It took a lot of effort to finally lift the evolved Kakuna.
Normally, Kakuna weighs around ten kilograms, and there might be some discrepancy, but it definitely shouldn't be like the Kakuna in Natsuhiko's arms right now, weighing over twenty kilograms, perhaps even heavier.
It feels difficult to walk just holding it in his arms.
It's only because Natsuhiko has persistently trained with Weedle every day during this time; otherwise, he might not have been able to lift it at all.
"Shh... shh..."
The Kakuna gently twisted.
Sensing its mood change, Natsuhiko smiled and said, "It's okay, now is your critical period, even more important than the Weedle stage, try not to waste any energy if possible."
He then playfully added, "Though I think by the time you evolve again, I might evolve into a Strongman."
Jokes aside.
The current situation isn't very good.
He had been drifting along Fengluo River for God knows how long, and it's unclear where he has ended up, only that it's all forests around and wild Pokémon could appear at any moment.
Now Weedle has evolved, and Yujira's Pokemon Egg hasn't hatched yet, leaving Natsuhiko's combat power desperately weak.
It's not like he's completely defenseless; if real danger arises, the Kakuna could also join the battle.
But unless the circumstances are special, he prefers not to let Kakuna fight.
Complete with no energy consumption, that's the most perfect evolution.
"I've got no choice then."
Taking out a Pokeball, he opened it and released Paras.
Fortunately, he wasn't entirely unprepared; the initial plan was to take Weedle to a quiet place in Goldenrod City and wait for it to emerge from its cocoon.
Unexpectedly, they ended up drifting here due to the Zapdos incident.
"Paras~~"
After emerging, Paras looked around dazedly, then lowered its head obediently upon seeing Natsuhiko.
"Paras, I'll have to trouble you during this period, and once we get through it, if you'd like, I can grant you freedom, or find you a trainer who's decent." Natsuhiko said to Paras.
"Paras?" Paras raised its head sharply, eyes filled with surprise.
It had almost gotten used to being treated like a tool.
"How about it?"
Paras nodded repeatedly.
With Paras around, Natsuhiko's safety has a bit more assurance.
Though Paras isn't powerful, its capabilities are excellent, especially in the wilderness; presumably its previous trainer cultivated it for better adaptation to the wild environment.
Even so, Natsuhiko didn't recklessly move or leave this spot even with Paras.
Judging from how no Pokémon showed up after staying for a while, this place is temporarily safe.
There are forests around and a water source, making it a pretty good temporary campsite.
Until he understands the strength and temperament of surrounding wild Pokemon, he doesn't plan on leaving.
Both for his own safety and to await Kakuna's evolution.
Kakuna's evolution doesn't take long.
In the wild, when Kakuna feels danger, they might even evolve prematurely given the conditions, hatching to Beedrill and retaliating against any threats posed by Pokémon or humans.
Normally, Kakuna's evolution takes around a week.
Indeed, Weedle's evolution cycle is also short, but Natsuhiko managed to extend Weedle's evolution through various means, maximizing its potential.
However, the methods used on Weedle don't quite suit Kakuna.
Firstly, because Kakuna can't eat, supplementing energy through Energy Blocks and enhancing its energy usage is infeasible.
Secondly, while in Kakuna state, it can only learn two techniques, a General Type technique Harden and a Steel Type technique Iron Wall.
To sum it up in one word.
Hard!
During the Kakuna stage, these are handy self-defense techniques, but once it evolves into Beedrill, such defensive maneuvers don't serve Beedrill much.
Beedrill is fast with strong attacks but lacks defense and health like an assassin, rendering such techniques unsuitable.
Now Kakuna needs to accumulate energy, and training offers no benefits.
Clearly understanding what's needed now, Natsuhiko takes Kakuna and the protective Paras alongside him, locating a suitable shelter.
Lucky enough.
He found a small cave not far from the riverbank, inhabited by a few Zubat.
With no other choice, he temporarily borrowed their residence, asking them to settle elsewhere for the time being.
The setting sun paints the west end.
The moment the sun had set, wild Pokemon activities in the forest became vibrant.
Natsuhiko instructed Paras to scatter spores densely around the cave.
He has experience in surviving outdoors; it's just without Weedle things feel somewhat unsettling, empty inside, lacking assurance.
After selecting the shelter and using dried grass and branches to prepare the cave, it's time to hustle for dinner.
The Pokemon Egg and Kakuna don't require food, Paras can absorb essential energy through Growth technique or just latch onto a tree, sucking its sap to sustain its fundamental energy needs.
Natsuhiko is the one facing hassle.
Still, the location is near Fengluo River, with many wild animals nearby, and there's plenty of fish in the river.
Catching these fish isn't difficult; a sprinkle of Paralysis Powder from Paras and these fish flip their bellies and float up the river.
As long as there's no sudden attack from wild Pokémon, surviving in the wild isn't hard for Natsuhiko.
Started a campfire.
Having Paras chop several thick branches, hollowing them out to make bowls.
Water outdoors must be fully boiled before drinking, as infection or toxin exposure could be fatal for wilderness survival.
Due to being submerged, the communication device on him completely malfunctioned; otherwise, he could've called Lance to leave this place.
Sitting by the campfire.
To the left is the Pokemon Egg, to the right is Kakuna, he feels the warmth and finds it quite pleasant.
"Just uncertain how Lance and the others are doing, did Tom Rokicki capture Zapdos? Did Lance and Azir stop her? Why did a big commotion arise in Goldenrod City without a trace of Rocket Team, and what role did Rocket Team play in this incident?"
Sitting down, Natsuhiko's mind repeatedly flashed with these doubts.
"Was Sato Kenta bewitched into joining Tom Rokicki, or was it from his volition? Kenji seems pitiful, and I'm quite pitiful too for not scoring the task reward."
He kept pondering over Kenji's reward... no, friendship.
"Rather than pondering these, better plan the path ahead, getting manipulated like this requires backlash or I'll never find peace within..."
Within Natsuhiko's eyes, the campfire's dancing light reflects a deep, cold spark.
Like he often said, he's not a good guy.
Holding grudges is just a nature not meant for good people.
Especially when manipulated so profoundly, calculated down to the smallest detail.
"Wonder how Lance is doing..."
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Fourth update! The first volume is almost wrapping up, maybe one or two more chapters max, thinking about writing a summary...
Thank everyone for sparing my life!