Natsuhiko's Flareon has the "Ignition" trait.
Natsuhiko had already gained some understanding of this when he watched the battle videos and materials about Da Ye beforehand.
A Flareon with the "Ignition" trait would be a trump card in a Fire Type internal battle, but against Beedrill, to be honest, this trait wouldn't be of much use.
Another trait of Flareon is "Perseverance," where its attack power greatly increases when in an abnormal state.
If paired with a "Highly Poisonous Treasure Pearl," it can lead to a terrifying increase in Flareon's immediate explosive power, acting as a tactical endpoint in a "Takeover" strategy. If paired well, it can become the core existence of a team.
One should be grateful that Da Ye's Flareon doesn't have the "Perseverance" trait, otherwise, the Insect-type Beedrill would be extremely difficult to fight.
Although it's already quite difficult now.
With attribute restraints and strength suppression, even with the support of the "Deadly Needle Stab," there's still quite a gap.
This round.
It's probably going to be Da Ye's victory.
This is almost everyone's thought.
Even those with great confidence in Natsuhiko believe that the key to Beedrill fighting Flareon is not to defeat it, but rather to see how much damage output it can create to give the next Pokémon a bigger advantage.
Even.
Natsuhiko himself, at first, had such a tactical arrangement.
However.
This tactical arrangement was overturned during Natsuhiko's pre-battle communication with Beedrill.
Beedrill did not show any confusion and fully supported Natsuhiko's tactical arrangement.
It was willing to shoulder the biggest responsibility for the team and make sacrifices when necessary.
But from the depths of Beedrill's eyes, Natsuhiko saw a subtle, well-concealed trace of reluctance.
Which Pokémon does Natsuhiko know the best?
Not the Togetic who is closest to Natsuhiko, nor the Alakazam he raised himself, nor the Doublade who shares his personality, let alone the newly joined Chimchar.
It is the Beedrill that has been with him from the beginning, going through the toughest times, always working hard without complaint.
Natsuhiko understands Beedrill's character the best.
Although it never said anything.
Since Yujira evolved into Alakazam and reached Gym Leader Level, Beedrill's focus during training, attitude towards battles, expectations of itself, and even its solitary extra training, everything was observed by Natsuhiko.
Just as Beedrill was willing to grow with him from a weak state.
Now Natsuhiko.
Is also willing to go crazy with Beedrill this time.
Even if.
It might lose the match.
But compared to the match, Beedrill is more important.
Besides, Agatha is there to cover them.
So.
"Show your true self, Beedrill," Natsuhiko murmured lowly.
Although he didn't show it, nor did his expression change, Da Ye on the other side felt the flame in Natsuhiko's heart gradually burning stronger.
"I take back what I said before, Natsuhiko."
"Hmm?"
Da Ye grinned, clenching his fists and said with a smile, "You still... have quite the passion!"
He could sense the change in Natsuhiko's mindset.
The battle was about to ignite.
"Beedrill, Sword Dance!"
"Sssssss!!"
To clash with the Gym Leader Level Flareon, Beedrill must ensure it has enough aggressiveness.
Simply put, it needs to at least ensure its attacks pose enough threat to Flareon!
Beedrill is now very excited, it does not want to see Natsuhiko show a disappointed expression.
So...
Buzz——
A tremendously dominant aura surged from Beedrill's body, wrapped in layers of "Sword Dance" aura, giving Beedrill an added sense of dominance.
...
"Oh? 'Leader's Aura'? How could this Beedrill, a Trainer's Pokémon, have that?"
In the box, several Elite Four members watching the match naturally noticed the change in Beedrill.
"Though a bit unconventional, Pokémon are not to be measured by common sense, right?" Genji said with a smile.
"These two young ones, they're both getting fired up," said Adick, sitting up straight, giving serious attention to the match for the first time.
Agatha lifted the corners of her mouth, thinking she still might not know Natsuhiko well enough.
Most of the time, he acts very rationally.
