Once again, they arrived at the mountainside.
Compared to the previous reckless approach, this time Natsuhiko and his three Pokémon were clearly well-prepared.
Beedrill not only surrounded the three Pokémon with airflow, but its eyes also became incredibly sharp, dark red streaks swirling, and its sharp Long Needles gleamed with a cold light, having adjusted all possible buffs and states to the best configuration.
Sword Dance and Deadly Needle Stab had quadrupled Beedrill's Attack Power.
With such enhancements, Natsuhiko believed its Attack Power was enough to shake Druddigon's tough skin and defenses.
However, this time facing Druddigon, the main focus wasn't on Beedrill, but on the newly evolved Senior Level Togetic.
Togetic on the left and Abra on the right, like Natsuhiko's left and right guardians.
"Chako!"
Togetic appeared very excited.
Finally, finally, it no longer needed to wobble along with its short legs; it could also "fly" now.
So its mood was quite pleasant.
Occasionally, it glanced at Natsuhiko's embrace and smacked its lips, who knows what it's thinking.
Its sly little eyes turned sneakily, and its Trick Technique had already accumulated and raised its Special Attack to the limit.
In fact, even if you don't look at Togetic's strength, just by comparing the Species Value of Togepi and Togetic, you can see the huge change.
Togepi's Species Value is only 245 points, while Togetic's reaches 405 points, nearly doubling.
Of course, Species Value is only a reference, its actual significance isn't that great.
Standing at the mountainside border, they approached the cave where Druddigon dwelled.
"Roar!!"
From afar, they could hear Druddigon's angry roar.
This island was always shrouded in a layer of mist, so sunlight didn't easily break through.
Though since it's mist, naturally some places are thin and some are thick.
Not far away, a ray of sunlight pierced the thin mist, casting a hazy orange halo.
Previously, Natsuhiko hadn't given it much thought, but after pondering carefully upon returning, he gradually realized this key point.
Druddigon's strength is formidable, but this Pokémon has one flaw—it fears the cold.
Thus, every so often it needs sunlight to warm itself.
A bit like cold-blooded animals such as snakes.
Perhaps because Dragon-type Pokémon inherently fear cold and Ice Energy.
Druddigon fears it even more.
Moreover, Druddigon can use the wings on its back to absorb sunlight and heat its body.
So the wings on Druddigon's back aren't just decorative; while they can't be used for flight, at least they have some function.
Once Druddigon's body temperature drops to a certain point, its body becomes stiff, and its strength significantly decreases.
This is one of the keys Natsuhiko believes could defeat Druddigon.
Combining multiple factors and conditions to weaken the opponent while enhancing oneself, these back-and-forth adjustments can bridge certain gaps in strength that otherwise seem insurmountable.
Watching the gradually dimming sky, the sun outside should be about to set.
Druddigon can't be allowed to feel the threat of its body temperature dropping right from the start, or it might retreat into the cave and refuse to come out.
Fighting in the confined cave would be disadvantageous for Natsuhiko and the Pokémon.
So the best approach was to let Druddigon's body temperature drop without it noticing.
By the time it realized, it would be too late.
He stood still.
Natsuhiko threw out two Pokeballs, and Shuckle and Sharpedo appeared.
To win against Druddigon, they had to leverage timing, terrain, and unity.
Natsuhiko aligned the timing, waiting for the sun to slowly set.
Unity was their greatest asset—the synergy between the Pokémon, Natsuhiko's coordination with them, and strategic deployment. The final piece was terrain.
It's naturally not to be ignored.
"Shuckle, dig some pits here. You don't have to dig them all very deep; choose one or two deep pits, and keep the others shallow. Sharpedo, later fill the pits Shuckle dug with water."
The two Pokémon naturally didn't defy Natsuhiko's orders and quickly got to work.
Shortly thereafter, the battlefield setup was complete.
All around them, the ground was already dotted with pools of water.
Some were just a thin layer, while others were no-bottom deep.
However, Natsuhiko deliberately muddied all the water, making it impossible for one to discern their depth at a glance.
He recalled Sharpedo and summoned Pidgeotto.
"Pidgeotto, just like I told you before, as soon as Druddigon comes near, try to gather the island's surrounding mist towards here."
Pidgeotto nodded and flapped away into the sky, quickly vanishing into the dense fog.
Natsuhiko gazed down and meticulously reviewed the tactical arrangements and condition utilization from start to finish.
He ensured everything was foolproof before smiling at Togetic and Abra:
"The first visit wasn't prepared; for the second visit, we must give it a big gift first."
Upon hearing this, Togetic and Abra both showed "mischievous" smiles.
The two Pokémon exchanged glances.
Togetic's hands bent slightly, a small but exquisitely wrapped gift box appeared in its hands.
Abra used Psychic to wrap it, inching it towards where Druddigon resided.
"Roar——"
Druddigon saw the exquisite gift box suddenly appear on the ground and glanced around, seeing no anomalies.
When it looked at the box again, its gaze was attracted.
Slight hesitation.
But it couldn't resist the allure of the mysterious gift box; its sharp claws lightly brushed the box.
Dazzling white light erupted.
Bang!!!
A huge boom resonated along with scattering fragments of rock.
"Chako!!" Far away, Togetic laughed heartily without holding back.
Apparently, Druddigon's luck wasn't good, triggering the lowest probability of the "Present" Technique.
Natsuhiko also flashed a knowing smile.
Betting luck with Teacher Poke; losing would likely be catastrophic.
Druddigon was directly blown gray-faced, staring blankly at the pit in front of it.
When it realized, bloodshot eyes filled its gaze.
"Roar!!"
Letting out a soaring roar.
At this moment, Togetic's inappropriate laughter echoed over.
Druddigon finally saw the culprit responsible for its humiliation.
Yet Druddigon retained a shred of rationality; it didn't rush to act. Instead, it looked towards the sky.
Togetic's location wasn't as well-lit as where Druddigon stood, but still adequate.
Having confirmed this sight, Druddigon hesitated no longer.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
It took heavy steps, stirring dust as it advanced, its claws charged with potent blue-purple Dragon Energy, continuously cutting down any trees blocking its path.
Its charge was quite formidable.
Seeing Druddigon charge, Natsuhiko's expression gradually turned serious, waving lightly towards the sky.
The thin mist lingering here unbeknownst to anyone grew thick with time, the light slowly dimming.
Bang!
Druddigon stepped into a pool, splashing water all around, some spraying onto its body.
"Here it comes," Natsuhiko said lowly.
All the Pokémon began to move.
Abra's Psychic Arena expanded, Beedrill took the position ahead, frictioning its Double Needle, eyes ablaze with battle intent.
Togetic blinked playfully, its mischievous eyes fixed on Druddigon.
Bang! Bang!
Druddigon made a few more steps, splashing more water.
Water, to a certain extent, accelerated its body temperature drop.
Without an Ice-type Pokémon, Natsuhiko could only opt for this less direct-effective method.
His gaze followed Druddigon closely.
The first few pools had created the illusion that none were deep.
But the next pool it was about to step on...
"Take action!"
With Natsuhiko's command, the three Pokémon moved simultaneously.
They launched an attack on Druddigon.
Splash!
Druddigon stepped into a seemingly small pool, yet unlike before, it didn't only splash a little water.
This time, as its foot landed, the space below its knee completely submerged in the pool.
Its body's balance shifted.
And the Beedrill team's attack was upon it.
From this moment onward, Natsuhiko's plan was half accomplished.