Trouble came

While Floyd and his Pokémon were enjoying their meal, he heard the distinct sound of loud footsteps. Turning his head, he spotted a group of people in the distance, seemingly looking in his direction. Floyd wondered if he was the object of their attention but quickly dismissed the idea, as he hadn't had any trouble with anyone.

Seeing the group approach, Suzuki frowned and walked towards them, inquiring, "Is there something you need here?" She was well aware that this group wasn't on the invitation list, making her wary of their presence. "May I ask why you are here?"

"I am Samuel, Samuel Rodriguez, a captain grade hunter of the BloodSmoke Association," came the response.

A Hunter!

The profession of a hunter originated in Europe and eventually spread across the world, though it remained largely unknown and hidden. However, with the breakout of beasts five years ago, this profession was legalized by governments worldwide, along with some private sectors. Despite the challenges in gathering information and communication due to the beasts' interference, countries adapted and initiated plans for 'Hunters'. This profession became an industry balancing benefits and risks, serving both parties well.

A Hunter's job is to complete tasks from either the government or personal clients. The Hunter ranks are: Starting → Amateur → Captain → Elite.

"We just have some business with someone here," Samuel replied with a light smile, proceeding forward as his group followed.

Hearing the word 'Hunter', Suzuki became alert and quickly followed him, asking, "So, who are you looking for?" The majority of hunter tasks involved dealing with 'Beasts'. Hunters emerged due to the appearance of these creatures, with the primary missions being to kill or capture them. Suzuki grew concerned, fearing their goal might be to eliminate all the beasts in the forest.

Samuel didn't respond to her query and continued towards Floyd.

Meanwhile, Floyd's eyes narrowed as he realized the group was indeed approaching him.

So, they really were coming for him. But why?

Had he provoked something?

BloodSmoke?

Wait… the BloodSmoke Association!

Floyd's posture stiffened at the realization. Just a week ago, wasn't this the organization that attacked Dragonite mother? So, their target was Dratini. He was confident it was Dratini because he knew these people had no idea where Dragonite mother was.

"You are called Floyd, am I right?" Samuel stood before him, smiling.

So, even his name was known! A tense atmosphere suddenly enveloped them. Floyd's eyes grew cold as he looked at Samuel. Behind his back, he made a discreet sign with his hand. Axew, quickly noticing, stepped back until he reached a tree, where he hid and disappeared. The group didn't mind Axew's departure; their focus was on the small creature, Dratini.

"Yes, I'm Floyd. Do you need something from me?" Floyd feigned normalcy, striving to keep his emotions in check. Internally, however, he was on high alert. He secretly observed each one of them, making sure not to make it obvious. His expression darkened upon spotting the heavy machine guns, bombs, and firearms they carried. These people were serious and had not underestimated him. Floyd assessed the situation, developing a plan, though he knew executing it would be challenging.

Samuel didn't waste time and, shifting his gaze between Dratini and Floyd, asked, "Is this yours?"

"Yes, it's mine," Floyd responded calmly, awaiting Samuel's reaction.

Feeling the greedy stares fixed on Dratini, the latter grew angry rather than fearful, especially towards these humans. He suppressed his anger to avoid causing trouble for Floyd. 

As for Horsea, she lay on the side, her belly bulging. Seeing her stomach in such a state, she recalled Floyd's warning about becoming fat. "Horsea~" (I don't want to get fat), she expressed her concern. Looking at the menacing group, she thought that fighting them would be good exercise, and exercising would prevent her from gaining weight.

"But I don't think it's yours," Samuel declared with a smile.

"Huh, not mine?" Floyd's face grew solemn, his expression became cold.

Unperturbed by Floyd's intimidating demeanor, Samuel continued, "There's no proof that it's yours. There should be an iron collar around its neck to prove ownership. Coincidentally, we have a mission from a client who's missing a pet that looks like it," he pointed at Dratini.

Suzuki foresaw the impending trouble. These people were clearly here to stir up conflict. She clenched her fists, uncertain of what to do. Even she and Wartortle were not match enough for these people. If only Professor Kanraku were here. She felt an urge to go and fetch him immediately, but what would happen to Floyd in her absence? She had a favorable impression of him, especially based on his earlier interaction with the beasts. She didn't want this potential ally for Professor Kanraku to come to harm on this mission. But what could she do?

Floyd mentally counted each one of them, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9. Nine people in total. 

Dratini, having overheard Samuel's words, could no longer control himself and immediately used Extreme Speed. 

Poh! 

Samuel was caught off guard, and those behind him didn't react in time.

Although Dratini was still young, his strength was already comparable to an adult Pokémon. Pokémon, being what they are, obviously outclassed humans in physique. 

Without hesitation, Floyd quickly approached the one carrying a heavy machine gun, punched his stomach, then swiftly delivered a kick to his side where another person stood. He then threw the guy he was holding into a crowd of four people. 

Floyd's fitness was already four times that of a regular human, showcasing his impressive speed.

"Axew!" Floyd shouted, and the ground suddenly shook as Axew appeared ready to attack. 

"Breaking Swipe!" Floyd commanded. 

The two remaining individuals, caught by surprise and about to attack Floyd from behind, were swept away by Axew's tail. 

Those who were caught off guard and attempting to stand received another wave of attacks from Floyd, Dratini's Extreme Speed, and Horsea's Water Gun.

Then, black smoke filled the small area around them, signaling Horsea to start her actions. 

Smokescreen!

"Claw!" Floyd commanded again, as Axew used Dragon Claw on another person. 

"Miss Suzuki, everyone, get out of here; I'll take care of it!" Floyd shouted.

On the other hand, Suzuki, the woman with swablu, and even the young man who had been preparing to sneak attack Floyd were all dumbfounded. Everything had happened in a blinked of an eye. They looked at Floyd, shock written all over their faces. 

The young man was relieved he hadn't acted; otherwise...

When Suzuki heard Floyd's call, she couldn't believe it but quickly reacted. This was her chance. She hurried back to call Professor Kanraku. 

On the other hand, The woman, still forming a surprised 'O' with her mouth as she recalled the scene, quickly moved away, holding Swablu, when she saw the black smoke emerging. 

Swablu's current state could be described as a fan admiring her idol. If there were animations, you would see huge stars flashing in her eyes as she looked at Floyd. 

This guy was too handsome. "I have a human idol now," she thought as she flapped her wings acting as if she was cheering, although she couldn't see him surrounded by black smoke.

Suddenly, a huge signal flare shot into the sky. Samuel, from his position on the ground, had activated it.