Throw out the Pokeball and summon Yanmega, stepping on it to signal it to follow the campfire's Charizard.
Upon seeing such a rare Pokémon as Yanmega, the campfire's bright eyes flickered, and he felt an increased respect for Natsuhiko.
Then, he led Natsuhiko to Flame Valley.
By this time, quite a few Magma Team members had already gathered here, and when they saw the campfire appear, all breathed a sigh of relief.
With Lord Campfire here, safety should be no worry.
However.
Many threw curious glances at Natsuhiko, who was following behind the campfire dressed in regular team attire.
Who is that?
Some, however, recognized Natsuhiko.
Such as Nanmu and Ishino standing in the crowd.
'Has Lord Zhenwu received Lord Campfire's attention? Competing for the position of Elite Captain?'
These were the thoughts in their minds.
After landing, Campfire made his way to the front of the team.
Several members dressed in officer attire immediately came forward.
Among them was the person in charge of this Flame Valley operation.
Nether Fire.
A thin man in his late twenties, his plain appearance wasn't too noticeable, except for a scar extending vertically from the corner of his left eyebrow to his neck, adding to his ferocious and fearsome look.
"He's called Zhenwu, affiliated with Yamauchi, your person, check it out."
Campfire did not evade Natsuhiko's presence and directly instructed Nether Fire.
Hearing this, Nether Fire glanced at Natsuhiko discreetly.
Not knowing the reason behind Campfire's inquiry about Natsuhiko, he considered the possibility of a potential threat, and without hesitation, efficiently conveyed Campfire's order.
There were quite a few Magma Team members gathered here, speeding up the investigation process.
Soon after.
Nether Fire returned to Campfire with collected information and two regular members.
The ones who came were Nanmu and Ishino, two who had frequent interactions with Natsuhiko this day.
Meanwhile.
Nether Fire leaned close to Campfire, narrating every detail of the information he gathered, in a whisper.
After listening, Campfire cast another peculiar look at Natsuhiko.
Standing silently to the side, Natsuhiko had his hand subtly resting on the Pokeball at his waist.
To which Campfire scoffed, murmuring under her breath.
"Feigning weakness against a few regular members, truly pathetic."
She referred to Zhenwu's already missing two teammates.
Though she spoke these words, her suspicions about Natsuhiko's identity were alleviated for the moment.
Natsuhiko twitched his lips at her sarcastic muttering but did not respond.
"Have a few people assigned to him, you're an Elite Captain now, the officer status will be discussed later." Campfire waved her hand, speaking offhandedly.
Officer!
Yet the others hearing Campfire's words all showed expressions of surprise.
Does this person have the potential of becoming an officer?
Nanmu and Ishino, standing aside, were particularly dumbfounded.
Officer?
Lord Zhenwu has the potential of an officer?
Doesn't that mean if only the two of them follow closely behind Natsuhiko, their future path will be smooth?
If earlier their obedience to Natsuhiko's orders was due to manipulations, now it was truly heartfelt.
But actually.
At this moment, the most surprised was Natsuhiko!
Not that he was shocked at Campfire allowing him to confirm the word officer, nor about his identity being verified and promoted to Elite Captain.
What surprised him was that he saw someone.
A person dressed in ordinary Magma Team attire, whom Nether Fire called over to follow him.
That familiar dark red hair peeking from under the hood, and the face, though slightly altered, was still one Natsuhiko recognized very well, portraying an expression of respect never seen before.
Isn't that Lance?!
Don't assume that removing your cape and wearing a hood hides you from recognition!
Natsuhiko could never have imagined that Lance and he would have such momentum, both choosing to infiltrate the Magma Team.
Except, Natsuhiko was here to enter Flame Valley in search of Pokémon, while Lance was perhaps investigating Magma Team's intention.
He wondered why he spent all that time looking for Lance and never found a trace; turns out he infiltrated Magma Team!
Natsuhiko didn't know the method Lance used, but judging by his familiarity with the surroundings, he likely wasn't suspected of his identity.
Speaking of.
There's indeed a special course among investigators, undercover.
Is the alliance unaware of many underground forces having undercover agents on their side?
Actually, they do know.
They just can't trace them.
So the alliance simply decided to fight fire with fire and trained their own undercover agents.
And Lance, once spent some time with Rocket Team.
Infiltrating the Magma Team probably wasn't too difficult for him.
Yet it was indeed unexpected for Natsuhiko.
The key point is.
He's now seemingly Lance's direct superior?
Moreover, Lance is still unaware.
Cough, cough.
On the other side, Nether Fire explained:
"Since the previous teams have already been assigned, re-arranging would be troublesome. All these are members whose previous teams' deaths made them available, Lord Zhenwu, please make do for now, the organization will reassess after the task ends."
Despite his ferocious demeanor, Nether Fire spoke politely.
Natsuhiko nodded, "I appreciate it."
After passing on a few instructions, Nether Fire went over to Campfire.
As for Natsuhiko, he then had several subordinates.
Apart from the excited and respectful Nanmu and Ishino, there was the disguised Lance and another six regular members.
"Nanmu, you handle the grouping."