The so-called plan is actually simple.
It's about Natsuhiko and Hoshino Ryosaki attacking Krookodile's territory from two different directions.
Since neither of them can handle it alone, dividing the Krookodiles into two groups will be relatively easier.
Moreover, they don't need to defeat all the Krookodiles, as long as they can lure them away and then break into the central area of the Quicksand Vortex.
Once inside, it's a complex maze-like underground passage, where the Krookodiles' ability to move quickly in the sand is less advantageous, allowing them to be shaken off.
The key, however, is how to lure the Krookodiles away while still managing to enter the Quicksand Vortex smoothly.
Natsuhiko did not hesitate to voice his doubts.
Hoshino Ryosaki reassured him, "Natsuhiko, you can rest assured, even if you can't get in, I definitely have a way to enter. As long as I succeed, all the gains will be split evenly according to the agreement."
So...
The purpose of this plan is actually to help Hoshino Ryosaki make sure he gets in successfully.
Hearing this, Natsuhiko suddenly showed hesitation and struggle, as if considering whether to do so.
At this moment, Hoshino Ryosaki spread his hand and held it in front of Natsuhiko, lying quietly inside was a shiny, bright red Evolution Stone.
"This is a Mid-Level Fire Stone, as a sign of sincerity and commitment. Natsuhiko, this time you must believe me, right?" Hoshino Ryosaki said with a bit of a "heartache".
A Mid-Level Fire Stone, valued between one million and one point five million.
It's a worthy offer.
"And you don't need to worry at all about safety; we have a transmitter to call the Elite Four for support. If we really encounter trouble, we can call them for assistance. Although we might be eliminated from this trial, if we can gain five to six million worth of resources, it's worth it, don't you think?"
The Elite Four....
"Alright." Natsuhiko "reluctantly" agreed.
He reached out and took the Evolution Stone.
He couldn't tell if it was because it was well protected or waxed, but it felt a little slippery.
But there's no reason not to take a well-deserved benefit for free.
"Then wait for my signal, once it appears, we'll rush to the center of the sand. When we attract enough Krookodiles, we'll swiftly leave and find the chance to enter the center of the sand." Hoshino Ryosaki concluded.
Soon.
The two appeared on opposite ends of the sand region.
"Chakkii——"
When only Natsuhiko was left, Togetic stuck its head out from his collar.
'That guy's not a good person.'
Natsuhiko's smile remained unchanged, hands in the pockets of his trench coat, gazing at the endless wind and sand in the distance.
"I know."
Ryosaki's words actually contained many loopholes.
Not seen any human activity in this area?
Then how does Natsuhiko explain the ripped cloth at the tail end of the Krookodile Leader he encountered?
A complicated underground passageway, so how does he know there are high-quality Sun Stones and Sandy Rocks inside?
Logically, if he saw them, he should have already taken them and left.
The most straightforward explanation.
As the Togetic sensed from the seemingly amiable opponent, abnormal, even faint malice.
"Yongji." Yujira beside him glanced at Togetic at Natsuhiko's collar and said.
'He's far from being a good manipulator.'
Pfft——
Togetic cooperatively let out a laugh.
"Actually, I'm more curious about why someone died here." Natsuhiko pondered.
Was the Elite Four rescue delayed?
Or did they not have time to send a signal?
Or even....
Is there no such thing as rescue at all?
Natsuhiko shook his head.
It's unlikely the third possibility. Since Genji said there's rescue, and judging by the identity of these young Trainers undertaking the trial, rescue is definitely available.
"I wonder what role Hoshino Ryosaki is playing in all this, maybe... he's not actually Hoshino Ryosaki, grandson of the Elite Four."
It's prudent to be wary of others.
It's not that Natsuhiko believes there's more evil in the world; it's just that good people are often taken for granted, while those who encounter an "evil person" will remember the losses.
After eating enough of these losses, one naturally views everyone as an "evil person."
The reality proves that in the Alliance's big cauldron, any kind of people may exist.
"Let's see what he's planning." Natsuhiko gazed into the distant horizon, eyes shimmering coldly.
Rescue?
People have already died; the rescue may not be as intimidating.
Not long after.
On the other side, Hoshino Ryosaki was ready, a blazing fireball quickly rose into the sky and exploded with considerable commotion.
"Meteor Shower? That Flygon's Dragon Type bloodline is not bad."
This is the signal.
Natsuhiko still followed the plan.
Even though there's a high chance Hoshino Ryosaki has ill intentions, but what if?
What if Togetic felt wrong, what if Natsuhiko guessed wrong, what if...
He couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
"There aren't so many 'what ifs'. Let's do it."
To attract Krookodiles' attention is quite simple, a Pokémon can make a big enough commotion on the sand surface to bring a few Krookodiles, which means attracting a group.
Indeed, before long.
A few Krokoroks poked their heads out of the sand and spotted Natsuhiko.
Quickly confirmed he was the one who stepped into their territory earlier and defeated several Krookodiles.
Rapidly reentered the sand.
Shh——
Several sand trenches approached their location rapidly, and there were quite a few in number.
Soon, Natsuhiko noticed something amiss.
This number... is way too many, far exceeding half; even if Krookodile encountered him just now, it shouldn't be this many.
Suddenly, like realizing something, Natsuhiko pulled out the Mid-Level Fire Stone from his pocket, the one he just received from Hoshino Ryosaki, shiny Fire Stone.
Couldn't help but click his tongue.
"People, the worst thing is to be greedy over small benefits..."
This Fire Stone, must have been tampered with.
He brought it to his nose for a gentle sniff.
A faint fishy smell, kind of like... egg fluid.
Egg fluid?
Krookodile's Pokémon Egg?
Natsuhiko grinned.
Took out a handkerchief to gently wipe the "grease" off it.
"Great, even though I was cautious, I became bait for someone else."
He who was vigilant unknowingly fell into the trap, those unguarded were completely played by Hoshino Ryosaki, weren't they?
And even if they survived afterward, they wouldn't think about it; they'll simply blame bad luck because soon, this egg fluid will dry up.
Moreover, Natsuhiko may not be his first choice as bait.
"Some scumbags love doing things they think are clever."
Putting away the cleaned Mid-Level Fire Stone.
Watching the approaching sand pits from all directions.
The cold gleam in his eyes no longer concealed, and there's no need to hide it.
They were harmless to each other, yet someone wanted to use his life as bait; as a self-proclaimed true "evil person," Natsuhiko had no need to maintain any goodwill.
"Thankfully, I have a great habit."
Whenever arriving somewhere important, he has Yujira leave a psychic "anchor" point.
Just like this time.
As they neared the Quicksand Vortex, Yujira had left one.
Tossing the handkerchief stained with egg fluid into the ground, amidst the surge of psychic power, disappeared in place instantly.
——————
Unexpectedly, tomorrow might achieve ten chapters!