But sometimes he makes choices that surprise people.
Just like when Natsuhiko once commanded her Haunter to ambush an Elite Trainer Level Trainer, helping her turn the tide of the battle to some extent.
The choice might seem unfathomable to others, but Agatha believed Natsuhiko must have had considerable assurance.
It's just that this assurance seems puzzling to others.
Natsuhiko: ???
...
"When it comes to passion, how could we ever lose! Flareon, Flashing Flame Charge!"
Da Ye commanded passionately.
"Bzzzz!!"
Without any hesitation, Flareon charged with all its might, instantly enveloped in a crimson golden flame.
Wherever it passed, it left deep black scorch marks on the ground.
After all, Flareon was the Pokémon brought on the field later, and although Beedrill had finished its "Sword Dance" boost, there was still some time to react.
Buzz——
Beedrill's body trembled slightly, and illusions identical to it appeared around its body.
Shadow Clone!
Supporting Beedrill to counter Flareon, but not recklessly charging forward.
However.
Flareon's sense of smell was very keen, and after only a moment's hesitation, it found the real position of Beedrill.
Natsuhiko narrowed his eyes.
Since it couldn't be avoided, they could only counter-charge.
"Direct Charge Drill!"
"Bzzz!"
Beedrill took a deep breath and instinctively used "Qi Gathering," concentrating intensely with long needles raised, surrounded by a thick earthy yellow energy.
Facing the close Flareon, it charged forward without hesitation.
The Ground-type technique "Direct Charge Drill" was Beedrill's best move against Flareon.
The next moment.
Beedrill, enveloped in earthy yellow energy, collided for the first time with Flareon, covered in a crimson golden flame.
Boom!!!
A violent roar echoed throughout the arena, the impact and collision's powerful force kicked up a large amount of dust.
Spectators didn't wait long to see Beedrill's form fly out from the dust, while Flareon slowly emerged, shaking its head, unclear whether Beedrill's Direct Charge Drill had caused damage, or if the recoil from "Flashing Flame Charge" had brought about a brief daze, preventing it from pursuing Beedrill.
But it was clear to all observers that in this clash, Flareon had the clear upper hand.
Beedrill, looking rather battered, flew in front of Natsuhiko, its chest heaving heavily, with visible scorch marks and significant injuries.
Natsuhiko looked at it.
Although Beedrill was injured.
Its gaze remained unchanged.
More importantly, the "Leader's Aura" on its body became even more active.
And with it.
The energy throughout Beedrill's body surged even more.
At this moment.
Natsuhiko suddenly realized.
Beedrill was really only a step away from Gym Leader level.
This might be a trial for it, but it's also an opportunity!
An opportunity Beedrill had waited for a long time.
If it were any other Pokémon, Natsuhiko might not see it as an opportunity, but Beedrill is different.
Beedrill had experienced Gym Leader level strength through Mega Evolution long ago.
In other words, of Natsuhiko's Pokémon, Beedrill was actually the first to "experience" Gym Leader level strength.
Natsuhiko and Beedrill's understanding of each other was undoubtedly high.
So what he thought was the same as what Beedrill thought at this moment!
Beedrill turned back, nodding slightly towards Natsuhiko.
"Bzzz!"
"Then let's give it our all and see who falls first or who evolves first." Natsuhiko slightly raised the corner of his mouth.
With fiery flames forging this piece of iron, see if it turns into steel through rigorous tempering or collapses and breaks.
Everything depended on whether Beedrill could endure it.
"Bzzz!"
Beedrill had no reason to refuse.
"Go, Direct Charge Drill!"
If it's a direct charge, then who's afraid of whom!
——————
Thanks to the great support from the Alliance Leader! Thanks to Fanyuan Qiuyou for the generous reward! Thank you for your support!
I know everyone wants to read it all in one go, but since I have a child at home at this time, I'll do my best to finish writing this battle today, though I don't know if I can make it in time.
Anyway, I'll post it as soon as it's done, latest by midnight!
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