After exchanging back to their Alakazams, both carefully observed their Pokémon.
Natz used telepathy to communicate with her Alakazam, inquiring about any changes.
While Brock lacked psychic abilities, his keen eye clearly showed him his Alakazam's stats.
【Pokémon: Alakazam】
【Type: Psychic】
【Level: 20】
【Potential: Quasi-Emperor】
【Ability: Synchronize (Possesses a well-trained spirit, unaffected by opponents' attacks. Unfazed by Intimidation.)】
【Moves: Teleport, Psychic, Shadow Ball, Reflect, Miracle Eye, Disable】
【Friendship: 180 (Max 255)】
After evolving, Alakazam had learned the Disable move.
This move was quite useful, capable of sealing an opponent's move. Even with a wide range of skills, being locked out of common ones could make battles awkward.
"Miss, would you consider trading your Alakazam for my Rattata?" A middle-aged man in a suit approached, asking.
Brock's eyebrows shot up. The man clearly didn't see Natz as a person, offering a Rattata for an Alakazam, treating her like an NPC in a game who would blindly trade rare Pokémon for trash.
"I'm sorry, Alakazam is my first Pokémon, I don't intend to trade it," Natz flatly refused.
Seeing her rejection, the suited man turned to Brock.
Before the man could speak, Brock took the initiative: "Sir, a common Pokémon like Rattata isn't worth the trade. We're not children."
"...Farewell." The suited man, indeed hoping for a bargain, thought Natz and Brock were naive. He'd played the fool.
With Alakazam's evolution complete, Brock and Natz found a well-known restaurant for dinner. Travel meant sampling local specialties, after all.
Natz didn't object, readily following Brock's lead.
They ultimately chose a decent seafood restaurant.
"Brock, when are you planning to challenge the Gym?" Natz asked.
Brock's primary goal in Viridian City was the Gym badge. Now that he was here, it was time to challenge.
"No rush. We're by the sea, let's have some fun first. Speaking of which, let's get a camera later and take some photos for memories. Natz, you're so pretty, you'll look great in pictures," Brock said.
"Oh."
Natz had wanted to ask about the Gym challenge, but Brock's compliment left her speechless. However, hearing him call her pretty did bring a slight smile to her heart.
After lunch, Brock bought a camera at a nearby store and led his Pokémon to a nearby beach to relax.
Natz changed into a stylish swimsuit, a sight that filled Brock with admiration.
Despite only being 15, she was blossoming into a beautiful young lady. In a few years, she would surely be a top-tier goddess.
"Brock, do I look good?" Natz smiled slightly, asking.
"Of course you do. You look so different from your usual cold self, it's hard to imagine that you're the same person," Brock said.
"Let's not talk about the past," Natz didn't want to bring up her dark history, as her personality split due to her own training mistakes.
"Alright, I'll take your picture then." Brock took out his newly bought camera, a mature man like himself must always carry one, a worthy follower of Edison Chen.
Natz might be cold, but at her age, girls are naturally drawn to beauty. Even without modeling experience, she knew the basic poses.
Natz's natural charm was simply too good. Even Brock's average photography skills couldn't hide her beauty.
"Woah! What's your name, beautiful? You're gorgeous!" A discordant voice interrupted their fun, as a shirtless blonde giant approached.
Brock immediately felt a sense of unease. It was obvious this guy wasn't good news.
The blonde man ignored Brock, heading straight for Natz. Brock instinctively stepped forward to block his path.
"Kid, don't get in the way, I want to get to know this lovely lady." The blonde man impatiently said.
"She's my friend, I suggest you behave yourself and get lost," Brock warned.
"What...you think a baby can have a girlfriend? You haven't even grown facial hair yet," the blonde man sarcastically mocked.
Brock was fuming. He was only 10, he hadn't grown facial hair, but as a man, he couldn't tolerate a stranger hitting on his friend.
"I haven't grown facial hair, but I can still find a girlfriend. You, at my age, probably never even held a girl's hand," Brock retorted.
"You little punk, you're asking for it!" The blonde man, having his inner pain exposed, immediately punched Brock.
Brock remained calm, grabbing the man's wrist and throwing him over his shoulder, sending the blonde giant flying.
Natz was so shocked that she gaped. She couldn't believe that such a skinny little boy could throw that giant.
"You little brat, you...!" The blonde man, though uninjured, felt Brock's strength and recognized him as a martial artist. He left with a threat.
Brock was no ordinary child. He competed with Ash since childhood, so he possessed the physique of a Super Trainer. He was also a student of the fighting master, Four. Four, who could fight against Fighting-type Pokémon, had trained Brock to be quite skilled in martial arts. An average adult wouldn't stand a chance against him.
"Brock, are you just going to let him go?" Natz asked.
What do you mean? Want to turn him into a doll?
This wasn't the Goldenrod Gym, there's no law against it.
"He had bad intentions, but he didn't actually do anything. A lesson is enough. Let's continue playing." Brock said.
"Mm."
Natz forgot about the unpleasant incident and joined Brock in enjoying the nearby seaside entertainment.
They played until dusk.
During this time, Brock noticed that Natz wasn't as cold as he thought. When faced with exciting activities, she felt the same thrill and joy as any other girl.
They chose a barbecue restaurant for dinner. It was a day of fun and good food.