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The flower crown atop Lilligant’s head emitted an invigorating fragrance that encouraged its companions—this was precisely the reason Turtwig had gathered the courage to fight.

Hikaru pondered. Perhaps this pollen could be refined into “Courageous Floral Scent,” a remedy that could help timid Pokémon and even humans overcome psychological barriers.

But for now, his focus was on welcoming Turtwig’s challenge!

“Doublade, I’m counting on you.”

Hikaru looked at Doublade, who responded with a low hum and then pointed toward an open clearing in the distance with its ribbon-like arms.

There were many valuable plants in this area—it was best to battle on open ground.

At the same time, Doublade began contemplating.

Should it hold back? If it used Fury Cutter immediately and chained its strikes, the Bug-type move would be super effective against Grass-types, likely deciding the battle in an instant.

What would its Trainer do?

“Iron Defense!”

As expected!

Upon hearing Hikaru’s command, Doublade instantly understood his intent—he wanted to test Turtwig’s strength. By using Iron Defense right away, it was not only raising its physical defense but also subtly pulling its punches!

Yet, Doublade wholeheartedly approved of this kind of restrained battle!

No Pokémon is born strong. Every powerful Pokémon was once weak—just like itself in the past, just like Petilil once was!

Someday, even weak Pokémon will become strong. If this Turtwig was willing to become an ally, Doublade wouldn’t mind deliberately losing, allowing it to use this battle as a stepping stone to growth!

After all, to help Pokémon and Trainers who pursue their ideals—that was the essence of chivalry!

As for its usual underhanded sneak attacks, and its habit of canceling Fury Cutter animations… well, that was a different story altogether.

Turtwig was extremely nervous. Seeing Doublade use Iron Defense, it didn’t think too much—it didn’t even consider type matchups. The leaves on its head trembled violently as it launched Razor Leaf!

Sharp, spinning leaves sliced through the air toward Doublade. Razor Leaf had a high critical-hit ratio!

However, the leaf blades struck Doublade’s body like a storm but did little damage. With its naturally high physical defense, combined with Eviolite and Iron Defense’s effects, Razor Leaf felt more like a tickle than an attack!

No critical hit was triggered!

“Yo-woo!”

Little turtle, use more force! Doublade called out—a mix of taunt and encouragement!

Seeing that Razor Leaf had no effect, Turtwig immediately opened its mouth. Gathering Grass-type energy, it unleashed a rapid barrage of glowing seeds!

Bullet Seed!

Rat-a-tat-tat!

Turtwig gave its all, but Hikaru issued no command. Doublade merely floated in place, enduring the attack.

Since Grass-type moves were ineffective against it, Doublade remained unharmed even as Turtwig gasped for breath after its assault.

“Yo-woo~” Doublade floated closer.

Turtwig instinctively backed away, but Doublade let out a teaching tone:

I’m a Steel-type Pokémon—Grass-type moves won’t do much to me!

Little turtle, use a Ground-type move instead!

“Na-na!”

“That’s right! Doublade is correct—Grass-type attacks don’t work well on Steel-types. In battle, always consider your opponent’s type!” Hikaru said before commanding, “Shadow Sneak!”

Doublade’s sword shadows elongated. Under the bright moonlight, two dark streaks slithered along the ground toward Turtwig.

Turtwig panicked, looking left and right, before the shadow on its right side struck it directly!

“Na—!”

Turtwig nearly toppled over but managed to plant its four legs firmly into the ground, forcing itself to endure!

Then, its four feet stomped down hard, triggering a shockwave!

Bulldoze—A Ground-type move!

Doublade’s eyes glowed with interest!

Oh, this move! It remembered this! That Gible from before had used it too. So, little turtle, you can use this move as well?

The shockwave hit Doublade hard—it was super effective! However, thanks to its incredibly high physical defense, the attack barely affected it. The only result was a slight reduction in speed.

“Iron Defense,” Hikaru commanded.

Doublade’s twin blades shimmered with a silvery glow once more, further increasing its defense!

However, Turtwig seemed to have realized something. A spark of inspiration flashed through its mind, and it suddenly shook its dirt-covered shell. The red Power Herbs on its back swayed—absorbing energy in an instant!

“Lilli!”

Lilligant’s eyes gleamed.

That move—it couldn’t be…?!

“Na!”

A radiant glow enveloped Turtwig! In the moonlight, and with the aid of the Power Herb, it unleashed…

Solar Beam!

A massive beam of white light erupted from Turtwig’s head, roaring toward Doublade!

This was a technique it had learned through photosynthesis—a move it used to drive away any wild Pokémon that dared challenge it!

“An instant-cast Solar Beam?! Well done!”

Hikaru was thrilled. He had suspected that Turtwig’s Power Herbs might be hiding some powerful move, but he hadn’t expected it to actually wield Solar Beam—an ultimate Grass-type attack!

“This is incredible!”

Hikaru’s praise was genuine. However, Doublade’s special defense was its weak point. Even with Eviolite, it couldn’t boost it significantly. If it took the full force of this Solar Beam…

“Autotomize!”

“Yo-woo!”

Doublade responded swiftly. Its two swords discarded their sheat and shot off in different directions!

Its speed skyrocketed!

The Solar Beam missed completely!

“Na?!”

Turtwig was stunned. It had never seen a Pokémon disassemble itself before!

But then, Doublade quickly retrieved its shield. For a brief moment, it looked clumsy, and Turtwig saw its opening!

It absorbed more light, and another Solar Beam blasted forth!

Back-to-back Solar Beams!

