Lumiose City, Sycamore Pokémon Lab.
Ash and Greninja had completed their Mega Evolution, but that had raised another question.
This seemed completely different from the Bond Phenomenon Ash had previously experienced with Greninja.
Steven, who was also very interested, took out a Poké Ball and proposed a Pokémon battle.
He believed Ash would definitely find the answer in a Pokémon battle.
Because he was Ash.
Princess Diancie volunteered. "Could you let me participate? I want to help Ash and Greninja too."
"Of course."
Steven warmly welcomed the offer.
"Then please allow me to command you for the time being."
Diancie smiled and nodded.
"No problem. You have my permission to command me for now!"
Li Wei quietly offered a suggestion.
"Professor, do you think there could be a Bond Phenomenon that allows evolution through bonds alone, without relying on items like Key Stones, Evolution Stones, or even the Eon Flute?"
Professor Sycamore fell into thought.
"Oh? A form change triggered solely by the bond between a Trainer and a Pokémon, without Evolution Stones or Key Stones?
That goes beyond every currently known theory of evolution."
Professor Sycamore did not dismiss the idea outright.
After all, he had already seen Latios and Latias evolve with the help of the Eon Flute.
Rayquaza could also undergo Mega Evolution independently, without a Trainer's assistance.
As such, Professor Sycamore would not say that such a phenomenon was completely impossible.
Steven also looked intrigued.
"It sounds like a manifestation of a power even more rooted in the mind than Mega Evolution."
In the Pokémon world, the power of the mind might be even more scientific... than science itself.
Li Wei looked at the puzzled Ash and the equally confused Mega Greninja, understanding what was going on.
What Ash and Greninja had once unconsciously touched