"Hilona, I think your Eevee is absolutely fine. You don't need to rush its evolution, just let it happen naturally."
Natsuhiko concluded.
"Oh."
Hilona replied softly.
Oh?
This response left Natsuhiko momentarily speechless.
Seeing Natsuhiko's expression, Hilona chuckled and petted Eevee, saying, "Thanks, with professional advice, I can rest easy."
Professional advice?
Did I give any advice?
Also, Flint, why are you nodding along like that?
Natsuhiko wasn't sure what they were imagining.
Suddenly, he became a professional advisor.
"Hey, Natsuhiko, Researcher Sakuragi has left his contact information here. You've never replied to him, have you?" Flint commented.
Natsuhiko turned to the computer.
Indeed.
"I've been busy training Beedrill and haven't been online for a while." Natsuhiko explained.
A lot of time has passed, yet the paper remains popular.
The paper's content isn't just applicable to Eevee but to other Pokémon as well.
After all, it discussed the bond and affinity between Pokémon and trainers, applicable to any Pokémon.
"Aren't you going to reply?"
"Hmm..." Natsuhiko fell into thought.
"Just make a call directly, it's more polite."
"It's been left so long, still polite..."
Natsuhiko muttered softly before obediently picking up his phone.
Compared to unexpectedly meeting Flint and Hilona, Natsuhiko felt building a good relationship with researchers like Sakuragi was more beneficial.
Just as he picked up the phone, he put it down again.
In Flint's puzzled gaze, he explained, "It's too late, I'll do it tomorrow."
Flint looked outside; it was indeed dark, making a call now might disturb someone resting.
However, Natsuhiko still sent a private message, leaving his contact information.
The trio fell into a brief silence.
Hilona teased Eevee, whose laughter filled the living room.
Abra glanced enviously at Eevee before burrowing into Natsuhiko's arms, trying to be coquettish, only to suddenly start snoring.
"Buyi?" Eevee perked up its ears.
Watching Abra sleep made Eevee want to laugh, but not wanting to disturb, it covered its mouth.
Flint and Hilona shared knowing smiles.
Natsuhiko helplessly patted Abra's head, a smile unconsciously forming on his lips.
"Keh... See..."
The drowsy Abra murmured softly, snuggling into a more comfortable position in Natsuhiko's arms.
Happily continued to sleep.
Flint lowered his voice, "Let's wrap it up here today; we've been bothering you for quite a while."
Finally going back?
Natsuhiko breathed a sigh of relief.
"Do you have plans tomorrow?" Flint asked suddenly.
"Hm?" Natsuhiko looked at him cautiously, "Why?"
"So, the championship performance match is in a few days. Hilona and I planned to go exploring at a known ruin outside Goldenrod City tomorrow... to dig rocks, well, for an adventure. Maybe we'll find something amusing." Flint explained.
"It's to maintain the Pokémon's battle enthusiasm," Hilona added.
Natsuhiko frowned, "But outside Goldenrod City hasn't been safe lately, Wild Pokémon have been overly active, you must have felt it."
"Indeed, but it's a ruin long discovered and almost excavated already, so there shouldn't be much danger."
But why did Natsuhiko feel like Flint was tempting fate?
"Come along; with three people, it'll be safer," Hilona calmly suggested.
Natsuhiko fell into contemplation.
He glanced at Abra in his arms.
If Abra hadn't finished its growth period, he'd definitely refuse, but Abra's Instant Movement ability opened up many bold ideas for him.
Recently, many people haven't dared venture outside Goldenrod City, leading to varying degrees of resource scarcity within the city.
Like the Dragon Fire Fruit last time.
If he could find some scarce resources, maybe he could make a profit during this period.
Abra's growth period is over; he'll need money even more in the future.
And going with Flint and Hilona should be safer, right?
After a "fierce" mental struggle, Natsuhiko decided.
"Alright."
Upon hearing this, Flint grinned and patted him on the shoulder, standing up, "We'll come pick you up tomorrow."
"Alright. But I hope you both can keep it secret, regarding the paper..." Natsuhiko hesitated.
Flint and Hilona paused, then promptly agreed, "No problem, we understand, low profile."
With that, they packed up their Pokémon from the backyard and drove off as Natsuhiko watched.
"Low profile... not sure what you meant by that." Natsuhiko muttered.
Holding Abra and the computer, he summoned Beedrill and lay on the bed, beginning to search for information and details about Flint's mentioned ruin.
Since he's going out tomorrow, he prefers knowing more.
Suddenly.
In the midst of researching, the phone rang.
The number was unfamiliar.
After a brief hesitation, he pressed the answer key.
"Hello."
"Hello, is this 'Dodo'?"
A soft female voice came from the other end.
"Uh, yes..."
Natsuhiko suddenly regretted choosing such a nickname; he always felt a subtle mockery whenever it was called.
"Hello, this is the Eevee Evolution Research Institute in Withered Leaf City, I am Chrysa, Researcher Sakuragi's assistant."
"Hello." Natsuhiko straightened up.
"Could you please hold on a moment? Researcher Sakuragi is finishing up an experiment; he's eager to speak with you, so..." Chrysa said apologetically.
"I understand, I'm also keen on talking with Researcher Sakuragi; it's just the timing seemed off..."
"Chrysa, is the call connected? I'm ready."
This time, another voice came from the other end.
"It's connected, professor."
Amidst some static, Sakuragi's cheerful and somewhat excited voice sounded, "Hello, I'm Sakuragi, is this 'Dodo'?"
"...It's me."
Lance, I'm sorry, I won't take your nickname again.
It's fine while writing, but hearing it called out feels odd.
"Do you have time, 'Dodo'? I suggest we meet sometime, either at the institute or I can come to you."
"Recently... it might be a bit inconvenient."
There was a brief silence on the other end.
Then followed a cheerful laugh, "Indeed, I'm a bit presumptuous; I have a few questions."
"Go ahead."
"Mr. 'Dodo', you don't have an Eevee, right? It seems the paper is theoretical, lacking actual data."
"Indeed, I don't."
"So how did you suddenly start researching Eevee? Haha—pure curiosity, you don't have to answer."
"Just because a friend's Pokémon is an Eevee, she's very hesitant about its evolution type. Of course, I also like Eevee, but mainly... I need money." Natsuhiko stated frankly.
Silence fell briefly on the other end of the line.
"Indeed, I'm also strapped for cash; researchers rarely aren't." Sakuragi seemed to have misunderstood Natsuhiko.
He simply had a straightforward lack of funds.
"Back to the main topic, what level do you think the bond between trainer and Pokémon should reach...?"
——————
There's another update coming later...