Gerwin blinked her eyes.
Natsuhiko's decisiveness exceeded her expectations.
"Aren't you going to think it over? The benefits on our ship are great. Every time we collect treasures or supplies, the captain distributes them according to position and ability. Even ordinary sailors have a monthly salary of four or fifty thousand Alliance coins."
Salary?
Are you pirates or employees?
"Don't worry, we're not vicious pirates. We've never looted villages or attacked ships. At most... at most, we just give a little appropriate counterattack when the Alliance encircles us."
Natsuhiko raised an eyebrow.
If it's really like Gerwin said, then these pirates can truly be considered "pirates with a conscience."
"Plus, most of the crew on our ship are girls. With your looks and temperament, you'll definitely be very popular."
Gerwin leaned closer to Natsuhiko and whispered, "Let me tell you a secret, our captain is a stunning beauty! Although she's a little bit older, she's definitely an absolute beauty. The key is..."
She paused slightly, raising her eyebrow.
"Unmarried."
Natsuhiko: "..."
Why does it feel like this person is not trying to recruit him onto the ship, but rather pimping?
"Ahem, let's talk about the attack."
Being a pirate is not really appealing.
Why not join an organization like the Rocket Team?
There are more resources, and they're also against the Alliance, no need to go out of his way.
Gerwin pouted.
She genuinely thought Natsuhiko was quite capable, and he looked decent too. His strategic ability was even stronger; he might be able to become a dog-headed military advisor on the ship, and maybe even make their high-standard, ageing "single" captain feel a flutter of spring in her heart.
"These Sharpedo were deliberately attracted by someone," but Gerwin still said.
"Deliberately attracted?"
"Some pirate groups have such capabilities. Like one of the Three Kings, the Black King's crew, King Caesar's crew, or the Star of Blood from Five Stars seems to have such methods. I don't know the specifics, but it is indeed a common pirate tactic."
After hearing Gerwin's words, Natsuhiko pondered with lowered eyes for a while, then asked: "To test the ship's defensive power?"
"Smart." Gerwin snapped her fingers.
Talking to smart people is simple.
First, luring some wild Pokémon to attack the ship to test its defensive strength, to judge whether the ship could be attacked.
Such means are not uncommon for a pirate like Gerwin.
"So what's the result?"
"The Saint Anus, being a luxury cruise ship, naturally has strong defensive power. There are probably a lot of strong figures hidden inside, don't you think?" She said, giving Natsuhiko a meaningful glance.
At least in Gerwin's view, Natsuhiko was very likely a "big shot" hiding his strength.
This could be inferred from his far superior tactical acumen and speedy resolution of the Sharpedo incident.
Natsuhiko did not respond to Gerwin's deliberate hints.
Based on her words, Natsuhiko thought for a moment and found it reasonable.
If the Saint Anus was so easy to attack, it probably would have been looted long ago.
Hence, trust the Alliance.
Since it wasn't a major issue, Natsuhiko was relieved a bit.
"Thank you for letting me know."
Hearing the "sending-off" implied in Natsuhiko's words, Gerwin's eyes widened.
"Are you serious? I just told you such important information, and you're just going to thank me and send me away?"
Natsuhiko rubbed his temples.
"So what else do you want?"
"Hmm..." Gerwin appeared hesitant.
Then she stated her purpose.
"Help me win the competition on this cruise!"
"Help you? I'm not even participating in the competition; you should talk to your opponents." Natsuhiko was rather speechless.
He was neither the organizer nor a referee; he couldn't influence the competition's outcome.
"I mean, help me analyze my opponents and give me some tactical advice," Gerwin explained.
With that, Natsuhiko understood.
"What's the reward?"
Gerwin's eyes widened.
"I already gave you an advance, didn't I?"
"But I remember you have at least three more battles to win the championship." Natsuhiko spread his hands.
He was quite fair.
A piece of intel for a tactical analysis.
Quite reasonable.
Gerwin's ample chest heaved mightily.
After a long time, she said softly, "I'll give you the prize money; I only want that item."
The gaze was full of grievance.
"Item?" Natsuhiko touched his chin.
He remembered the championship prize this time was thirty thousand Alliance coins and a sea chart.
That's precisely why Natsuhiko was not interested in the competition.
But now it seems that the sea chart is the true prize.
Seeing Natsuhiko's hesitating look, Gerwin said irritably, "That thing is of no use to you; it's a treasure map of the sea."
"Of course, if you're willing to join us, then pretend I didn't say anything."
"So, you're on the ship for that sea chart? Treasure map?"
"That's part of the reason. But as compensation, I can give you the captain's contact information," she said, raising an eyebrow.
The treasure map of the sea was indeed of no use to Natsuhiko.
He wasn't a pirate, nor could he possibly go alone to search for treasures that might not exist.
As for contact information...
"Ahem, let's forget the contact information; I'll take the prize money."
Natsuhiko nodded, agreeing to this deal.
If he could get the thirty thousand Alliance coins without much effort, it seemed alright.
Gerwin gave him a deep look.
'If the captain knew she was so unattractive, what would her reaction be...'
"Before that, you need to let me know what Pokémon you have, your strength level, mastered techniques, and some basic information about your next-round opponent."
"To the training ground?"
"Okay."
The two of them stood up.
Leaving the room, they walked through complex corridors to the training area at the ship's stern.
Under Gerwin's resentful gaze, she paid two thousand Alliance coins to rent a small training ground for two hours.
Upon entering.
Gerwin directly tossed two Pokeballs.
Accompanied by red light, two Pokémon were summoned.
With its round pink body, cat-like ears, and sky-blue large eyes, short limbs, and a tuft of curled hair on top.
General Type Pokémon, Jigglypuff!
With two tall pink ears, an oval blue and white body, a few irregular white spherical patterns on the belly, white below the abdomen, and a black curved tail with a blue sphere attached to the end.
Water-type Pokémon, Azumarill!
Looking at Gerwin's two Pokémon, Natsuhiko twitched the corner of his mouth.
Who said cute Pokémon aren't ideal in combat before?
Then what about these two Pokémon?
"Togepi!"
Togepi in Natsuhiko's arms shivered slightly, clutching Natsuhiko's sleeve tightly.
It felt a strong "threat"!
A huge "threat" it had never encountered before!
Especially when Natsuhiko's eyes stayed on these two Pokémon.
Doomed...