"Natsuhiko!"
Just as he stepped into the Pokémon Ranch, enveloped by the Poison Gas mixed with Pheromone Gas from the Salandit, Ono quickly approached him.
"How is it? Are you getting used to it?" Natsuhiko patted Ono on the head.
Originally, Natsuhiko wanted to arrange for Ono to live in the Dojo.
But Ono wasn't quite comfortable with that environment, so she ended up staying with the Kommo-o in the Pasture.
Nonetheless, Natsuhiko arranged for some private tutors for her.
To teach her basic knowledge, including literacy, living habits, basic Pokémon knowledge, and so on.
Yet it's clear she still needs some time to adapt to the new environment and new things.
And Ono feels a bit resistant towards people other than Natsuhiko.
To make her accept the Pokémon Realm, it will probably take quite some time.
Even though she's a Latias, according to Rayquaza, she should be considered more human now.
So Natsuhiko teaches her in a human way.
"Uh-huh." Ono nodded her head like a pounding garlic.
Natsuhiko smiled as he released all the Pokémon.
After nearly a month of persistent battle in Rayquaza's Alternate Space, they now needed time to absorb and digest the battle experience and gains.
Apart from completing the daily training tasks arranged by Natsuhiko, they mostly rest and play.
Natsuhiko then released all the Shiinotic and Morelull.
Upon appearing, they were still a bit afraid of Natsuhiko and the other Pokémon.
But thanks to Cherrim's soothing and help, the Shiinotic quickly accepted the new environment.
Natsuhiko wasn't in a hurry to make them produce Fairy Energy, giving them some time to adapt first.
"Awoo~~"
And then.
A small, snow-white Pokémon trotted gracefully towards Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko instinctively opened his arms to embrace it.
The cool feeling instantly refreshed him.
It was the Little Six-tailed.
"Buyi~~ Buyi~~"
Besides Vulpix, several Eevee also came around.
Soon, they were hanging all over him.
The little companions missed Natsuhiko a lot, feeling close as they constantly rubbed against him.
After a while, Natsuhiko finally managed to calm them down.
"Ono, take them further away, I'm going to release that guy now."
"That guy... I understand!"
Ono understood Natsuhiko's intention and quickly moved the little ones aside.
"Dragapult, if it acts up later, help me keep it in check," Natsuhiko said to Dragapult beside him.
"Baluya!" Dragapult nodded.
It then said something to Natsuhiko.
"Hmm? Can it be used this way?" Natsuhiko was a bit surprised at Dragapult's meaning.
But then Dragapult gave a serious nod.
"That does save a lot of trouble."
Having said that.
Natsuhiko threw the Advanced Ball in his hand.
"Roar——!!"
In a flash of red light.
A vicious-looking Hydreigon appeared in the central clearing of the Pasture, still bearing some injuries but exuding a formidable presence with undisguised malice.
Its dark red eyes fixed on Natsuhiko immediately.
With the group of Pokémon that had defeated it last time standing by Natsuhiko's side, the Hydreigon was neither as agitated as before nor rashly aggressive.
Of course.
The main reason was Dragapult behind Natsuhiko.
Even without displaying power and aura, it made Hydreigon feel an undeniable threat.
It stared fiercely at Natsuhiko, baring its teeth, as if ready to strike at any moment.
"Hydreigon," Natsuhiko called out with a smile.
"Roar——"
Hydreigon struggled to suppress its anger.
It understood.
Natsuhiko intended to completely subdue it.
Although Pokémon in Alternate Space didn't know about Trainers, there was still a power hierarchy among them, and being subdued wasn't limited to just between Trainers and Pokémon.
Especially with that ball that imprisoned it.
Its existence made Hydreigon uneasy.
Because as long as Natsuhiko wished, it could be confined to that small ball at any time, regardless of its struggles.
But even so, the proud and freedom-loving Hydreigon wouldn't choose to submit to Natsuhiko.
Especially when it deemed Natsuhiko not strong enough.
Needing the strength of so many Pokémon to defeat it.
Among Wild Pokémon, the principle of power prevails.
Seeing Hydreigon's defiant look.
Togekiss and the others found it a bit unbearable.
Togekiss gently straightened its plumage, where Zerunias' Horn faintly gleamed.
Hydreigon's expression stiffened.
It recalled the damage Togekiss had inflicted on it.
Especially the still-healing wounds on its body, now ached subtly.
Alakazam lightly tapped its Spoon.
Beedrill rubbed its Double Needle.
Aegislash's ribbon swept over the shield, reflecting a shimmering metallic luster.
Their intent to threaten was palpable.
But Hydreigon remained stubborn, unmoved.
With its injuries yet to fully heal, losing another fight meant nothing more than taking a beating!
However, if it came to that, this seemingly nice place might be completely ruined.
Besides.
No sincerity at all.
At least, say something, right?
Watching Hydreigon glancing around, Natsuhiko couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Hydreigon, you... never mind, Dragapult, give it a good beating first," Natsuhiko said in a calm tone.