In the pasture, Koraidon lowered its head and gazed at Cyclizar.

  It uood why Cyclizar was feeling so down—it had once experiehe same feelings itself.

  Back then, Koraidon had spoken words to it that had stayed with it to this day. Remembering this, Koraidon opes mouth and said, "Raao?" (There are things I do, and there are things you do.)

  Cyclizar blinked, fused, its wide eyes filled with uainty. "Gaaao?" (What does that mean?) it asked hesitantly.

  Koraidon's golden eyes locked onto Cyclizar's, its expression serious. "Raao?" (Haven't you always wao be Naoki's most dependable Pokémon? Are you ready to give up now? you really help Naoki like this?)

  Cyclizar's gaze wavered. It hadn't expected Koraidon t up such a topic. Yet the words seemed to strike a chord deep within its heart, and it lowered its head iion.

  "Gaaao..." (You do all those things. Naoki doesn't need me...) Cyclizar murmured softly.

  Its eyes lingered on Koraidon. The t Pokémon was strong, majestid capable in every way.

  Cyclizar had always wao be like that.

  But it k was impossible. Uher Pokémon, Cyclizar couldn't evolve. It would never undergo a miraculous transformation.

  Hearing Cyclizar's words, Koraido out a soft sigh.

  It shook its head and said gently, "Raao." (One day, you will help Naoki. You'll bee his most dependable Pokémon, just like me.)

  Cyclizar's eyes widened in surprise. It looked at Koraidon with doubt and fusion.

  "Gaaao?" (How do you know that?)

  Koraidon didn't respond directly. Instead, it silently thought to itself: Because I am you—from the future.

  There had never been another Koraidon; it was always the kied Cyclizar.

  After a brief pause, Koraidon spoke again, its tone calm yet resolute. "Raao." (One day, I'll leave this pce, and Naoki will be in your care.)

  Sinly one of them could exist, Koraidon had decided that its past self should remain with Naoki. It po ehat Cyclizar never wehe time mae, sparing it the lonely years of gazing at the moon in aimes.

  Cyclizar's expression shifted to one of shock. "Gaaao?" (Leave? Where would you go?)

  Koraidon remained silent for a moment. It didn't fully uand how time might correct itself if events were altered. Perhaps it would disappear entirely.

  "Raao," Koraidon finally said, its tone light. (Before that happens, I'll stay by Naoki's side a little longer.)

  Cyclizar's heart sank. Was it its fault that Koraidon wao leave?

  But Cyclizar knew Koraidon's story. Naoki had once expihat Koraidon came from a distant, dangerous pce—a pce teeming with ferocious Pokémon. Through tless battles, Koraidon had grown into the mighty Pokémon it is today.

  A, despite its strength, Koraidon was alone here. No mother. No friends.

  Cyclizar felt a pang of guilt. If Koraido, where would it go?

  Cyclizar hesitated, then spoke in a trembling voice. "Gaaao!" (If you leave, Naoki will be so sad. I share my mother's love! Please stay!)

  Koraidon blinked. Share your mother's love? She's my mother too, it thought, bemused.

  But it didn't respond to Cyclizar's plea. Instead, Koraidon said, "Raao!" (Let's make a pact.)

  "Gaaao?" Cyclizar tilted its head.

  "Raao." (What happeoday will remain a secret. Don't tell Naoki. In the meantime, I'll teach you everything I know so you use those skills to proteaoki iure.)

  This was the promise Koraidon made to its past self.

  Cyclizar looked up, unsure of what to say. It didn't fully uand, but it could sense Koraidon's determination.

  Koraidon tinued, its tone firm, "Raao." (You'll hese skills one day. If you stay like this, you won't be able to help Naoki when I'm gone.)

  The words hit Cyclizar hard. It had always wao proteaoki, to be the Pokémon he could rely on most.

  The two Pokémon locked eyes.

  Koraidon's gaze was steady and resolute, and Cyclizar felt a flicker of hhin itself.

  Could it really bee that strong? Could it truly be the kind of Pokémon Naoki needed?

  Cyclizar sat quietly for a moment, its thoughts swirling. Finally, it raised its head and decred, "Gaaao, Gaaao!" (I'll do it and never give up again!)

  Cyclizar thought that its envy of Koraidon, Naoki's most dependable assistant, was the reason Koraidon nning to leave the ranch

  "Raao..." Koraidon sighed.

  'I was so childish and annoying back then,' Koraidon thought to itself, 'skipping meals over something like that... I was so foolish.'

  As Naoki fished the two roosters out of the river, he noticed Koraidon speaking with Cyclizar in the distance. A thought struck him, and a realization dawned.

