The heroes of truth and ideals.
As soon as this phrase was spoken, Natsuhiko felt a sense of impending trouble.
Addressing someone by their greatest title at the outset indeed shows respect.
But considering Tapu Koko's temperament, it likely doesn't require respect for a stranger like Natsuhiko, whom it's never met.
If it were Tapu Bulu, Natsuhiko might understand a bit.
After all, they've had contact, and their first impressions of each other were quite good.
Nevertheless, Natsuhiko responded through telepathy: "Tapu Koko."
Tapu Koko nodded, flying before Natsuhiko, its colorful eyes gleaming with a wondrous light.
No more words were exchanged.
Instead, it stared silently into Natsuhiko's eyes.
Natsuhiko met its gaze without any guilty conscience.
At this moment, he felt somewhat fortunate that Reshiram and Zekrom hadn't come along.
Otherwise, they might not have even reached evening; just arriving at the Alola Region could likely bring this Island God, or even all four Island Gods, for a "friendly" inquiry.
Reshiram was right.
Even a divine beast is territorial; recklessly entering someone else's territory is tantamount to taunting.
Tapu Koko's appearance not only surprised Hilona and Da Ye beside Natsuhiko, but also drew attention from those around them.
An Island Guardian God is not something one sees every day.
Especially for some tourists, seeing the Island God Tapu Koko is an exhilarating experience.
Many have already taken out their phones and started filming.
Slowly surrounding them.
"Tapu Koko!" A native voice shouted.
"That's... Miss Hilona!" The sharp-eyed immediately recognized Hilona's presence; even in a crowd, Hilona stood out prominently.
"It's not just Miss Hilona, there's also Mr. Da Ye, Mr. Wusong, Mr. Aliu, that's the Sinnoh Alliance delegation!"
"Wait, doesn't that mean the one currently staring at Melemele Island's Guardian God Tapu Koko is... Mr. Natsuhiko?"
"Mr. Natsuhiko the 'Hero of Truth'?!"
"It must be him; surely he's here to participate in the 'Island Competition' this time."
"..."
As the crowd drew near, the whispers grew increasingly clear.
"Tapu!"
Tapu Koko raised its head, gazing at the approaching people, a hint of displeasure in its eyes.
Crackle!
Golden lightning danced across its body.
The next second, a purely golden aura erupted from Tapu Koko, carrying a dense electric current and chaotic magnetic field, enveloping the entire plaza.
In an instant.
All electronic devices filming ceased functioning, and the crowd couldn't help but pause.
"This is..."
Da Ye opened his mouth, feeling like his explosive hairstyle had become even more three-dimensional.
"Electric Arena, it's the effect of Tapu Koko's trait 'Electric Creator'," Natsuhiko explained without turning his head.
From this behavior, it's evident that Tapu Koko is not an easygoing Island God, as rumors suggest.
However, upon hearing Natsuhiko's words, Tapu Koko cast a slightly surprised glance at him.
Soon nodded quietly.
Indeed, he's a hero recognized by both truth and ideals.
"I need your help, hero,"
Tapu Koko's voice entered Natsuhiko's mind once more.
Natsuhiko paused.
It seems there really is something.
Yet considering that offending one of the four Island Gods might mean offending all of them, Natsuhiko slightly bowed and said:
"If there's anything I can assist with, I'm willing to oblige."
Provided he can truly be of help.
Tapu Koko was quite satisfied with Natsuhiko's response.
"Tapu Bulu was right."
As soon as the words fell.
Lightning surged from Tapu Koko's body once more.
This time, the intensity of the lightning increased dramatically, illuminating the previously dim surroundings.
A golden beam shot into the clouds.
The dazzling electrical current made the plaza as bright as day for a moment.
Seeing Tapu Koko's actions, Natsuhiko suddenly seemed to understand something, his mouth twitching slightly.
Are you sure we can handle this?
Blocking Hilona and the others from approaching to ask.
Under Hilona's slightly puzzled gaze, Natsuhiko reached out as if trying to summon Little V.
But was prevented by Tapu Koko.
"It won't do, the energy is too strong!"
Natsuhiko's raised hand stiffened slightly before slowly lowering it, addressing Hilona: "Hilona, could you please take care of Little V for me, I'll be back shortly."
"Natsuhiko, you..."
Hilona seemed a bit shocked, unsure of what was happening.
However, in the next moment.
BOOM!
A massive golden lightning bolt struck from the sky, precisely hitting Natsuhiko.
With a blinding golden radiance.
Natsuhiko saw within the golden light, a pitch-black rift opening before him.
Rapidly expanding, it enveloped him.
Unlike the feeling when Alakazam uses "Instant Movement," yet filled with intense space fluctuations.
When everyone finally managed to open their eyes again, recovering from the dazzling light, they found out.
Natsuhiko was gone!
Of course, not only Natsuhiko had disappeared, but Tapu Koko was also nowhere to be seen in the crowd's vision.
"Where's Natsuhiko?"
Da Ye looked baffled, turning to glance at Wusong.
Well-read and knowledgeable across various subjects, even Wusong was equally baffled, having never witnessed such a situation.