The Saint Anus sailed smoothly, heading straight towards the Sinnoh Region after leaving Hoenn.
Natsuhiko's days were peaceful as well.
Indeed, as Kage said, as long as they didn't appear and attract attention, there wouldn't be any danger.
Natsuhiko deliberately chose a first-class cabin at the stern, which was close to the Pokémon training area on the cruise ship. With the Instant Movement ability of Yujira, he could travel between the training ground and his room at any time.
Once deeply engaged in Pokémon training, time seemed to fly by quickly.
In the blink of an eye.
Ten days had passed.
The growth speed of the Pokémon began to slow down, no longer showing dramatic changes in strength as quickly as before.
This is an inevitable process.
As the Pokémon's strength increases, this speed will continue to slow.
Even at the future Gym Leader Level, Elite Candidate Level, or Elite Trainer Level, there may be little change in a Pokémon's strength over a year or several years.
Just like some seasoned Trainers whose Pokémon reach a certain level of strength and begin to stagnate, and at Elite Trainer Level, even the slightest progress requires a great deal of time and resources.
However, it is related to whether the Pokémon has a solid foundation when it is still weak.
The better the foundation of a Pokémon, the less likely it is to encounter such stagnation in the future.
Many veteran Trainers faced stagnation because their foundation wasn't solid, directly leading to a lowered upper limit for their Pokémon, thus causing a standstill in their development.
Therefore, many people cultivate second or third-line Pokémon teams to break such stagnation.
Thus, Natsuhiko was not anxious about the current slow progress of his Pokémon but chose to consolidate steadily, gradually unlocking the potential that should be mastered and explored.
He had already acquired the top-quality Stone of Light but was not in a hurry to use it on Togetic.
It had just evolved recently and still had much potential to be tapped.
Once every possible enhancement at the current stage is perfected, using Stone of Light for evolution will surely lead to a surge of accumulated strength.
Such reasons make Pokémon Items like the Unchangeable Stone quite popular.
Besides Togetic, he wasn't rushing with other Pokémon either.
Mastering existing Techniques, using them proficiently, and understanding thoroughly—getting the most from the items they possess, maximizing the usage of energy changes within their bodies—the intended progress will naturally emerge.
Though the progress of strength has slowed, there remain notable changes compared to ten days ago.
It's just relatively slower than the previous progress speed.
Beedrill learned a lot from Honedge about the usage of Sword Dance Techniques, visibly improving its mastery over Sword Dance. It gradually could incorporate other techniques in battles.
Yujira increased its proficiency with newly learned techniques, effectively using both the Life Treasure Pearl and Curved Spoon Pokémon items—earning rewards for its diligence and hard work.
Togetic needs no mention; the Sleep Technique seems tailor-made for it, while connecting Divine Power with Sharp Fang and Celestial Grace Trait, slowly grasping, learning, and mastering them.
Honedge, though still cautious, harmonized quickly with Natsuhiko, who shared a strategic mindset, matching its battle philosophy—raising their Momentum significantly.
All these signify progress, moving in a positive direction.
And today, Natsuhiko's short-term training plan came to an end.
Because.
The Saint Anus successfully arrived at Binhai City, Sinnoh Region's largest port city.
Natsuhiko held Meiyu's hand, appearing as siblings from a foreign region visiting Sinnoh, with Kage standing respectfully behind them—head lowered like a humble servant.
Their appearances had changed greatly.
Natsuhiko had Ditto morph onto Meiyu's face, with some simple modifications, transforming into someone else.
As for Kage, it was easier; having sustained prior injuries, his physical change included becoming thinner and hunchbacked. Slight makeup made him resemble any ordinary servant.
Natsuhiko's intention.
Was that concealing too well might attract attention, but walking out openly wouldn't raise suspicion.
According to his observations.
When they disembarked, there were at least seven or eight pairs of eyes on them, or rather, on Meiyu, glancing over repeatedly.
However, ultimately, when they left the port, not a single pair of eyes was following them.
This proved that Natsuhiko's plan was relatively successful.
Meanwhile, it indicated that the opposition didn't have many doubts regarding the port or the Saint Anus, which was why they faced little danger aboard it.
Nonetheless.
"Upon entering Sinnoh, the danger will significantly increase—the real test starts now." Natsuhiko said calmly with a smile.
"Mhm." Meiyu pulled Natsuhiko's hand, showcasing absolute trust and confidence in his words.
Honedge emerged from the shadows, lightly tugged his pants with its blue satin, and then vanished back into the shadow.
"Understood."
It meant Honedge was reminding him that no one was watching them for now.
Shortly.
Natsuhiko led them to...
Poke Center.
Currently, nothing seems safer than a unique organization like the Poke Center of the league.
"I've rented a large room at the Poke Center for three months; stay inside and go nowhere, food will be delivered daily, and any needs can be addressed by calling the Poke Center reception."
"Us? What about you?" Kage asked puzzledly.
"Me? I'm safe; having you with me is more troublesome—I need to ascertain first who the enemy is and their capability; otherwise, we risk danger acting openly while they might act covertly."
Natsuhiko continued: "Now we are safe. But, if I were the enemy, I would surely wait near the Divine Hall of Snow Peak for ambush. Approaching rashly isn't wise."
Knowing Meiyu and Kage would head to the Divine Hall of Snow Peak—waiting without action would be too effective.
"Understood." Kage nodded.
Since choosing to trust Natsuhiko, following his plan was the right choice, especially since his analysis showed no flaws.
"Brother..." Meiyu timidly tugged Natsuhiko's clothes.
Natsuhiko squatted down, smiling as he patted her head, "Don't worry, wait obediently for my return—take care of Grandpa—and soon you'll be a grown-up."
"Mhm!"
Meiyu nodded vigorously.
After bidding farewell, and leaving the Poke Center, Natsuhiko took out his phone and made a call.
"I'm in Sinnoh."
He said simply and hung up immediately.
Then dialed another number.
Shortly, a slightly cold voice answered, "Natsuhiko?"
"It's me, Hilona."
Having arrived in someone's domain—a greeting was indeed polite.