Wild Pokémon, especially those powerful ones, have a strong sense of territorial awareness, particularly those living in groups.
For beings that approach or even enter their territory, causing them to feel threatened, the territorial Pokémon will first issue a warning, allowing the intruder to retreat voluntarily, or face a fierce counterattack from the group Pokémon.
If there is no threat, the territorial Pokémon might not react as intensely.
Just like within a Pokémon's territory, it cannot consist of only one Pokémon; a group also has basic food needs and will not drive away creatures that do not pose a threat or can even serve as a food reserve.
Creatures like Sharpedo, who are at the top of the ocean's food chain, are especially protective of their territory.
When creatures or objects enter their territory and make them feel threatened or invaded, it's not surprising for them to attack.
However.
Would the navigators of the Saint Anus, with their extensive sailing experience, not know how to avoid the territories of fierce Pokémon?
Even if they had to get close, they would certainly have been prepared.
The reality, however, was that during the Sharpedo attack, the sailors who arrived on the deck several seconds later were unprepared.
Moreover, Natsuhiko, standing by the railing, did not notice any signs like shark fins or unusual water disturbances.
It was as if a group of Sharpedo and Carvanha approached the Saint Anus from a deep water area, locked onto a target, and launched a direct attack.
Of course.
This does not rule out the possibility that the attack was due to a combination of factors.
But after the incidents with Zapdos and Tom Rokicki, having encountered so many "coincidences," Natsuhiko was quite resistant to the word "coincidence."
Back in his room, Natsuhiko had just finished treating Beedrill's wounds.
Although the Sharpedo didn't attack Beedrill, its rough skin trait still caused some damage to Beedrill during the close-range attack.
"Although this attack made me feel a bit strange, the appearance of this Sharpedo came at the right time."
After treating Beedrill's injuries, Natsuhiko sat in a chair, looking at the Sharpedo in the Pokeball, still in a state of coma.
On the sea, not having a Water-type Pokémon as a safeguard can be somewhat unsettling.
The appearance of this Sharpedo has somewhat solved this issue.
"There is no need to train it as a main combat Pokémon as its current strength is decent, but its potential and talent are just about the same."
His fingers rubbed the surface of the Pokeball.
"But if it's only to serve as a marine travel 'tool,' it's more than enough. Although its rough skin trait is troublesome, it can be overcome."
"Besides, maybe we can find out from this Sharpedo why they attacked the Saint Anus."
"Or more precisely, if the attack was targeted at someone or some entity."
Natsuhiko's eyes flickered as he pondered the pros and cons of capturing this Sharpedo.
Besides Beedrill, Abra, and Togepi, which are being fully trained, Pidgeotto, Ditto, and Shuckle are mostly used as 'tools.'
Natsuhiko's resources are limited.
Although he won't mistreat these Pokémon, he also won't invest much resources and effort.
He also told these Pokémon that once they fulfilled their roles or if Natsuhiko found better replacements, he would give them a choice.
To grant them freedom or to stay, Natsuhiko would ensure they would not have to worry about food in the future.
"Let's try it if this Sharpedo is 'sensible.'
Knock knock.
Just as he put away the Sharpedo's Pokeball, there was a knock on the door.
Natsuhiko furrowed his brow.
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
A woman's voice came from outside the door.
It was Gerwin, who lived next door.
Natsuhiko pondered briefly, put away a few Pokémon, leaving only Togepi, and then opened the door.
Standing outside, wearing a blue sweater, Gerwin showed a hint of fatigue between her brows.
"Aren't you going to invite me in for a seat?" Gerwin raised an eyebrow at Natsuhiko, who was blocking the doorway.
Seeing that Natsuhiko remained unmoved, Gerwin showed a look of helplessness.
After a light sigh, she said, "What if I told you this is about pirates, or even the Sharpedo attack incident?"
Natsuhiko looked at her, scanning her from head to toe, and finally stepped aside to let her in.
Gerwin stepped into the room, and Natsuhiko glanced at the empty hallway before closing the door.
"Oh, I didn't expect a guy like you to be so clean." Gerwin smacked her lips and said.
"Go on."
Gerwin pouted, feeling a bit bored.
After hesitating for a moment, she said, "Actually... I'm a pirate."
Pirate?
Looking at Natsuhiko, who remained expressionless, Gerwin was a bit surprised, "Aren't you surprised?"
Actually, Natsuhiko had his suspicions about Gerwin's identity.
From her initial disclosure that Meiyu and the old man were not grandfather and granddaughter, to Togepi slapping away Natsuhiko's attempt to shake her hand.
However, he did not expect her to be a pirate.
"Aren't you afraid I'll tell the Boatswain about this?"
"Will you?" Gerwin winked at Natsuhiko.
'That depends on whether there's a bounty on your head,' Natsuhiko thought to himself.
But given that she could safely board the Saint Anus and participated openly in the ship's competitions, she presumably had nothing to fear.
"So, what's your purpose?"
Hearing Natsuhiko's question, Gerwin smiled happily.
Revealing her identity was a way to test Natsuhiko.
If Natsuhiko were a loyal member of the alliance, they should have been at each other's throats by now.
But the fact proved her guess was right; even if Natsuhiko wasn't part of some organization, he was at least a "neutral."
Stretching leisurely, her silhouette was fully showcased beneath the large blue sweater for a moment.
Natsuhiko discreetly shifted his gaze away.
Gerwin's smile widened at his reaction.
"If you delay any longer, I won't hesitate to inform the Boatswain or even the Captain and First Mate about your identity." Natsuhiko said sternly, facing Gerwin's teasing gaze.
"Okay, okay, I surrender. Actually, my purpose is simple: I want to invite you to join us." Gerwin dropped her playful demeanor.
"Us?"
"You must have heard of our Captain, 'Charming Star' Binina."
Wasn't that the pirate ranked sixth on the alliance bounty list that Natsuhiko had recently seen?
With a bounty of 40 million alliance coins.
"You said you don't like battles, but you're actually hiding your true strength, aren't you? That Sharpedo was formidable, we reached the deck quickly, within a matter of seconds, but judging by the result, you dealt with that Sharpedo in even less time.
And your understanding of tactics is strong, absolutely more than just a tactical analyst. I believe our Captain will 'really like' you and 'really cherish' you." Gerwin said with certainty.
The emphasis on these words made Natsuhiko feel a bit off.
But to become a pirate?
"Sorry, not interested."
This is the Pokemon Realm, not the Pirate World. Did we walk onto the wrong set?
Natsuhiko couldn't help but wonder.