Upon hearing this, the audience finally understood.
Ah, I see!
Latios isn't just a Divine Beast or a Dragon-type Pokémon; it's also a Psychic-type Pokémon!
Those in the audience who were shouting for Natsuhiko to "go easy, go easy" stopped shouting.
It turns out that Master Natsuhiko was indeed already going easy.
When it comes to flexible use of abilities, you have to look to the Tactical Master.
A whistling cold wind swept through, and the "Frozen Wind" abruptly lowered the temperature of the entire arena, affecting Zebstrika's body and slowing it down.
With one exchange after another, Latios had secured an unshakeable speed advantage.
Thus, the outcome of the battle was already determined.
Bam!!
With Zebstrika falling to the ground.
Little Ju'Er decided not to send out her almost-fainted Luxray again, conceding the battle.
The two walked to the center of the arena and shook hands.
"Mr. Natsuhiko, you are indeed impressive," Little Ju'Er conceded wholeheartedly.
Natsuhiko indeed hadn't held back; the difference lay in their strength and tactical understanding, and this result was already satisfying to her.
"Actually, your tactics are impressive too," Natsuhiko replied.
It wasn't the victor's humility, but a fact.
If Little Ju'Er hadn't encountered him, with her Luxray and Zebstrika, or even combined with Ampharos, she would have easily made it to the top 64, unless she ran into a few top contenders.
Little Ju'Er, though a model, had participated in many competitions such as the Fanba Championship, the Mixed Tournament, the Unova Gym Leader Competition, the Attribute Expert Tournament, etc...
Her extensive competition experience had honed her battle skills.
Upon hearing Natsuhiko's praise, a slight blush appeared on Little Ju'Er's face, "Really?"
"If your Luxray could use 'Roar', the match might have been tougher for me," Natsuhiko offered some advice on her battle strategy.
Little Ju'Er responded with slight embarrassment, "I haven't taught Luxray that technique yet."
Natsuhiko nodded.
"I understand; I'm just saying, next time you encounter a tactic like mine, if your Luxray learns 'Roar' and combines it with 'Mad Volt', switching back and forth between opponents' Pokémon, you might achieve unexpected effects."
Hearing this, Little Ju'Er seemed to grasp a different tactical perspective.
This tactic seems a bit annoying, doesn't it?
"If my Luxray had mastered 'Roar' earlier and used it, how would you have countered it, Mr. Natsuhiko?" Little Ju'Er asked.
Natsuhiko smiled and pointed to the sky, "Soar."
Little Ju'Er suddenly understood.
Indeed, a Tactical Master in name and reality.
Considering all these aspects during a battle.
"By the way, Little Ju'Er, I want to ask you a question," Natsuhiko suddenly said.
"Hmm, hmm?" Little Ju'Er blinked twice, a bit puzzled while still pondering battle-related issues.
"Uh, that book of yours... where did you buy it?" Natsuhiko asked awkwardly.
"Oh~~ that book?"
Seeing Natsuhiko's somewhat embarrassed look, Little Ju'Er chuckled, "It's on the commercial street, at a small stall with good business."
She added, "And it's not just yours, Mr. Natsuhiko; there's Lance's, Hilona's, Flint's..."
Counting on her fingers.
"Alright, I get it. Thanks."
After a brief exchange, the two parted ways and left the arena for the next pair of contestants.
When he returned to the contestant's bench,
Hilona and Lance had already gone to prepare for their next match.
"Kona, Flint, I'll leave for a bit."
"Okay."
After a brief word with them, Natsuhiko left the arena.
His match today was over; there were no more for him.
He was curious to see who was profiting from them.
He went to the commercial street.
Despite the ongoing matches, most of the audience was still inside the arena.
But the commercial street was still bustling with people.
Following the directions Little Ju'Er mentioned, Natsuhiko arrived at the busiest vendor street.
In such a street, the best business was certainly the various snacks.
For instance, the Alola Region's famous Malasada, or the Double Scoop Vanilluxe Ice Cream, and the Old Mending Man's "Angry Steamed Bun", etc.
