No chance even to inhale the exhaust.
After evading the attacks from three leaping Gumshoos using the "Shatter" technique, Latios' counterattack commenced.
"Oss!!"
Soft milky "Clean Radiance" beams spewed from Latios' mouth, like a plane constantly conducting air raids, swift and leaving no room for the Gumshoos to resist.
And Monferno?
Its role was to seize opportunities to resolve them one by one, once Latios had attracted enough firepower and attention.
Of course.
When necessary, it would swap positions with Latios, increasing both mobility and flexibility.
As for Eevee.
Its greatest contribution was cheering on the sidelines.
Occasionally unleashing the "Help" technique, taking advantage of the situation.
Though it took quite some time to deal with this group of Gumshoos.
Natsuhiko was willing to bear such consumption to nurture Pokémon.
Eventually.
When all the Gumshoos lay on the ground, the tree fruit grove became entirely open to them.
Natsuhiko, disregarding the idea of leaving some behind, collected all the tree fruits with the trio.
With Lalola Region's climate, these fruit trees would soon bear new fruits again.
Defeating this batch of Gumshoos came with no surprises.
However, the skilled tactical cooperation they executed upon first encounter left a deep impression on Natsuhiko.
According to the Gumshoos' plan.
The first wave of "Sandslash" and "Mud Throw" took effect, disrupting the visibility of Latios and Monferno, reducing the accuracy of their techniques.
This group prepared for a raid really might have inflicted significant damage upon Latios.
If the target was focused enough, instant kill wasn't impossible.
On this look.
It seems the Gumshoos demonstrated strong cooperative ability.
But.
When their tactical planning was ruined by Monferno's "Shield of Retribution".
The Gumshoos suddenly panicked, losing their previous fighting style.
As if unsure how to fight.
Turning into ordinary Wild Pokémon quite quickly.
Easily defeated by the cooperation of Latios and the trio.
"This group of Gumshoos... quite interesting."
Natsuhiko shook his head with a smile and continued up the mountain with the trio.
However.
He initially thought it was just the cleverness of the Gumshoos crafting the tactic.
But later, he found.
Not only Gumshoos.
The majority of Pokémon encountered later differed from those previously encountered by Natsuhiko.
Every group of Wild Pokémon.
Even solitary Wild Pokémon seemed to have tactics well suited to their characteristics.
Though there was only one tactic, once cracked by Natsuhiko, they returned to being ordinary Wild Pokémon.
This phenomenon was enough to indicate that the Wild Pokémon on this mountain were extraordinary.
Like...
Someone had trained them before.
"Are all the Pokémon on this mountain abandoned?" Natsuhiko pondered this thought.
Not surprising that he thought so.
Though it sounded absurd, it seemed the only reasonable explanation.
Since in Pokemon Realm, Trainers abandon Pokémon quite often.
Master Ash, for instance, advanced towards becoming a Pokemon Master through "picking up".
Plus, the Pokemon Realm indeed has dedicated areas for abandoned Pokémon.
Such as Nibel Plateau in Kalos Region, a gathering place for abandoned Pokémon.
Could it be that Hikelani Mountain in Alola Region is similar?
However, one benefit exists.
Which allows Natsuhiko and Latios to better practice tactics.
As if opponents were Trainers.
This accelerated their progress.
It seemed to turn into Natsuhiko and his Pokémon's training ground.
But the higher the climb, the stronger the Wild Pokémon encountered.
To handle these Wild Pokémon, Natsuhiko summoned Beedrill, Alakazam, and Togekiss.
Not withdrawing Latios and Monferno again.
Latios and Monferno gradually familiarized themselves with Natsuhiko's tactics through successive battles.
Though their senior-level skills had a notable gap from Beedrill's Gym Leader Level capabilities.
It was time for Natsuhiko to train them together.
For the future, when Latios and Monferno's skills align with Beedrill, seamless integration will be achievable.
Of course.
Currently, they mostly observe, occasionally contributing, undertaking some responsibility.
Mostly relying on Beedrill.
Maintaining this mode, Natsuhiko accompanied the Pokémon across half the mountainside.
"Buzz Buzz."
Flying beside Natsuhiko, Beedrill, alert to surroundings, suddenly lifted its head, as if sensing something.
"What's wrong, Beedrill?"
Beedrill's peculiarity caught Natsuhiko's attention.
"Hudi."
This moment.
Alakazam spoke too, eyes radiating psychic power.
Almost simultaneously, both Pokémon gazed in one direction.
"That way?"
Natsuhiko nodded silently.
On this mountain, they'd encountered planned ambushes more than once, thus were extremely cautious.
But since Beedrill and Alakazam sensed it, Natsuhiko decided to head over and investigate.