. As a mature Pokémon, you also need to learn to grow independently."
"Abra?"
Eh?
"There are some seniors over there, learn from them a bit," Natsuhiko pointed with his chin, indicating to Abra Flint's and Hilona's six Pokémon, especially Flint's Shiny Golem.
After all, it is a Psychic Type Pokémon?
Abra can definitely learn a bit here and there.
Hearing this, Abra's small eyes turned, instantly understanding Natsuhiko's intention.
"Abra-ra-ra-ra-ra..."
Let out a few laughs.
Raised its hand.
It felt like it could...
Whoosh—
Its figure suddenly flashed psychic power, and then disappeared from its original spot, appearing right next to the Shiny Metal Monster.
Instant Movement.
Natsuhiko's eyes lit up.
This Technique can really be considered a Divine Skill for wilderness exploration; it's just unknown to what extent Abra can perform it.
When Abra noticed the change in its location, it also found it quite novel.
But as it raised its head, suddenly seeing the expressionless Shiny Metal Monster and the fierce Gabite, its expression froze.
Cautiously pushing aside the Shiny Metal Monster's claw, fingers nudging Gabite's sharp sickle, it moved its body.
Dangerous monster.
Patted behind itself.
Took out a couple of items, revealing an embarrassed smile.
"Abra?"
Boss, want some candy?
The Shiny Metal Monster remained expressionless, and Gabite snorted two hot breaths from its nose.
Just as Abra was scared and about to use Instant Movement again to quickly escape, it suddenly found the candy in its hands had all disappeared.
Patting its small chest, it let out a long breath.
Gestured "OK" towards Natsuhiko.
This scene was, of course, seen by Flint and Hilona, but they just laughed and said nothing.
How much Abra can learn from the Shiny Metal Monster depends entirely on itself.
If it can learn, Flint wouldn't mind.
"Beedrill, you take a break too," Natsuhiko said to Beedrill, holding his forehead.
"Buzz-buzz."
Then Natsuhiko looked at Flint and Hilona, "You two, want to eat something for dinner?"
Flint and Hilona exchanged a glance, a bit surprised.
"You can cook?"
That's funny.
Natsuhiko chuckled lightly.
If not cooking, should I take you out for dinner?
Do you know how expensive the restaurant meals outside are?
"I'll cook some noodles for you."
Just eat something to fill up.
...
...
Looking at the table with several empty big bowls, then at the expressionless Flint and Hilona.
Natsuhiko smacked his lips; it wasn't very good either.
It's just different from this world's taste.
No need to be so polite.
They've been on big stages....
Seeing their serene demeanor, Natsuhiko knew they wouldn't do house chores, reluctantly cleaning up the dishes.
One still has to rely on oneself.
Meanwhile, Flint and Hilona began discussing about Pokémon and battle strategies.
Natsuhiko pricked up his ears to listen.
Even though he knew many battle tactics and even dirty tactics, that was all from games, the reality was different.
With two people who might become Champions someday, one should be able to learn quite a bit.
Probably.
As they chatted, they suddenly moved the topic to Pokémon evolution.
Flint: "Hilona, shouldn't your Eevee evolve? Although Eevee's strength isn't weak, it's still lacking something without evolving."
Hilona: "Hmm..."
Flint: "You haven't decided which evolution for Eevee yet, that's why you're hesitating, right?"
Hilona's fair face turned slightly red, she stiffened her neck, not admitting it.
Seeing this expression, Flint knew she'd relapsed into her decision paralysis.
With Hilona's resources, the known Vaporeon, Flareon, and Jolteon can all evolve; Evolution Stones aren't a problem; the problem is what she wants.
But no one can really advise on Pokémon evolution.
So, they fell into a deadlock.
Upon hearing them talk about Eevee's evolution, Natsuhiko, who had just finished washing the dishes, suddenly said: "Actually, there's no rush. Eevee's evolutions aren't just these three; we can wait and decide later."
"Oh?" Flint looked puzzled.
But Hilona nodded in agreement.
"Actually, Natsuhiko, you're not the first to suggest this to me. Dr. Yamanashi also suggested I wait, saying recently someone published a high-recognition paper.
The paper states Eevee's evolutions aren't solely with Evolution Stones, and might relate to the Trainer and specific environments, possibly discovering new evolution forms soon."
Dr. Yamanashi is a famous doctor in the Sinnoh Region, a top expert in Pokémon evolution studies; his words are highly credible.
"A paper?"
"Natsuhiko, do you have a computer? I've read that paper too; it's very reasonable, but the author's name is strange, something like... 'Dodo'?" Hilona recalled the name.
"Computer..." Natsuhiko's expression stiffened, his gaze unconsciously falling on the coffee table.
Flint got up, casually placing the laptop on the coffee table in front of Hilona, he was also curious about Eevee's evolutions.
It seemed this research dilemma has been around for quite a while.
Opened the laptop.
"Password," Hilona looked at Natsuhiko.
"...Maybe... forget it?"
"Password."
Knock, knock, knock...