Summon the Pokémon once again.
Karin was noticeably more serious than before, and this time, what she summoned was...
"Shana!"
A Pokémon with green hair, dressed in a pure white ballroom gown, elegant and dignified, perfectly reflecting Karin's own grace.
Gardevoir!
A true "Queen" aura radiated from her entire being.
This Gardevoir is one of Karin's ace Pokémon and her Initial Pokémon. Because Gardevoir has a nickname, known as the "Superpower Empress," Karin has also earned the title of "Queen." The host's previous reference to her as the "Movie Queen" originates from this.
Speaking of Gardevoir, many Pokémon enthusiasts might smile—a peculiar smile.
Who could resist a Gardevoir, right?
Ahem.
Returning to the main topic.
"Togekiss!"
And what Natsuhiko summoned was the recently evolved... Togekiss!
Togekiss's appearance undoubtedly caused a massive commotion in the arena.
"What kind of Pokémon is that?!"
"Wow, it's so cute!"
"It kind of looks like Togetic, both in color and the red and blue triangular patterns on its body."
"Togetic? Can Togetic evolve further?"
"Could it be that Natsuhiko's Togetic has evolved into this?"
"..."
For a moment, the impact of Togekiss's appearance even overshadowed the audience's focus on the battle.
Even Professor Oak, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, masking his identity, jumped up from his chair.
He excitedly watched Togekiss.
He could hardly resist rushing over to observe Togekiss immediately; it's his professional instinct.
However, Professor Oak's sudden behavior also caught the attention of some nearby audience members.
Soon, his identity was recognized and quickly spread throughout the venue.
Before long, the entire arena was aware that Professor Oak had also come to the battle.
The photographer responsible for the live broadcast even directed the camera at Professor Oak, making him appear on the big screen.
Professor Oak, the undisputed authority in the Pokémon Research Community!
If even he's so excited, doesn't that mean this Pokémon is...?
In the corner reserved for the Elite Four, Agatha, who was initially amazed by Natsuhiko's Togekiss, saw Professor Oak on the big screen, and her expression darkened.
The other Elite Four members, noticing Agatha's change in expression, could only exchange wry smiles.
Only Hoshino Ryuzi showed a subtle, playful smile.
No matter how big the commotion on-site was, they had to wait for the battle to end to get some information from Natsuhiko.
The battle must continue.
However, upon seeing Togekiss, Karin was slightly at a loss.
Though her heart was instantly captured by the adorable, pudgy Togekiss, she was genuinely confused about the impending battle.
How does one fight an unfamiliar Pokémon?
It's not that she couldn't continue the battle, but... her Gardevoir's trait is "Copy."
The "Copy" trait allows her Pokémon to replicate the opposing Pokémon's trait upon entry.
But now.
Gardevoir had copied Togekiss's trait.
However.
What is Togekiss's trait?
She had no idea!
A Pokémon with the "Copy" trait requires the Trainer to have extensive knowledge of various Pokémon traits, allowing them to devise strategies to suppress their opponents based on those traits.
Simply put, the "Copy" trait lets the Trainer rely on their knowledge reserve to overwhelm their opponent's knowledge reserve and secure victory.
But now...
Karin was a bit bewildered.
Gardevoir also seemed a bit bewildered.
It can be said that the presence of Natsuhiko and Togekiss really countered Karin, even more so than any elemental advantage.
Nevertheless, Karin's professional battle skills prevailed, preventing her from becoming as helpless as freshly initiated Trainers; she quickly regained her composure.
On the other side.
Making its debut, Togekiss was particularly excited, constantly waving its wings at the cheering audience.
Evidently, Natsuhiko's judgment was correct; Togekiss thoroughly enjoyed being in the spotlight.
"Togekiss, it's time for the battle," Natsuhiko gently cleared his throat, reminding it.
"Togekiss!"
Upon hearing this, Togekiss quickly adjusted its stance, looking confidently at the opposing Gardevoir.
Blinking its eyes, with a slight curl in its mouth, combined with its round, adorable body, it immediately elicited enthusiastic cheers from the female audience members.
Soon, the stir caused by Togekiss's appearance shifted as the battle commenced.
"Gardevoir, use Future Sight!"
No matter what Togekiss's trait is or what the Pokémon's characteristics are, Karin followed her initial tactical plan.
"Shana!"
With that.
A massive aura of psychic energy surged from Gardevoir, as a faint pink light appeared in her eyes, locking onto Togekiss in the sky. The psychic energy followed her gaze, sweeping towards Togekiss.
Both Natsuhiko and Togekiss are familiar with the "Future Sight" technique.
There isn't a highly effective countermeasure for it.
However, no countermeasure is needed.
We are now on a "plane," no longer in that stage where we have to bet on a small chance of control.
