Three Houndours.
As a Breeder, Natsuhiko found it easy to discern the condition of these three Houndours.
It's often said that Pokémon are the same, and with proper training, they can reach their potential limits.
But in reality, that's just a lie from the League to comfort Trainers born from common backgrounds.
Yes, theoretically speaking, if given the right training, a Pokémon's potential is the same.
But the effort, time, and resources needed during the training process are completely disproportionate.
The resources needed to train an Pokémon with excellent talent versus an ordinary one to the same level are several times different.
And as their strength grows, this gap only widens, increasing geometrically.
That's one reason why so many Trainers, despite their efforts to train their Pokémon, find their strength plateauing and making no further progress.
It's also why so many Trainers start training their second or third team Pokémon, or even replace their long-time main Pokémon after reaching a certain level.
For instance, even among Dragon-type Pokémon, if the concentration of the Dragon-type bloodline within them differs, would they still be the same?
The inherited techniques are different.
Some Pokémon cannot acquire certain critical techniques simply through growth or learning; they can only inherit them, which is also a sign of talent.
This is why there are so many Nurseries trying to breed Pokémon with various rare techniques.
The subtle differences aren't obvious when their strength is weak, but as they grow stronger and reach a certain level, these differences magnify as if under a magnifying glass.
Why do people often say that genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work, yet that 1% talent blocks the majority from even having the chance to work hard?
The same principle applies.
Just as there are differences in aspects like intelligence and physical fitness among people, the same goes for Pokémon.
Of course, one cannot deny the existence of those who persevere and succeed.
But sometimes, isn't the perseverance to persist also a kind of talent?
Natsuhiko examined all three Houndours closely, checking them from head to tail, quickly arriving at some conclusions.
These conclusions might not be very precise, but they can give a preliminary judgment of a Pokémon's talent.
The first one.
It seems to be the oldest, with decent talent in the Dark Type but relatively lacking in the Fire Type. It appears to have already started training alongside some Houndooms, showing clear signs of self-training, which has reduced its malleability.
The second one.
It's of medium age among the three, with average talent, and both its Dark Type and Fire Type abilities are quite mediocre. Although it hasn't started battle or training attempts yet, it doesn't offer anything particularly impressive to Natsuhiko, lacking significant distinguishing features.
The third one.
Being the youngest, it also has the greatest potential. It inherited the techniques Flame Vortex, Tricks, and Thunder Fang, indicating its Fire Type talent exceeds its Dark Type, and the "Tricks" technique can enhance its Special Attack ability early on, making it the best among the three Houndours.
After comprehensive consideration, if Natsuhiko had to choose, he would pick the third one.
It can compensate for his shortcomings in the Fire Type and partly make up for the lack of Dark Type abilities. If it evolves into a Houndoom and can undergo Super Evolution, it will perform well.
The "Ignition" trait is also a good trait, further strengthening the fight against Fire-type Pokémon.
But this is just a backup option for Natsuhiko.
Flame Valley is vast, and he has only explored a small part of it, so there's no need to reach a conclusion too early.
Having examined the three Houndours, Natsuhiko used the Pokeball to collect them along with the Houndoom.
This canyon had reached its end, and there's still the "B5" region to check out.
Nanmu and Ishino went to gather more information, and if all goes well, they should obtain some valuable information.
He turned and started walking out of the canyon.
However.
Just as Natsuhiko had some difficulties choosing the Pokémon, his actions and plans also faced some unexpected obstacles.
As he approached the canyon exit, a Salandit frantically rushed into the canyon, bumping into the returning Natsuhiko.
Through Yujira's translation, it quickly relayed what happened at the canyon entrance to Natsuhiko.
Upon hearing Salandit's description, Natsuhiko furrowed his brows, a trace of gloom appearing on his face.
After some thought.
He decided to keep Beedrill, Yujira, and Togetic stored, allowing Doublade to remain hidden in his shadow to guard against sudden ambushes.
Taking large strides, led by the cautious Salandit, he arrived near the canyon entrance.
He then saw that a Salazzle, along with several Salandits, was at a standoff with some members of the Magma Team.
The leader's outfit was distinct from the others.
Having a basic understanding of the Magma Team's hierarchy, Natsuhiko immediately recognized that the outfit represented the role of an Elite Captain of the Magma Team.
This Elite Captain was greedily eyeing the Salazzle.
Having never seen this Fire-type Pokémon before, and being Gym Leader level, certainly piqued his interest significantly.
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