This is Natsuhiko's first time attending an auction, which seems to be a rather high-end gathering.
After entering the private box, he summoned Yujira.
"Yujira."
With just a call, Yujira understood his meaning.
Its eyes emitted a blue glow as its psychic abilities expanded, enveloping the entire room.
Soon enough.
Yujira retracted its psychic abilities and held up three fingers towards Natsuhiko.
"Looks like there are quite a few surveillance and listening devices."
"Yongji?"
"Let's interfere a bit, after all, this is someone else's domain, outright damaging their things wouldn't be too gentlemanly either," Natsuhiko said casually.
"Yongji." Yujira nodded.
After Yujira dealt with the surveillance and listening devices in the box, Natsuhiko sat on the sofa in the center.
In front of him was a massive floor-to-ceiling window that almost allowed him to see most of the auction hall, with the best view being of the platform at the front.
In the dim auction hall, the best-lit spot was there.
He picked up the fruit plate beside him, lifted the mask, pulled down the hood, and stuffed some into his mouth.
At the same time, he tossed out the Pokeball again to release Beedrill and Togetic.
This was their first time seeing such a scene, and they appeared very curious.
Especially Togetic, who lay directly against the giant floor-to-ceiling window, its curious little eyes constantly darting around.
"Chakoyee!"
'Big Fox, look quickly, this is fun!'
Thanks to Yujira's "persuasion," Togetic finally changed its "nickname" from "Old Fox" to "Big Fox."
To this, Yujira reluctantly accepted this "nickname."
After all, it had only been born less than a year, and the term "Old Fox" was indeed too much.
While the auction hadn't begun, Natsuhiko beckoned to Togetic.
"Togetic, Beedrill learned 'High-speed Movement' from Jirachi, Yujira learned 'Future Sight,' what did you learn?" Natsuhiko asked.
He had been curious before.
Beedrill and Yujira had both gained impressive abilities, but Togetic hadn't shown anything.
He suspected it was likely a Psychic-type technique, but Togetic could learn many Psychic-type techniques, so he wasn't sure which one it was.
"Chakoyee?" Togetic flapped its wings and came before him, asking seriously.
'Are you sure you want to see?'
So serious?
It was rare to see such a serious expression on Togetic's face.
'Could it be it learned some incredible big move?' Natsuhiko couldn't help fantasizing.
Back then, Togetic was the first to hear Jirachi's song and had the most direct perception of Jirachi; when it heard Jirachi might die, it couldn't help but tear up.
It indicated that Togetic was likely the most pure-hearted among the Pokémon and probably had the best relationship with Jirachi.
"Let's see." Natsuhiko watched with some expectation.
"Chakoyee."
'Alright.'
Then, Togetic looked very solemn.
But slowly.....
Its eye corners suddenly welled up with tears.
Don't overthink it.
It's not about to cry, but with its movement...
It let out a long yawn, then swayed down from mid-air, landing on Natsuhiko's knee.
It slightly adjusted its body, finding a comfortable position.
And fell asleep.
Natsuhiko: "..."
Only to see a gentle glow ripple over Togetic's body, rapidly restoring its fatigue.
Psychic-type technique, sleeping.
But this is...
Natsuhiko looked towards Beedrill to verify, and Beedrill silently nodded to him.
Then he looked at Yujira.
Yujira covered its face and slowly turned its head, avoiding eye contact with Natsuhiko; its expression was a bit speechless, but its whiskers twitched, indicating its inner thoughts.
"...Alright." Natsuhiko gave up.
Why did he have such high expectations for Togetic?
Yawn + sleep = you sleep, I sleep, everyone sleeps?
"Hehe — this is truly.... fitting for Togetic's style." Natsuhiko pulled at his mouth corner, trying to comfort himself.
However.
Togetic's demonstration wasn't over.
An invisible energy floated from its body, swaying over to Yujira; although it didn't manage to cause harm to Yujira because it was asleep and not paying attention, Yujira's expression stiffened, entering a "Wither" state!
"This is..." Natsuhiko's eyes lit up.
Without triggering the Sharp Fang effect, yet Yujira withered...
Natsuhiko's mind flashed through all the techniques Togetic might have learned, finally locking on to one.
"Divine Power!"
Divine Power: Releases an invisible magical force for attacking, with a certain chance to cause the enemy to wither.
"But isn't 'Divine Power' a technique Togetic can only obtain through heredity?" Natsuhiko found himself puzzled.
A crucial part of judging a Pokémon's talent is based on its inherited techniques.
Moreover, through inherited techniques, one can partially deduce a Pokémon's parentage.
However, inherited techniques are something a Pokémon is born with, and cannot be altered.
"Then there are only two possibilities."
Natsuhiko murmured to himself.
"Either Togetic had inherited this technique but couldn't use it due to some reason, and Jirachi helped uncover it."
"Or...."
If it's the first, it's understandable, but if it's the second, then Jirachi's wish-granting ability is truly remarkable.
"Either through Jirachi's unique wish ability, it granted Togetic this technique. If so, I start to understand why so many people are passionate about seeking it."
But either way.
Togetic learning the Divine Power technique greatly enhances its control abilities.
Firstly is the Wither additional effect from the Divine Power technique, and then the additional effect from Sharp Fang, coupled with Togetic's Celestial Grace trait, which doubles the chance of additional effects occurring.
And the invisible method of attack from the Divine Power technique...
In the future.
Please call Togetic: The Unrelenting Control Machine, Teacher Poke!
After a while.
Togetic slowly awakened, rubbing its eyes and looking towards Natsuhiko.
"Great job, Togetic." Natsuhiko said, satisfied as he rubbed its head.
"Chakoyee?"
'Huh?'
It just took a nap, how did it do a great job?
Instinctively it turned to look at Yujira, only to meet Yujira's slightly resentful eyes.
"Chakoyee?" Togetic shrunk its neck.
'What's wrong with Big Fox?'
Natsuhiko offered no explanation, just smiling as he tossed it towards Yujira.
Amidst a chorus of surprised cries, Togetic landed in Yujira's arms.
Which greeted it...
"Chakoyee! Chakoyee!"
Togetic's pleas for mercy echoed continuously.
Yujira uses its Itch technique, combined with psychic powers, leaving no part unchecked, allowing one to truly experience what's called the ultimate "joy" of being tickled.
Meanwhile, Natsuhiko just squintingly stared at the auction hall.
Several staff members had already wheeled a cage covered in black cloth onto the stage.
The auction.
Had begun!