Natsuhiko had already visited Dense Wood Forest once yesterday, so he was quite familiar with the environment inside.
Moreover, the Dense Wood Forest had just been cleaned out yesterday by them, so there shouldn't be any major danger.
Natsuhiko and Weedle followed behind Kenji and Bulbasaur.
They just followed silently, with not much interest.
Just for the sake of money.
But for Kenji and Bulbasaur, it was their first experience, and they were excitedly looking around, being curious about every Wild Pokémon, even if it was just a Caterpie.
This was probably a rare joy for the wealthy.
Time passed quickly.
The anticipated danger didn't occur; as the sun slanted westward, following the school's rules, Kenji reluctantly brought Natsuhiko back to the gathering place.
After the teacher's summary, they each went home to find their moms.
He declined Kenji's offer to drive him back to the club and got off the bus in the city center.
The Energy Block for Weedle was almost finished; he needed to buy some more, and also check if there were any methods to enhance Weedle's Poison Energy. He had an Ekans' Poison Sac, which should be able to help Weedle.
Walking on the bustling street.
Goldenrod City was even more beautiful at night, under the multicolored neon lights revealing the true appearance of the city.
Nowadays, Natsuhiko's clothing no longer attracted much special attention, only the gazes of a few young girls lingered on him a moment more by happenstance.
He found a decently-sized bookstore about Pokémon knowledge and went in.
The previous bookstore was small, perhaps in a larger store he could find the books he wanted.
Insect-type, Poison-type, Dragon Type, Water Type, Fire Type... training, coordination, battle, a large number of categories of books were neatly placed on the shelves.
As soon as he entered, the faint scent of ink reached him.
There weren't many people in the bookstore.
In stark contrast to other stores whose business became lively at night, the bookstore became somewhat quiet and cold.
Several people with thick glasses sat on the floor with books, sometimes frowning, sometimes looking enlightened as they read.
This world doesn't only consist of people wanting to become Trainers, many people are also fascinated with Pokémon and aspire to become Researchers, exploring Pokémon mysteries from another angle.
Pokémon have appeared in this world countless years ago, even tracing back to ancient times, while humanity has merely taken a small step in researching Pokémon.
There is a long road ahead for humanity regarding Pokémon, much research to be done.
These researchers, big and small, undoubtedly offer every Trainer valuable knowledge, allowing them to take fewer detours.
Seeing this, a sudden thought sprung into Natsuhiko's mind.
He smiled a bit helplessly right after, "Limited by my own subjective thoughts, Pokémon are not just for battling."
Compared to battles, the research of Pokémon is also something the League greatly values.
It felt like a moment of enlightenment.
He believed that if he published some knowledge about Pokémon from his past life, it might cause a small sensation and earn some money.
However, what specifically to publish needed him to better understand the knowledge already existing in this world.
"I should buy books first, publishing articles can wait."
He came to the bookshelf on Poison-type Pokémon knowledge.
His eyes quickly skimmed over.
Nothing.
After briefly flipping through some potential books, he still did not find anything specific about Poison-type Pokémon consuming other Poison-type Pokémon's Poison Sacs to enhance their own toxicity.
After all, it's knowledge not accepted by the League, so the possibility of it being written and published is relatively low.
Feeling a bit unsatisfied, he went to the bookshelf on Pokémon breeding.
Knock, knock——
At this moment, soft footsteps reached Natsuhiko's ears, as someone else also approached the bookshelf, looking up and scanning attentively as if searching for something.
Although there weren't too many people in the bookstore, there were still some; Natsuhiko didn't pay it much mind.
He pulled out a book on the making and ingredient pairing of Energy Blocks and began reading.
"Hey, friend, your Weedle... it's a bit special."
Weedle was quietly perched on Natsuhiko's shoulder, understanding the need for silence in a bookstore, it made no sound throughout.
Yet, someone noticed it.
Upon hearing the voice, Natsuhiko lifted his eyes from the book, looking in the direction of the speaker.
He saw a man with red short hair and distinctive features, wearing blue clothing lined with red, whose eyes held curiosity as he stared at Weedle.
Seeing this person, Natsuhiko subtly frowned.
Somehow, he felt a hint of familiarity, but couldn't quite place it.
"Uh... hahahaha—sorry, just a bit curious, nothing else," the man scratched his head somewhat awkwardly, laughing heartily, seemingly noticing Natsuhiko's gaze.
"This is a bookstore," Natsuhiko reminded.
Only then did the man realize that quite a few people in the bookstore had their eyes on them.
"Sorry, got carried away, forgot, forgot..." saying this, he cast apologetic looks to the people glancing over.
Then he turned to Natsuhiko, "But having such a uniquely-shaped Weedle is indeed my first time seeing one, so I couldn't help it."
Natsuhiko only nodded and didn't speak, closing the book in his hand and placing it back on the shelf.
After thinking for a moment, he felt perhaps it was a bit impolite, gently stroked the Weedle, and said, "It just eats well."
"It sure eats well..." the man couldn't help but sigh.
It was indeed just a matter of eating well, Natsuhiko hadn't lied, just that what it ate was a bit special.
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet, let's get acquainted, I am... Lance!"
Suddenly, the man extended his hand towards Natsuhiko, with a sunny smile.
Lance...
Hearing that name, Natsuhiko was taken aback for a few seconds.
When he came to, Lance's hand was still outstretched.
He understood why the person's appearance seemed familiar at first, but he couldn't quite recall.
Lance, Dragon Master Lance!
A Dragon-type Trainer, the future Dragon-type Elite of the Kanto Region, and Champion of the Johto Region! The figure of both the Kanto and Johto Regions!
The real person was indeed quite different from the comics.
Most importantly, he lacked that iconic cape and Dragonite.
But why was Lance here?
What a coincidence?
Slowly extending his hand, he shook the hand Lance had held in mid-air for so long, calmly forced himself to speak:
"Natsuhiko."
"Natsuhiko, are you a Trainer too? Being able to nurture a Weedle to this level, you must be a remarkable Trainer, right?" Lance remained somewhat obsessed with Natsuhiko's Weedle.
"Woo!"
Hearing someone praise Natsuhiko, Weedle was even happier than hearing compliments about itself, proudly raising its head and letting out a low call.
"Such a cute little creature."
Lance smiled and reached out to pat it, but was met with Weedle's sharp, wary horn.
His hand paused mid-air, leaving an awkward smile.
"It's a bit shy. It's my Initial Pokémon, so it naturally receives the most resources and effort." Natsuhiko said while soothing Weedle.
"Oh?" Lance was taken aback, "Having Weedle as an Initial Pokémon, that's indeed rare. But being able to nurture Weedle so excellently, it's truly commendable."
Looking at Natsuhiko's outfit, Lance subconsciously assumed he was a registered League Trainer.
And for League Trainers, Initial Pokémon can be provided by the League, although the selection range depends on the contribution one makes to the League.
Those with the highest contribution naturally allow their descendants to choose the best Starter Trio as their Initial Pokémon, namely Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander.
If the contribution isn't as high, then they can choose from slightly lesser Pokémon.
But having Weedle as an Initial Pokémon, it's Lance's first time seeing one.
"It's very outstanding."
Natsuhiko said, without revealing his non-League Trainer status.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to belittle Weedle..." Lance thought Natsuhiko misunderstood him.
Natsuhiko shook his head.
It's hard to change entrenched thinking.
"With such an outstanding Weedle! So, Natsuhiko, how about a battle?" Lance suddenly suggested excitedly.
Natsuhiko: "???"
He looked at him in surprise.
Are you Master Ash?
Always challenging to battle?
He just forgot that currently, Master Ash might still be drinking milk, and the person in front of him still had a long way to go to become a Champion.
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Today's extra update, hopefully not too late, begging for monthly tickets~~