"Wow, Natsuhiko, I didn't expect you'd be so strong."
Sheba held his head, putting away the fallen Machamp.
After Togekiss controlled Machamp with the first "Air Slash," it became very difficult to break free.
It not only depended on the Pokémon's willpower but also on luck.
Clearly, most of the time, Togekiss had luck on its side.
Moreover, as a Flying Type Pokémon, it naturally had a type advantage over Fighting Type. After taking a "Divine Bird Fierce Strike," Machamp couldn't endure until the "Wither" condition ended.
"Mr. Sheba is also really strong," Natsuhiko said.
This was not flattery.
He truly was strong.
This Machamp probably wasn't even his strongest Machamp.
Being an Elite Four Reserve at least proved that Sheba had four or more Elite Trainer Level Pokémon.
As one of his main Pokémon, Machamp was definitely Elite Trainer Level too.
Winning against him wasn't about wanting a prize or a title.
"This is yours."
With this, Sheba stuffed a handful of pendants into Natsuhiko's arms.
Then, he somehow pulled out an "Angry Steamed Bun" and stuffed it into his mouth.
"I'm going to take Machamp to the Poke Center, I won't be attending any more of the festival."
He waved his hand.
Very casually, he walked towards the Poke Center.
"Ne mi?" Victini blinked twice, startled, "Ne mi!!"
It only then suddenly realized.
It hadn't even boosted Togekiss, and they won?
Mainly,
it hadn't seen any sign of Natsuhiko's Victory Halo weakening, nor any change in Sheba's Victory Halo, bright as the sun.
The battle ended in a daze.
Natsuhiko gently ruffled its head without showing any emotion.
Getting Victini's approval meant victory.
He didn't really want Victini to help cheat; winning that way would be meaningless.
Holding the pendants Sheba gave him.
With so many, it seemed almost certain he'd be in the top three, right?
"Natsuhiko..." Lance walked over, just calling his name, but was interrupted.
"Stop!"
Lance paused.
"Don't you want to see what's inside the 'Earth Sword' castle?" Natsuhiko asked.
Lance glanced up at the majestic ancient castle not far away, emanating a unique charm under the sunset.
He certainly wanted to.
"Battles can happen anytime, I want to take a look up there," Natsuhiko suddenly said seriously.
Invisible on his shoulder, Victini hugged his cheek.
"If you think the prizes aren't good, you can win and then give them to me."
With that, he walked towards the platform in the center of the square.
Completing registration confirmed the end.
"I..." Lance opened his mouth.
Feeling like something was amiss.
Natsuhiko secretly shook his head.
If Lance couldn't enter the "Earth Sword," who knows if he could gain Reshiram's approval?
This was all for his own good... Natsuhiko quietly mused.
Ding ding ding—
Meanwhile, as Natsuhiko walked toward the platform, the square resonated with melodious bell chimes announcing the official end of the "Winter Festival."
More and more people headed in this direction, trainers registering their results one by one.
As long as they still had pendants, even just one or two, they could receive gifts from the town.
Ranging from exquisite local specialties to Evolution Stones and more.
As the mayor, Mormondo, took to the stage, the top three rankings were finalized.
First was a general announcement.
"...Now, I announce the top three of this 'Winter Festival' are 'Tactical Master' Mr. Natsuhiko! 'Dragon's Messenger' Dragon Master Lance! and our 'Earth People' Drado!"
This championship came rather casually.
Boom—!!
As he finished speaking, fireworks lit up the sky outside the town, marking the end of this "Winter Festival."
"The three gentlemen, please come to the castle tomorrow. I will guide you to receive your prizes and partake in the highest ceremony of our 'Earth People.'"
In the square,
campfires blazed, and people danced with distinctive local flair.
Not only were there "Earth People," but many trainers and their Pokémon also joined in.
On a bench beside the square.
Natsuhiko watched Togekiss and Eevee gleefully hopping around among the crowd, smiling involuntarily.
Victini was also among them, but invisible, only Togekiss and Eevee could play with it.
Yet it was still smiling happily.
"Natsuhiko." Learning from Natsuhiko, Lance leaned on the railing, his face full of smiles.
"Hmm?"
"Being a trainer, growing alongside Pokémon, witnessing each other's progress time and time again is truly an amazing thing..."
Natsuhiko looked at him, surprised.
He had thought Lance would talk about battles, but unexpectedly, he suddenly voiced such a reflective sentiment.
But in Natsuhiko's mind, the entire journey flashed by: meeting, bonding, understanding, trusting with his Pokémon.
"Yes."
Grinning broadly.
No matter how hard the training was, how tough the battles were, how bittersweet the growth was.
As long as he was with his Pokémon, sharing bitterness, sharing joy, it always felt less daunting than imagined.
"You know..."
"What?"