"Clawitzer is Unable to Battle!"
"A one-hit... a one-hit knockout!?"
The commentator's voice shot up an octave, echoing the shock of countless spectators.
Elite Four Siebold's Clawitzer had gone down without surviving a single move?
What had happened?
Every eye turned to Ogerpon as it landed lightly. Its face was hidden beneath a pale blue, heart-shaped mask, and it calmly accepted the countless stares.
"Ponio..."
That wasn't as hard as I thought!
Just like before, all it had to do was jump and swing its club. Jump and swing!
If the club connected, the battle was half won.
Ogerpon turned and waved its Spiky Club happily at its trainer. "Ponio~"
Clap, clap, clap—
Baimu raised his hands and applauded with all his might. "Come back, Ogerpon!"
"Oh~"
Ogerpon pattered back to his side.
Just like Ash's Pikachu.
Excellent!
I hereby name you the club-wielding Noble of the new era!
Baimu gave it an approving look. Ogerpon took off its mask, revealing an adorable little face.
Its face appeared on the big screen, captivating many of the women in the audience.
"So cute!"
The crowd buzzed. Ogerpon had knocked out Siebold's Pokémon in one blow, and everyone was drawn to it.
Siebold himself was no exception.
He recalled Clawitzer, the image of Ogerpon breaking through Water Pulse flashing through his mind.
"Water Absorb? Or perhaps Dry Skin..."
Water Absorb, Storm Drain, and Dry Skin could all render Water-type moves ineffective.
But each Ability produced a different visible effect when struck by a Water-type move.
Recovering health brought a green glow; a stat boost produced an orange one.
Siebold personally suspected Water Absorb.
Remembering what he had seen, he sighed in admiration. "Devoting your entire being to a single strike... It's nothing short of art."
Pop!
The Poké Ball he threw sprang