"So amazing! As expected of Ash—you were actually able to transform into that second form with Greninja! You really are the Trainer I admire most. This is incredible!"
Sawyer's eyes widened in pure shock as Greninja revealed yet another new form. His astonishment instantly washed away all his nervousness, leaving only admiration burning in his gaze toward Ash and Greninja.
"This… so Ash's guess was correct after all. He said before that Greninja's previous form wasn't complete, that it required total control over their power. Now it seems this must be Greninja's true complete form—the Bond Phenomenon Ash spoke of!"
Clemont looked as though he had just discovered an entirely new world, staring with excitement at Ash and Greninja locked together in that battle-born synchronicity.
"Ash is so cool!"
Bonnie jumped up and cheered loudly.
From inside her backpack, the little Zygarde Core—Squishy—poked its head out, drawn by that strange and powerful energy. It blinked curiously at Greninja.
This power… how peculiar.
Serena, meanwhile, was filled with pride.
This was the man she loved.
"Ku-ka!"
On Greninja's back, the crystalline blue shuriken-like wings gleamed with dazzling brilliance.
"Sceptile, brace yourself! Leaf Blade!"
"Use Aerial Ace!"
Sweat trickled down Sawyer's forehead. His Sceptile's forearms flared with twin leaf blades, slashing forward toward Greninja!
But Greninja stomped down with explosive force—and its body vanished!
"Cha-mo?!"
Sceptile froze for an instant, only to realize a moment too late that Greninja had flashed right in front of it!
Its twin Leaf Blades still swung forward helplessly, when Greninja's Aerial Ace crashed in, one fierce kick slamming into Sceptile's stomach.
Whoosh!
Sceptile was launched backward like a ragdoll!
"Ding! [Congratulations, Host. Greninja has successfully defeated Sceptile. Tenfold Critical EXP Card has been applied. You've gained 98,500 EXP!]"
Level 49!
Level 50!
Greninja had finally broken through to Level 50!
"Sceptile, return… you worked hard." Sawyer lowered his head, gazing at Sceptile's Poké Ball with a trace of disappointment. "Looks like we both need to train much harder."
"You did great already, Sawyer," Ash said sincerely. "I should be thanking you. If not for our battle, Greninja and I would never have managed to unlock that second form."
"Pika-chu!"
"Ku-ka!"
Ash, Pikachu, and Greninja walked over, smiling at their friend.
"Exactly," Clemont added, adjusting his glasses. "Ash has traveled through many regions, faced countless Gyms, and competed in major League tournaments."
"Sawyer, don't be discouraged," Bonnie chirped. "You're already amazing! On your very first journey, you've collected all eight Gym Badges—that's incredible!"
"Mm! Thank you, everyone. I'll keep working hard!" Sawyer's spirits brightened quickly, his optimism shining through.
"Ash-senpai," Sawyer continued earnestly, "your Bond Evolution with Greninja feels even more powerful than Mega Evolution. It's harder to achieve, more dazzling, and far stronger! You don't even need a Key Stone. It's just too cool!"
As he spoke, he scribbled furiously in his notebook.
This habit of recording every detail was his secret to improving so quickly. His diligence and humility were his greatest strengths.
"Ash-senpai, I hope I can accompany you to Snowbelle Gym again! Wulfric said he chooses his Pokémon depending on the challenger's strength. Against you, I'm sure he'll bring out his very strongest team. Watching that battle would give me invaluable experience! Please, let me come!"
His excitement was impossible to miss.
"Then let's go," Ash said casually with a nod.
In truth, he knew many things couldn't simply be learned by watching.
With Serena guiding the way, the group soon left town, wrapped warmly in heavy coats as they stepped into the icy air of Snowbelle City.
Of course, Ash wore no coat at all. His body was far beyond needing it.
Perfectly fine!
"As expected of Ash-senpai. In freezing Snowbelle City, you don't even need a coat! Maybe I—"
Sawyer unzipped his own jacket experimentally, but the moment the icy wind howled against him, he instantly zipped it back up.
Nope, nope, nope. Not a chance. Minus twenty degrees?! Forget it!
At last, they arrived at Snowbelle Gym.
Wulfric's physique was every bit as imposing as his reputation claimed.
Because he sat atop a massive, throne-like chair of solid ice.
"So, today's challenger is you, boy?" His booming voice echoed across the frozen arena as Ash and the others entered. Then his sharp gaze shifted. "And you… why are you here again?"
The latter remark was aimed squarely at Sawyer.
"Yes, Gym Leader Wulfric, thank you again for your guidance last time," Sawyer bowed respectfully. "This time, I'm only here to accompany Ash."
"Ding! [Congratulations, Host. You've arrived at Snowbelle Gym. Sign-in initiated…]"
"Ding! [Sign-in successful! Rewards are being issued…]"
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