The Beedrill went up to "communicate" with the Vespiquen.
But judging by their excitement, it seems the communication didn't go quite smoothly.
It's fine for the Beedrill to fight, but it's really not suited for communication like this.
However, just because it can't, doesn't mean others can't.
Natsuhiko gave Togetic a knowing look.
Togetic instantly understood.
As the famous "Social Butterfly" Teacher Poke, the atmosphere changed a bit the moment it appeared.
But it seems the outcome might be alright.
The Beedrill returned looking utterly hopeless.
While Togetic sported a victorious expression, its head held high and looking quite smug.
"What's the story?" Natsuhiko asked curiously.
An Elite Level Vespiquen is quite valuable, especially when it's also a Shiny Pokemon. Though its battle experience is somewhat lacking, it also means its potential isn't low.
Most importantly, this Shiny Vespiquen is accompanied by a huge swarm of Combee, with over a hundred following it out of the hive, even though their abilities vary, their sheer numbers are undeniable.
If the Vespiquen had more battle experience and stronger commanding ability, even just this swarm of Combee would be enough to give Natsuhiko a hard time; it couldn't be easily picked by Beedrill.
Moreover, Combee have a special ability to collect "Sweet Honey," a sweet honey that's very tempting to Pokémon and rich in natural nutrients, which sells for a good price in the market.
The Vespiquen attained its current Elite Level strength thanks to the hard work of countless Combee providing it with "Sweet Honey."
This shows its nutritional value is on par with Beedrill's honey.
If he could secure this Shiny Vespiquen along with its countless "subjects," he would unreservedly harvest a "Sweet Honey" production line.
Its value might even surpass that of the Shiny Vespiquen itself.
Would Natsuhiko really let Beedrill "talk feelings" with the Vespiquen?
Impossible!
Others may not know Beedrill, but he certainly does.
Yet this Sweet Honey "production line" has indeed sparked a lot of fresh ideas for him.
Most importantly,
Natsuhiko observed Beedrill undergoing a process of absorbing the Leader's Aura, maybe Beedrill could communicate with Vespiquen about the possibility of becoming a Leader Pokémon.
To put it bluntly,
He's actually thinking about the idea of whisking away the entire Three Bee Race.
"Shuckle!"
Togetic gestured an "OK" sign.
But Natsuhiko was still unclear about what they communicated.
At this point, Yujira stepped up to explain to Natsuhiko; it had "accidentally" overheard their conversation.
After hearing it, Natsuhiko understood.
Beedrill held no favorable feelings towards Vespiquen, but at least it didn't reject her.
However, the Vespiquen wanted Beedrill to stay, even willing to hand over the entire Combee swarm for Beedrill to lead.
To this, Beedrill very firmly declined, resulting in a bit of unhappiness.
But with Togetic's intervention, understanding Natsuhiko's intentions, it was the biggest agitator previously.
Togetic offered a suggestion; if Beedrill doesn't want to stay, Vespiquen can follow along; feelings shouldn't be forced but can be cultivated.
What if?
Right.
Yet Vespiquen was reluctant to part with its kin, leading to another impasse.
At this moment, another comment from Teacher Poke enlightened the Vespiquen.
You can take your kin and go together!
And so…
Everyone was happy!
Vespiquen understood and prepared to lead its kin back to arrange the whole area, leaving with Beedrill, or rather with Natsuhiko!
A woman in love is so irrational.
Though it might still be unrequited love.
However, the outcome is good; Natsuhiko achieved his goals, and Vespiquen also achieved hers.
Otherwise, Natsuhiko might have resorted to force, securing the swarm of Combee with sheer might.
Whether for Sweet Honey or Beedrill's Leader's Aura.
Though Beedrill...
Natsuhiko patted it reassuringly, "It's fine, there's no need to force feelings; just meet less in the future."
Beedrill's expression finally started to improve slightly.
As for whether it will like her in the future, who knows?
But for it to fall in love at first sight with Vespiquen, that's impossible.
Through Togetic's relay, Natsuhiko's intentions were conveyed to Vespiquen.
Telling her not to rush, they had some matters to handle first, and they'd come for them next time, also giving Vespiquen some time to calmly think if she really wanted to do this.
Even though she might change her mind later, it probably wouldn't matter much.
Vespiquen agreed to this.
Leaving behind a large clump of "Sweet Honey," it led the grand swarm of Combee back.
This also announced the end of this matter, signifying that they could finally enjoy the long-awaited roast meat.
With Togetic leading the charge, they all rushed towards the thoroughly roasted meat.
While Natsuhiko silently collected the clump of Sweet Honey.
This stuff's effect is not less than the Sweet Fragrance, even counting other functions, it's better than the Sweet Fragrance.
Acquiring a stable "production line" would continuously provide him with monetary income.
"Nice."
Just then.
"Shuckle!!!"
Togetic's extremely miserable cry echoed, the "heart-wrenching" tone enough to stir listeners' heartache and tears.
"What's wrong?" Natsuhiko walked over and asked.
Then he saw the reason for Togetic's sorrow.
It turned out a whole aromatic roast deer, the largest and juiciest deer leg was gone, resulting in at least one-fifth of the roast meat lost.
"Hmm?" Natsuhiko furrowed his brow.
He wasn't upset about losing a deer leg, unlike the snack-loving Togetic; he was just puzzled.
He looked towards Yujira.
"Yongji."
After hesitating momentarily, Yujira shook its head.
This made Natsuhiko genuinely puzzled.
Due to the conflict with the Three Bee Race, Yujira's Psychic Arena was always active and super abilities covered the surrounding area, preventing sudden attacks.
Yet because of this, he found it odd.
Someone, without Yujira's Super Sensing, managed to "steal" a deer leg without anyone noticing?
Not that there aren't such Pokémon.
Wild Pokémon with strong psychic abilities are rare but quite possible in the wild environment.
The point is, this entity only took a deer leg.
If it truly liked roast meat, given the wild Pokémon's nature, should it have taken it all?
Stronger than Yujira but only for roast meat, and only steals one deer leg; this is puzzling.
Yujira also understood Natsuhiko's confusion.
However, it's even more perplexed.
Because it genuinely didn't sense any presence approaching, or even traces of the deer leg being dragged or carried away.
"Perhaps it's a Pokémon with principles..." Natsuhiko could only reach such a conclusion.
"Yongji..."
Yujira hesitantly nodded.
Although Natsuhiko said so, a somewhat unrealistic thought popped into his mind.
"Forget it; even with one less deer leg, we have enough to eat." Natsuhiko shook his head and dismissed that thought.
To Sharpedo, he said, "Go for 70% full? Eating too much will make you fat."
If it gets fat, would it be slaughtered?
Sharpedo seemed to "understand" the deeper meaning of Natsuhiko's words, nodding repeatedly.
It expressed that it would only eat 70% full from now on.
It wanted to be a healthy shark, no fuss or outbursts, sleep early, wake early, and eat on time!
"Jingle jingle—"
An almost inaudible yet slightly proud laugh echoed through this area, unnoticed by anyone.
"Hmm?" Natsuhiko looked up while cutting the meat.
But quickly resumed slicing under Togetic's urging to divide the deer meat.
"Was it an illusion?"