Not very long, it seemed.

Even if Hideo couldn’t always see a wild Pokemon, they often announced themselves before approaching. Especially the ones that lived in the city; the ones here were definitely aggressive in their approach, but not in their actions afterwards (save for the less respectable areas). The ones in the wild tended to be more violent.

Hideo pondered why that was as the Buneary approached, announcing her name in that mildly-threatening manner that made it clear she wanted a fight, but not out of malice. She had to know she had no chance against a Pokemon as strong as a Lycanroc, but she didn’t seem to try another approach, immediately rushing forward on the offensive with a Quick Attack. And predictably, Rocky responded with his own Accelrock, outspeeding and overpowering the smaller Pokemon.

Hideo had already prepared the Pokeball before he heard the Buneary unsteadily say her name again, having stood up despite taking a solid hit. Was she trying to show off to him? Trying to act tough despite overwhelming odds? It didn’t last when Rocky charged again with the same attack, knocking the small bunny out.

Rocky carried the Buneary over to Hideo, and Hideo could only think about what drove her to come in the first place. The only reasonable reason he could think of was she was trying to impress him, to be caught. Was that why so many Pokemon came into Slateport? To find humans to catch them? Or was there more to it?

Hideo tossed his Pokeball, his mind drifting to a question more pressing; what was he going to name her?