"Rumble!!"
Snorlax staggered to its feet, its large eyes, full of bloodshot veins, fixed intently on the Energy Block in Togetic's hands, with a terrifying aura emanating from its body.
Natsuhiko's face darkened as he sensed Snorlax's presence.
Trouble!
Gym Leader Level!
Despite being so skinny, not having truly eaten for an unknown amount of time, and being weakened to such an extent, it still possessed Gym Leader Level strength.
If it was in peak condition...
It's hard to imagine such a powerful Snorlax being trapped in a place like this.
Trapped by rock walls created by a group of Wormadam.
But most importantly, this Snorlax has its eyes on them!
Gurgle—
Snorlax's stomach emitted a dull rumble, the sound echoing throughout the cave.
Togetic was utterly terrified, not expecting that the Snorlax, which seemed pitiful just moments ago, could suddenly burst forth with such a terrifying presence.
The most crucial thing was that the way it looked at Togetic implied it intended to swallow both Togetic and the Energy Block together.
This kind of Snorlax.
One bite per Togetic!
"Togetic, toss the Energy Block, Yujira, let's go!"
Fortunately, Natsuhiko had already prepared for the worst, previously instructing Yujira to leave a "anchor" point with its psychic power at the entrance.
"Tcha-kri!"
Hearing Natsuhiko's command, Togetic hastily threw the Energy Block out of its hands.
"Rumble!!"
Snorlax's eyes followed the movement of the Energy Block, and after locking onto it, it leapt forward, its massive mouth wide open.
The small Energy Block appeared minuscule compared to the size of its mouth.
Gulp!
Mid-air, Snorlax gobbled down the Energy Block in one bite, its bloodshot eyes gleaming with sharp intensity.
Delicious!
Thud!
As it landed, the entire cave seemed to tremble, and the ground cracked layer by layer.
A skinny camel is larger than a horse, and even when Snorlax is reduced to such a degree, its weight and strength are still quite formidable.
However, just as Snorlax consumed the Energy Block, Yujira had already utilized Instant Movement to return to the entrance with Natsuhiko and a group of Pokémon.
And quickly instructed the Wormadam to use sand and gravel to block the entrance again.
In such a dark environment, coupled with the short distance and the soon-to-be irrational Snorlax, it would be relatively difficult to pinpoint the entrance accurately.
Otherwise, it wouldn't have been trapped in such a place for so long.
"Rumble!!"
The excited noise of Snorlax came from within.
It hadn't eaten properly for a very long time, suddenly consuming such a delicious Energy Block, its desire for food entirely uncontainable.
"Rumble, rumble!"
Once Snorlax enters a state of hunger, its temper can become extremely frightening.
And only at this time will a Snorlax showcase all its strength.
The rock wall shuddered violently, with bits of gravel rolling down from above.
Snorlax was wantonly slamming against the walls inside.
The Wormadam, however, had grown accustomed to this.
Due to the large amount of minerals present in these rocks, with a high percentage being those enhancing rock hardness, as long as Snorlax doesn't strike directly at the rock wall created by them, they don't need to worry much.
Natsuhiko stood next to them, his brow furrowed.
His lowered eyes were fixed on the large and small pieces of multicolored stones in his hand.
It was Beedrill's Super Evolution Stone and a Keystone.
This Snorlax at least has Gym Leader Level strength, and Mega-evolved Beedrill is the only potential choice for defeating it.
But the chances aren't high, and could even be considered minimal. Additionally, Natsuhiko and Beedrill cannot maintain Mega Evolution for long. If caught in a tough battle and Mega Evolution ends just when facing an enraged Snorlax, it would be very dangerous.
Thinking for a moment, Natsuhiko slowly exhaled.
He kept the Super Evolution Stone and Keystone aside.
"Tcha-kri?"
'What will we do next?'
Togetic finally calmed down from Snorlax's ravenous scene of attack, looking at Natsuhiko standing idly, couldn't help but ask.
"Wait." Natsuhiko replied calmly.
Faced with the Pokémon's puzzled gaze, he explained with a smile, "In this state, Snorlax can't stay awake for long; it's swiftly depleting the little energy it has left, and will soon have to return to sleep."
"Yongji?"
'Aren't we leaving directly?'
Yujira asked rather calmly, also implying its suggestion.
Natsuhiko slowly retracted his smile, his expression somewhat complex.
"If we leave, this Snorlax is definitely doomed."
It might fall asleep at any time and never wake up.
Unless the Wormadam remove the rock wall, giving up the territory they've survived in for so long, and potentially facing Snorlax's retaliation, they'd never be able to return to this mineral-rich cave to find a new home.
It's something the Wormadam can't accept; otherwise, they wouldn't risk Snorlax possibly escaping and stay here.
Of course, they can't be entirely blamed.
They only wish to survive, and Snorlax threatened their survival.
Nor can Snorlax be blamed; this is simply its way of life.
And that's the wild's environment, where Pokémon survive in adaptation.
Even such a mighty Snorlax may face circumstances and dangers it never anticipated due to its habits and some preferences.
Upon hearing Natsuhiko's words, the Pokémon fell silent.
Indeed, if they leave, the Snorlax inside has a ninety-nine percent chance of dying.
And in the way that is most unacceptable for Snorlax.
Starving to death.
Natsuhiko and his Pokémon quietly lingered at the entrance, waiting.
Just as he predicted, after a period of raging inside, Snorlax stopped moving, falling asleep once more.
Once Snorlax was asleep.
Natsuhiko led them back into the cave.
This time, Togetic did not take out an Energy Block.
Though, another problem surfaced.
How to rescue it?
Snorlax needs food, but in its current state, just the scent of food would trigger uncontrollable rage.
Natsuhiko could place some Energy Blocks down and then leave.
But that treats the symptoms, not the root cause; Snorlax still couldn't leave here.
Or, if it did get out, it would damage the Wormadam's territory.
Rescuing it without damaging the Wormadam's territory seems to be a vicious cycle.
But Natsuhiko thought of a solution.
He extended his palm, revealing a Pokeball.
"Maybe I should use a 'Heavy Ball'; chances of success would be higher, but I didn't prepare such specialized Pokeballs. A Super Ball is already quite a privilege for it."
Natsuhiko's backpack only contained regular Pokeballs and slightly higher-tier Super Balls.
His plan was to capture this Snorlax, which would resolve the subsequent issues.
"Togetic, use Yawn on it, repeatedly Yawn."
To ensure Snorlax sleeps peacefully and doesn't awaken from just one attempt, Togetic needed to deepen the quality of Snorlax's sleep.
"Tcha-kri."
Togetic nodded, letting out a lengthy Yawn, squeezing a few tears from the corners of its eyes.
Surprisingly, Togetic has mastered Yawn to the highest proficiency among its techniques.
Following Togetic's continuous Yawn taking effect, Snorlax's breathing gradually steadied.
Natsuhiko threw the Super Ball in his hand.