A Gym Challenger from Unova Region

"Kanu—"

Carrying a massive hammer two heads taller than itself, Tinkaton closed its eyes and carefully felt the changes in its body.

A moment later, it opened its eye, framed by a long eyelash, and confusion filled its gaze.

"Kanu?"

Why? Why did it feel like the increase in strength after evolving had fallen far short of what it had expected?

Tinkaton sank into deep confusion.

It did not snap out of it until Ogerpon entered the workshop wearing the Hearthflame Mask and excitedly grabbed its hand. Tinkaton set down the hammer resting on its shoulder and clasped Ogerpon's little hand in return.

Ogerpon was excitedly inviting Tinkaton to go to the training ground later and have its Thorny Vine Stick clash with Tinkaton's massive hammer to see which of them was stronger.

But Tinkaton was somewhat absentminded.

Luo Mu, Calyrex, and Oranguru had all noticed it.

After completing its evolution, it had stood there blankly for over ten seconds as well.

Luo Mu had initially thought Tinkaton was adapting to its evolved strength, but now it seemed that was not the case.

After Ogerpon and Tinkaton made their arrangement, Ogerpon, one of the two violent little lolis, happily left.

Then the farm Pokémon gathered outside the Blacksmith Workshop came forward one by one to offer Tinkaton their congratulations.

Only after the Blacksmith Workshop was left with just Luo Mu and Calyrex, with even Oranguru having departed first,

did Luo Mu step forward and say, "Congratulations on evolving, Tinkaton."

"Kanu~"

Knowing that Luo Mu had returned at the last moment, Tinkaton smiled with narrowed eyes and responded energetically.

But its mood soon fell back into that same distracted state.

Luo Mu simply crouched down to meet its gaze.

"Is something bothering you?"

When communicating with most Pokémon, being direct was