The hardships endured under Bewear's hand for that month were not in vain.
Latios swooped down, Eevee jumped high, and the two Pokémon clapped their hands in mid-air.
They seemed quite excited.
"Don't get too happy, I've left a big guy for you," Natsuhiko said with a smile.
The three little ones have made progress.
But these Linoones couldn't fully test their limits; that Obstagoon was the final challenge Natsuhiko set for them.
"Roar!"
"Oss!"
"Buyi!"
Having just defeated so many Linoones, they were now brimming with confidence and fighting spirit.
Oranguru saw that they were finished and knew it was time for the Obstagoon, so it threw a "Postpone" at it and retreated a few steps, making way.
Whoosh—
Monferno moved quickest, "Sonic Fist" rushed with wind, instantly appearing in front of Obstagoon.
At this time, the Obstagoon had long been tortured by Oranguru and was burning with anger; seeing Monferno appear in front of it, it found a target to vent its wrath.
Sharp claws enveloped in pitch-black Dark Energy met Monferno's fist.
Bam!!
Obstagoon retreated one step back, standing firm quickly, but Monferno fell back seven or eight steps before barely standing firm.
Even though it used "Enhanced Fist" to increase its attack power considerably, there was still a gap in strength.
Elite Level versus Gym Leader Level punching head-on, just retreating without being sent flying was already a great result.
"Oss!!"
Latios arrived late, blowing cold air mixed with ice crystal snowflakes, sweeping over Obstagoon.
Frozen Wind!
The cold temperature and snowflakes quickly condensed into ice crystals on Obstagoon, making its muscles stiff and movements sluggish.
"Roar!"
Flames blazed in Monferno's eyes, not disheartened by falling behind in the first attack, it advanced instead of retreating, pressing forward again.
Though Obstagoon's speed was reduced, handling Monferno was still manageable.
This time, it used both claws.
Cross Slash!
"Buyi!!"
The last to arrive, Eevee shook off milky white crystals, which quickly merged into Monferno's charging body, boosting its momentum further, its fists tighter, and muscles expanded.
Help!
After using "Frozen Wind," Latios didn't stop, psychic power emerged in its eyes, falling on Monferno.
A transparent barrier appeared in front of Monferno.
Reflection Wall!
Though deployed slightly slower due to practice, it was still on time.
With the assistance of two Pokémon, Monferno confronted Obstagoon head-on.
However.
Obstagoon exhibited cunning in its eyes, halting Cross Slash midway, arms crossed over its chest, growling angrily.
Block!
Seeing this, a smile appeared on Natsuhiko's face, psychic power shimmering in his eyes.
It walked right into the trap.
Look.
Monferno's seemingly powerful punch rushing in front of Obstagoon merely tapped lightly on its chest.
Then, pivoting on its right foot, its body spun 360 degrees rapidly, standing firm again behind Obstagoon.
Feign Attack!
Obstagoon had outsmarted itself; originally Natsuhiko and Monferno weren't planning to clash head-on with "Cross Slash," but using "Block" played right into their hands.
Having reached Obstagoon's unprotected backside, Monferno unleashed with no reservations.
A round of fierce combo punches brought by "Close Combat," fiercely striking at its waist and abdomen.
Obstagoon couldn't react; Latios's speed reduction from "Frozen Wind" was key at this moment.
But Obstagoon was not one to concede defeat.
While enduring Monferno's attacks.
It waited.
After this round, it would definitely be able to fight again!
When it came around, it would be time for Monferno, exhausted from fierce attacks, to taste pain.
However.
Its calculation was amiss.
"Intelligent Swinging~~"
Oranguru flicked its fan.
Command!
The Monferno which should have stopped maintained its attack.
Though there was a gap in strength, Monferno's "Enhanced Fist" was not for nothing, and Fighting Type's quadruple restraint on Obstagoon was significant.
Two "Close Combats" were already making it unbearable.
At this time.
Understanding Natsuhiko's intent, the shrewd Eevee nodded and added the final straw to break the yak's back.
It used "Imitate" again.
But rather than imitating Monferno's "Close Combat," it imitated... Command!
Double Command!
Triple Close Combat!
Latios didn't forget to add a "Help."
And this.
Obstagoon was indeed beaten severely by Monferno; chaos and random punches overwhelmed its mastery.
Indeed, there was a gap in strength.
But couldn't withstand three successive "Close Combat" assaults.
Bang!!
With Obstagoon knocked over.
Latios caught the leaping Eevee, together they rushed to Monferno, toppling the panting, slightly numb-fisted Monferno to the ground.
The joyous laughter of the three little ones spread across the prairie.
Natsuhiko and Oranguru exchanged glances, showing contented smiles.
Excellent.
The three little ones were now on track, gradually becoming capable of holding their own, like his other mainstay Pokémon.
Naturally, this progress not only made the three little ones happy but also delighted Natsuhiko, the Trainer.
Nevertheless.
The spontaneous command earlier, letting Eevee "Imitate" Oranguru's "Command," seemed to open a new door for Natsuhiko.
Inside that doorway, things were a bit...
Dirty.
————
PS: Thanks to the Void Heart big shot for the generous reward!