In the mouth of the Centiskorch, there was a Pokémon.
Even though there were four slender flame columns burning on either side of Centiskorch's mouth, they didn't seem to cause any harm to this Pokémon.
This Pokémon was very small, even smaller than a Sizzlipede, curled up into a ball.
In the mouth of the Centiskorch, which was over three meters long, it was just a little thing that could be finished off in one or two bites.
It looked similar to a shrew, with its body divided into two main colors. The back and top of the head were dark blue, while the lower head, chest, abdomen, and limbs were cream-colored.
There were four small red vents on its back that occasionally emitted flames to fend off Centiskorch, but its flames seemed like just an itch to Centiskorch.
This was a hard-earned dinner for it. Though small, it could barely fill its stomach.
And this Pokémon, Natsuhiko recognized almost immediately.
Because it had a well-known name among Pokémon enthusiasts.
The Starter Trio!
The Starter Trio Pokémon are known among Pokémon enthusiasts in Natsuhiko's previous life as the three Grass, Fire, and Water-type Pokémon from each region. However, in the Pokemon Realm, they're not referred to in this way.
And the one currently in Centiskorch's mouth was clearly one of the Fire-type Starter Trio Pokémon from a certain region.
Its name was....
"Cyndaquil?"
Cyndaquil, a Fire Mouse-type Pokémon, is one of the initial Pokémon that League Direct Lineage Trainer from the Johto Region can receive.
Its ultimate evolution is the Blazing Beast, and whether in its initial or final form, it is a pure Fire-type Pokémon.
Perhaps because Cyndaquil can emit flames from its back, it's highly compatible with Fire-type Techniques, capable of learning and mastering a large number of Fire-type Techniques.
In terms of mastered Fire-type techniques, Blazing Beast-type Pokémon are considered among the top in the Pokemon Realm.
Thus, Blazing Beast is also known as the Fire "Depot" Beast.
Its most notable feature is the Fire-type Technique "Flamethrower," with a power of up to 150 points, whose power varies based on its health status. When its health is in a peak state, the power is stronger, and it decreases as health wanes, making it an absolute top choice for sweeping teams.
It's because of this move that Cyndaquil's trait isn't really suited to the Fire-type Starter Trio's most common "Fierce Fire" trait, but rather its hidden trait "Ignition," which immunizes it against damage from Fire-type moves.
Judging by this Cyndaquil's unscathed demeanor amid the flames in Centiskorch's mouth, its trait was clear.
It was "Ignition"!
Only...
Upon seeing this Cyndaquil, Natsuhiko felt a bit torn, with a slight hesitation on his face.
Is Cyndaquil's ultimate evolution form, the Blazing Beast, strong?
Strong!
No doubt about it.
Any Pokémon that can be chosen by a region as the Direct Lineage Trainer's initial Pokémon isn't weak.
But Cyndaquil's characteristic is... lacking a characteristic.
Among all the Fire-type Starter Trio Pokémon across the regions, Cyndaquil is considered to be the one without a strong defining feature, or simply put, the Johto Region's three Starter Trio Pokémon, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, are all seen as Pokémon lacking distinct features.
Or rather, their features aren't very prominent.
They're all single-type and can't undergo Super Evolution.
Unlike Charizard, the "golden child," which appears to be Fire and Flying-type but also bears the hidden attribute of Dragon-type due to a loophole found by a Flying-type Trainer, and has two different Super Evolution Forms.
Nor are they as distinctive as Accelerating Chicken, Iron Fist Monkey, Cosmic Tiger, or Freedom Rabbit.
However, one undeniable fact is that Cyndaquil holds a higher spot in Natsuhiko's heart compared to that previous Houndour.
Even if Houndour's ultimate evolution form, Houndoom, has Super Evolution.
But sometimes, Pokémon with Super Evolution don't necessarily have stronger utility than those without.
Moreover.
If Natsuhiko wanted to become a Dojo Leader for a region, having a Starter Trio Pokémon representing the League's identity would better affirm his identity.
The most important thing.
The Starter Trio!
Ask any Trainer who rose from a modest background; who wouldn't want a Starter Trio Pokémon?
Of course.
It wasn't as if Natsuhiko had decided. He hadn't yet assessed the condition or situation of this Cyndaquil, nor was he certain of its talent. If its talent is subpar, it might not even be as good as Houndour.
Nevertheless, the title of Cyndaquil from the Starter Trio gives it considerable value, even if its talent is average.
So, the Centiskorch and Sizzlipede must be taken down to acquire this Cyndaquil.
Having understood this point, Natsuhiko no longer hesitated and gave a signal to his Pokémon.
The Pokémon understood immediately.
Actually, Pokémon like Sizzlipede and Centiskorch aren't too shabby.
It's not that Centiskorch Pokémon are immensely strong, as they specialize in Physical Attack Ability, though the number of Fire-type Physical Attack Techniques they can learn isn't vast, with the "Flame Whip" being a decent move, capable of dealing damage and a high probability of lowering the enemy's defense.
But when Natsuhiko said "not too shabby," he was referring to their trait rather than their combat strength.
Whether it's Centiskorch or Sizzlipede, their normal traits are "Ignition" and "White Smoke," but they have another hidden trait, "Flame Body"!
Flame Body: Causes opponents who touch it to become scorched.
This is its combat-triggered effect.
"Flame Body" also has another purpose in everyday life...
Accelerating the hatching of Pokémon Eggs!
So many Nurseries have at least one or more "Flame Body" Pokémon to expedite the hatching of Pokémon Eggs.
Currently, Natsuhiko has a Dragon-type Pokémon Egg that needs hatching, and to this day, he still doesn't know how soon it will hatch.
If Natsuhiko plans to establish a Pokémon breeding farm according to his plans, it will inevitably produce many Pokémon Eggs. At that point, "Flame Body" Pokémon will be particularly crucial.
He just wondered if any of this Centiskorch and Sizzlipede had a "Flame Body" trait.
"Two Gym Leader-level, three Elite-level."
Natsuhiko's eyes scanned the few Centiskorch, making a preliminary assessment of their strength.
He had to admit, the Fire Energy in this underground space was too intense, even dragging a dog... *cough*.
Compared to Flame Valley, this place offered the Wild Pokémon better living conditions.
This level of strength combined with the dense mass of Sizzlipede made Natsuhiko feel a bit of a headache and trouble.
However.
Before he could command his Pokémon to take down this group of Centiskorch, a low shout suddenly sounded.
Then, a magenta figure leaped down from somewhere, clutching flames in its small fist, intermingled with golden flames.
The small figure set its sights on the Centiskorch.
The Centiskorch holding Cyndaquil in its jaws.
Boom!!
The fist struck Centiskorch on the face, slightly loosening its grip, causing Cyndaquil to fall from the air.
The magenta figure immediately cradled it in its arms.
However, as it attempted to rescue Cyndaquil and leave, Centiskorch, recovering from the surprise, was enraged.
A Flame Whip lashed down from above, wrapping the figure and Cyndaquil together.
Upon seeing this figure, Natsuhiko's eyes sparked with the first gleam of light since his journey to Flame Valley began.
Murmuring, he muttered: "This is... Shiny..."
——————
The much-delayed fifth chapter~~ Guess what Pokémon this is?