"How is it? Do you think the opponent was weak?"
Natsuhiko didn't immediately collect the spoils but left the task to Yujira while he looked at Honedge.
After successfully finishing off the opponent with the final pursuit move, Honedge had already returned its sword to its sheath and was standing there lost in thought.
From Natsuhiko's perspective, through this battle, Honedge should have gained a preliminary understanding of its own strength.
Honedge looked at Natsuhiko walking over and, after pondering for a long time, silently nodded.
'Indeed very weak, but I was almost defeated. I'm really not strong; I need to work harder!'
Natsuhiko didn't know what Honedge was thinking inside, but he patted its hilt reassuringly.
He really had its best interest at heart.
"Yongji."
Yujira, who had finished organizing the spoils, held a black stone in its hand.
Natsuhiko's eyes lit up, "Mid-Level Dark Stone."
A quite unexpected gain.
"Time to go."
The purpose of this trip to the black market had been achieved, and dusk had completely fallen.
They found a seemingly decent hotel in Kanaz City and requested a room with the best view available.
After Yujira completed its check, Natsuhiko released all the Pokémon.
Beedrill, Yujira, Togetic, and the newly joined Honedge.
Also, an egg-stage unknown Dragon-type Pokémon, and Sharpedo, Shuckle, Ditto, and Pidgeotto, four "tool class" Pokémon with different roles.
Unknowingly, Natsuhiko's Pokémon team had expanded quite a bit.
All the Pokémon were delighted with Honedge's addition.
However, Honedge, who had always been more solitary, was a little dazed in such a situation.
But that's okay.
As the third Pokémon to join, the "big sister" Togetic perfectly took on the role of communication bridge.
The "social butterfly" skills were displayed to the fullest.
After learning from Natsuhiko about Honedge's proficiency in the "Sword Dance" move, Beedrill ended up asking Honedge for tips on using the "Sword Dance" technique, without any "big brother" attitude.
Yujira had personally witnessed Honedge easily defeat another Yujira and felt the pressure, even though it believed it was stronger than the other Yujira.
It had challenged Honedge many times, but to no avail.
Needless to say, Togetic had great relations with everyone, taking Honedge to meet new friends.
"Chakoy." Togetic pointed to the dazed Shuckle.
'This is Little Turtle; it can mash tree fruit into delicious juice.'
Saying this, it brought a cup to demonstrate to Honedge.
Shuckle wasn't resistant to Togetic's nearly "robbery" behavior, simply giving Honedge a look, letting it comprehend on its own.
"Chakoy."
Togetic pointed to the cup of transparent tree fruit juice, looking proud.
Honedge remained expressionless, but its sole eye showed admiration.
'So, so amazing.'
Next, Togetic brought Honedge to the Sharpedo, who lay in the large bathtub of the hotel, enjoying the nostalgic flow of water with its eyes closed.
"Chakoy."
'This is Big Tooth. Don't be fooled by its fierce appearance; it's just that: appearance.'
Sharpedo was distinctly unhappy with Togetic's description, baring its sharp teeth as if to say, "I am fierce."
Seeing Sharpedo's expression, Honedge shrank back but was tightly held by Togetic's blue ribbon, unable to retreat.
"Chakoy."
'Don't be scared.'
As it said, Togetic patted Sharpedo's back, momentarily forgetting Sharpedo's rough skin and feeling a slight sting in its hand.
Quickly blowing on its hand to soothe the pain.
'But Big Tooth's skin is rough. Be careful while touching it. But you should be fine; give it a try.'
Honedge eyed Sharpedo's "ferocious" demeanor, feeling somewhat reluctant.
But, Togetic had already drawn out the blade by holding Honedge's ribbon.
Clang!
'Try it. Don't worry; it doesn't hurt much.'
Under Sharpedo's "fierce" gaze, the blade came into intimate contact with Sharpedo's tough skin.
Slash!
The sharp blade left a shallow white mark and even chopped off a few small raised bumps on Sharpedo's back.
At the same time, Sharpedo and Honedge both appeared stunned.
'Such a sharp sword!'
'Such resilient skin!'
Sharpedo stared at Honedge, emotions swirling inside, filled with deep concern.
'This is it; they're really going to cook me now, and they even brought the sword.'
Honedge, on the other hand, marveled.
'So strong!'
The two Pokémon exchanged glances, unexpectedly seeing caution, seriousness, and unease in each other's eyes.
For a moment, a strange sentiment simultaneously rose in their hearts.
'This is... a kindred spirit!'
Sharpedo teared up.
It seemed it would no longer have to bear so much alone...
"Chakoy?"
'What's going on?'
Togetic observed the exchange between Honedge and Sharpedo, not understanding what they were thinking, directly dragging Honedge's blue ribbon and taking it away.
The small body dragged Honedge, drifting away from Sharpedo's line of sight.
"Roar."
Sharpedo roared discontentedly, splashing the water as it struggled to rise.
Togetic turned back and glared at it, "Chakoy."
'Don't waste water!'
Succumbing under Togetic's "tyranny," Sharpedo lowly acknowledged.
'Alright.'
In Natsuhiko's entire team, Sharpedo was probably the most perceptive one.
The strongest Beedrill was easy to talk to, Yujira was training-obsessed, but only this little troublemaker Togetic, the social butterfly, Natsuhiko's treasure...
Not to be messed with, not at all.
Giving Honedge one last look that seemed to say good luck, it obediently continued to enjoy the long-missed bath.
"Chakoy." Togetic continued introducing Honedge to new friends.
'This is Softie; it can transform.'
Ditto said nothing but cooperatively squirmed, transforming into a copy of Honedge.
Honedge widened its eye, clearly in disbelief.
'So, so amazing!'
Togetic raised its eyebrows at Honedge.
Impressive, right?
To an outsider, it almost seemed like Togetic was the one who could transform.
Honedge nodded repeatedly.
Finally, they approached Pidgeotto, who was grooming its feathers silently on the TV.
"Chakoy."
'This is Little Chick; it's very brave! I suggest you don't look into its eyes.'
The more Togetic said this, the more Honedge couldn't help but look into Pidgeotto's eyes.
Then.
It was pierced by Pidgeotto's gaze as sharp as a blade.
"Chakoy."
'I told you not to look.'
Honedge turned away, avoiding further eye contact with Pidgeotto.
Accompanying Togetic, after meeting the rest of Natsuhiko's team, Honedge felt quite overwhelmed.
"Chakoy?"
'Isn't everyone amazing?'
Honedge nodded with deep feeling.
'Others are amazing, and I'm just ordinary...'