"Latios has lost its ability to battle!"
The referee raised the flag representing Natsuhiko's side.
Such an outcome didn't surprise Natsuhiko.
Because in terms of raw strength, Latios indeed wasn't a match for Flint's Shiny Golem.
Moreover, it had no advantage in attributes, the Dragon Type was twice resistant, and the Psychic Type was resisted fourfold.
It was challenging for Latios to cause any substantial damage.
The reason Natsuhiko found Flint's Shiny Golem difficult to deal with was because the resistances of a Pokémon like Metagross were simply outstanding.
Among Natsuhiko's Pokémon, there were indeed few that could inflict effective damage on it.
With one down, Flint had already completed a third of the challenge.
However.
Knowing this outcome, Natsuhiko still sent Latios into the battle because Latios's role remained crucial.
A Pokémon like Metagross excels at Physical Defense, but its Special Defense is not weak either.
But compared to its Physical Defense, its Special Defense is relatively weaker.
So, when there's no Pokémon with a type advantage, targeting the opponent's relatively weaker point is the best choice.
Natsuhiko's strategy was very clear.
Wear down the opponent.
His Pokémon had greater numbers and stronger recovery abilities; whether it was the current Latios or the upcoming Togekiss, both possessed self-healing abilities, whereas Flint's Shiny Golem did not, and that was Natsuhiko's advantage.
The advantage had been established under the efforts of all Pokémon before.
And Latios understood its significance in the battle, which was to create opportunities for its companions.
So, even if it lost, Latios would not feel dejected.
As long as Natsuhiko could eventually win, all its efforts would be worthwhile.
In such comprehensive battles, individual strength of a Pokémon is important, but team strength is even more crucial; otherwise, no matter how outstanding a Pokémon's strength is, taking on six opponents is somewhat unrealistic.
As the second core Pokémon of Natsuhiko's team, Latios knew that the team was greater than the individual.
It could sacrifice for the greater good.
Or rather, any of Natsuhiko's Pokémon could selflessly sacrifice themselves.
"You've done well, Latios."
Natsuhiko softly spoke to the Pokeball in his hand.
Indeed, it had done very well.
Looking over at the Shiny Golem on the opposite side, its originally shiny metallic armor had turned dull, rough, and fragile; this was Latios's accomplishment.
Therefore.
To not let Latios's efforts go to waste, Natsuhiko swiftly completed the Pokémon switch.
Making its reappearance, it was once again Togekiss.
However, this time, Togekiss was there with the purpose of defeating Metagross, not to serve as the middle player for a "Takeover."
Across the field.
Seeing Togekiss enter the battle, Flint's expression was particularly grave.
He too understood Natsuhiko's strategic tactic, using the number of Pokémon to gradually whittle down and take advantage.
But there was nothing he could do.
With only one Pokémon left, he could only choose to believe in Metagross.
As long as he could defeat Togekiss, then Natsuhiko's last remaining Pokémon would surely be Beedrill.
And Beedrill was a Pokémon that excelled in Physical Attack; Metagross's Physical Defense was even stronger, so if it faced Beedrill last, Metagross still had some combat ability and a chance to win!
Therefore.
What he and Metagross had to do now was to quickly defeat Natsuhiko's Togekiss!
The moves had to be swift.
"Metagross, Cannon Light Cannon!"
Flint was the first to take action.
"Togekiss, dodge with Divine Speed, then use Air Slash!"
Natsuhiko's command immediately followed.
As the battle between the two continued, sometimes their commands were almost simultaneous, countering each other's moves, with incredibly fast reaction speeds.
"Togekiss!"
Togekiss rarely looked so serious.
Just as Latios wore down the opponent, Togekiss understood.
So it definitely couldn't let Latios's efforts go in vain.
Suddenly, Togekiss turned into a streak of white light.
Dodging the steel energy-charged beam at an extremely fast pace.
With a swing of its wings, two "Air Slashes" were unleashed in quick succession.
But "Air Slash" was a technique of the Flying Type, doubly resisted by Shiny Golem.
"Metagross, unfold the Superpower!"
Flint was wary of Togekiss's ability to control "Air Slash."
Among their group, there were Natsuhiko and Hilona, both owning Togekiss, and he was very familiar with it.
As a Psychic-type Pokémon, Metagross, compared to other Steel-type Pokémon, had the advantage of psychic aid, giving it better mobility and defense.
Bam!!
The Superpower Barrier successfully withstood one of the "Air Slashes" for a moment, buying a little time to dodge.
Although the other successfully hit the Shiny Golem, it didn't cause it to enter a "Wither" state.
Togekiss couldn't help but pout slightly at this.
Flint secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
But he knew he couldn't continue like this, as it was too nerve-wracking for him.
So as thoughts constantly churned in his mind, he instantly made a judgment, made a decision.
Raising his arm.
The "Z Bracelet" on his wrist shone with the light of the "Steel Z."
Elegant movements, a composed expression.
Watching Flint's every move, Natsuhiko's expression turned solemn.
But his heart was very calm.
Because this result was within his plan.
The idea was to let Latios create opportunities for Togekiss, then let Togekiss pressure Flint, with the purpose of forcing Flint to use his last card.