The grassland isn't very large.
But it teems with Grass-type Pokémon.
However, most Grass-type Pokémon are quite gentle, and it's rare for wild Pokémon with aggressive natures to proactively attack humans or other Pokémon, as they can replenish their energy and nutrients just by eating grass or photosynthesizing.
So, the two hunters weaving through the grass didn't provoke any sudden attacks from the Grass-type Pokémon.
Soon enough.
They found their target.
A Pokémon lay peacefully asleep on the ground, with a bluish-green body and a brown shell covering its head and jaw. On its back, shrubs were flourishing, laden with orange berries, its eyes tightly shut, resting on one of the scarce large rocks amidst the grass.
"A Grotle, huh?"
Natsuhiko also "saw" this Starter Trio Pokémon through Yujira's super sensing.
The flagship Grass-type Pokémon of the Sinnoh Region, the first evolution of Turtwig, a pure Grass-type Pokémon.
Once it evolves again, it becomes Torterra, currently the only Grass and Ground Type Pokémon in the Pokémon Realm, known by Natsuhiko as the "Cannon Fodder Turtle," a Pokémon that failed in transitioning from assassin to tank, at least in the game.
The quadruple weakness to ice is quite obvious. Though the Ground Type gave it immunity against Electric Type techniques, the advantage of Grass-type Pokémon against Water-type Pokémon gets erased.
However, its merits outweigh its flaws; as a Starter Trio Pokémon, it still performs fairly well.
These weaknesses and deficiencies do not diminish its value.
But this Grotle is a bit peculiar...
"Yongji." Yujira suddenly called out.
A fierce wind arose, pressing down the surrounding dense grass, revealing Natsuhiko and Yujira beneath it.
And naturally, the wind attack came from the Staravia of one of the two hunters.
Following that, with the ground writhing, Bibarel, with its two giant incisors, wrapped in a faint aura, sprang out from beneath Natsuhiko's feet.
Killing Fang!
The sudden attack from the two Pokémon did not cause any panic in Natsuhiko's demeanor.
Yujira's Psychic Arena rapidly expanded, a few blades formed by Spirit Blade slashing towards the Staravia in the air, while Honedge, hiding in the shadows, emerged just as Bibarel was about to hit Natsuhiko, its metal sheen blocking Bibarel's Killing Fang.
As a General Type technique, the Killing Fang didn't affect the Ghost Type Honedge much, and its sharp incisors didn't inflict any harm on the hard sword sheath.
Natsuhiko raised his eyes and looked forward, only to see the two hunters watching him coldly, without a trace of emotion.
Seeing their sneak attack fail, Staravia and Bibarel did not persist and swiftly retreated.
But starting an attack and trying to flee isn't quite so easy.
Yujira's eyes shot a brilliant blue, and the Psychic Arena allowed its psychic powers to expand rapidly, enveloping itself and the retreating Bibarel, with psychic ripples spreading outward.
In an instant, Yujira and Bibarel's positions were swapped.
Exchange Arena!
Clang!
Immediately after, Honedge swiftly pulled its blade from the sheath, with the sharp edge reflecting the soft moonlight, transforming into a chilling aura. The tip of the sword flickered at the instant Yujira performed the Exchange Arena, stabbing where Bibarel originally stood.
Steel Type, Iron Head!
Bang!
Bibarel, bewildered and yet to react, was pinned heavily to the ground by the immense force and pain that followed.
The next second.
Yujira, using Instant Movement, appeared beside Bibarel, the spoon pointed, and the Buddha beads clicked, releasing a Mental Shock.
Boom!
Bibarel's body sank into the soft grass, its eyes rolling back, losing its ability to fight.
All this happened in an instant, and even though the two opponents were experienced, they couldn't react in time as one of their Pokémon lost combat capability.
Whereas Staravia, with a face full of fright, flapped its wings, retreating quickly from Yujira.
If Yujira and Honedge had targeted it like they did Bibarel, the result would have been the same.
Yujira returned to Natsuhiko's side, casting its eyes downward, gently flicking the Buddha beads with its left hand, increasingly resembling the little monk Ann Ci.
Honedge also hovered beside Natsuhiko, with its blade humming, the moonlight casting an icy glare full of sarcasm in its eyes.
Too weak, still too weak.
Of course, it speaks of itself.
