If that's the case, it does seem a bit more credible.
A faint light flickered in Natsuhiko's lowered eyes.
The Hunter Guild, being a relatively lax organization, still possesses a council composed of twenty-six people, and such an organization inevitably comes with a problem: factionalism.
Even Rocket Team, which is highly consolidated under Giovanni's management, still has factions among its highest officials, such as the Kanto faction, Johto faction, the Legendary Beasts, Three Generals, and Three Officials, among others.
Not to mention an organization like the Hunter Guild, managed by twenty-six people. Even at the highest council, six people have voting rights.
The very reason the Hunter Guild has a system where core members recruit external members is an expression of factionalism.
For instance, when Natsuhiko previously met Ann Jie, he said that Snow Peak City was Hunter A's responsibility, while Hunter K was responsible for some southern areas, such as Binhai City.
The person in front of him, who dares to call herself "Gyarados," is likely named so not because of being a female Gyarados but mainly related to her Pokémon; thus, "Gyarados" easily calls to mind Salamence.
In other words, the woman named Joanna before him is very likely the future Hunter J.
A powerful and quite ambitious woman.
Recruiting subordinates isn't just for recruitment; it's very likely for preparing to storm into the ranks of Level 9 Hunters or even one of those twenty-six seats.
And he, a "rookie" who has just joined the Hunter Guild with decent strength, isn't he an ideal choice?
Of course, these are all Natsuhiko's speculations, not necessarily accurate, but they should be pretty close.
"Why should I become your subordinate? With my strength and capabilities, it's only a matter of time before I advance to become a core hunter. Even if I were to become someone's subordinate, wouldn't those hunters in the seats be more appropriate?
Besides, I enjoy freedom and dislike constraints."
Though he might use this opportunity to get closer to the Divine Hall of Snow Peak, he can't be too obvious about it and must maintain the impression of being cautious and careful in Joanna's eyes.
"You're a smart person; I know you understand what I mean. They can't give you what you want; I can. For example, the power of free action."
Staring intently at Natsuhiko.
"You don't have to see yourself as my subordinate; you can view it as a partnership. When I sit in the highest seat, I promise to help you get a seat as well."
She didn't hide her intentions, also implicitly conveying a message.
The secret and ambition in her heart were known to Natsuhiko; if Natsuhiko disagreed, then there was no choice but to become enemies.
But I have to say, this straightforward behavior indeed has a bit of the air of a big deal.
"Moreover, I can tell you a secret." Lowering her voice gradually, she said solemnly: "Do you know why the guild is investing so much in the Divine Hall of Snow Peak this time? Because... there will soon be major changes in the guild's upper echelon, and by then, who knows how many people can keep their seats.
So, would you still dare to randomly choose one?"
Is the upper echelon of the Hunter Guild about to change?
No wonder Joanna seemed a bit impatient.
Also, it seems the Hunter Guild's actions towards the Divine Hall of Snow Peak this time are due to sensing the impending change.
"I know you have special purposes for approaching the Divine Hall of Snow Peak, and even joining the guild may just be a disguise for that purpose. I don't care; now the guild is filled with anxieties, but for me, it's also an opportunity."
Natsuhiko felt a chill in his heart. Is his abrupt behavior really that prone to suspicion?
But he raised an eyebrow and countered: "Don't you think you've said too much at once? To me, a stranger."
It's okay to say one or two things, but saying so much, including some internal secrets of the Hunter Guild, easily leads to suspicion, especially for Natsuhiko, who is a stranger meeting her for the first time.
Just because of his elite-level Beedrill?
It's unlikely.
An elite-level Pokémon alone isn't enough to garner such attention.
Joanna cast a meaningful glance at him, "Because you have enough courage."
"Hmm?"
Natsuhiko was stunned.
He watched as Joanna tossed a Pokeball, and a ferocious, intimidating aura washed over them from the red light.
"Roar!!"
