While feeding Umbreon, his other hand rested on Umbreon.
His fingers applied slight pressure.
Eevee fell softly to the ground.
"Umbreon!"
Gladio was startled in his heart.
He ran over to see.
Umbreon lay on the ground, a look of bliss and comfort on its face.
Natsuhiko's palm seemed to carry magic power, and as it moved over certain parts of Umbreon's body, just a gentle squeeze and massage made Umbreon let out a comfortable sigh.
Seeing this, Lillie's eyes sparkled even more.
She looked at Natsuhiko, who was squatting beside Umbreon, with a touch of admiration.
Natsuhiko smiled and patted Umbreon's head, whispering:
"Sleep, sleep for a while."
No one expected that Umbreon actually slowly closed its eyes and fell asleep.
A slight snore echoed through the hall.
"This....."
Gladio and the others exchanged a few glances.
Even Lusamine was a bit surprised.
Umbreon was asleep.
Right under Natsuhiko's seemingly ordinary massage and gentle words.
Natsuhiko's hands didn't stop, and he looked at Gladio, saying slightly sternly:
"Gladio, it's fine to train Pokémon and engage in battles, but as a qualified Trainer, you also need to pay attention to your Pokémon's condition. Don't assume that just because the machines don't detect it, your Pokémon's body and spirit have no problems. Don't let your will overshadow your Pokémon's.
Always remember, you have a relationship of equals and mutual assistance with your Pokémon, you are friends, not superior and subordinate."
His words were slightly harsh.
But Gladio not only showed no dissatisfaction, he actually nodded vigorously.
"I understand, Teacher Natsuhiko!"
This skill alone was enough to convince him.
Actually.
It was only with the Eevee line that Natsuhiko could showcase this skill; it might not work with others.
His papers weren't just empty words either.
The eight Eevee he raised weren't just for show.
Of course, demonstrating this skill was enough.
"Why did you become a Trainer?" Natsuhiko asked again.
Gladio clenched his fist.
"I want to protect Lillie, I want to protect my mother, I don't want to see them harmed in any way, I am the only man in the family, it's my responsibility!"
Natsuhiko nodded.
Much like in the original.
However, Gladio continued:
"Teacher Natsuhiko, in your paper you wrote that among all Eevee evolutions, Umbreon is qualified to be called the 'strongest shield' evolution. I want to protect my family together with it."
Natsuhiko suddenly understood.
It made sense to choose Umbreon.
When well-trained, Umbreon could be quite formidable, both durable and offensive, suitable for many lineups.
Shifting his gaze, he looked at Lillie.
Lillie was startled, her face flushed, but then she immediately straightened her chest and said in a clear voice: "I-I want to be like Mr. Natsuhiko and help my brother, help my brother's Pokémon!"
Upon hearing this.
Natsuhiko, Gladio, and Lusamine all smiled.
"Come here, I'll teach you how to massage Pokémon..." Natsuhiko gestured.
Gladio and Lillie immediately ran excitedly to Natsuhiko's side.
Using Umbreon as a reference.
"Here is the core of Umbreon's full-body strength. If it's tired, this area will tense up; we need to apply clockwise pressure..."
Watching the three squatting on the ground, Lusamine silently exited the villa.
"Director Lusamine." ZaoBo immediately approached.
After leaving the villa, Lusamine resumed her business-like demeanor.
"How is it?"
"There's definitely some fluctuation." ZaoBo said with a hint of excitement.
Lusamine's eyes flickered.
"Keep a close watch."
"Understood!"
Responding, ZaoBo glanced at the villa, a hint of jealousy in his eyes, "Director Lusamine, that Natsuhiko..."
Lusamine shot him a sideways look.
ZaoBo immediately fell silent.
Walking towards the car, Lusamine's soft voice could be heard from afar, "In the end, Alola belongs to the League."
ZaoBo's heart was stirred, and his expression became thoughtful.
Inside the villa.
Listening to the sound of the car driving away, Natsuhiko slightly curled his lips.
Though sometimes not directly agreeing might seem like covering one's ears while stealing a bell, it left room for maneuver on both sides.
...
...
The next day.
The arena was still bustling with voices.
After a full day of battles from morning till night yesterday, the top sixty-four of the tournament had been determined.
On the huge screen, sixty-four profiles were projected.
And today, the matchups for today would be announced.
No one knew who their opponent would be today.
As the photos moved on the big screen, match pairings were quickly listed.
At the top sixty-four, Natsuhiko recognized more and more people, increasing the chances of encountering familiar faces.
Led by Professor Oak and Nari Omiki on the organizing committee, Natsuhiko felt the possibility of manipulation in the match draw was relatively low.
Yet when Natsuhiko saw his opponent's profile, he was slightly taken aback.
Because the opponent was quite famous in the Alola Region.
And.
According to the schedule, he was the first to go on stage today.
"This opponent seems quite popular, Natsuhiko."
Lance said, looking at the screen and hearing the cheers resonating throughout the arena.
"Yeah."
Natsuhiko didn't disagree with Lance.
Stretching lazily.
"We might get to see the 'Z Move' this time, I'll give you all a demonstration." he grinned.