Mike frowned slightly, pacing anxiously back and forth.
In his view, a Pokemon becomes significantly stronger after Dynamaxing, so if an opponent Dynamaxes and their own Trainer can't, they'd be at a natural disadvantage.
Moreover, Dynamax Bands are controlled by the Galar League and are only given to gifted Trainers, so he couldn't get one.
Seeing Mike's demeanor, Naoki was somewhat speechless; he paused for a moment and said, "It should be fine."
After all, there are instances where ordinary Pokemon defeat Dynamaxed Pokemon.
As it was getting late, Naoki planned to take Koraidon out for a meal.
So, after inquiring about the match time, he left the place with Koraidon and Calyrex.
Fifteen minutes later, inside a restaurant selling fish and chips.
Looking at Koraidon devouring its food, Naoki was a bit worried: "There shouldn't be any problem, right?"
Koraidon's demeanor often makes people forget it's a Legendary Pokemon.
Noticing Naoki's thoughts, Koraidon confidently patted its chest: "Ah-ga-sii!" (No problem!)
No matter who the opponent is, it will surely win!
But first, it needs to fill its stomach to have enough strength to battle!
"Ga-oo..." Cyclizar was frightened by its gobbling display.
Seeing this, Calyrex showed an interested look.
Seated by the window, savoring human Sweet Red Tea elegantly, asking:
"So this is what you mentioned earlier, where Trainers command Pokemon to battle other Pokemon?"
Naoki nodded: "Exactly. In this type of battle, Trainers direct their Pokemon's moves based on the situation, either defend or attack, using different strategies to win."
Calyrex got a rough idea of the situation and, thinking about the afternoon's match, asked: "Do you have any strategy prepared for Koraidon?"
"Ah-ga-sii?" Koraidon, hearing its name from Calyrex, paused its chewing and turned to look at Naoki.
Naoki thought for a bit and then said: "Kind of reckless?"
"Reckless?" Calyrex was somewhat puzzled.
Naoki: "It's about overwhelming force, not needing tactics or strategy, just using the strongest moves to defeat the opponent."
Calyrex: "..."
Calyrex initially wanted to say this might be a bit too reckless, but then remembered using Glacial Lance and Astral Barrage directly in battle, and swallowed the comment.
"It is indeed a good strategy." Calyrex assessed, "It fits Koraidon's style well."
Naoki laughed joyfully: "Isn't it?"
Koraidon also grew cheerful: "Ah-ga-sii!" (Yes!)
Watching the harmonious interaction between human and Pokemon, Calyrex pondered something and asked, "Currently, my steed and I count as your Pokemon, right?"
Upon hearing this, Naoki was slightly stunned.
Truth be told, with a high-intelligence Pokemon like Calyrex, he always thought of Calyrex as a human, finding it hard to treat Calyrex as you would a Pikachu.
As for commanding it to battle… Naoki couldn't even imagine that scene.
Perhaps Calyrex knows even better how to fight than him.
Calyrex seemed to have sensed his thoughts and gently said:
"You don't need to overthink; you brought me out from a solitary abyss, and now I simply want to offer you some Helping Hand."
"I get it." Naoki joked: "If Koraidon gets defeated, then I'll have to rely on you."
Upon hearing this, Koraidon was somewhat displeased.
It exclaimed loudly: "Ah-ga-sii!" (Impossible!)
It would absolutely not lose!
"Hypothetically, just hypothetically, I was just throwing out an example, not seriously." Naoki said with some resignation.
Seeing Koraidon stop eating, he took out a few napkins and handed them over: "Had enough? If so, wipe off the ring of ketchup around your mouth."
Koraidon had eaten its fill; it took the napkins with its paws, roughly wiped itself, and then let out a satisfied burp.
*
One o'clock in the afternoon. Wyndon Stadium.
Naoki arrived here with Koraidon and Calyrex to meet up with Mike.
"Is everything ready?" Mike asked nervously, since he casually found a Trainer and wasn't sure about the Trainer's exact strength.
Naoki nodded cautiously.
Mike breathed a sigh of relief: "It's good that you're confident; the match is about to start. You should head to the contestant hall; your match is the first one."
"Got it." Although Naoki hadn't participated before, he had seen quite a few anime.
Mike went to the stands to watch, while Naoki headed towards the contestant hall.
Here, quite a few Trainers and Pokemon had already gathered.
At first, Naoki was a bit worried that someone might recognize Calyrex.
But once there, he realized no one recognized Calyrex.
Trainers came for the competition, gathered around the hall, spread across different areas, taking care of their Pokemon soon to battle.
Naoki glanced over and saw numerous Pokemon of various forms.
Grimmsnarl, Cinderace, Coalossal, Toxtricity, Grapploct, Falinks...
Tall, short, fat, thin, furry, bald, tame, fierce, almost all types were represented, making Calyrex and Koraidon blend in seamlessly.