  Could it be that his little Cyclizar had fallen into this state because of Koraidon?

  In the early days, he would ask both Pokémon to assist him in turns. But as the ranch expanded and more Pokémon joined, Naoki had to focus on the new additions. For venience, he often rode on Koraidoraveling, uionally ing Cyclizar.

  Uhese circumstances, Cyclizar may have felt abandoned, leading to its current sadness aional turmoil.

  'Is this my fault?'

  Naoki's heart sank as guilt settled in. It's not too te to make things right. Resolving to do better, Naoki decided he would dedicate more time to Cyclizar moving forward.

  He asked Freon to use its warm breath to dry the drenched roosters. Once done, he hahe now-fluffy birds back to Pawmot's parents and reassured them the roosters were fine. However, as a precaution, Naoki also prepared some medie to ehey wouldn't fall ill.

  With that task plete, Naoki returo Koraidon and Cyclizar, determio spend the rest of the day with Cyclizar and help it feel loved again.

  Smiling, Naoki approached the two Pokémon. "What are you two talking about?"

  Cyclizar instinctively g Koraidon.

  Koraido out a pyful chirp and trotted off, leaving the two alo seemed Koraidon wao give Cyclizar and Naoki some private time together.

  Naoki watched Koraidon leave and couldn't help but feel something was amiss betweewo Pokémon. "What did Koraidon say to you? It didn't bully you, did it?"

  Cyclizar quickly shook its head, chirping in protest. "Gah!" (Koraidon didn't bully me!)

  Naoki smiled knowingly. Cyclizar's demeanor made it clear that whatever Koraidon had said had helped ease its troubled heart.

  "So," Naoki tinued, "what were you two whispering about?"

  Cyclizar remembered the agreement it had made with Koraidon and cmped its mouth shut, refusing to say anything.

  Naoki chuckled. "Let me guess—Koraidon was f you, wasn't it?"

  Cyclizar's wide eyes betrayed its surprise. "Gaao?" (How did you know?)

  "We've lived together for so long," Naoki said, smilily, "how could I not know?"

  Cyclizar's expression softened, and its face lit up with a mix of bashfulness and relief. But then, it saw Naoki's expression grow serious.

  Naoki reached out aed a hand on Cyclizar's head. "I'm sorry, Cyclizar. I wasn't thoughtful enough and failed to notice how you were feeling."

  "Gah…" Cyclizar's eyes filled with tears, overwhelmed by a mix of relief a-up emotion.

  "Are you feeling so upset because you think I don't need you anymore? That you're not important?" Naoki asked gently.

  Tears spilling over, Cyclizar nodded. "Gaaaa!"

  Naoki shook his head firmly. "That's not true at all. I don't need you to do anything for me or prove yourself. Just being here with you makes me happy."

  Cyclizar blihrough its tears, tilting its head in fusion.

  "You know," Naoki tinued, "the first Pokémon a trainer bonds with is always special. You're the first Pokémon I've had sining to this ranch."

  Memories of Cyclizar flooded Naoki's mind. Its carefree joy as it chased butterflies in the pasture, its te as it dozed by the firepce, and its ear effort as it helped him harvest crops—all of it filled Naoki's heart with warmth.

  "If you weren't here anymore, if I couldn't see you on the ranch, I'd be heartbroken."

  Naoki crouched, his voice ear and direct. "Cyclizar, you're very important to me. If you ever ran away or decided you didn't want to stay with me anymore, I'd be devastated."

  "Gah…" Cyclizar's tears welled up again as it listened, deeply moved.

  "Do you uand?" Naoki asked softly.

  Cyclizar nodded firmly, its tearful eyes shining with newfouermination. "Gaao!" (Yes, I uand!)

  "Good," Naoki said, a warm smile spreading across his face. He ruffled Cyclizar's head affeately. "Now, let's head home! You haven't had a proper meal in days. Let's fix that—I'll make you something special."

  "Gah!"

  Cyclizar quickly got to its feet and followed Naoki back toward the house.

  The pair ehe cozy kit. Naoki opehe refrigerator, rummaging through its tents while asking with a smile, "Is there anything you'd like to eat?"

  Cyclizar chirped, "Gah!"

  The Rotom Phone hovered nearby, transting the response: "[Hot noodle soup!]"

  "Hot noodle soup?" Naoki blinked in surprise. That was the dish he'd made on his very first m at the ranch, back when ingredients were scarce, and they had to make do with what little they had.

