Natsuhiko looked at the Togepi carrying a leek with a self-satisfied expression, unsure of how to describe his current mood.
The Farfetch'd must be feeling devastated... Silently, he mourned for the Farfetch'd for a few seconds.
"Toge-pi—Toge-pi—"
Togepi hummed a little tune as it walked, the leek swaying on its shoulder.
Compared to the leek, its size was somewhat dwarfed.
It didn't notice that the head of the leek was dragging on the ground.
But Togepi was very happy.
Natsuhiko and Beedrill exchanged a glance and smiled simultaneously.
Sword Dance was indeed hard to learn, even for Beedrill, who had a decent understanding of techniques. After half an hour of teaching by Farfetch'd, it barely scratched the surface and couldn't even be considered a beginner.
But from now on, it wasn't about teaching anymore. Beedrill would need to gradually explore and try, learning and mastering bit by bit.
For now, though, this was enough.
No matter how much time it took, Beedrill had finally gained some understanding of the Sword Dance technique.
Perhaps one day, by chance, it might suddenly learn it.
After walking for a while, Natsuhiko suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Bang—
Togepi, not watching where it was going, accidentally bumped directly into Natsuhiko's foot.
"Toge-pi..." Togepi rubbed its head, dragging the leek as it looked up at Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko crouched down, patted its head, and asked with a smile, "Togepi, have you been living here for a long time?"
Togepi nodded obediently.
"Then you must know this place well, right?"
Togepi nodded again.
"Do you know of any places with good stuff? Like some precious stones or some rare berries or something?"
Since the Cave Alliance hadn't cleared this place, there might still be valuable things inside.
Even randomly digging a little up could fetch a lot of money outside.
"Toge-pi?"
Togepi tilted its head, not quite understanding Natsuhiko's intent.
What counts as precious?
"I mean... shiny stones that contain different energies or berries, or things that look delicious... maybe guarded by a single or a group of strong Pokémon races."
With that said, Togepi understood.
Its little head bobbed like a pounding garlic.
Scurrying forward with its short legs, it waved the leek at Natsuhiko, signaling him to follow.
Seeing its actions, Natsuhiko's eyes brightened slightly.
Indeed.
This mischievous little thing was very familiar with the environment of these underground tunnels, knowing where there might be valuable items.
You could tell from how casually it activated Secret Power to identify some secret tunnels or passages.
With its aimless wandering, it should be well-aware of the complex tunnel routes here.
Natsuhiko began to jog after Togepi.
According to the time, Abra should be recovering soon, and then it could use Instant Movement to leave. Even if psychic "anchors" couldn't be sensed, Togepi could help lead him out.
As for what Little Monk Ann Ci said about the underground tunnel connecting to Goldenrod City, he didn't want to worry about it and couldn't even if he wanted to.
After all, the two Elite Four members of the alliance would be arriving in a few days, and troublesome matters could be left to them to resolve.
If the sky was falling, the tall ones would hold it up.
It was still more reliable to earn more resources steadily to train his Pokémon.
After all, he was still a weak trainer.
Before long.
Following closely behind Togepi, Natsuhiko and Beedrill, after navigating a labyrinth of twists and turns that left them no longer recognizing the way back, finally arrived at a slightly more spacious cave.
Though not as large as the cave where Aerodactyl had stayed, it wasn't small either.
"Toge-pi—"
Togepi made a "shh" gesture to Natsuhiko and Beedrill, then pointed to a corner of the cave not far away.
A stone emitting a faint glow was wedged into a crevice in the corner.
The faint halo was visible, but without a closer look, it was hard to confirm what kind of stone it was, though it was certainly valuable.
However, Natsuhiko didn't act hastily, as there was a Pokémon curled up outside that stone.
Under the faint green light of the glowing moss, a large Onix was dozing with its eyes closed.
"An Onix..." Natsuhiko furrowed his brow.
He didn't dare get too close and was unable to determine the Onix's strength from afar; Beedrill wouldn't have much of an advantage against the Rock and Ground Type Onix.
Impulsive actions were definitely not wise.
They carefully retreated.
After some contemplation.
Seeing the treasure so close, letting it go was definitely unsatisfying.
Natsuhiko decided.
First, stack Beedrill's buff effects!
He turned and began searching for other Pokémon.
To stack the effect of the Deadly Needle Stab.
During the combat rest period, Natsuhiko also needed to ensure Beedrill's condition and stamina.
He gave it an Energy Block.
Togepi watched Beedrill devour the Energy Block voraciously, its little nose twitching constantly and its eyes growing brighter.
This was the smell!
Just yesterday, it had smelled this and felt that the food it had stored wasn't as fragrant.
Its eyes, brimming with moisture, stared intently at Beedrill, making Beedrill feel a bit embarrassed.
"Beedrill?" Beedrill hesitated before pushing an Energy Block towards Togepi.
"Toge-pi!"
Togepi beamed with delight, promptly tossing the leek aside, though not far, as it still needed something to eat. It knew too well how hard it was to find food in underground caves.
Sitting down on the ground, it carefully picked up the crystal-clear Energy Block, swallowing saliva continuously.
This thing must taste great, right?
Sticking out its little tongue, with a mix of reluctance and suppressed excitement, it took a small lick of the Energy Block.
"Toge-pi! Pi!"
Togepi's eyes widened with surprise.
Delicious!
As it hesitated whether to eat it now or stash it away for a while, Natsuhiko, sitting beside it, softly called its name.
"Togepi."
"Toge-pi?" Togepi tilted its small head.
"Do you want to come with me? Leave this place, see the outside world, eat various delicious foods, and meet more interesting Pokémon and people."
Hearing this, Togepi's eyes filled with longing.
The outside world?
More delicious food?
Delicious food?
"Toge-pi." Togepi held up the Energy Block in its hand.
Like this kind of delicious food?
Natsuhiko chuckled softly and nodded, "Even tastier. I'll buy you Energy Blocks more suitable for you."
Togepi's eyes lit up.
"Of course, if you leave with me, I'll definitely train you. You saw how Beedrill trained just now, it's tough and tiring, but it will make you stronger."
Training...
When Beedrill was learning Sword Dance from Farfetch'd, Togepi had been there too.
At that time, Natsuhiko seemed like a different person, becoming very serious and strict, almost scaring Togepi.
Togepi slowly lowered its head.
Natsuhiko didn't interrupt it, letting it think for itself.
His hand was already resting on an empty Pokeball.
If not, he would forcefully pack it up and take it!
"Toge-pi!"
Suddenly, Togepi raised its head, looked straight into Natsuhiko's eyes, and nodded firmly.
The food didn't matter; it just wanted to grow stronger!
Yes!
Seeing Togepi make its decision, the smile on Natsuhiko's face widened.
Excellent.
He took out a Pokeball and captured Togepi.
There was no resistance; the capture was completed swiftly.
After resting for half an hour.
Natsuhiko, with Beedrill fully buffed and Togepi, returned to the entrance of the Great Rock Snake Cave.