Natsuhiko speculated that what happened yesterday between him and Togetic must have triggered some requirements of the "Gratitude" secret technique, allowing Togetic to learn it.
Even though it had just learned it and was still a bit clumsy using it, the opponent's Drapion was already in a "Wither" state, so what did it matter if it was clumsy or not?
Togetic let out a low cry, its mind connected with Natsuhiko's, its entire body glowing with a faint white light, an aura of happiness enveloping it as it charged fiercely towards Drapion.
Boom!!
As Drapion was knocked flying, it struggled out of the "Wither" state.
Leisi furrowed his brows.
He realized that Natsuhiko's Togetic was stronger than the Togetic in the footage he had watched!
Moreover, the techniques it had mastered, as well as its originally weak willpower, had all been strengthened.
"Again, Water Fluctuation."
Next, it was time for Togetic's ultimate "torment."
In a one-on-one battle, as long as the Pokémon is controlled well enough, it indeed holds an advantage over some strong attacking Pokémon.
Drapion also had its lucky moments when it wasn't in the "Wither" state, but don't forget, Togetic held the advantage of the sky.
...
...
Backstage for the participants.
Lance and Hilona were also watching the battle displayed on the screen.
When Leisi sent out Drapion, they too assessed the strengths and weaknesses of Natsuhiko's Togetic, all breaking into a cold sweat for him.
"Natsuhiko's Togetic... has become stronger, hasn't it?" Flint said hesitantly.
"It has." Lance was very certain.
In Hilona's mind flashed the scene of yesterday, with Natsuhiko running out of the villa holding the glowing Togetic.
Did that rich aura of happiness bring about a stronger Togetic?
"However, the power of this Gratitude Technique is really strong." Lance couldn't help but comment.
"Just a bit clumsy." Xiaochun added.
No one disagreed with that.
It seemed to have just been learned.
"So... is Senior Natsuhiko treating the competition as training?" Kona hesitated as she voiced her doubt.
Treating the competition as training?
Helping Togetic adapt to changes?
Everyone fell silent.
As it turned out, Kona was not wrong.
But this seemed to deal quite a blow to the confident Leisi.
...
...
In the stands.
"Ha! What did you just say, Gary Oak? That Togetic would definitely lose to Drapion? Nanami and I won!"
Ash Ketchum taunted Gary Oak while high-fiving Nanami sitting next to him in celebration.
Gary Oak's young face was full of bewilderment.
He couldn't understand why his previous research, which was based on the abilities and strengths of both sides, could be wrong.
Nanami placed her slender hand on Gary Oak's head, "Natsuhiko is really strong."
After Nanami withdrew from the competition, she couldn't enter the participants' backstage anymore.
But that didn't matter because once he knew Nanami had withdrawn, both Gary Oak and Professor Oak found her proactively.
Even though Gary Oak expressed confusion about Nanami's withdrawal, because, in his view, her Chansey's strategy, though annoying, was indeed strong.
Professor Oak, on the other hand, understood her decision because he knew that Nanami wasn't suited to be a Trainer, and he supported her choice.
Gary Oak said he increasingly couldn't understand Natsuhiko.
He had already esteemed Natsuhiko highly, believing that Natsuhiko could achieve victory in this match against Leisi, but in the battle between Togetic and Drapion, he chose Drapion, which had more advantageous attributes and abilities.
Looking at Nanami, "Sister, do you know Natsuhiko well?"
Nanami propped her chin, "I can't say I know him well, but, mm... somewhat."
Flashes of yesterday's sunset came to her mind, where Natsuhiko sincerely spoke of his love for Pokémon, and she couldn't help but smile.
How could someone so enthusiastic about Pokémon be anything but great?
"What do you mean somewhat?" Gary Oak felt speechless.
How much is somewhat?
Professor Oak watched the battlefield, gently rubbing his chin, "Gratitude, Affinity..."
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