While Ash was busy with his own special training, Clemont had already fired up his trusty Clemontic Gear and set up several massive lamps across the cavern.
The beams lit up the cave as bright as day, chasing away the shadows that stretched across the walls.
For the two girls who were afraid of the dark, it was a relief.
"Sometimes, big brother really is reliable…" Bonnie grinned happily.
Clemont scratched the back of his head with a sheepish laugh.
"Don't worry, Bonnie! As long as you stop telling everyone you want to marry me when you grow up, I'll just keep getting more reliable!"
"Hmph! That's just me caring about you, brother!"
"Well, you're caring in the wrong way then…"
And so, the siblings launched into yet another playful squabble about Bonnie's infamous "future bride" remark.
Serena giggled softly. "They really do get along so well. Alright, Braixen, Pancham, Eevee—it's time for us to train too. Braixen, Pancham, you've both participated in the Rookie Performance Contest already, so I want you two to share your experiences with Eevee, alright?"
"Braix!"
"Pan-pan!"
"Eeveee~~!"
The three Pokémon nodded earnestly, their eyes shining with determination.
Eevee, touched by how much everyone was rooting for it, clenched its little paws. It vowed silently: I won't let everyone's efforts go to waste—I'll give it my all!
------
Two days passed.
And already, the results of Ash's training began to show.
First was Noibat.
The little bat Pokémon could now use its Supersonic waves to pinpoint the hiding places of any Pokémon in the cavern.
At first, Ash had been worried whether Noibat could handle such a task.
That's why he had his Aura power shadowing it closely, double-checking everything.
But soon, Ash discovered that Noibat was not only diligent, but exceptionally gifted. Supersonic was a natural ability for its kind, and Noibat had a knack for refining it further.
After observing it for only half an hour, Ash stopped monitoring and threw himself completely into training with Greninja.
Now, their synchronization had improved leaps and bounds compared to just two days earlier.
At this very moment—
Ash gripped a handful of small stones in his palm.
This part of the cave was completely dark, far from the lamps Clemont had set up.
Greninja's vision was limited here.
And Ash wasn't relying on his Aura either.
"Ku-ka!"
Greninja suddenly charged forward, its arm glowing with a razor-sharp Cut!
Clang!
The sound of metal striking metal rang out.
In Ash's hands was a weapon he had prepared from the system's inventory long ago—
a steel staff.
With his raw strength, Ash was no pushover. A sturdy staff in his grip was enough to unleash terrifying power.
At the very least, against opponents below Elite-tier Pokémon, he could more than hold his ground.
So, trainer and Pokémon clashed fiercely in the dark—testing their reflexes, instincts, and trust.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Steel smashed against Cut again and again.
"Not enough, Greninja! Faster—keep pushing the speed of your attacks! Don't hold back just because you're worried about me!"
"If we want a real breakthrough in our bond, we've got to be ruthless!"
"Ku-ka!!"
Greninja suddenly let its Cut fade and whipped out twin Water Shurikens, hurling them straight at Ash!
Ash twitched an ear, sensing the air ripple. With a swift roll, he dodged the attack and counter-charged toward the origin point, swinging his staff with all his might!
"Ku-ka!"
Greninja split into Shadow Clones, scattering across the cave.
Ash instantly calmed his mind.
This training wasn't just for Greninja or Noibat—
it was for himself as well.
What use was raw power if he couldn't channel it? That would only be wasted potential.
In fact, this was something Bruno of the Kanto Elite Four embodied perfectly. His own physical strength was rumored to rival that of Pokémon at the Elite level.
Ash clenched his teeth. If I can grow stronger myself, then no matter what happens—even if I'm separated from my Pokémon—I won't be left helpless.
-------
Another day passed.
Now three full days of training had gone by.
Serena and Clemont had also gained much from their sessions.
Serena's bond with Eevee had skyrocketed, their closeness visible in every movement. Together, they had even rehearsed the performance routine they were planning for the next Rookie Contest.
Clemont, meanwhile, had brainstormed countless new invention ideas for his gear.
Bonnie spent her time playing happily with Squishy and Dedenne, her laughter echoing through the cave.
As for Ash and Greninja—
they had achieved a new height.
Now, if Ash willed it, there was already an eighty percent chance they could activate Bond Evolution successfully!
Noibat, too, had grown more ambitious.
From the day it was born, Ash had been carefully laying the foundation for its growth.
Now, with its Supersonic helping it locate sparring partners in the cave, both its level and battle instincts were improving at an astonishing rate.
The little bat had even expressed a wish—
to become stronger, and to evolve sooner!
Ash chuckled softly at its eagerness. There was no need to rush.
After all, Noibat wouldn't evolve until it reached level 48.
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