Galar Region.
Wyndon.
Wyndon Stadium.
Normally, Wyndon Stadium was only open to the public during special events, but with the undefeated champion of Galar, Leon, leading Hayashi and the others inside, they passed through without any trouble.
Sabrina sat in the spectator stands, watching enviously as Hayashi and Erina stood in the arena, and muttered, "Ugh, I really wanna try Gigantamaxing too—"
Yes, the attempt at Gigantamaxing!
Since Rookidee and Hatenna haven't evolved to their final forms yet, Hayashi only prepared three G-Max Soups—the first was made by him alone, while the latter two were prepared by Erina! These three G-Max Soups were consumed by Hayashi's Gengar, Erina's Pikachu, and Alcremie respectively!
In other words, these three Pokémon have technically qualified for Gigantamaxing, but whether they can actually achieve it depends on the bond between trainer and Pokémon.
Leon stood at the center of the arena with his arms crossed, smiling as he looked at Hayashi and Erina. "Who wants to try first?" he asked.
Hayashi glanced at the nervous Erina beside him, then raised his right hand with a grin. "I'll go first! Gengar and I have already tried Mega Evolution, so Gigantamaxing shouldn't be too difficult."
"Gheh heh heh!"
Gengar proudly rubbed its nose with its right hand before placing both hands on its hips and puffing out its chest beside Hayashi.
That's right! Me and boss are connected by an unbreakable bond!
Leon's lips curled into a smile. "Mega Evolution, huh? Seems Gengar trusts you a lot!"
As the long-reigning champion of top-tier competitions, Leon specialized in Galar's unique Dynamax battles, but that didn't mean he was ignorant about Mega Evolution. On the contrary, Leon had spent considerable time studying Mega Evolution and understood perfectly well that its primary requirement was perfect synchronization between trainer and Pokémon.
"Alright, let's give it a try then—"
Seizing the momentum, Hayashi immediately raised his right hand and called out to Gengar: "Gengar, return!"
"Gahahaha!"
With a flash of red light, Gengar was recalled into its Poké Ball, while Hayashi struck a pose with his right hand raised high and declared loudly, "When the gathered stars become one, a new bond shall illuminate the future! Become the path that shines its light upon the world! Gengar, Gigantamax!"
An invisible energy surged into the Dynamax Band on Hayashi's wrist, then transferred to Gengar's Poké Ball! In the next moment, under everyone's astonished gazes, the ball rapidly expanded to the size of a basketball, transforming into a white Gigantamax Poké Ball.
"Go—"
Hayashi hurled the enlarged ball forward with all his might.
"Boom—"
Amidst a crimson glow, a towering Gigantamax Gengar over 20 meters tall materialized in the arena—much like its Mega Evolution form, only its upper body was visible above ground. The key difference was that Gigantamax Gengar's mouth gaped extraordinarily wide, its slender tongue lolling out while its stubby arms flailed at its sides.
Though truth be told, it was more adorable than intimidating.
"Gaaa—hahaha—"
Its voice had deepened considerably after Gigantamaxing.
Whoaaa, I'm so huge now! This is amazing!
Sabrina, Erina, and Hisako stood frozen in shock nearby.
Hisako's jaw dropped. "Th-this is Gigantamaxing?"
Sabrina looked equally awestruck. "The size increase is ridiculous—it's grown at least tenfold—"
Clutching Pikachu tightly to her chest, Erina gazed intently at the colossal Gengar and murmured, "Pikachu... could we achieve something like this too?"
"Pika!"
Pikachu's face lit up with eager determination as she waved her tiny paws emphatically.
Don't worry, Master! We'll definitely succeed too!
"Clap clap clap—"
Leon began applauding with a warm smile. "Succeeding at Gigantamaxing on your first attempt—Hayashi, you've done exceptionally well!"
"You flatter me—"
Hayashi scratched his head sheepishly, grinning. "Well, it's not like this is Gengar's and my first rodeo!"
"Gahaha!"
Gengar playfully licked Hayashi with its tongue—though this time carefully avoiding using any moves, lest it accidentally knock him out again!
"Alright, Gengar—" Having experienced Gigantamaxing now, Hayashi said, "Time to revert! It's Erina and Pikachu's turn to try!"
"Gaha!"
Drawing upon its experience with Mega Evolution, Gengar swiftly calmed its battle-hungry spirit and "poofed" back into its usual roly-poly purple form.
"Gaha gaha!"
It floated over to Pikachu, gesturing animatedly as it imparted wisdom to its junior (or senior?).
"Pika pika!"
Pikachu nodded solemnly. Had someone given the yellow mouse some paper and a pen, she'd have diligently taken notes on Gengar-senpai's invaluable advi—ahem, experience.
After sharing all pertinent knowledge, Gengar gave Pikachu an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
You got this, little sis!
"Pika!"
Pikachu nodded vigorously, her face brimming with fighting spirit as she leaped out of Erina's arms and landed on the grass, turning back with a cool pose.
"Pika pi!"
Let's begin, Master!
Erina gave a slight nod and raised her right hand, gently tossing Pikachu's Poké Ball as she declared, "Now it's our turn—"
The Poké Ball recalled Pikachu before landing securely in Erina's palm.
"—Pikachu, Gigantamax!"
Expand, and expand further!
In just a second, the Poké Ball in Erina's hand swelled to the size of a basketball, held firmly aloft.
"Go!"
The Poké Ball was thrown, and amidst a red glow, a Pikachu enveloped in purple light appeared... struggling...
"Pi... pika..."
Pikachu's voice sounded strained, as if she were running with a heavy burden.
Leon watched the purple-tinged Pikachu with a serious expression, carefully observing the changes in her form.
After a few seconds, Pikachu's body seemed to have grown slightly, but the purple light around her flickered more intensely, clearly nearing its limit.
"Failure."
Leon murmured softly.
"Pikachu couldn't properly absorb the Dynamax energy, falling just short of Gigantamax."
His expression was regretful as he pinched his thumb and forefinger together. "It was so close! In percentage terms, she was at least 95% there!"
Cradling the exhausted Pikachu in her arms, Erina shook her head gently. "Whether it's 10%, 95%, or 99%, anything less than 100% is still a failure."
"Pika—"
Pikachu looked up at Erina with shame.
I'm sorry, it's all because I'm too weak.
"No, Pikachu—" Erina stroked Pikachu's cheek with her left hand. "It's not your fault! It's because I'm still an inexperienced Trainer."
"Don't lose heart," Hayashi said, wrapping his arms around Erina from behind. "You two have already achieved so much on your first try! Just ask Leon."
"Hayashi's right!" Leon nodded emphatically, his face breaking into an enthusiastic grin. "To be honest, when Charizard and I first attempted Gigantamax, we didn't even make it halfway to your progress."
"Grrr!"
Charizard nodded solemnly, as if backing up Leon's words.
Erina smiled faintly. "Alright, I'm not that fragile! I'm just a little frustrated, that's all. Pikachu and I will keep trying!"
"Pika!"
Seeing her Trainer's renewed determination, Pikachu perked up, flashing an adorable smile.
"But—" Hayashi chimed in mischievously, "Erina dear, maybe next time you should try with Alcremie! If you succeed in Gigantamaxing with her..."
Though he left the sentence unfinished, the meaningful glance he shot at Pikachu was enough to make the yellow rodent break out in a cold sweat.
"Pi, pika—"
Pikachu broke out in a cold sweat on the spot. She hurriedly turned her head and flailed her arms while explaining to Erina: Master, don't listen to his nonsense! He's got wicked intentions! I'm a good citizen, I'm one of the good guys!
Erina couldn't help but chuckle as she rubbed Pikachu's head, saying, "Don't worry, Pikachu! He's just joking."
"Pika—"
Tears welled up in Pikachu's eyes as she raised her right paw and shouted passionately: I want to be Erina's loyal dog!
...
...
Over the following period—
Sabrina took charge of training all the little ones. Aside from her own Rookidee and Hatenna, there were also Erina's Pikachu and Klahh, Hisako's Pinocchio, and Hayashi's Rookidee and Arcanine. In exchange, Erina would handle the Pokéblocks for Sabrina's Pokémon.
Erina and Pikachu, along with Alcremie's Gigantamax training, finally broke through the bottleneck on the tenth day, achieving their first successful Gigantamax. The sight of the gigantic Pikachu drew cheers from both Erina and Hisako.
Hisako, meanwhile, provided meticulous logistical support for the team with Florges, Miltank, and Indeedee, handling fatigue relief, injury recovery, and nutritional supplementation.
Finally, after half a month of intensive training, the group bid farewell to the Galar region and returned to Pallet Town in Kanto.
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