Flint's words were exactly what he wanted to say.
But when they reached his throat, he was completely choked and couldn't speak.
So, the new attribute has such characteristics?
No wonder Natsuhiko said he'd show it at the arena during breakfast.
Lance suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
He had a premonition.
Why does it seem like Natsuhiko's silence was meant to catch him unprepared?
After all.
Looking at the current top thirty-two, aside from himself, who else among the top sixteen focuses on Dragon-type Pokémon?
Kona wasn't really affected; she was just thinking about using Ice-type techniques against Dragons.
Flint wasn't affected either; his Steel and Rock-type Pokémon wouldn't be heavily impacted.
As for Hilona, though her Garchomp is also restrained.
But don't forget, Hilona also has a Togekiss, which can counter Dragons.
Lance really had the feeling that there were always schemers plotting against him.
And now.
It wasn't just the arena that was abuzz, but also the internet and major factions receiving the news.
Including the Alliance itself.
It's said that roars were heard in the Alliance Headquarters building that day... "What are you standing there for?! Quickly get in touch with Natsuhiko!"
But unfortunately.
Natsuhiko had already turned off his phone, completely disconnecting from the outside world.
"Kingdra cannot continue fighting, Togekiss wins! Contestant Shimi only has one Pokémon left!"
The host's professionalism was still commendable.
Even though Natsuhiko and Togekiss's numerous actions shattered his proud expertise, life goes on, work continues.
Shimi withdrew Kingdra and looked at Natsuhiko.
He was gradually understanding.
With a helpless bitter smile, he said, "So this is the so-called new attribute? Natsuhiko is proving its existence through his actions..."
It's a pity he was innocently implicated and caught in the storm.
Summoning his last Pokémon.
It's also one that Natsuhiko is quite familiar with.
Barbaracle!
A Water and Rock-type Pokémon.
He once had a Barbaracle from Hoshino Ryuzi but never had the opportunity or the courage to sell it, so it gathered dust at home.
Attribute-wise, Barbaracle has an advantage over Togekiss.
However, Shimi had lost five Pokémon while Natsuhiko only lost one; even a fool could see the outcome was decided.
Nonetheless, the attention and excitement didn't decrease in the slightest.
In fact, interest was still climbing.
Because they wanted to see if Togekiss would reveal something new against Shimi's Barbaracle.
Thus, both the live audience and viewers at their computers or TVs didn't dare to blink, fearful of missing a crucial moment.
Perhaps...
This wasn't just about countering Dragon-type techniques; maybe it was a special strategy conceived by Mr. Natsuhiko, the "Tactical Master"?
They just didn't know it.
Yes, yes.
It's possible!
However.
Everyone's eyes grew sore, tears almost falling.
Yet, they didn't see Togekiss face "Dragon's Fluctuation" or "Meteor Shower" with calm and composure.
Shimi's Barbaracle wasn't weak.
It posed quite a challenge for Togekiss.
Fortunately, relying on Togekiss's "invincible" attribute in one-on-one battles, Barbaracle was eventually defeated amid intermittent control.
From start to finish, the scene the audience "anticipated" never came.
Against Water and Rock-type techniques, Togekiss couldn't disregard them.
Was it really just aimed at Dragons?
Boom!!
Barbaracle's fall woke the audience from their "absurd" thoughts.
"Barbaracle is unable to battle! Togekiss wins! So, the one who wins and advances to the top sixteen is Contestant Natsuhiko!!!"
Rumble!!
The entire place erupted in cheers.
However.
This time, within the cheers, there was a trace of doubt, a bit of confusion.
Natsuhiko ignored these voices, called back Togekiss, and smilingly tidied its slightly ruffled feathers, "So, did you make a splash?"
"Togekiss~~"
Togekiss stuck out its tongue, affectionately rubbing against Natsuhiko's cheek.
Being able to fully display its Fairy attribute talents for the first time made Togekiss very happy.
In its view.
Its Fairy attribute wasn't just inherent.
A long time ago, Natsuhiko found ways to boost its Fairy attribute talents.
Togekiss remembered all of this very well.
Shimi put away Barbaracle and walked towards Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko patted Togekiss again and, without recalling it, walked towards Shimi.
The two shook hands in the middle of the shattered arena.
"Natsuhiko, your full strength..." Shimi said with a helpless smile, "is too strong."
Natsuhiko adjusted his hat.
To be honest.
He harbored no grudge against Shimi, so he felt a bit guilty towards him.
Beedrill taking down four in a row and Togekiss disregarding "Dragon's Fluctuation" and "Meteor Shower" made Shimi a mere backdrop.
In the future, whenever the origin of the Fairy attribute is mentioned, Shimi as the backdrop will more or less be brought up.
He leaves his mark in the history of the Pokémon Realm in a rather peculiar way.
"Mainly because you're too strong, Shimi, I didn't dare hold back." Natsuhiko said with a bit of flattery.