The same office as before.
Natsuhiko sat behind the solid wood desk, and the tabletop was adorned with a large number of Pokeballs.
These.
All were confiscated from the hunters just now.
Hunters, after all, are people who live by hanging their heads on the waistbands of their pants, so naturally, all their belongings are carried with them.
This approach made things convenient for Natsuhiko.
Here, there are not only their original Pokémon, but also some captured in the past few days.
Four Pokeballs are placed separately.
These belong to the four Elite Candidate Level Pokémon of the two seat competitors.
"Choose two?"
Natsuhiko looked at Joanna.
Although they are different people's Pokémon, using them would definitely feel awkward.
But if faced with today's situation again, at least it wouldn't be so passive.
The condition is that Joanna can tame these Pokémon.
In this aspect.
Joanna has always admired Natsuhiko.
Because although his Pokémon are also clearly captured later in life, they still listen to his commands well; even if the momentum is lacking, they can still exhibit decent combat power.
Joanna thought briefly.
Though she doesn't like this kind of Pokémon, she did suffer today.
In the end, she chose Drapion and Purugly.
These two Pokémon bear less imprint of others.
Then Natsuhiko looked down at the group, each with various injuries.
"Each of you seven, pick one too."
Upon hearing this, the seven immediately showed expressions of surprise.
Although they couldn't choose Elite Candidate Level Pokémon like Joanna, getting a Gym Leader Level Pokémon was excellent.
They are hunters with not-so-high requirements for Pokémon.
A chance to harvest is pretty good.
"Secure these, process the ones needing disposal, and keep the rest," Natsuhiko calmly stood up and told Joanna.
"Okay."
"Starting tomorrow, establish a branch of the Hunter Guild in Malieu City's black market and begin recruiting hunters."
Natsuhiko walked over to the window, gazing at the pastoral scene outside.
He would not trust people from the Hunter Guild anymore.
Instead of attempting to recruit those who might betray at any moment, re-recruitment seemed quicker.
Anyway.
There are quite a few people in the Alola Region.
Many specialize in capturing and selling Pokémon.
They are simply unaware of a Hunter Guild's existence.
Recruiting them.
For task posting or intelligence collection, it's quite good.
Initially.
Use these Pokémon as payment or rewards.
Though they won't last long, the Alola Region will open up soon enough. It's better to pave some roads early, making future plans more convenient.
"Alright."
Joanna did not object.
Today's battle made her fully recognize Natsuhiko's strength.
She also acknowledged his ability to take the seat.
Helping him meant helping herself, Joanna always had this thought.
Perhaps...
Joanna squinted her eyes.
Once the Alola Region opens up, who will hold sway at the Hunter Guild there is still uncertain.
"By the way, we have news from the Skeleton Team and the Ethereum Foundation that you asked us to contact last time," Joanna finally said.
"Go and reach out to the Skeleton Team, spend some money, and have them gather information on the other seat competitors."
Natsuhiko adjusted his hat.
"I'll go meet the Ethereum Foundation people."
...
...
The next day.
Natsuhiko ascended Lanakila Mountain with his Pokémon, the highest peak in the Alola Region, entirely covered in ice and snow.
Here, once the Alliance fully moves in, will become the headquarters for the Alola Alliance.
He hoped to find an Alola Ninetales or perhaps an Alola Diglett King.
These two Pokémon are quite practical.
Alola Ninetales, with its Ice and Fairy Type attributes, is simply the nemesis of Dragon Type Pokémon.
The most important reason, of course, is its beauty.
Imagine, once all of Natsuhiko's Eevee evolve, paired with a group of Milotic and an Alola Ninetales matched with Togekiss, wouldn't that make for an impressive array?
Champion of the Gorgeous Competition, what do you say?
Of course, this was said jokingly.
When capturing Pokémon, Natsuhiko primarily considers the compatibility with himself and team synergy, followed only later by appearance.
Apart from Alola Ninetales, Alola Diglett King is also excellent.
The combination of Ice and Steel Types, though countered by Fighting and Fire Types, bears enough resistance to compensate for shortcomings.
"Shoveling Snow" trait, coupled with "Sword Dance" that can be acquired, makes it a Physical Attacker for the Snow Team.
Kona and Flint should be quite interested once they know about this Pokémon.
Unfortunately.
Having looked around, he didn't see a shadow of them.
Ran into a few Snorunt instead.
But Natsuhiko had little desire for this Pokémon, as they weren't strong enough to warrant capturing.
Yet, upon climbing, the little ones were having a blast.
After searching for a while and finding none, Natsuhiko knew he couldn't force it. Seeing how much fun they were having, he decided to rest for a bit, letting them play.
"Oss!"
Latios picked up a pile of snow and threw it at Eevee.
"Buyi~~"
Eevee, with its little nose all red, got a snowy bath thrown by Latios.
"Buyi Buyi!!"
Shaking vigorously, it couldn't shake off all the snow mixed in its thick fur.
Suddenly frustrated.
Turning its backside to Latios, pretending to be angry.