  His mind wao that chilly spring m two years ago. He and Cyclizar had huddled iiny, drafty old house, sipping hot noodle soup together. At the time, Cyclizar hadn't been a fan of the soup's simple fvor, so Naoki hadn't made it for the Pokémon again. Sihen, Cyclizar had grown to enjoy sandwiches, steaks, and barbecue dishes more.

  But now, seeing Cyclizar eager to give it ary, Naoki grinned warmly. "Alright, I'll make you a fresh bowl of hot noodle soup."

  Things were different now. Their lives had improved, and the once-bare pantry and refrigerator were now stocked with an abundance of ingredients. They could afford to eat whatever they liked.

  After some searg, Naoki found a pack of noodles hidden in the cupboard. He set a pot of water oove, bringing it to a gentle boil before adding the noodles. As they softened, he chopped some green onions a aside a spoonful of rd, letting the noodles absorb the broth's rich aroma.

  As he worked, Naoki reflected on how much had ged. When he first made this dish, Cyclizar had been just a few months old, a tiny and curious Pokémoo the ranow, Cyclizar was fully grown, brimming with personality.

  A fond smile crossed Naoki's face as he reached for a bottle of sesame oil, adding a delicate drizzle to the pot. He carefully pced a soft-boiled egg into the soup, using chopsticks to pierce it slightly. The golden yolk oozed into the broth, blending perfectly with the other fvors.

  Finally, Naoki turned off the heat and poured the noodles into a white por bowl. Chopped green onions floated on the surface, adding a vibrant pop of color. Just looking at the dish was enough to make anyone's stomach growl.

  "Hot noodle soup, ready!" Naoki announced, pg the bowl in front of Cyclizar.

  Before serving, Naoki habitually checked the effect of the dish. However, what he saw left him stunned.

  The description was different from the usual hot noodle soup he remembered.

  [Blessing Noodle Soup (A): A special dish imbued with deep emotions. It is said that those who eat it have their wishes granted.]

  Cooking Effebsp;Prayer. Those who e it may find their wish fulfilled.

  ent: Looking forward to the future while cherishing the past. A life of abundance may bring joy, but the struggles of simpler days are often the most treasured.

  "Huh?" Naoki blinked, staring at the unusual description. It felt surreal.

  Cyclizar tilted its head, notig Naoki's rea. "Gah?" it chirped curiously.

  Snapping out of his daze, Naoki smiled and said, "Go ahead a. Make a wish afterward—this bowl might just grant it."

  Cyclizar looked surprised. "Gah?" (Really?)

  Naoki nodded with a grin. "It's worth a try, right?"

  Enced, Cyclizar eagerly began to eat, slurping up the noodles with gusto. It was far tastier than the first time it had tried the dish. The rich fvors brought a warm, f feeling, and Cyclizar couldn't help but savor every bite. When the bowl was empty, it licked the st drop of soup and closed its eyes, ready to make a wish.

  What should I wish for? Cyclizar thought deeply, its mind swirling with possibilities.

  Its thoughts drifted to Naoki, to the other Pokémon on the ranch, and finally to Koraidon.

  Cyclizar made its wish quietly in its heart: it hoped that Koraidon would stay and never leave, tinuing to remain with Naoki.

  With this thought, Cyclizar no longer felt ie pared to Koraidon. Naoki's earlier words resonated within it—Cyclizar was unique and just as important to him.

  After making its wish, Cyclizar opes eyes, a faint spark of hope shining within them. Surely, now, Koraidon would stay, right?

  "What did you wish for?" Naoki asked curiously.

  Cyclizar hesitated, remembering the pact it had made with Koraidon. Shaking its head, it chirped, "Gah!" (It's a secret!)

  Naoki chuckled, sensing Cyclizar's pyful reluce. "Alright, I won't pry. I just hope your wish es true," he said warmly as he stood to up the kit.

  Cyclizar lingered nearby, watg him in silence.

  In the living room, G, Ogerpon, Alcremie, and Pawmot peeked around the er, their eyes filled with as they watched Cyclizar.

  Naoki noticed them aly nudged Cyclizar. "G and the others were really worried about you earlier. Don't you think you should go talk to them?"

  Cyclizar followed Naoki's gaze and saw its friends huddled together. Memories of its ret behavior made Cyclizar feel embarrassed, but thinking of how much they cared, it gathered its ce and trotted over to them.

  As Cyclizar reunited with its friends, Naoki busied himself with the dishes. The younger Indeedee sibling approached, to help, but Naoki waved her off. "No, you go rest. I'll handle everything today."

  The Indeedee siblings worked tirelessly every day, tending to chores and helping the Pokémon. Naoki wao give them a well-deserved break.