The massive azure body with two flamboyant, iconic blood-red wings, sharp eyes, and three small triangular wings resembling airplane front wings on either side of its head.
Salamence!
When Joanna's Salamence emerged, a loud dragon roar reverberated through the forest.
His heart slightly shook as he watched this Quasi-God Pokémon that had evolved into its final form; it was the first such final evolution of a Quasi-God Pokémon he had seen so far.
Now Joanna's identity was indeed becoming clear.
The future Hunter J!
Also, judging by this Salamence's presence, it should at least have Gym Leader level strength.
The most crucial point is that once a Quasi-God Pokémon reaches its final evolution type, its strength will experience a rapid growth period.
This is likely the confidence source for Joanna to set her sights on those twenty-six seats, even the highest seat.
After all, the Hunter Guild isn't an organization purely based on strength.
She's a woman with great ambition.
This was Natsuhiko's current assessment of her.
Joanna was always observing the changes in Natsuhiko's expression, seeing only his surprise at the appearance of Salamence, but not the fear a normal person should have, she became even more certain.
"Didn't you want to know the reasons? Let me tell you."
She spoke while gently stroking Salamence's neck, feeling the rough scales, and slowly said:
"First, despite knowing the guild's setup for the Divine Hall of Snow Peak, you still dare to approach here, and meticulously chose to join the guild members first, giving yourself a suitable excuse to approach Snow Peak Mountain. To do that requires either madness or a certain confidence and assurance. I lean towards the latter."
She raised her second finger.
"Second, if I didn't feel wrongly earlier, you did have the thought of wanting to get rid of me, right? Don't deny it; my Weavile, if nothing else, is most sensitive to such things."
Before Natsuhiko could say anything, she raised her third finger.
"Third, seeing my Salamence suddenly appear, you showed surprise but not fear, which isn't the reaction a normal hunter should have unless you have the confidence to respond."
Putting away the three fingers, clenched her fist, and smiled as she said the last point.
"Lastly, how are you so sure this is our first meeting?"
Listening to her slightly teasing words, Natsuhiko suddenly realized.
"Have you been surveilling me all these days?"
Natsuhiko recalled the sense of being watched intermittently during the past five days, initially thinking it was a Ghost-type Pokémon from the Hunter Guild, and had even tried searching.
But now it seems that that attention probably came from above.
His gaze swept across Salamence.
Because he feared drawing more attention, Natsuhiko hadn't let Pidgeotto monitor overhead.
If willing, Salamence's strength could also evade Yujira's sensing.
"Calling it surveillance is a bit much. Initially, I just discovered an interesting person; facts have proven you're even more intriguing than I imagined." Joanna shrugged.
From start to finish, her words made Natsuhiko not very surprised by her actions.
But her actions and behavior served as a warning to Natsuhiko.
Don't consider everyone a fool; some things shouldn't be subjectively taken for granted.
Even with Snorlax as a card, it had affected some of his actions and judgments as well.
His mind implicitly assumed his safety was adequately assured.
This is a dangerous transformation, occurring unconsciously.
It might be fine usually, but if trouble truly arises, it might indeed get him into significant trouble.
"I've said enough, make your choice, become my... No, cooperate? Or must we have a confrontation?"
"Roar!!"
Salamence roared cooperatively.
Beedrill and Yujira beside Natsuhiko felt immense pressure, concentrating to maintain the highest level of vigilance.
Looking at this stance, Natsuhiko showed a helpless expression.
"You're not giving me much of a choice, are you?"
Joanna showed a smile.
She stepped forward boldly, leaving behind Weavile and Salamence, pausing in the center.
This was her display of sincerity.
Natsuhiko pondered briefly and signaled Beedrill and Yujira to stay put, stepping forward.
"May I know your name now?"
He spoke, reaching out his hand.
"Bee Sting, Hunter 'Bee Sting.'
Then he immediately shook Joanna's hand, initially establishing a cooperative relationship.