As rivals, as friends.
Raihan considered himself to know Dande quite well.
That was precisely why he knew just how abnormal Dande was acting today.
He had maintained a perfect record in Official Matches, bearing labels like undefeated and invincible, all while fighting on Galar's home turf.
The pressure Dande carried at this moment was likely exceedingly rare even throughout his career as Champion.
The upper limit of his opponent's strength remained a mystery. Not only did he possess power comparable to Gigantamax Charizard, but if necessary, he could even send out Legendary Pokémon at their peak...
The other Galar Gym Leaders, aside from Opal, thought more or less the same way.
They had all made defeating Dande their goal.
If the invincible Dande fell...
For a time, they would likely be left lost and confused.
As the match drew closer, movement finally came from a Quiet Room somewhere backstage.
The doors opened, and Dande slowly emerged.
Mustard and Honey, who had been waiting outside all along, quickly went over to him.
"Little Dande."
"Dande."
Mustard and Honey called out one after the other to Dande, who had his head lowered, his expression hidden from view.
They had come all the way from the Isle of Armor because they feared the pressure would crush Dande.
Faced with their concern, Dande fell silent for a second before raising his head.
The two of them froze.
There was no confusion, no pain, no struggle, and no desperate last stand.
Only pure fighting spirit remained in those nearly golden eyes.
Dande respectfully said to them, "Master, Madam, I'm sorry for making you worry."
Honey happily covered her mouth, her eyes shining with delight, while Mustard asked in slight surprise, "You found a way?"
Could it be that Little Dande had truly figured out