But there was one stall that stood out among the non-food stalls.
"Boss, is your book cover authorized?"
"Authorized? Are you kidding? We wouldn't dare set up stall here without authorization," a familiar sharp voice echoed.
Isn't that Musashi?
"Don't worry, Meowth, absolutely genuine, limited quantity, first come first serve!"
Meowth stood on the counter, holding a microphone, loudly promoting.
"Alright, Boss, give me one Hilona, one Kona, and two Master Natsuhiko." The customer chose to trust them.
"Sorry, customer, Master Natsuhiko's book is selling like hotcakes, you'll have to wait."
"How long?"
"Let me check."
Musashi turned back, looking at James, who was hiding behind, non-stop printing cover images, and sternly asked, "James, hurry up! The customers are waiting!"
James, on the ground, wiped his forehead and complained, "I know, Meowth's machine is too outdated; printing is a hassle."
"Anyway, hurry up, we just arrived in the Alola Region, we need to earn funding quickly to contribute when the Boss plans to conquer Alola!" Musashi's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I know, I know, can't understand why this Natsuhiko's so popular, still not as handsome as I am..." James muttered quietly.
Natsuhiko, standing at the neighboring stall, slightly rubbed his forehead.
So that's who dared to operate like this.
Turns out it's these three clowns.
But to be fair, their ability to make money impressed Natsuhiko.
..... Should he open a shop and let them run it?
Letting them do tasks seems a waste of talent, right?
Moreover, he couldn't trust their capacity for assignments.
Opening a store means they'd have to manage it, which could effectively keep them in check, right?
Keep them in for a year or two, either return them to Giovanni or wait till Ash travels, and let them engage in their "love-hate relationships".
In between, they might even earn a decent amount of money.
After pondering, Natsuhiko moved to a nearby corner.
He dialed Musashi's number.
"Boss!" Musashi's excited voice came over the phone.
"Why didn't you contact me when you arrived in Alola?" Natsuhiko's deep voice rang out.
"It's not our fault, Boss! Last time's funds were all spent on getting to Alola, the phone's out of credit, only has receiving function, can't make outgoing calls," Musashi explained.
Natsuhiko: "..."
"But rest assured, Boss! We're striving to earn funds. Dominating the Alola Region is within reach!"
"No, I have a task for you," Natsuhiko took a deep breath.
"A task?! A task?! A task, Meowth?!" The three voices echoed over the phone.
"I need you to open a shop in Haoao City..."
"Understood! As Rocket Team's secret base! We'll complete the task excellently!"
Before Natsuhiko could finish speaking, Musashi eagerly understood.
"Doo doo doo——"
Listening to the disconnected tone, Natsuhiko opened his mouth.
"Damn, out of battery!"
Beside him, Musashi's angry voice echoed.
"But the task's received, action!"
"Action!"
"Action, Meowth!"
Then the trio immediately sprang into action.
"Closing the stall, closing the stall, Meowth! Thanks for your patronage, thanks for your patronage!"
They said, quickly packing up the stall, pushing the cart, and running off.
Many customers saw them swiftly leaving, only realizing what happened thereafter.
"Damn! I paid but didn't get my book!"
"Me too, damn it!"
A group of people chased after them.
Natsuhiko stepped out of the corner and rubbed his forehead.
A headache.
Hopefully, opening a shop can really contain them.
Prevent them from causing trouble everywhere.
"Mr. Natsuhiko."
At this moment.
A sudden voice spoke up beside Natsuhiko.
"Hmm?"
Looking towards the source of the voice, he saw two members of the Ethereum Foundation dressed in white clothes.
He slightly frowned.
Their attitude was polite, respectful, "Mr. Natsuhiko, our president would like to have a chat with you."
"Your president?"
Not far on the road, a luxurious car was parked by the roadside.
Lusamine, leaning her head against the car door, met Natsuhiko's gaze with a bright smile.
Slightly nodding.
——————
PS: Asking for monthly tickets~~