But willpower is something ethereal, it truly can't be developed overnight, so impatience won't help.
Just try to find an angle and attempt to boost Togetic's willpower.
But it's not something to consider in this competition.
Unexpectedly, during an exchange meant to console Nanami, Natsuhiko's heartfelt words touched a chord deep within Togetic.
It resonated, bringing about a reaction.
The intense aura of happiness was also felt by Natsuhiko, and his feeling was even clearer than Hilona's Togepi, as he is the one closest to Togetic.
As for Togetic's current state, Natsuhiko guessed the reason.
It was nothing more than his words earlier that resonated deeply within Togetic.
"What a sentimental little guy."
Natsuhiko walked briskly, smiling indulgently.
Togetic's lack in willpower wasn't without reason; to some extent, Natsuhiko's indulgence contributed to this phenomenon.
However, every Pokémon has its own characteristics and personality.
For example, Beedrill's toughness, Alakazam's strength of will, Doublade's caution, they each have their own traits.
Natsuhiko never insisted on making Doublade bold and flamboyant, nor did he require the strong-willed Alakazam to excessively reduce additional training, nor did he want Beedrill to change its own state.
Pokémon are also living beings with their own thoughts and emotions.
They experience joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.
Trainers shouldn't fully mold a Pokémon into the shape they desire.
Instead, it's more about following their state and personality, and cultivating them based on their unique characteristics.
Otherwise, standard Pokémon training guides are everywhere, yet why aren't there numerous exceptionally powerful Pokémon appearing?
Why are the Pokémon sold in stores not favored by professional trainers?
That's why the principle Natsuhiko has always upheld is that while training is necessary, forcefully changing a Pokémon's personality for personal objectives, even to the extent of distorting them into unfeeling tools, is something he opposes.
Even with those "tool" Pokémon, Natsuhiko more often preserves their original personality.
This results in Togetic, who is relatively lively but not particularly strong-willed, lacking in willpower. Not to mention compared to Beedrill and Alakazam, even compared to Doublade, it's quite lacking.
But this time.
He seems to sense a change in Togetic's mindset.
The extremely intense aura of happiness is slowly absorbed into its body, causing the body to gradually heat up.
And it alters Togetic's strength as well.
Compared to Alakazam who has already reached the Gym Leader Level, Beedrill who is about to enter Gym Leader Level, and Doublade who has just completed coating and quickly adapted, Togetic is slightly lacking in terms of strength.
Mid-level of Elite Level.
This was achieved with difficulty after completing Natsuhiko's training tasks and plans, and participating in enough battles every day.
But now, under the aura of happiness's influence, the Happy Pokémon's strength is quietly increasing.
Its mindset is also improving simultaneously.
This phenomenon is somewhat reminiscent of the feeling Alakazam experienced before, akin to "enlightenment" or "awakening".
It's a change in mindset leading to a change in strength.
Or perhaps it's the affinity between Natsuhiko and Togetic reaching a threshold, causing a shift through resonance.
Though rare, such situations do occur.
Pokémon from emotion-type trainers are typical examples.
They are more likely to appear when the fit with their trainers reaches a certain level.
For example, the future Master Ash, who is also an emotion-type trainer, and previously seen Da Ye are both examples.
But with a trainer like Natsuhiko who's relatively calm and rational, this occurrence is quite rare, or even extremely rare.
The benefits provided are also evident.
Togetic's strength is enhanced, and its willpower undergoes a "transformation" through this change in mindset.
When Natsuhiko's steps slowly came to a halt, Togetic's body temperature gradually decreased as well, and the "aura of happiness" surrounding its body like white mist was absorbed into its own body.
"Togetic?"
Togetic opened its eyes in confusion, looked around the dense forest, unsure for a moment of the situation or what had happened.
Natsuhiko let out a soft sigh and finally stopped his steps.
With a mix of indulgence, relief, and emotion, he softly scolded, "You didn't even feel it."
Togetic stuck out its little tongue.
It seems Natsuhiko came here for it, but what transpired along the way, it's genuinely unaware.
"Feel yourself," Natsuhiko spoke with mock annoyance.
Not feeling it is one thing, but upon sensing, Togetic was startled.
"Togetic?!"
Its small face froze, pointing at itself.
Its strength has improved significantly.
"Yes, almost catching up to Beedrill," Natsuhiko rubbed its little head once more.
Togetic's face showed delight.
But upon realizing the reason for its change, the joy on Togetic's face faded somewhat. It gently lay its head against Natsuhiko's chest, tapped twice on his heart.
"Togetic..."