Moreover, although Drado has more combat experience than his sister Calita, he still falls short before Natsuhiko and his Pokémon.
Natsuhiko didn't give him a moment to think.
Alakazam's spoons crossed, dark energy converged instantly, as Shadow Ball was thrown when it symbolized the bird helping Reuniclus against Beedrill.
Boom!!
The symbol bird was struck on its back, staggering.
Bzz—
The remaining single symbol bird posed no threat to Beedrill and Alakazam.
Golden arcs accompanied by scattered electromagnetism as Beedrill swept past at the moment of the symbol bird's fall.
Boom—!!
Alakazam used "Instant Movement" to appear beside the symbol bird, placing the spoon almost at zero distance to its body.
"Shadow Ball" strikes again!
In successive attacks.
Though it didn't result in an instant defeat, it was enough to defeat the symbol bird.
With the fall of the symbol bird, Drado barely snapped back to his senses.
His face was full of disbelief.
Is this the strength of Natsuhiko, the "Tactical Master" and runner-up of the "Lily Youth Competition"?
He thought even if there was a gap in strength, there would be some chance to bridge it.
He didn't expect it to be a one-sided beating from start to finish.
With almost no ability to fight back.
Actually, he didn't consider.
Facing one-on-one might have given him a chance to contend.
But in a two-on-two…
Given Natsuhiko's emphasis on tactical core, the Pokémon's coordination, and the vast differences in tactical understanding and battle philosophy.
Moreover, a single Pokémon already had the advantage.
Combining tactical advantage further amplified it.
Drado clenched his fists, gritting his teeth.
Though he lost.
But he wasn't ready to give up.
He lost, not the "Earth People," nor his persistence.
Beedrill and Alakazam returned to Natsuhiko's side.
Natsuhiko merely glanced at the stubborn Drado without speaking.
Some people, once convinced they're right in their hearts, no amount of words from others will make a difference.
Bzz—
But.
As their battle ended, the surrounding Void Space began to change again.
A stone identical to the "Dark Stone," but purely white in color, slowly rose from below, appearing before Natsuhiko.
And all of his Pokémon disappeared, whether Beedrill, Alakazam, or Victini.
The lustrous orb shimmered gently, brushing past Natsuhiko's face, like the warm spring breeze.
Natsuhiko's eyes concentrated, surveying the void around him, gradually understanding.
"Spirit World?"
Having seen many Divine Beast alternate spaces, the Spirit World was indeed a first.
Slowly raising his head.
To see the mixed white orb shatter like diamond dust, transforming into sparkling particles that slowly formed an outline of a snow-white dragon—
Blue-Eyes White Dragon!
Spit!
Reshiram!
Its entire body covered in soft white feathers, gigantic wings stretching out, hair like clouds floating behind its head, the special structure of its tail resembling an igniting torch of a jet.
The bright azure eyes gazed slightly downward, the silver ring around its neck standing out prominently.
At the first sight.
"So this is the White Dragon Reshiram." Natsuhiko silently admired.
In terms of appearance, big brother Reshiram outshines the younger brother Zekrom vastly.
[Thank you for your compliment.]
The voice was gentle and calm, indistinguishable in gender.
Natsuhiko slightly bowed, expressing his respect.
The existence of Divine Beast cannot be measured with ordinary Pokémon perspectives; their wisdom rivals and even surpasses that of humans.
[I sense the presence of Zekrom on you.]
Natsuhiko nodded, calmly saying:
"Yes, by chance I acquired the 'Dark Stone,' but I have not received Zekrom's recognition, and the 'Dark Stone' remains dormant."
[And Rayquaza.]
Upon hearing, Natsuhiko raised an eyebrow.
"That… I have a good relationship with Rayquaza..."
[As well as Groudon and Regigigas.]
While Reshiram's tone was very gentle, showing no hostility or even unfriendly intent, being pointed out like that could be a bit embarrassing.
"Uh…"
[And the Otherworld's Na…]
Natsuhiko: "..."
Are you doing a background check?
Must you name them one by one?
"Ahem, Reshiram, you didn't find me just to discuss these, right?"
Reshiram blinked twice, gradually realizing.
Indeed.
What does those Pokémon have to do with it?
[Yes.]
Then, with one standing tall and one low, a man and a Pokémon stared at each other.
And then?... Natsuhiko couldn't help but wonder.
Why the stalemate?
Reshiram somewhat resembled Natsuhiko's good friend Kona, with a sudden lapse of mind.
After a while, Reshiram finally snapped back to reality.
[Sorry, I just noticed something else.]
Reshiram didn't exhibit the arrogance typical of other Dragon Race Divine Beast.
It even proactively expressed apologies to Natsuhiko.
Rayquaza the Polite: You mean me?
Natsuhiko nodded, pondering a bit with bowed head before asking: "Is it… Kyurem?"
Such a being that can make Reshiram lose focus, Zekrom was in his backpack, presumably Kyurem?
Reshiram nodded.
[I sensed its anger, extraordinary anger.]
Natsuhiko pressed his lips together.
As expected.
The Plasma Team and Colress have already acted against Kyurem.
Moreover, judging from Reshiram's reaction, Kyurem is probably not controlled, but just like Thundurus, filled with rage.