At this moment, on Natsuhiko's left is the seemingly "kind" and humble Yujira, while on the right is the fiercely bladed and "mocking" Honedge.
No matter how you look, there's an intense visual and sensory contradiction.
Natsuhiko looked at them, calmly stating, "I thought you two wouldn't make a move."
The skinny man arched an eyebrow, "You knew we noticed you?"
Natsuhiko chuckled lightly, "Two experienced hunters, upon discovering someone missing, immediately throw out the alluring Starter Trio Pokémon as a target. Don't you think it's a bit strange?"
Normally, upon discovering a Starter Trio Pokémon, people would keep their mouths tightly shut, fearing being overheard by someone else who hadn't noticed.
Though their behavior doesn't have glaring loopholes, it's somewhat illogical to some extent.
"Moreover... don't you feel that you're too familiar with the terrain and paths here?" Natsuhiko added.
The two were momentarily stunned.
Brother, aren't you meticulous to an extreme? Even a grandmother's embroidery needle isn't as fine as you.
Shouldn't the focus of a normal person be entirely on the Starter Trio Pokémon?
"Yet you followed us. I don't know whether I should say you're brave due to your skill or just overconfident," the bulky man said gruffly.
"If I can handle it, then it's bravery with skill, if not, then it's overconfidence. There's not much of a difference," Natsuhiko shrugged.
"Then let's see if you can handle it!"
The two exchanged glances and threw out their Pokeballs.
In the red light, two Skuntanks appeared.
An overwhelming stench instantly spread, awakening the nearby wild Pokémon from their slumber, who then fled into the distance.
The Skuntanks, being Poison Type and Dark Type, can indeed suppress the Psychic Type Yujira and Ghost Type Honedge, giving them the utmost confidence in dealing with them.
At the same time, in the rustling undergrowth, two Carnivines lay in ambush, blocking Natsuhiko's retreat.
The Grotle, which had been resting there, also opened its eyes, and with heavy steps, appeared beside the two.
This is their usual bait in fishing, but unfortunately, it was mediocrely nurtured, mediocre in power, mediocre in ability, seemingly only serving as bait.
It seems they've done this kind of fishing activity quite a few times.
Including the previously fled Staravia, there were six Pokémon in total, indeed holding a numerical advantage.
"Just so happens, I have some questions for you," Natsuhiko flipped his hand, and two Pokeballs appeared.
"Bzzt!"
"Toga!"
Under the moonlight, Beedrill's sharp crimson compound eyes glared over, its elite-level power allowing it to look down on all their Pokémon with disdain.
Togetic had been cooped up in the Pokeball all day and was restless.
After coming out, it even sensed a thick animosity from the two, its little face unconsciously wrinkled in rejection.
"Elite Level?"
Seeing Beedrill, their faces immediately darkened.
They never expected that young-looking Natsuhiko would actually have an Elite-Level Pokémon.
Things were developing beyond their expectations.
Naturally, a retreat arose in their hearts.
An Elite Level Pokémon, coupled with three Senior Level ones, could become extremely destructive.
However, seeing their intent to escape, Natsuhiko certainly wasn't about to let them just leave.
Come and go as they please, do they really think he's a pushover?
"Beedrill, Honedge, Sword Dance!"
"Togetic, Divine Power!"
"Yujira, Curved Spoon!"
In an instant, Natsuhiko's four Pokémon unleashed their techniques; it was their first time collaborating together.
Especially Beedrill, its elite-level power exerted overwhelming pressure on them.
The numerical advantage they had was now not as significant.
Togetic controlled the field, Yujira manipulated the Psychic Arena, Honedge defended against attacks, and Beedrill harvested with absolute speed and strength...
The outcome was not surprising.
This time, they ran into a brick wall.
After the battle.
Natsuhiko toyed with the Pokeball containing the Grotle and couldn't help but shake his head.
"A perfectly good Pokémon, wasted by how you've raised it," he said.
The two flushed with embarrassment, bound motionless by Yujira's psychic powers.
As for their Pokémon, aside from the Grotle's Pokeball in Natsuhiko's hand, the rest lay immobilized on the ground.
Approaching them,
Natsuhiko, with eyes devoid of emotion, looked at them and slowly said, "Two choices: either answer my questions, or I'll throw you into the swamp."