The wild Pokémon watching from the sidelines gasped in awe. Even Regirock’s “H” symbol flashed rapidly as it analyzed Turtwig’s strategy.

It was an excellent battle plan—harnessing plant power and its own abilities to execute a completely unique technique!

“Regi!”

The legendary titan acknowledged Turtwig’s skill, and even Lilligant was impressed. She couldn’t replicate such a feat herself!

Unown E’s single eye widened.

Wait, wait!

I really thought you were weak and couldn’t fight! You’re making me look foolish!

“Autotomize!”

Hikaru ordered again. Doublade hurriedly dodged, narrowly escaping the second Solar Beam.

Turtwig absorbed light again!

The third Solar Beam!

Hikaru’s excitement peaked, and the surrounding Pokémon murmured in amazement. Turtwig’s relentless assault was truly remarkable!

Regirock silently admired its strategy, while Doublade had never encountered such relentless aggression. One of its blades flung the discarded shield away and split apart once more!

A bit messy, but its speed increased significantly!

“Na-na!”

Turtwig absorbed light once more. Its Power Herb activated again!

Solar Beam!

“Yo-woo!”

This time, Doublade took damage. It tumbled through the air but managed to stabilize itself. Meanwhile, Turtwig panted heavily, nearly at its limit.

“Well fought!”

Hikaru approached, holding out a Poké Ball.

Turtwig couldn’t even respond, but hearing Hikaru’s praise filled it with joy.

“Weak? No, not at all!”

Hikaru lifted Turtwig with a bright smile. “You’re strong! Breaking Shell is an incredible move! Instant-cast Solar Beam is outstanding! And your final Tackle-Solar Beam combo was spectacular!”

“Will you be my partner?! No, please—be my partner!”

“Na…”

Turtwig responded with a soft cry and smiled.

Was my performance good enough?

If so… I won’t be looked down on anymore!

I’m strong!

So this is what it feels like to battle with all my might!

Hikaru tapped the Poké Ball against Turtwig’s forehead. With a flash of red light, Turtwig was drawn into the ball—no struggle, an instant capture!

“I caught Turtwig!”

His team of botanical specialists had grown once again!

“From now on, I’m counting on you, Turtwig!”

Hikaru couldn’t help but think—if this Turtwig evolved into Grotle, would the shrubs on its back all turn into Power Herbs?

Ultra Power Shrubs?

No, Hikaru recalled the radiant energy surrounding Turtwig earlier. That might not have been Solar Beam, but Synthesis!

“Na-na…!”

Turtwig panted heavily. Hikaru snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the small Pokémon, still standing strong despite its exhaustion. He couldn’t help but feel admiration.

It was resilient, had extraordinary stamina, yet was a little insecure. However, once in battle, it fought as if its life depended on it.

This Pokémon is amazing!

“Even the strongest endurance has its limits. The next exchange will decide the match.”

“Well then, do you want to keep going? You’re really strong!”

Hikaru’s words seemed to pierce through Turtwig’s self-doubt. The little turtle felt a cloud lift from its heart—it had never been acknowledged like this before.

For the first time, it felt truly recognized.

“I can still go on… I can do even better!”

“Na—!”

Turtwig absorbed light again!

But this time, it wasn’t Solar Beam—it was Synthesis!

Turtwig’s vitality surged as its body absorbed the surrounding light, restoring its energy. At the same time, a vibrant green glow enveloped it—its Overgrow ability had activated!

When a Pokémon’s HP is low, Overgrow boosts the power of its Grass-type moves by 1.5x!

Turtwig’s eyes locked onto Doublade, determined not to miss a single movement.

Doublade, on the other hand, had abandoned its shield. Its twin blades spun wildly in the air, seeking an opportunity to strike!

Suddenly, Turtwig lifted its front legs and stomped down hard!

Bulldoze!

A shockwave spread outward, striking Doublade and slowing it down! Turtwig stomped again, further reducing Doublade’s speed. It was setting up for a decisive move!

At that moment, Turtwig launched a Leech Seed!

A large seed shot forward, striking one of Doublade’s swords. Vines sprouted from the seed, wrapping tightly around the blade.

However, the second sword swiftly slashed through the vines using Fury Cutter! In one clean motion, it severed the parasitic tendrils!

But that brief moment of distraction was all Turtwig needed!

With everything it had, Turtwig charged forward!

Tackle!

It slammed into Doublade’s hilt with impressive force!

At the same time, Turtwig absorbed light again!

A blinding Solar Beam erupted, engulfing both Pokémon in radiant energy!

“Yo-woo!”

This time, Doublade truly took damage.

Both of its swords spun uncontrollably through the air before finally regaining stability. Meanwhile, Turtwig, completely drained, collapsed onto the ground.

Turtwig was unable to battle!

“That was a great fight!”

Turtwig didn’t even have the strength to respond, but upon hearing Hikaru’s praise, it felt incredibly happy.

“Weak? Not at all!”

Hikaru gently lifted Turtwig, his face filled with excitement.

“Turtwig, you’re strong! Shell Smash is an amazing move! Your instant-cast Solar Beam is outstanding! And your final Tackle + Solar Beam combo was truly impressive!”

Hikaru couldn’t help but think: if it evolved into Torterra, could he cultivate even more herbs on its back?

What if it could trigger multiple item effects per turn?

Power Herb for instant moves.

White Herb for unlimited Shell Smash.

Mental Herb to break free from status effects.

And if it got knocked out? It could just eat a Revival Herb and get back up!

His botanical research team had just gained another valuable member!

“Well then, I’ll be counting on you from now on, Turtwig!”

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep