The catalyst for Deino's evolution had been much easier to pinpoint than Aggron's.
While both evolved through battle, Aggron's transformation was fueled by the cold resolve to overcome a foe. For Deino, evolution was more like a reward—a celebration of his raw, spirited personality.
Kashiwagi hadn't known how to trigger it at first, but seeing Iroha and her Altaria gave him a spark of inspiration.
How about stimulating Deino with the pure thrill of victory?
To guarantee that win, Kashiwagi had intentionally left a "gap" in Deino's defense with Ice Fang, baiting Altaria into a trap after Dragon Pulse failed to finish the job.
The Hustle-boosted Dragon Rush was predictably monstrous; it had literally consumed Altaria's own Dragon Pulse to power itself up, ending the fight in one blow.
Tasting that overwhelming victory had sent Deino's spirits soaring, and his body followed suit.
Win. Then get stronger.
That simple, primal logic had gifted Deino his new form: Zweilous.
The moment Vivian announced the result, Kashiwagi rushed onto the field and hugged both of Zweilous's heads tightly.
"Zwai-uh!" "Zwai-uh!"
The synchronized, soft cries told Kashiwagi that Zweilous was relaxed, comforted by the familiar scent of his Trainer.
"Take a good rest, you've earned it," Kashiwagi said, returning the dragon to his Luxary Ball.
Evolution in the Deino line often brought about... unique behavioral shifts (to say the least), but there was no time to deal with that mid-tournament.
The best move was to let him rest and address his "new roommate" situation after the Contest.
...
...
The Waiting Room
"I really thought you were going to lose for a second! That Cotton Guard was insane!"
Dawn said, sounding breathless.
"I can't believe you turned it around like that. And he evolved!"
"Pip-lup-lup!"
Piplup was particularly stunned.
Having sparred with Deino the most, he felt a certain kinship with the fellow "un-evolved" Pokémon.
Now, in just a few days, his training partner had left him in the dust.
"Cotton Guard is definitely a top-tier move," Kashiwagi nodded.
It was one of the few moves that provided such a massive defensive boost it could make even the strongest physical attackers hit like wet noodles.
Seeing Dawn's curious eyes, he added,
"Zweilous is a bit... much to let out right now. I'll introduce you properly after the finals. For now, let's focus."
"Right!" Dawn nodded, pulling herself together.
In the meantime, the fourth match of the first round concluded.
The winner was, unsurprisingly, the Coordinator with the Milotic—Mila.
However, perhaps to save Milotic's strength, she had used a Surskit to secure her victory through superior point management.
"Even her Surskit is that good..." Dawn watched the screen grimly.
"Just how strong is that Milotic going to be?"
"Don't worry. Whatever she throws at us, we'll handle it," Kashiwagi said calmly.
"We promised to meet in the finals. I'm not planning on breaking that promise, and neither should you."
"Got it!"
...
...
The semi-finals began. Dawn stepped onto the stage first.
Her opponent used a Pokémon from the Kalos region—a female Meowstic, identifiable by its white-dominant fur and yellow eyes.
Being unfamiliar with the species, Dawn's Mamoswine struggled early on, taking several hits before finally turning the tide.
Mamoswine swallowed its own Ice Shard to create a jagged Ice Armor, used Hidden Power to create a shimmering aura around the spikes, and finished with a devastating Ice Fang charge.
It was a seamless combo that felt like it should have been accompanied by Dawn's personal theme music.
She really shines during the actual battles, Kashiwagi thought. He could see how much she'd grown.
Every person she met and every Contest she entered had become fuel for her strength.
She might not be a "Top Coordinator" yet, but she was definitely standing on the threshold.
His phone buzzed—a congratulatory text from Lisia about the evolution. He sent a quick reply and took a deep breath.
"Our turn."
He gripped a Poké Ball.
"Ready to go?"
The ball vibrated gently in his palm.
In the tunnel, he passed Dawn as she headed back. They didn't speak; they simply shared a firm, knowing nod.
...
...
"Semi-finals, Match Two! Please welcome our competitors—Mr. Kashiwagi and Ms. Mila!" Vivian's voice boomed.
The two took their places.
"Battle... BEGIN!"
Pop!
Pop!
Dozens of tiny pink hearts filled the air as Chansey appeared, bathed in a dazzling, affectionate glow.
Across the field, a flurry of stars descended. A blue-and-green Gastrodon (East Sea) landed softly on the stage. It wasn't the Milotic Kashiwagi had expected.
Hmph... am I being underestimated?
Kashiwagi looked at Mila's calm face.
According to the data he'd found online, Mila was a veteran. She had three Ribbons from this year alone and a trophy cabinet full of past wins. She was a pro.
Perhaps she felt Kashiwagi wasn't "flashy" enough to warrant her ace?
To be fair, his battle style in Contests often leaned more toward efficiency than spectacle.
"Rain Dance!" Mila commanded, seeing Kashiwagi hesitate.
"Gastro~" Gastrodon let out a long cry. Silver-grey clouds gathered instantly, and a light drizzle began to fall. The rain coated Gastrodon in a shimmering, translucent film of water.
"Gastrodon's Rain Dance has created the perfect environment! Look at how it glows! That water film is simply divine!" Vivian exclaimed.
Kashiwagi's points ticked down. The judges loved the thematic execution.
"Thunder Wave!" Kashiwagi countered.
"Lucky!"
Chansey rubbed her small hands together, generating a bolt of crackling yellow electricity and firing it straight at the sea slug.
"What?! Chansey is using Thunder Wave on a Ground-type Gastrodon?!"
Vivian shrieked in surprise. Mila and Gastrodon both looked utterly baffled.