"I don't know about that either, but once my hat accidentally fell on Pikachu, I noticed that Pikachu could unleash power far beyond its normal form. I call this form the partner form." Since Cynthia had already discovered it, Ash didn't bother to hide it anymore and openly told Cynthia about the boost in Pikachu's strength when wearing the hat.
"Partner form, huh~ Is it the combined power of two people? That's quite a vivid description. Come on, you attack first, let me see how much Pikachu's strength can be enhanced with the hat on." Cynthia casually tilted her chin upward, signaling Ash to make the first move, a gesture of championship-level grace and composure.
Ash naturally wasn't foolish enough to show courtesy to Cynthia at this moment. Since Cynthia allowed him to attack first, he would do just that!
"Then I will gladly comply. Pikachu, Zippy Zap!" As soon as Ash's command was issued, Pikachu instantly transformed into a streak of lightning and disappeared from its original spot, only for a golden electric flash to be faintly visible as Pikachu appeared right in front of Togekiss.
With an electric glow shimmering on its small body, Pikachu charged toward Togekiss, yet Togekiss dodged without even receiving a command from Cynthia, easily evading Pikachu's attack.
Zippy Zap is a highly rapid priority skill, and on the priority scale, only Extreme Speed can rival Zippy Zap.
However, such high-priority skills were effortlessly dodged by Togekiss, highlighting the gap between the two as vastly different tiers of existence.
Otherwise, Zippy Zap couldn't be dodged easily during a surprise attack.
"Fast speed indeed. Judging by this speed, it seems not even the average Elite Peak level can reach this. From a level standpoint, Pikachu is only at Junior Elite Level, yet able to achieve such speed. Apart from Pikachu's inherent ability value surpassing its level, can it also be attributed to the skill?" With just a glance, Cynthia analyzed all of Pikachu's data.
For the first time, Ash felt completely overwhelmed on the trainer level by his opponent.
Having the Eye of Insight gives him an unmatched advantage in gathering intelligence, yet Cynthia, relying solely on her experience without any aid, could perform such detailed analysis.
Truly befitting of the Sinnoh Champion, currently ranked No. 2 in the world.
"Cynthia's Togekiss has quick reflexes too. This is the first time Zippy Zap has been dodged." Because of the probing factor, Ash didn't utilize Aura Power, allowing Pikachu to battle with only its inherent strength.
As a result, Zippy Zap failed for the first time.
Since mastering Zippy Zap, Pikachu had never missed. Among opponents of the same level, the speed of Zippy Zap was simply too fast, making it difficult even for Pokemon at a slightly higher level than Pikachu to dodge it.
Especially during surprise attacks, facing Zippy Zap for the first time, one wouldn't realize just how fast this skill is, even if the Pokemon could react, the trainer might not.
Pokemon typically don't act without a trainer's command.
Yet this time, even though Togekiss didn't receive Cynthia's command, it autonomously dodged, starkly different from the Pokemon Ash had previously battled.
This isn't just on a strength level; it's also about the Pokemon's autonomy.
"Togekiss isn't an opponent you can handle without full effort, Ash. Use whatever methods you have; if you continue testing, I won't hold back." Cynthia's words remained calm, yet what she said caused Ash's expression to subtly change.
It's not only about analyzing skills; she even assessed his mindset. This is undoubtedly the strongest trainer Ash has encountered, even more intense than the pressure from Lorelei.
Ash took a deep breath, then exhaled lightly: "I understand, Cynthia. From now on, it's my full effort... Go, Pikachu!!"
With Ash's words falling silent, a formidable power rose within him, followed by a sharp increase in Pikachu's aura!
In the blink of an eye, transforming into a Champion Level being, Cynthia narrowed her beautiful eyes: "Is this that special power? To be able to elevate from Elite Level to Champion Level, it's indeed extraordinary."
The ability to enhance a Pokemon's strength is not unheard of, but on par with Ash's perverse capability, this is the only instance.
Previously, Cynthia had understood this ability of Ash's; he could upgrade Pokemon from advanced to elite, from elite to professional, from professional to gym leader...
Yet even when the Pokemon's levels reach Elite, they can still be elevated by a large stage. If, upon reaching Champion Level, this power could further increase the stage, it would indeed be formidable.
It's battle time now; discussing this matter must wait until after the battle ends.
"Pikachu, Zippy Zap!!" Another Zippy Zap, but this time is entirely different from the last!
Pikachu shimmered with dazzling electric light, its four limbs pressed firmly against the ground, then—"Boom!"
A loud noise echoed through the arena, and before anyone could react, Pikachu had already slammed into Togekiss, its lightning completely transferred into Togekiss's body, which showed a painful expression and was sent flying!
"Bang!!" The white plane-like figure fell like a meteor onto the barrier at the edge of the arena with a dull thud, stirring up surrounding dust and gravel.
Meanwhile, Pikachu slowly descended from the air, and only then did everyone see that the ground where Pikachu had been standing was entirely shattered.
The force of this impact wasn't insignificant!
Cynthia's expression remained unchanged; it seemed Togekiss taking the hit wasn't beyond her expectations, the magical glow sparking in her beautiful eyes.
"Very well, follow up with Thunderbolt!" Seeing Togekiss disoriented after crashing against Mewtwo's barrier, Ash quickly instructed Pikachu to continue attacking. Seize the moment and strike hard while the opponent hasn't responded yet.
"Pika—"
"Togekiss, Extreme Speed." Cynthia's calm, chilly voice echoed; previously sliding on the barrier, Togekiss instantly vanished!
Pikachu's body radiated electric light, with Thunderbolt still unreleased, then suddenly felt a heavy hit!
"Bang!!" Just as forceful as Pikachu had charged at Togekiss, the opposite force Pikachu experienced now was even more terrifying, possibly exceeding it!
It was propelled back at a velocity similar to its initial charge, ending up like Togekiss, crashing brutally into the barrier, suffering intense impacts both front and back. For a moment, Pikachu felt all its innards had shifted.
Ash also groaned, his knee bending, body further hunching over.
The combined power of Aura Power and the increased strength from the partner form is extremely fearsome, but equally, the damage Ash endures is more exaggerated.
The partner form now is different than before. While previously, it only involved shape-shifting using Ash's hat.
Currently, Ash can sense Pikachu's condition directly in the partner form, sharing perceptions with Pikachu, feeling like Aura Fusion, though the augmentation isn't as intense.
Moreover, the potential of the partner form seems not fully realized, and concerning other latent powers, Ash, including even his parallel world self, is unaware.
Because, in all the parallel worlds, this form uniquely belongs to this world's Ash.
Unknown how vast the potential is, but the drawback is certainly evident; in Aura Fusion and partner form, Ash takes double the damage!