The battle with Natsuhiko and the others ultimately didn't continue.
Because by the time the academic conference ended, it was completely dark.
Having ended a day of mental activities and after a sleepless night, Natsuhiko truly didn't have the energy to continue battling.
But since Professor Oak disclosed that they would soon participate in a must-attend tournament, the group wasn't too disappointed about missing this battle.
Two days later.
Natsuhiko returned to Suiyi Town.
Alongside him was Hilona.
Upon arriving in Suiyi Town, Natsuhiko was taken aback by its bustling activity.
Although the start of the "Devon Small Cup Competition" isn't far off and Suiyi Town is sure to experience an influx of visitors, the scale of the increase was beyond Natsuhiko's expectations.
Hilona also couldn't help but express her surprise.
"I haven't been here for months, and Suiyi Town has developed into a place I completely don't recognize."
Natsuhiko laughed and said, "This is thanks to Devon Company's relentless development and support."
However, Hilona disagreed.
"I believe your influence is the key; the Devon Company isn't irreplaceable. As the current icon of Suiyi Town, you are the most critical factor. Moreover, Devon recognized your potential, which is why they were willing to invest."
While speaking, she pointed to a tall building under construction in the distance.
That was the Devon Mall.
Once completed, it will become the largest mall in Suiyi Town and one of its iconic buildings, significantly boosting the town's economic development.
Most importantly, outside the building under construction, there was a huge banner poster.
It featured an image of Natsuhiko adjusting his hat.
On the banner was written "Eevee Expert, one of the authorities in Pokémon evolution, 'Dodo' Mr. Natsuhiko, Lily runner-up, Suiyi Dragon Dojo Leader Natsuhiko!"
Even Natsuhiko felt a bit embarrassed looking at the professionally enhanced poster with all those titles.
Evidently.
After Natsuhiko revealed that he was "Dodo," Devon Company valued him even more, making their open favoritism clear.
It's likely that the sudden surge of popularity in Suiyi Town in recent days is also largely related to the public revelation of his identity.
As one of the representative figures of the younger generation among Trainers, and unmatched among the younger generation in the Pokémon Research Community, these combined identities have created an influence beyond Natsuhiko's own assessment.
"A bit exaggerated," Natsuhiko said, feeling a bit shy, as he pressed his hat down.
"Not exaggerated at all," Hilona nodded in agreement. "Each of those titles you actually possess. I think 'Affinity' and 'Beauty', as well as mentions of Milotic, Steelix, and others, could be added..."
Speaking, she began listing Natsuhiko's accomplishments on her fingers.
"That's... Ms. Hilona!"
"Next to her is Gym Leader Natsuhiko!"
"It's really Mr. Natsuhiko!"
"Mr. Natsuhiko, I'm a fan of yours!"
"Mr. Natsuhiko..."
"..."
Hilona didn't hide herself, so she was quickly recognized.
Consequently, Natsuhiko was recognized as well.
With Natsuhiko's current influence in Suiyi Town and among the younger generation, if he gets surrounded, it could be troublesome.
"Quick, run!"
Natsuhiko decisively made a dash for it.
Hilona covered her mouth and chuckled softly, following closely behind him toward the dojo.
She had more experience dealing with such situations than Natsuhiko.
After all, she had been famous for a long time and had many fans across the entire Pokemon Realm, whereas this was a first for Natsuhiko.
The two jogged back to the dojo.
Arriving at the office.
Before they even had a chance to catch their breath, there was a knock on the door.
"Mr. Natsuhiko, you're finally back. In the past few days, there's been a lot of people signing up, even more than before. I'm a bit uncertain."
As the current dojo manager, Yamato, upon learning of Natsuhiko's return, immediately found him in his office chatting with Hilona.
"The number is already quite large."
Natsuhiko, slightly out of breath, furrowed his brow.
"Then let's stop accepting registrations for now, also take a look at this, Mr. Natsuhiko," Yamato handed over a list.
Listed were numerous brands, some of which even Natsuhiko found very familiar.
"These are companies that suddenly contacted us these days, hoping to invest in advertising spots. Even... even the restrooms have been sponsored."
Natsuhiko: "..."
He underestimated the scale.
Back when this dojo was established, its size was underestimated.
"And this is just a part of it, there's another part where I really can't find any more places to put their advertisements," Yamato said, looking quite helpless.
This situation was new to him too.
Previously, he had only heard of circumstances where a major competition organized by the league had all its advertising spots sold out and fiercely contested.
Unexpectedly, even a small cup competition hosted by their dojo could earn such honor.
Natsuhiko pressed his temples.
"If there's really no space for more ads, just refuse them."
This time, Yamato showed a look of embarrassment.
"Well... that's probably not possible, since some companies have directly transferred the money to us, paid in full."
"Uh..."
Natsuhiko was stunned.
There's such a way to operate?
Yamato, like him, also felt the blissful troubles recently.
"The income for this competition's dojo might far exceed my previous expectations, Mr. Natsuhiko is truly remarkable." Yamato couldn't help but exclaim.