As for taming it, that's still far off.
Initially.
According to Natsuhiko's plan, it would take at least a week of continuous battles with Dragapult to see results.
For Dragapult, he could even call it training, a way to exercise.
But Dragapult's earlier reminder could save Natsuhiko a lot of intermediate steps.
"Hydreigon, are you convinced now?"
Huff—
Two streams of white air spouted from its nostrils.
Previously, it might truly have been convinced.
But after such a beating, Hydreigon instead became stubborn.
Natsuhiko shrugged, "Alright then, looks like it's not enough yet..."
"Roar..."
Just as he was about to stand up, Hydreigon finally made a sound.
Although it wasn't expressing submission nor defeat, at least it showed it was a bit scared.
And that.
Was enough.
Natsuhiko patted his pocket and took out a piece of green, translucent Dragon Scale, placing it before Hydreigon.
Rayquaza's Dragon Scale!
Seeing this Dragon Scale, feeling its presence, Hydreigon's eyes narrowed.
This aura was too familiar to it.
As an Elite Trainer Level Pokémon living in Rayquaza's Alternate Space.
A Dragon-type Pokémon capable of flying freely with the help of the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone.
Other Pokémon might not feel it, but it had seen Rayquaza more than once.
To it, and to the other Dragon-type Pokémon possessing the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone in the Alternate Space, Rayquaza was their highest belief.
Why did this human have Rayquaza's Dragon Scale?
Seemingly seeing Hydreigon's confusion, Natsuhiko smiled and said, "A few days ago, I took a ride on Rayquaza; it left it for me."
This statement summed it up quite well.
Though it omitted some details.
Riding?
Rayquaza?
In Hydreigon's eyes, a look of disbelief appeared.
Isn't this akin to someone claiming to have ridden the untouchable goddess in some fanboy's heart...
Ahem, that analogy isn't quite fitting.
No, why didn't you show this thing earlier?!
Why didn't you mention this connection sooner?!
Hydreigon was indignant.
Though brutal and fierce, it had the means to do so.
Nonetheless, this didn't affect Rayquaza's status in its heart, nor in the heart of all Dragon-type Pokémon living in the Alternate Space.
Even though Hydreigon didn't quite believe Natsuhiko's words.
This Dragon Scale of Rayquaza indicated that he was acknowledged by Rayquaza.
Otherwise.
No one could take such a Dragon Scale from Rayquaza.
Even if they managed to, they would inevitably face Rayquaza's relentless revenge, which not everyone could stop.
Yet Natsuhiko stood unharmed before it.
Seeing this Dragon Scale, coupled with the beating it took earlier, Hydreigon's resistance towards Natsuhiko lessened significantly.
This was why Natsuhiko had Dragapult give Hydreigon a beating without holding back.
First, let Hydreigon be convinced by strength.
Then convince it by status.
Only then can it be truly tamed.
Otherwise, relying solely on a Dragon Scale, Natsuhiko couldn't guarantee that Rayquaza's deterrent would be that strong.
Nor could he ensure that Hydreigon would completely obey him in the future.
After all, among Pokémon, strength speaks louder.
Natsuhiko signaled Dragapult to loosen its grip, then took out a box of Energy Blocks and placed it in front of Hydreigon.
The rich, never-before-sensed aroma made Hydreigon salivate, momentarily forgetting its pain.
"Hydreigon, my request is simple, become my Pokémon for three years."
Natsuhiko extended his fingers, looking at it seriously.
"Three years isn't long for you. After three years, whether you choose to leave or stay, I won't stop you, what do you say?"
Three years?
Hydreigon had already lived for countless years; to it, three years was indeed a short time.
Looking at the Energy Blocks in Natsuhiko's hand, then at Rayquaza's Dragon Scale, and finally glancing at Dragapult beside him.
It seemed that identity, strength, and capability had all convinced Hydreigon.
After quite a while.
Hydreigon slowly lowered its head.
Natsuhiko smiled and winked at Dragapult.
Dragapult rolled its eyes helplessly.
Three years, another three-year contract.
After three years, if Hydreigon chooses to leave, it would cut off its head for Natsuhiko to use as a ball!
Natsuhiko's tactics worked wonders with Wild Pokémon, each subdued and compliant.
Dragapult couldn't help but think about its own three-year agreement with Natsuhiko.
It seemed that quite some time had already passed.
Would it... choose to leave?
Dragapult couldn't help but shake its head.
Three-year agreements were all lies.
Better to honestly enjoy the good food.