Fifteen minutes later.
Inside the luxurious car of the Zfuchi Family, Natsuhiko looked at Flint and Lance sitting opposite him.
The atmosphere was slightly subtle.
It was indeed because of the coincidence.
Flint had originally stayed a few extra days in Kaina City to promote their tool, and he had just returned to Kanaz City. Remembering that he couldn't fulfill his promise, he immediately sought out Natsuhiko, planning to take him around the Hoenn Region to experience the local customs.
Lance, on the other hand, was due to an investigator's task to arrest Hunter Klei, but when they had everything set up for the final action, the Hoenn Alliance informed them that Klei had been captured and was now held at the Hoenn Alliance Headquarters.
So Lance, who had just completed his task, also found Natsuhiko, intending to have a Pokémon battle with him.
Now.
The two future champions sitting together.
What Natsuhiko didn't expect the most was that they actually knew each other. They chatted casually, seemingly leaving his plan to film a battle between the future champions in vain.
Actually, thinking about it carefully.
Since Flint knew Hilona from the Sinnoh Region and their relationship was decent, how could he not know Lance?
The Zfuchi Family and the Dragon Taming Race, where Lance comes from, are both top families in the entire Alliance, so they likely have connections, even business exchanges and collaborations.
As prominent figures among the new generation of their families and talents cultivated by their families, this network of relationships should exist.
Indeed.
With his head resting on his hand, Natsuhiko could only remain silent.
Turns out, the clown was me.
"Where are we going?" Lance asked.
"To my house."
Natsuhiko: "Hmm?"
"It's getting late today, I'll take you to my home for dinner. The weather is nice, and since you both came here together, tomorrow I can take you around Kanaz City and see Hoenn," Flint explained.
"Makes sense, my vacation isn't long." Lance shrugged.
Natsuhiko glanced at his phone, "According to the time, I should return to Kaina City by tomorrow evening to continue my journey on the Saint Anus cruise."
His purpose wasn't strong initially, but now, visiting Celestial Crown Mountain in the Sinnoh Region is a must.
"It truly is rare, we all have some free time, and we just happened to meet up." Flint smiled.
The others nodded in agreement.
"Speaking of which, I originally wanted to have a battle with Natsuhiko that I've been looking forward to for a long time," Lance said, his eyes full of battle spirit falling on Natsuhiko.
"Oh?" Flint's eyes lit up, "I also wanted to have a Pokémon battle with Natsuhiko back then."
Both their interests were piqued by Lance's words.
Natsuhiko quickly raised his hand.
"No need to look at me, I refuse." Natsuhiko decisively declined.
Though his strength had improved a lot, it hadn't reached the level where he could ideologically challenge these two.
The ultimate outcome would likely be defeat for him, ninety percent of the time.
With such a high probability of failure, there's no point in proceeding.
Moreover, he considers himself more of a wild fighter.
Lance opened his mouth but didn't have time to speak before Natsuhiko preempted him, "I've found you a quite prominent opponent. You should have a... 'very fun' time with her."
Emphasizing "very fun," but Lance might not catch the nuance.
The person he was referring to was none other than Kona, whom he met at the Orange Islands.
Since exchanging contacts, Kona frequently sends Natsuhiko virtual battle videos, hoping for reasonable advice from him.
Natsuhiko doesn't reply often, but he does maintain contact.
Given that Lance seemed quite idle, always pestering him, Natsuhiko set up the perfect opponent for Lance, ensuring an amicable rivalry.
Additionally, Natsuhiko plans to tell Kona all the "special" strategies he knows about Lapras, Cloyster, and other ice-type Pokémon.
Backstab, starting with me, is everyone's responsibility.
"Then you should have a match with me?" Flint suggested.
Natsuhiko glanced at him.
"No, you'll have your opponent, but you'll need to wait a while."
He has confirmed the existence of the "Meteor People," and Granny Long and Xijana's grandmother seem similar, so Xijana likely exists as well.
She and Flint are bound to face off sooner or later.
Hearing his words, Flint and Lance exchanged a glance.
It seemed like Natsuhiko was making excuses to decline.
But since he said so, they indeed couldn't force it.
"But," Natsuhiko suddenly spoke, "how about you two have a match?"
Upon hearing.
Lance and Flint met each other's gaze again.
Seems...
There really could be a match.
...
...
The car soon drove into a very luxurious estate.
Even though it was already winter, the estate remained vibrant, with greenery everywhere, carefully manicured.
The vehicle parked before a house as grand as a castle.
After the servant opened the door, the three of them stepped out.
Looking at the house's "unassuming" door, Natsuhiko remained silent.
Indeed, poverty had limited his imagination.
Because he saw that the house's door was inlaid entirely with Evolution Stones!
Although they were merely Basic Evolution Stones, over such large doors, there had to be dozens of different types of Evolution Stones.
Emphasize two words:
Wealthy!
Natsuhiko considered that if he found the chance to pry these doors off, he could probably make a lot of money.
But while the materials were lavish, the overall feeling was not abrupt or overwhelming, unlike nouveau riche who haphazardly flaunt wealth for show; instead, it exuded a sense of comfort, warmth, and harmony.
Such is the mark of a truly wealthy and established family.
Even Lance, staring in astonishment at Flint's home's decor, was no less surprised than Natsuhiko.
Their Dragon Taming Clan and Flint's Zfuchi Family are somewhat different.
The Dragon Taming Race mostly has classic wooden structures, unlike these modern styles that stand apart.
"I'll show you around first. The servants are already preparing dinner. If you have any dietary restrictions, let me know now." Flint said with a smile.
Lance pursed his lips and said, "I... don't like 'wasabi' (wasabi, also known as horseradish, or mustard)."
"Alright."
Not eating wasabi means excluding seafood and sashimi, which is rather rare.
Flint turned to Natsuhiko.
"I have no dietary restrictions, just don't serve Pokémon."
Flint was momentarily stunned, then smiled, "We do have boundaries."
Many wealthy folks like to serve Pokémon as table food, notably Farfetch'd, leading to it nearing extinction.
Evidently, Flint's family doesn't indulge in such peculiar tastes.
"I'll show you my collection first."
After finalizing dinner plans, Flint eagerly guided them to his rock collection room.
In here, it's truly his treasure trove.
Diverse glass cabinets showcased a myriad of stones from different regions within the Pokémon Realm.
As both Flint introduced the stones and Lance listened intently, Natsuhiko's attention was captivated by several stones.
Gazing at the small colorful stones inside the glass cabinet.
"Is this... a Keystone?!"