Heart of Justice triggered.
When Natsuhiko was discussing tactics with Absol, one of the questions raised was regarding Absol's trait.
Perhaps Absol wasn't entirely sure what its trait was either, but that didn't matter, as Natsuhiko could eliminate possibilities based on some of its descriptions.
Ultimately, it was identified as Heart of Justice.
Heart of Justice: When attacked by Dark-type techniques, its own Attack increases to some extent.
Ditto transformed into Sharpedo, and along with Sharpedo itself, the two Pokémon used Dark-type techniques to bite, regardless of the damage result, the Heart of Justice effect was triggered.
This was also why Natsuhiko arranged for Ditto to turn into Sharpedo.
It was not because Sharpedo thought it would be steamed or braised as a tool.
Though it was indeed a good option.
Absol had mastered the technique "Sword Dance," which Natsuhiko had also confirmed.
But facing an experienced hunter like Klei, using Sword Dance openly was akin to exposing a weakness and awaiting attack.
So Natsuhiko had to settle for second best, finding a breakthrough through the Heart of Justice trait.
Of course, his arrangements weren't just limited to that.
There was Psychic communication between Natsuhiko and Absol via Yujira.
Even when discussing tactics, there was no need to crouch down and whisper in its ear.
All of this was for Klei across the way to see.
Anyone sensible wouldn't miss an opportunity like this.
This was the first trap set.
By using Klei's incomplete understanding of Absol, unaware that Absol had fully recovered, and by exploiting the opponent's supposed surprise attack and underestimation of Absol, it allowed Aber to unexpectedly take down Ariados.
This was the second trap.
Quickly reducing from one versus three to one versus two, plus the two triggers of Heart of Justice and Shuckle's defensive balance, with one strengthening and one weakening, the battle situation changed rapidly.
Moreover, as long as the opponent did not attack, Natsuhiko would continuously have Ditto and Sharpedo trigger Absol's Heart of Justice trait, constantly strengthening its attack, and this would tip the scales of victory irreversibly.
Furthermore, the time since Absol consumed Dragon's Saliva wasn't long, and the medicinal effect of Dragon's Saliva was still exerting influence within its body.
The slight injuries left by Sharpedo and Ditto healed in a blink of an eye.
Klei had a stern face.
He, of course, knew what Natsuhiko was doing, having battled Absol once, he clearly knew Absol's trait.
Originally, he had underestimated it and was even too lazy to waste his Pokémon's energy to attack Natsuhiko's choice.
Now it seemed ridiculously foolish.
This little guy, whom he paid no attention to, was single-handedly reversing the situation.
Or rather, it already had reversed the situation.
Trying to attack Natsuhiko now was no longer possible.
With increased attack power, Absol now needed both Nidoking and Drapion to work together to take it down.
But no matter what, Absol could not be allowed to continue stacking the blessings of Heart of Justice.
"Nidoking..."
As Klei issued the command, Absol's horn began to shine.
Future Sight!
Absol's red eyes flashed with a sharp light; it had roughly foreseen the upcoming events.
"Ugh." Absol softly groaned.
Then, it slowly lifted a foot and elegantly brought it down!
The technique, Preemptive Strike!
Preemptive Strike: Increases power, allowing the user to execute the technique the opponent intended to use. If unable to execute first, the technique fails.
"Power of Earth!"
Nidoking raised a foot, stomping heavily on the ground. Accompanied by a slight tremor of the earth, a fierce ground energy surged swiftly towards Absol.
Natsuhiko stepped back with his Pokémon a few steps.
He had done about all he could; what remained was up to Absol's performance.
Natsuhiko wouldn't interfere too much in how it battled, except to provide his judgment and suggestions at crucial points.
Like now.
Natsuhiko moved his lips, aptly sharing his understanding and advice.
Facing Nidoking's attack, Absol was faster.
Before Nidoking's foot hit the ground, it landed first.
Thus, the Preemptive Strike's effect was triggered.
Power of Earth!
Moreover, the Power of Earth with enhanced power.
One must admit, Absol's unique foresight abilities, combined with the special nature of Preemptive Strike, made it seem very overpowered in battle.
Klei was not surprised to see Absol use this move, as he had witnessed it in their previous battle.
But he chose this move nonetheless.
Because Power of Earth is a Special Attack Type technique, Heart of Justice boosted Absol's Physical Attack, not the Special Attack, unaffected by the power increase of Preemptive Strike, just enhancing the original power of the technique.
And with Nidoking's Forced traits plus the Life Treasure Pearl, the boost to Power of Earth technique was not inferior to Absol's, maybe even stronger.
Converted to data, Preemptive Strike increases technique power by 50%, while Forced Traits and the Life Treasure Pearl enhance by 30% each, totaling 60%.
Nidoking's Power of Earth was stronger!
However.
Once again, an unforeseen event surprised Klei.
Nidoking's Power of Earth targeted Absol, but Absol's Power of Earth attacked...
Drapion!
Because of Natsuhiko's suggestion.
The Ground Type Power of Earth inflicted double effective damage against both Nidoking and Drapion.
Moreover, compared to Klei, Natsuhiko was more adept at converting technique powers.
Absol might win, or it might not; the result didn't matter, as this technique alone couldn't defeat Nidoking.
Similarly, Absol without attribute suppression could withstand this move without falling.
At most, it would endure some damage.
But things were different for Drapion.
Drapion, already in poor condition, consuming this Power of Earth, was doomed to lose its ability to fight.
Given Klei's comprehension of Absol, his quick judgment didn't consider this choice by Absol, and with Natsuhiko silent, he had already made Drapion step forward to "output."
However, the outcome of his misjudgment was...
Drapion defeated, Absol took damage.
The battle went from one versus two to one versus one again.
Evidently, the last remnant effect of Dragon's Saliva eased Absol's pain.
"Psychic powers?"
Only now did Klei realize that the communication between Natsuhiko and Absol was not through words but via psychic powers.
From the very beginning.
It was a trap!
"Damn!" Klei couldn't help but curse.
His response was quick, but it was still too late.
Everything had to be attributed to his underestimation of Natsuhiko and Natsuhiko's previous arrogant remarks, which led to multiple mistakes in judgment.
From the start.
He had been schemed against!
A chill rose in Klei's heart, not towards Absol but towards Natsuhiko, the young man he hadn't truly looked at from the start.
Natsuhiko chuckled softly, this time not hiding his voice.
"It's time to end this."
Comparing one-on-one, Absol held the advantage.
Moreover...
"Zzzp!"
"Yongji!"
"Chakouyi!"
Beedrill, Yujira, and Togetic had also awakened after gaining some benefits!