Bond Phenomenon

Bond Phenomenon (Japanese: キズナ Bond Phenomenon) is a transformation affecting that was introduced in the. It is said to have some connection to the Pokémon's hidden potential.

Unlike Mega Evolution or Primal Reversion, the transformation does not require any specific items for either the or the Pokémon. So far, the only known Pokémon to have this transformation is. In this form, the strength of Greninja's legs are superior to that of an ordinary Greninja. Additionally, it gains the ability to form large-sized s on its back.

In the games
Bond Phenomenon made its core series debut in the form of a that can be transferred to Pokémon Sun and Moon from the Special Demo Version. This unique Greninja possesses the Ability, which triggers the transformation after the opposing Pokémon has fainted and increases the power of. This alternate form is called Ash-Greninja (Japanese: サトシゲッコウガ Satoshi Gekkouga).

Ash-Greninja also appears in Pokémon Shuffle, Pokémon Picross, Pokémon Tretta, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

In the anime
In the Pokémon anime, Bond Phenomenon first appeared in A Festival of Decisions!, in which 's evolved into  and assumed the Ash-Greninja form. However, the transformation would not be addressed by name until Kalos League Passion with a Certain Flare!, in which Professor Sycamore, after researching the matter, reported his results to Ash and.

In the anime, Bond Phenomenon may be achieved when the trust between the Trainer and the Pokémon reaches maximum. While a Pokémon and Trainer are using this form, the Trainer shares the Pokémon's pain in the same place the Pokémon was dealt damage. The Trainer can also share the Pokémon's point of view. If the form is not mastered, the Trainer and Pokémon can pass out from exhaustion.

In the TCG
In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Ash's Greninja in its Ash-Greninja form is featured as a Promotional TCG Pokémon-EX (Pokémon) card.