At Natsui's command, Bulbasaur's body was suddenly enveloped in light and lifted into the air. After the initial panic, and while taking continuous damage, it did not choose to simply give up, but endured the pain and, its body immobilized, used Vine Whip to lash out fiercely at Ralts.
Naturally, Natsui was not going to let Ralts take that attack head-on.
"Use Teleport!"
Through the red horn on its head, Ralts could keenly sense Natsui's emotions; even before the words left his mouth, Ralts had already used Teleport, vanishing from the spot without a trace.
The Vine Whip struck the ground, sending countless blades of grass flying.
And when Ralts reappeared, it was no longer in front of Bulbasaur, but behind it.
With a movement of its hands, Bulbasaur's body was thrown to one side, slammed violently into the trunk of a tree, and collapsed.
Bulbasaur cried out in pain, the bulb on its back trembling, and a seed the size of a peach pit shot out from within, straight at Ralts!
It was Leech Seed, capable of siphoning the opponent's energy!
"Ralts, dodge it!"
It used Teleport again to evade the attack, but when Ralts appeared, it saw Bulbasaur suddenly charging at it, ramming against it with its body.
However, this time, without Natsui having to say anything, Bulbasaur's body was once again wrapped in light and, at a speed even greater than its charge, it crashed again into that large tree!
A loud crash.
This time, Bulbasaur lost consciousness completely.
Seeing this, Natsui quickly pulled a Poké Ball from his belt and threw it at Bulbasaur.
A red light enveloped Bulbasaur and sucked it into the Poké Ball. The Poké Ball shook slightly and, with a soft click, the button lit up immediately.
Bulbasaur capture successful!
And only then could Natsui finally breathe a sigh of relief.
In the distance, the sounds of the battle had already attracted several other Bulbasaur. Natsui picked up the Poké Ball, but did not leave immediately; instead, he stealthily approached the edge of the basin, took out his phone, aimed it at the Hidden Grove, and took many photos, then left, satisfied.
Several hours later, when he emerged from the forest, the moon was already high in the sky, sprinkled with countless stars.
Moonlight bathed the land. Making use of the dim glow, Natsui spread out his sleeping bag. Ralts also returned with some branches and, when they lit the campfire, the blazing flames not only dispelled the surrounding cold but also brought a bit of light to the night.
Setting up a pot stand, Natsui pulled out canned instant rations and prepared a simple, warm meal for himself and his two Pokémon.
The aroma wafted everywhere, drifting afar on the gentle breeze.
Although he was not a cooking expert, heating up a canned meal was not a difficult task.
When everything was ready, Natsui finally opened the Poké Ball and released Bulbasaur.
Several hours of rest had already restored much of Bulbasaur's energy, but upon seeing Natsui, it still took a hurried step back, its eyes still filled with distrust.
Looking at it, Natsui spoke softly, "Bulbasaur, I'm really sorry about earlier. But in any case, I welcome you. From now on, I'm counting on you."
Saying this, he placed a plate of food in front of Bulbasaur.
A tempting aroma floated before Bulbasaur.
Swallowing its saliva, Bulbasaur, seeing such food for the first time, felt deeply drawn to it.
At this, Natsui smiled quietly.
Those who had tried this type of canned food knew that, whether or not it tasted good, at least its aroma was very exquisite.
Perhaps unable to bear the hunger, or seeing Ralts eating with great elegance, after hesitating for a long time, Bulbasaur finally let down its guard, approached the food, and began eating in large bites.
...
Following the path back, Natsui returned to Sakuragi Laboratory.
Seeing Bulbasaur beside Natsui, several people, including Koharu Sakuragi, were greatly surprised.
"Bulbasaur!? You really found the Hidden Grove!?"
Natsui took out his phone and sent all the photos of the Hidden Grove to Professor Sakuragi.
Professor Sakuragi opened the photos on his computer, and several heads huddled together, all marveling.
After examining them carefully, Professor Sakuragi adjusted his glasses and said:
"The discovery of the Hidden Grove could be considered big news, but in the photos it's clear that the place still retains its pristine environment. I think, regarding this secret, we should not only refrain from disclosing it but also let it remain as it is."
"The professor is right." Natsui nodded in agreement. "I also hope that this secret habitat will not be disturbed by people in the future."
As their views coincided, everyone tacitly agreed not to speak further about the Hidden Grove.
At that moment, Renji lowered his head and looked at Bulbasaur.
"This Bulbasaur looks very sturdy; I imagine it must be very strong, right?"
Don't be fooled just because he's a researcher; he has a Magnemite named Francois and usually likes to watch some Pokémon battle competitions. Within the lab, he's the one who pays the most attention to Pokémon strength.
"Yes."
Natsui crouched and stroked Bulbasaur's forehead. "This Bulbasaur is very strong. On our way back, we encountered the challenge of a Short Pants Kid, and it fought one-on-two, defeating Diglett and Marowak consecutively. And thanks to them, my bond with Bulbasaur has grown much closer."
At that moment, Professor Sakuragi approached Natsui.
"Natsui, there's something I'd like to ask of you."
Seeing Professor Sakuragi so solemn, Natsui said in confusion, "Professor, there's no need to be so formal; tell me anything. If it's within my reach, I'll help."
Professor Sakuragi said, "From what just happened, I've realized that you are truly different. Not only can you uncover secrets that ordinary people cannot, but you are also calm and composed, and you care about Pokémon. Perhaps you really hide great talent within you. Therefore, could you become our laboratory's special field researcher?"
"Special field researcher?"
Professor Sakuragi explained, "During your travels, you will meet, connect with, and interact with all kinds of Pokémon on this planet. Then, alongside us, you will deepen our knowledge of Pokémon, uncovering the hidden secrets around the world!"
Natsui was stunned. He clearly remembered that in the anime, Ash and Goh had also been special field researchers for Sakuragi Laboratory. Now, had he beaten them to it and gotten the position first?