The layers of dark blue rock shell peeled away.
The true appearance of this Pokémon finally revealed itself before Natsuhiko and the other Pokémon.
Resembling an orangutan, its body was crimson red, with its face, hands, and the tips of its legs orange. There were three small orange dots on its belly. A signature feature was the golden flame above its eyes, resembling upward-pointing eyebrows, and its wide, excited grin.
The name of this Pokémon was ready to be announced.
Fire-type Pokémon, Darmanitan!
A moment ago, when it looked like a dark blue stone platform, it was actually Darmanitan's alternative mode, Dharma Mode.
When in Dharma Mode, its attributes change to a combination of Fire Type and Psychic Type, allowing it to use psychic abilities to help accomplish various tasks.
Natsuhiko was quite familiar and knowledgeable about Darmanitan.
Because when playing games in the past, to clear levels quickly, among Fire-type Pokémon, he liked to use Darmanitan.
Although Darmanitan's overall species value was not high, only 480 points, the distribution of its attribute values was quite unique; its physical attack species value reached 140, and speed species value was 95.
It's a Pokémon that almost completely abandoned physical defense, special defense, and special attack—a typical representative of violent aesthetics.
In this aspect, it is quite similar to Beedrill.
Additionally, Darmanitan's trait was also quite remarkable, Forcefully.
Most people's understanding of the "Forcefully" trait stayed with Nidoking, the first-generation War God.
But actually, a Darmanitan paired with a Life Treasure Pearl was also a good choice.
Coupled with its ability to learn techniques like Flame Fist and Flashing Flame Charge, it was definitely among the top physical attackers among Fire-type Pokémon.
Bang bang bang—
Darmanitan reverted from Dharma Mode to its normal mode, its sturdy arms pounding its chest vigorously, emitting a dull sound.
Having vented its excess excitement, it stared intently at Natsuhiko and the Pokémon beside him.
As for the piece of the original Groudon's shell fragments, it lay quietly on the rock shell that Darmanitan had shed, continuing to emit light and heat.
Clearly.
If they wanted to obtain that fragment, Darmanitan was the obstacle Natsuhiko and his Pokémon had to overcome.
However, the situation now was different from when they faced Turtonator.
It seemed that transforming into Dharma Mode and entering a "fake death" state had not granted Darmanitan significant benefits despite the extended period.
It was strong, but not overwhelmingly so.
Gym Leader Level!
That meant they could fight!
"Beedrill, Mega Evolution!"
Seeing an opportunity to fight, Natsuhiko immediately commanded Beedrill to begin its Super Evolution Form.
Natsuhiko's main Pokémon were only four in number, and although their attributes complemented each other, compared to the overall eighteen types, their methods of restraint were somewhat limited.
Against the Fire-type Darmanitan, they had no effective countermeasures.
So, the only option was brute force.
And brute force certainly required the explosive output of the Super Great Needle Bee!
"Buzz—"
Beedrill let out a low cry, and a large amount of seven-colored super evolutionary energy surged from the Super Evolution Stone on its body, enveloping it.
With the frequency of Mega Evolution increasing, both Beedrill and Natsuhiko became more proficient, while the Super Great Needle Bee had gained a more familiar understanding of the changes brought by Mega Evolution, able to unleash greater power.
"Yongji."
Yujira raised its spoon, and the Psychic Arena spread rapidly from its center, extending to engulf Darmanitan.
Having long practiced maintaining the release of Psychic Arena and repeatedly compressing it until it only enveloped itself, Yujira's proficiency in this technique was undoubtedly one of the highest among all it had mastered, possibly second only to "meditation."
As Yujira's Psychic Arena expanded, the Darmanitan seemed to sense danger, and like an orangutan, it supported itself with its arms on the ground, rushing toward them on all fours.
"Togetic!"
Togetic attempted to gather water fluctuations, but ultimately failed.
The presence of the Original Groudon Shell Fragments acted as a miniature "Land of the End" field; Water-type techniques within it were rendered ineffective, while Fire-type techniques received a massive boost in power.
Roar!!
Suddenly, thick crimson golden flames erupted from Darmanitan's body mid-run, swiftly enveloping it and significantly accelerating its forward charge.
The fierce flames made the already hot and dry Sword of the Cliff's top layer even hotter, and the air inhaled caused a sharp burning sensation in the lungs.
The situation was very unfavorable for Natsuhiko and the Pokémon.
Not only did they lack effective means to contain Darmanitan, but the Insect-type Beedrill and Steel-type Doublade were additionally countered by Darmanitan's attributes.
Natsuhiko's mind spun quickly, various immature strategies flashing through his mind.
But now.
It was clear there wasn't enough time to think, as Darmanitan's Flashing Flame Charge was almost upon them.
His mouth moved silently, a half-baked strategy spilling from his lips.
"Togetic." Togetic was the first to react to the command.
Winking playfully, it blew a long "flying kiss."
Angel's Kiss.
If luck was on their side, it might cause Darmanitan to become confused.
Clang!!
Doublade raised its sword from the shadows, appearing behind Darmanitan's shadow, as the Holy Sword descended.
Yujira's spoon flew from its hand, floating in midair and slowly bending.
The peculiar psychic fluctuations and the seemingly magical change of the spoon distracted Darmanitan.
Technique: Bent Spoon.
Using an intriguing trick to divert the opponent's attention and lower their accuracy.
Hum—
The Super Great Needle Bee was the last to act; the prior moves by Togetic, Doublade, and Yujira were all to create an opening for it.
After Mega Evolution, the Super Great Needle Bee undoubtedly possessed the strongest attack capability among the four Pokémon, and its technique "Direct Charge Drill" was the only effective Ground-type technique among them to counter the Fire-type Darmanitan.
Swiftly, the streaking Super Great Needle Bee closed in on Darmanitan, while the other Pokémon's techniques took effect simultaneously at that moment.
Although there was a time gap in the execution of the techniques, strangely, the timing was spot on, with intervals under half a second.
First was Togetic's Angel's Kiss, which failed to confuse Darmanitan but did impact its technique fluidity somewhat.
Next was Doublade, the massive blue spectral shadow enveloping the sword safeguarded it from direct contact with flames, preventing injuries, and heavily struck Darmanitan's Flashing Flame Charge, further disrupting Darmanitan's attack rhythm based on Togetic's influence.
Then Yujira's "Bent Spoon" added another layer of interference to Darmanitan's already unsteady attack rhythm.
Thus.
With the assistance of three Pokémon, the Super Great Needle Bee finally arrived.
The raised Long Needle glowed with an earthy halo spiraling with motion.
"Buzz!!"
Though affected by the other three Pokémon, Darmanitan instinctively felt the threat from the Super Great Needle Bee.
Slightly adjusted its stance, resuming the Flashing Flame Charge!
But the next moment, it was stunned.
Seeing it.
The Super Great Needle Bee encircled by dense Ground Type energy, spinning around its Long Needle, suddenly appeared to have a second version, then a third, fourth...
A swarm of Super Great Needle Bees suddenly surfaced before it.
Shadow Clone!
Increasing its dodge rate!
Lower the opponent's accuracy, increase its own dodge rate—a derivative of Shrinking Tactics, and a solution Natsuhiko ingeniously devised responding instantly to Darmanitan.
Boom!!!
The Super Great Needle Bee's Direct Charge Drill, hit the target!