Kage's complexion became increasingly pale, his gaze gradually turning unfocused, yet he struggled to gather his wits again.
He fixed his eyes firmly on Natsuhiko.
Biting his lip, he suddenly pleaded, "Sir, you're a good person. Can I trouble you to help protect Meiyu to Sinnoh?"
A good person?
Natsuhiko chuckled lightly. Why do so many people think he's a good person?
"Do you have some misunderstanding about me?"
"I won't let you do it for nothing!" Kage hurriedly added.
If it weren't for that last sentence, Natsuhiko might have turned around and left.
He always considered himself profit-oriented. If the matter were simple, he could help out as a favor. But this was obviously not simple and might even involve the Ocean Team.
That's different.
Natsuhiko didn't believe he had the ability to oppose the Ocean Team.
"An Evolution Stone!" Kage said solemnly.
Just as Natsuhiko was about to turn away, Kage quickly added, "A top-quality Stone of Light!"
Top-quality?
Stone of Light?
Natsuhiko paused, turning his head to look at him with some surprise.
Does Kage not know the value of a top-quality Evolution Stone?
In any case, Natsuhiko knew that even if he pooled all his possessions together, he might not afford a top-quality Evolution Stone.
It's not that a top-quality Stone of Light is unbelievably valuable, but it is so scarce that it would be snatched up instantly, leading to prices far exceeding its actual value.
More importantly.
Why is it a Stone of Light?
Natsuhiko's Togetic needed a Stone of Light to evolve into a Togekiss!
His ownership of a Togepi wasn't a secret; Meiyu often pestered him to play with Togepi.
So...
Did Kage know that Togetic needs a Stone of Light to evolve into Togekiss?
However, it seemed Togekiss hadn't yet been registered in the alliance's Pokedex.
Seeing Natsuhiko fall into contemplation, Kage slowly revealed an awkward smile.
"You might not know, above Togetic, there's another evolution form, and the required item is the Stone of Light. A top-quality Stone of Light will absolutely bring out Togetic's full potential.
It could even enhance the future potential of Togekiss.
Believe me, once an Evolution Stone surpasses high quality, its function becomes more than just aiding the specific Pokémon's evolution."
After speaking so much in one breath, Kage struggled to breathe, his face becoming even paler, with beads of sweat continuously sliding down his forehead.
"Grandpa!" Meiyu hurried over, tightly gripping Kage's hand, full of heartache.
If Kage passed away, she'd truly be alone in this world.
"How do you know?" Natsuhiko asked in a calm tone.
Kage trembled as he patted Meiyu's head, indicating he was fine, "Cough, cough, because this top-quality Evolution Stone originally belonged to Meiyu's father."
Meiyu had mentioned that her father also had a Togepi.
Presumably, it had already evolved into a Togetic?
He had even prepared a top-quality Stone of Light.
Obtaining a top-quality Evolution Stone...
Not just any Trainer could manage that.
It seems Meiyu's father was once a formidable Trainer.
"Though the top-quality Stone of Light is tempting," Natsuhiko said, pausing before continuing, "I still know what's more important, the object or my life."
An object lost can be found again, but if life is lost, everything is gone.
"No, the danger is not that high." Kage's complexion began turning golden, a true sign of nearing the end.
"I've already shaken the most troublesome ones off in the Hoenn Region. They would never expect us to return to the ship. Even if they arrange people, it's only symbolic.
As long as they don't know, it's absolutely safe!"
That's why he didn't go to the medical room.
As long as the other side doesn't confirm they're back on the ship, most personnel would still be in Hoenn.
"Is the most dangerous place the safest place?" Natsuhiko thoughtfully nodded.
One had to admit, the old man had quite the experience.
He showed this last time when at the "Black Shark Bar" he hired bodyguards.
Natsuhiko was considering.
A top-quality Stone of Light and the present risk, whether they're proportionate.
The value of a top-quality Stone of Light was undeniable. If he could obtain it, he wouldn't need to worry about Togetic's future evolution issue.
And top-quality, it was the highest level among Evolution Stones, sure to benefit Togetic greatly.
But the risk level was still unknown.
It might be just as Old Kage said, not very dangerous, or it might exceed Natsuhiko's expectations.
'It would be great if Absol were here...'
With Absol as a safeguard and its Future Sight ability, coupled with Yujira's Instant Movement, security should be assured.
After hesitating for a long time, when Kage was almost unable to hold on, Natsuhiko finally said, "I accept."
"But don't rush to be happy, agree first that if we encounter something I can't handle, don't blame me."
This was his biggest concession.
If he couldn't handle it but stubbornly stayed, that wouldn't be sincerity, that would be stupidity.
So, he had to lay things open at the start.
If he felt the situation was wrong, he would leave when necessary.
"Alright!" Kage accepted Natsuhiko's condition without any doubt, agreeing immediately.
He even smiled.
"Hmm?"
"Cough—A person chosen by Pokémon like Togepi is destined to be... a good person...."
With that, Kage's eyes rolled back as he passed out.
Natsuhiko remained silent.
Is there any way to get rid of this "good person" label? Waiting online, quite urgent.
But one couldn't deny that Kage had a point.
Pokémon like Togepi are ones that follow happiness.
Ask yourself, what person with a malicious heart lives happily?
Yet this still couldn't shake Natsuhiko's core. He could, within his abilities, offer help to others, but would never become a naive good person.
"Grandpa!"
Seeing Kage close his eyes, Meiyu's tears once again flowed uncontrollably.
"He just fainted. If you keep shaking him, he might really die."
Hearing this, Meiyu's small hands paused.
Rika-like tears looked at Natsuhiko.
Rubbing his temples with some annoyance.
"This whole thing...."
...
...
Three hours later.
"Yes, I'd like to upgrade to a first-class cabin, please give me a spot near the ship's stern."
At the service window on the Saint Anus, Natsuhiko handed over his room card and identification.
"Alright, please wait a moment."
The staff, hearing it was an upgrade request, handled it quickly.
After Natsuhiko paid the difference, his room card officially changed from a plastic card to a metal one.
Returning to the room where Meiyu was.
"Pack up. I'll take you to a different place," Natsuhiko said.
"Alright."
Little Meiyu obediently started organizing things.
Kage had stabilized and regained consciousness.
Opening his bleary eyes slowly, he looked at Natsuhiko.
"Since I've accepted the task, everything else will go according to my plan, don't ask unnecessary questions." Natsuhiko leaned against the wall, arms crossed, speaking calmly.
Kage blinked, his deep voice continued, "No, I just wanted to say... help Meiyu a little, she wouldn't..."
Looking at the messily packed bags, Natsuhiko remained unmoved, merely said:
"Can you protect her for a lifetime? If not, let her grow quickly; it's better than having her face even more hardships learning on her own after you're gone."
"Ouch—"
Meiyu accidentally tripped herself, landing on her rear on the floor.
Kage pressed his lips together, his eyes full of reluctance.
But he knew, what Natsuhiko said was right. If he couldn't care for her for a lifetime, it's better to let her grow quickly than to leave her struggling later, learning from scratch and enduring more hardships.
Looking deeply at the expressionless Natsuhiko, he couldn't help but smile.
Kage felt his judgment was correct, Natsuhiko indeed was a good person, even if he might not think so himself.
See, even when Meiyu fell, she didn't cry, standing up resolutely and patting the dirt off.
Although her tidying was still messy, she was indeed trying hard to learn.
This is progress.