"I'm going to the restroom."
Natsuhiko used the excuse to leave the private room.
Flint and Hilona were still engrossed in the battle and strength demonstrated by Uncle Liu and Agatha.
He walked out of the room to a deserted corner of the venue, had Ditto turn into a plain mask, took off his coat, put on height-increasing insoles, and adjusted his hairstyle.
When he emerged from the corner, he was a completely different person.
"This disguise feels pretty good. If I need to sell something troublesome in the future, I can use this method..."
He arrived at the registration area, which was bustling with activity.
Drew a three-digit number.
That's right.
Part of the reason Natsuhiko came was to watch the Champion's performance, but entering the rookie showcase organized and funded by Uncle Liu was also part of the goal.
Mainly, the rewards Uncle Liu offered were quite tempting.
The rules of the rookie showcase were simple.
The Pokémon of participants couldn't exceed the Excellence Level, and only one Pokémon was allowed in the competition.
Winning two battles would give them a chance to draw for a prize.
The tier of the prize depended entirely on luck.
With good luck, one might win a rare Pokémon item; with bad luck, they might only get a standard Pokeball.
Just trying his luck, Natsuhiko decided to participate.
And naturally, he would use Togepi.
Togepi was the only one that met the conditions of this showcase.
As for why he disguised himself,
he wasn't sure if members of the Little Moustache organization were watching this showcase.
So to avoid unnecessary trouble, he put on a disguise.
After all, the organizers didn't require participants to use their league identities.
So it was more like a fun side event.
After drawing his number, Natsuhiko summoned Togepi from the contestants' tunnel.
"Chako-ee—"
Togepi appeared in Natsuhiko's sight, hugging a Farfetch'd leek that was limp and out of shape. Togepi loved to hide it in the blankets, and it was long ruined.
Togepi looked around but couldn't find Natsuhiko, and its eyes showed panic.
"Togepi, I'm here, it's me."
Natsuhiko's familiar voice reached Togepi's ears.
"Chako-ee!"
Togepi finally confirmed that Natsuhiko's voice came from this strange man's mouth.
Natsuhiko squatted down helplessly, approaching Togepi.
As Happy Pokémon and being familiar with Natsuhiko, Togepi quickly confirmed Natsuhiko's true identity.
Its little face was full of disbelief.
"Chako-ee?"
You... changed your face?
"Just some disguise. Remember what I told you yesterday? Do well today, and I'll buy you something tasty." Natsuhiko rubbed his forehead and said.
"Chako-ee—" Togepi raised the limp leek in its hands.
"...Okay, I'll get you another leek, so can you throw this one away? The smell is too strong."
"Chako-ee?"
Really?
Togepi brought the leek closer, sniffed it gently, its face turning purple instantly. It threw the leek aside and retched against the wall.
It looked at Natsuhiko in shock.
"Chako-ee?"
Why didn't you say so earlier?
"Ask Beedrill and Abra; how many times have they told you?"
Togepi stuck out its little tongue, knowing it was at fault.
But it looked reluctantly at the deflated leek.
Natsuhiko shook his head.
Who knows what kind of quirk you have, snatching a leek from Farfetch'd, and you think you can disguise as 'Leekpee'?
If you steal an egg from Chansey, can you also become 'Poke Egg'?
He picked up Togepi.
"Remember what I taught you in these past few days."
Togepi nodded its small head like a pounding garlic, its chest thumping.
Though three days wasn't long, barely enough to establish basic momentum between Togepi and Natsuhiko, it should suffice for entry-level battles.
Yeah.
Besides, Togepi isn't a common Pokémon, so likely few know much about it.
Even if it comes to the worst, Togepi still has its Waving Finger to rely on.
Following the drawn number, Natsuhiko and Togepi headed to a battle corner in a large arena.
Except for nearby spectators, most people's attention was elsewhere.
There were too many simultaneous battles, after all.
"What kind of Pokémon is that person holding?"
"Looks like an egg that hasn't fully hatched?"
"So cute—"
Nearby spectators noticed Togepi in Natsuhiko's arms, whispering constantly.
"It's Togepi," said a young man adjusting his glasses, revealing Togepi's species.
Under many gazes, he continued with some pride, "Togepi is a General Type Pokémon, quite rare, only listed in the Pokedex in the Johto Region in recent years. It's said that places with Togepi have high happiness indexes, hence known as the 'Happy Pokémon'."
Upon hearing his explanation, the crowd showed understanding.
"But it's said that Togepi's combat prowess isn't strong, more akin to Eevee, liked because of its appearance..."
At first, Togepi was pleased to be called cute.
But when others labeled it as weak, it glared at them, waving its little fists.
Who are you calling weak?
Want me to smash your head in?!
"So adorable—" many girls were quickly charmed by Togepi's appearance.
If not for Natsuhiko holding it, Togepi might indeed run over and unleash Waving Finger on those people, potentially pulling off a Sword of the Cliff or Finishing Touch out of anger.
Entering the battle arena.
Across from Natsuhiko stood a boy around sixteen or seventeen, holding a Pokeball, seemingly confident in winning against Natsuhiko and Togepi.
He also heard the conversation from the platform.
His first impression of Togepi was stuck on words like "cute," "happiness," "weak."
"Please, send out your Pokémon," the referee declared, holding up flags.
Natsuhiko placed Togepi down on the ground.
Togepi had a "fierce" expression, trying its best to look strong, earning more screams from girls.
This Togepi, milk-fierce and adorable.
"Hah— Go, Poliwhirl!"
A blue Pokémon with spiral patterns on its chest appeared in the arena.
Poliwhirl, a pure Water Type Pokémon, the evolved form of Poliwag.
Natsuhiko observed briefly, roughly assessing Poliwhirl's strength.
It should also be Excellence Level, but likely not long since reaching that tier.
That should make it relatively easier to handle.
"The battle begins!"
With the referee's announcement, Natsuhiko's portion of the performance battle began.
Togepi's expression changed instantly.
"Chako-ee—"
Togepi pursed its lips, forcing out a few tears, looking pitiful enough to melt anyone's heart.
Not just Poliwhirl; the girls in the stands couldn't resist either.
In their eyes, Poliwhirl was the villain.
Although Poliwhirl hadn't done anything.
In the moment Poliwhirl was distracted, Togepi turned around and, away from others' eyes, playfully winked at Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko's eye twitched.
Togepi's acting, impeccable.
Then Togepi cautiously walked forward, its slow movements and careful stance showed no aggression.
Poliwhirl and its Trainer were caught off guard by the unexpected scenario.
Togepi quietly took out a small gift box, placed it before Poliwhirl, and retreated slowly.
"Chako-ee..."
A meeting gift...