After the semi-finals ended, a light rain began to fall.
By the time Ash and his friends arrived at the villa where Natsuhiko and others lived, the first rain was clearing, and the western sunset glowed like a ripe apple.
On the lawn of the villa.
Natsuhiko and others were taking care of their Pokémon.
Especially Natsuhiko and Hilona, both of them were working hard to adjust their Pokémon to the best condition.
At this moment, Gladio dragged the timid Lillie in.
Followed by Ash, Gary Oak, Hua Zi, and Nanami.
Ash stared wide-eyed.
Looking around as if he had never seen the world before.
Gary Oak appeared much more mature, displaying a demeanor beyond his age.
His eyes settled only on Natsuhiko squatting on the ground and their Pokémon.
Having been alongside Professor Oak since childhood, researching and observing various Pokémon.
He was even beginning to assist Professor Oak now, sorting through informational material.
Thus, he could vaguely perceive the excellence of Natsuhiko's Pokémon.
"Teacher, we've brought everyone back." Gladio said as he approached Natsuhiko.
Actually, when they came in, Natsuhiko had already noticed them.
He just silently observed, wanting to see what kind of "sparks" the young Gladio and Ash would ignite.
The outcome naturally left him a bit "disappointed" as Gladio was hardly willing to pay attention to Ash.
This was somewhat similar to Gary Oak.
Both of them belonged to individuals with very favorable conditions, having a natural instinct to ignore Master Ash who was a bit awkward.
Probably no one could have predicted that Ash would eventually achieve the highest accomplishments among the three of them.
Of course, the accomplishment mentioned here is purely referring to participating in the Pokémon League.
"Good, thanks for your hard work, Gladio, and Little Lily, you did great too." Natsuhiko smiled and ruffled Lillie's head.
For Natsuhiko's praise, Gladio didn't think much of it, as he figured it was a simple task.
But it was different for Lillie.
She found such praise gratifying, her eyes curving in delight.
"Summon your Umbreon for me to see." Natsuhiko said.
He was going to check on their progress.
"Teacher, maybe let's wait until next time, you have a match tomorrow." Gladio hesitated.
"It's fine; it won't take much time." Natsuhiko waved his hand casually.
What's a little time for?
His Pokémon were almost fully developed, and for them, less than half an hour wouldn't have much impact.
Gladio's expression became solemn; he nodded and solemnly took out a Pokeball to summon his Umbreon.
"Buyi."
The Umbreon had a rather cold temperament, nodding to Gladio and Natsuhiko, indifferent to the others.
"Gary Oak! Gary Oak, look quickly, it's Pokémon, he has Pokémon!" Ash exclaimed excitedly upon seeing this scene.
Gary Oak naturally also saw this scene, slightly frowning.
Their ages were about similar; he and Ash were not yet at the age to receive Pokémon, but Gladio already had an Umbreon.
Quickly, Gary Oak thought of the key point.
The Kanto Region they were in was the best-regulated area of the league, restricting the age for obtaining Initial Pokémon to ten, which was meant to prevent these little kids from carrying Pokémon out to do unfavorable things.
For example, like the one beside them making a fuss.
This was the policy implemented by the league in recent years, and Ash and Gary Oak were among the first batches to "enjoy" this policy.
However, the Alola Region had just opened, and obviously, the league wasn't able to control it yet.
And from seeing the car Gladio drove to pick them up earlier, one could assume that Gladio's family was not simple, making it easy for him to obtain some Pokémon.
This Umbreon was trained really well... Gary Oak couldn't help thinking.
Ignoring the noise-making Ash, Gary Oak attentively watched Natsuhiko and Gladio, wanting to see how Natsuhiko was conducting his teaching.
Natsuhiko didn't hide his methods, calling Umbreon over and directly petting it a few times.
Then he said to Lillie, "Lillie, come, you too, let me tell you."
"Hmm."
Lillie obediently squatted beside Natsuhiko.
"Did you feel it? These are the two key muscles for leg strength in Umbreon, but actually, the muscles truly affecting its speed are here, towards the back on its back..."
Natsuhiko patiently explained to Lillie and Gladio.
While he was teaching, Ash couldn't resist running to watch other Pokémon, whereas Gary Oak stood at the back, quietly listening, becoming more serious the more he heard.
"Lance, Kona, Flint, Hilona."
Nanami saw a few friends and went up to greet them with a smile.
"Nanami."
They naturally responded with smiles.
"Natsuhiko really seems like a proper teacher in every aspect." Nanami said.
"Of course, after all, he's Dr. Natsuhiko." Lance said with some pride.
"Doctor?"
Nanami was momentarily stunned.
She knew about the hot Fairy Type research online lately, knew it was published by Natsuhiko, and knew many were guessing whether Natsuhiko could earn a doctorate with this work, but didn't know the result.
Kona took Nanami's hand, smiling:
"Yes, Senior Natsuhiko has already successfully applied for it; it's just that the league hasn't announced it yet, but it should be soon."
Hearing Kona say this, Nanami's pretty face was full of shock.