"Are you talking about Tyranitar?"
"More or less."
"I think it's pretty good; a Sandstorm Team centered around Tyranitar may not completely match your Pokémon, but the synergy is actually quite strong," Natsuhiko said.
As Flint's gaze came over, Natsuhiko continued, "However, if you want to center it around Tyranitar, I think you could consider a few Pokémon."
"For example?" Flint showed an expression of curiosity.
"For example, Excadrill. The synergy of Steel and Ground Types with your lineup is quite high, and if it has the 'Sandslash' trait, it would be a good choice as a Physical Attacker.
Furthermore, the Cradily you saw today with the 'Water Diversion' trait and its own attributes makes for a good Defensive Player.
Then you need to consider which two Pokémon to replace..."
As he spoke, Natsuhiko's voice gradually faded away.
Hmm?
That's not right!
This future Steel-type Champion, Flint.
Is he really going to move towards becoming a Sandstorm Team Champion?
Sandstorm Champion Flint?
Why does it feel a bit off?
But Flint took Natsuhiko's words to heart.
He fell into deep thought.
Natsuhiko shook his head.
Forget it.
No matter what path Flint chooses in the future, his strength will only grow stronger, not weaker than the original.
"Oh right, here, take this." Natsuhiko pulled out a stone from his pocket.
"This is..."
"A fossil, obtained by chance. You know the Fossil Resurrection Device from the Alliance, it might give you a surprise," Natsuhiko casually said.
It was a fossil he got when he obtained the Dark Stone of Zekrom.
He's always wanted to give it to Flint, but keeps forgetting.
Rubbing the fossil in his hands, Flint's face lit up with surprise.
Indeed.
Compared to Pokémon, Flint truly loves stones.
...
...
"What do you all think?"
At the summit of Silver Mountain.
The large conference room at the Alliance Headquarters.
Around the huge round table, many people were seated.
However, most of them were seated in the form of virtual images.
Moreover.
The seat at the head of the table was empty.
The question was posed by an elderly man with white hair and beard sitting to the right of the head seat. He placed his cane next to his chair, leaned his hands against the table, and scanned the people around the conference table with kind, gentle eyes.
Beside him, many chairs were also empty.
"Too young."
The speaker, also in virtual image form, was an old man, his speech carrying a hint of disdain for the youth.
"He does have some capabilities."
This time, a middle-aged man spoke, but his attitude was somewhat ambiguous.
The highest-level meeting of the Alliance Headquarters.
But it was specially convened for a young man like Natsuhiko, who was not yet twenty years old.
It shows that after the circumstances surrounding the Fairy Type had escalated to a certain extent, the Alliance had no choice but to take it seriously.
"But I've heard he's close with the Ethereum Foundation."
"Yes, that's not a very good sign."
"Furthermore, he hasn't fully worked out all the details yet. Wait until he has all the results before he discusses them with us, instead of negotiating with us remotely in this manner."
The voice was deep and resonant, the burly figure not hiding his dissatisfaction with Natsuhiko's behavior.
"Snort—" A snicker rose from one person, "Do you understand about research? You have a say in this kind of meeting?"
"You!"
Despite the discussions and even debates, the elderly man who had initially spoken said nothing, nor did he interrupt; he just watched with a warm smile.
Bang—
Suddenly.
The meeting room door was rudely opened.
Drawing most people's attention.
Agatha, her back hunched over her cane, walked in slowly.
Her eerie eyes swept across the room.
Some people ignored Agatha's arrival.
Some naturally avoided her gaze upon making eye contact with her.
Some carried amused and teasing smiles.
In summary.
Expressions varied.
"Little Agatha is here, have a seat."
The elderly man at the head seat smiled warmly upon seeing Agatha and said.
Little Agatha?
If Natsuhiko were here, he'd probably burst out laughing.
His somewhat eccentric teacher Agatha, an old lady of five or six decades, being called "Little Agatha?"
But Agatha's expression remained unchanged, and she did not move.
She merely said softly, "I won't sit. I'm just here to say one thing."
Her gaze swept over everyone again, coldly speaking:
"When did age become the standard for measuring someone's capability?
You always talk about the lack of succession, yet every time an outstanding young person appears, you use age as an excuse.
What?
Waiting till everyone dies before letting young people succeed?"
Agatha's unabashed sarcasm caused slight changes in the expressions of many present.
But, Agatha's personality was like this; no one retorted her.
Otherwise, she truly would come (fight) knocking.
Those who could defeat Agatha simply didn't care about what she said.
Those who couldn't defeat Agatha, even if they knew Agatha was talking about them, dared not speak up.
The Ghost-type Elite, Agatha of the Kanto Alliance, was secure in her stance.
Seeing no response, Agatha couldn't help but chuckle in mockery.
"Heh—bones in the grave, indifferent and clueless."
After that.
She turned and left.
When she reached the door, she supplemented with a phrase.
"If you don't trust young people so much, then come out and take the positions. Elite Four, regional Champions, you take over. Should I relinquish my position as an Elite Four to you?"
She almost directly suggested that if they're not giving it to Dr. Natsuhiko, she'd just quit.
When Agatha didn't have a disciple, people didn't know.
But once Agatha had a disciple, her nature of defending her own was something unexpected for those familiar with Agatha, showing she had such a facet.