The majority of people in the audience were surprised by Natsuhiko's identity.
But there were also some who, after the initial shock, started forming their own ideas.
For example.
At the table close to the stage, sat the current senior researchers responsible for the Kanto Alliance.
When they looked at Natsuhiko, it was no longer as if they were looking at a young man, but rather a dazzling gem, shining brightly.
If occasionally publishing a paper that causes a sensation is coincidence, is luck.
Then Natsuhiko, who has published many impactful papers, is definitely not a result of mere luck or coincidence.
The people present were able to discern this fact.
Suppose that Natsuhiko is only well-researched in Eevee and is uncertain in other Pokémon studies.
Previously, they might have suspected this.
But after the paper on Feebas evolving into Milotic three days ago, those doubts were completely gone.
He not only contributes to Eevee research but also has insights and capabilities in other areas.
The only thing these high-level executives feel regretful about.
Is that Natsuhiko became a Dojo Leader in the Sinnoh Region, not the Kanto Region.
The loss of such talent is unacceptable to them.
But it doesn't matter, Kanto Region has the best resources and equipment, they feel they can bring Natsuhiko back.
Besides them.
At a table not far from Natsuhiko's, sat a group of Dojo Leaders.
Nancy and Masashi were fine.
Aju, who had been sitting with eyes closed, opened his eyes.
His gaze fell on Natsuhiko, wondering what he might be thinking.
After Natsuhiko made his announcement, he nodded apologetically to everyone, nodded to Sakuragi and Professor Oak, and then stepped off the stage.
Revealing his identity as an ordinary researcher to this extent was enough.
Professor Oak took the microphone.
"Haha—quite a shy child. Natsuhiko is half my student; I hope everyone gets a chance for more exchanges in the future."
As Natsuhiko was halfway down, he nearly stumbled.
He turned around to look at Professor Oak on the stage.
How did he become his student?
Then, he realized.
He understood now.
It was likely that his teacher Agatha had gone to have "friendly" exchanges with Professor Oak again.
After all, it was Agatha who initially suggested revealing the "Dodo" identity.
This would prevent Hoshino Ryuzi from dealing with him in the ordinary way.
Having Professor Oak say that Natsuhiko is half his disciple could also appropriately enhance Natsuhiko's status.
Sure enough.
Once the words were out, everyone's gaze at Natsuhiko subtly changed again.
Disciple of the old Elite Four Agatha, student of Pokémon research authority Professor Oak.
With these titles alone, Natsuhiko was not someone an ordinary person could easily mess with.
Of course, this didn't include...
"Natsuhiko, come, battle!"
Back at his seat, Lance looked eager.
The saddest part was Xiaochun, who instead of stopping, cheered him on.
"Cousin, go for it!"
Hilona, Flint, and Kona also weren't stopping him.
Natsuhiko pursed his lips.
"What's got you so excited?"
Lance's expression froze.
He opened his mouth to speak.
How could he explain this?
Would he admit that "Dodo" referred to him?
"Calm down, have some water."
Natsuhiko walked to him, sheepishly handed him a glass of water, and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pressing him back into his chair.
Lance turned his head away, avoiding Natsuhiko's gaze.
He had that look of a "lovelorn wife".
Only in front of true acquaintances would Lance show this side.
In most people's eyes, Lance was always that cold, righteous Alliance Investigator.
Seeing him like this, Natsuhiko couldn't help but laugh.
Was Lance really angry?
Impossible.
It's like two good buddies, one jokingly says to others, "Look, this is my son".
Would the other one really be mad?
To Lance, Natsuhiko had stepped right "into his aim".
Why not take this chance to have a battle with Natsuhiko?
As for the nickname "Dodo",
Even though most of his Pokémon were Flying-Type, which Natsuhiko pointed out.
But actually, within the Dragon Taming Race, some elders had already said this to Lance.
It's just that Lance never paid much attention.
Which Pokémon he chose was his own decision.
His bond with each Pokémon wouldn't be affected by others' words.
If Lance were to change Pokémon because of idle gossip, he wouldn't become the future Dragon-type Elite.
I will use Flying-Type Pokémon to serve as the Dragon-type Elite.
Those who disagree can challenge me!
Just this firm.
This is Lance's character; he has absolute confidence in his own strength.
"I'll apologize, okay?" Natsuhiko sat beside Lance.
In such situations, arguing is futile.
Still courageously, he gave in.
Lance sidelong glanced at him.
"Promise to battle me, then I'll consider."
Natsuhiko's facial muscles twitched.
In the end, it still comes down to this?
Taking a deep breath.
"Fine!"
Upon hearing this, a satisfied smile appeared on Lance's face.
Natsuhiko: Pretend, keep pretending.
"But..."
Lance's expression turned serious again.
"My main Pokémon are only four. Wouldn't the great Dragon Master Lance take advantage of this situation? Or do you want to battle me when my team isn't complete? I don't mind."
"Why do you still have only four?" Lance couldn't help but ask.
Natsuhiko shrugged.
"Can't help it, unlike you inheritors of major families and big companies, otherwise I wouldn't still be writing papers to earn money."
Lance slowly furrowed his brows.
"How about joining me on an Investigator mission for a while? Although the work is plentiful, the pay isn't low."
"Forget it, I'm still a Dojo Leader, don't have that kind of time. After today, I'll probably be busy with papers again, not to mention training Pokémon." Natsuhiko said somewhat helpless.
"Technically speaking, operating a Dojo should yield profits."
"It's hard when it's a new Dojo....."
"..."
Watching Natsuhiko and Lance chatting, Xiaochun, sitting on Lance's other side, opened his mouth.
Cousin, did you forget something?
Hilona covered her mouth and giggled.
"Natsuhiko and Lance have a really good relationship."
Flint clicked his tongue.
"A bit envious, really."
Given their status, having a few truly good friends, soulmates, isn't easy.
"You say that as if you don't have a good relationship with Senior Natsuhiko." Kona couldn't help but interject.
Upon hearing this.
The three exchanged smiles.
Having such a friend truly counts as a blessing in life.
The few smiled and watched Natsuhiko employ a "joking" method.
Sure enough, Natsuhiko managed to "humor" Lance.
Lance didn't dwell much on this matter, smoothly moving along with Natsuhiko.
At this point, sitting opposite Natsuhiko, Hilona noticed his action of adjusting his hat, and her graceful eyebrows furrowed.
"Don't you guys notice... Natsuhiko's hat and that action..."
Flint and Kona followed her gaze.
"Now that you mention it, there does seem to be something." Flint nodded.
"Coincidence, probably..... but if you talk about it seriously, it's not entirely unacceptable." Kona hesitated.
After a brief pause, Flint asked, "Natsuhiko, do you know about the Kyogre and Groudon incident a few days ago?"
"Such an important event, of course I kept up with it."
"Then do you know that someone was riding on Rayquaza's back that day?" Flint continued.
Being from Hoenn Region, Flint had a lot to say about this matter.
"I know." Natsuhiko paused in expression upon seeing the three's eyes.
"Wait, you guys don't seriously think just because someone was wearing a hat that's me? There are so many people with hats, stop overthinking it!"
"Originally didn't, but after today's events. If Senior Natsuhiko you say it's you, I believe it." Kona said.
"My intuition tells me there's a possibility." Hilona responded thoughtfully.
Natsuhiko:"..."
If your intuition keeps being so accurate, this friendship couldn't work.
Anyone now looks like him?
Chameleon Natsuhiko?