  Touched by Naoki's thoughtfulness, the younger sibling scurried off to rest, while the elder lingered nearby, keeping a quiet wat case Naoki needed assistance.

  Naoki's mind wandered back to Koraidon. Its as today had been nothing short of surprising—f Cyclizar, of all things. Although Naoki didn't know the exact details of their versation, it was clear that whatever Koraidon said had eased Cyclizar's troubled heart.

  It was remarkable to see how much Koraidon had adapted and grown since arriving at the ranch. Once a solitary and fieron, it had now bee a mentor and friend.

  Naoki couldn't help but imagine Dr. Sada's rea. The renowned researcher would probably excim in disbelief: "What?! A Pokémon as strong and temperamental as Koraidon soling another Pokémon? That's incredible!"

  Just as Naoki finished ing the dishes, his Rotom Phone buzzed with a video call from the researchers in Area Zero.

  The s flickered to life, revealing Dr. Sada's smiling face. "Long time no see, Naoki!" she greeted warmly.

  "Long time no see, Doctor!" Naoki replied with a grin. "How's the research going in Area Zero?"

  "Everything's progressing smoothly," Dr. Sada said with a nod.

  Naoki sed the background of the call but only spotted Dr. Turo. Curious, he asked, "Where's Arven?"

  Dr. Sada smiled wistfully. "He's studying at the Paldea Academy now. He's surrounded by peers his age, so I'm sure he'll make plenty of friends. We didn't want him to feel lonely."

  "Arven's started school already?" Naoki mused aloud. Time truly flew by. He still remembered meeting Arven as a quiet, reserved boy.

  Dr. Sada nodded. "He has, but battling isn't really his strong suit. He's much more ied in cooking. I sometimes wonder if you had any influen that."

  Naoki: "…"

  He felt slightly accused but quickly dismissed it. Arven's ary is were entirely his own.

  "But enough about that," Dr. Sada tinued. "I wao che on Koraidon and Flutter Mane. How are they doing?"

  Naoki's mind fshed back to Koraidon's versation with Cyclizar earlier.

  He told Dr. Sada what had just happened.

  As Naoki anticipated, Dr. Sada's face lit up with surprise and curiosity.

  "What...?" she muttered, momentarily stuhen, her expression turhoughtful. "Fasating. Koraidon actually took the initiative to fort another Pokémon. It seems it has fully adapted to the modern world we live in."

  Naoki nodded in agreement, refleg on the parallels between Koraidon and Cyclizar described in various theories.

  Some cim that Koraidon represents what Cyclizar might have looked like in the distant past, while Miraidon is what Cyclizar could evolve into in the far future.

  Naoki had yet to enter eviden this world to firm such cims, but the idea intrigued him.

  After a moment of thought, he asked, "Doctor, have you ever noticed how simir the appearances of Koraidon, Cyclizar, and Miraidon are? Could there be some kind of e between them?"

  Dr. Sada houghtfully. "It's certainly possible. Acc to the research Turo and I have ducted, it's highly likely that Cyclizar is a natural evolutionary desdant of the a Pokémon, Koraidon."

  She tinued, "As you knookémon's appearand traits ge signifitly depending on the envirohey live in. This is evident in the variional forms we've seen across the world."

  "For example, during Koraidon's era, the atmosphere tained a much higher oxygen tration, and the air was suffused with a type of primal, violent energy. Perhaps this is why a Pokémon like Koraidon, Slither Wing, and R Moon exhibited such fierd beast-like behaviors, resembling untamed creatures rather than intelligent beings."

  Dr. Sada paused, then added with a smile, "Of course, your Koraidon and Flutter Mane are exception to this."

  Naoki aking it all in.

  Primal, violent energy?

  The term triggered a memory: Primal Reversion.

  This phenomenon, seen in the legendary Pokémon Groudon and Kyogre, involves a return to their inal forms when exposed to vast amounts of natural energy.

  Dr. Sada tinued her expnation. "As time passed, the oxygen levels imosphere decreased, and the primal energy in the air dissipated. This led to signifit ges in Pokémon eions, ultimately resulting in the forms we see today."

  "Additionally, the emergence of Berries provided Pokémon with abundant and accessible nutrition, eliminating the need for stant hunting. Over time, this tributed to more harmonious retionships among species, except for a few natural predators."

  Naoki nodded in uanding, the pieces falling into pce.

  Suddenly, a bold idea struck him. "Doctor, do you think it's possible for Cyclizar to revert to its inal form, transf into Koraidon?"

  Dr. Sada raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the cept. "Primal Reversion? That's an iing parison. While it's theoretically possible, I 't say for certain. We've never had the opportunity to directly observe Koraidon's time period or the meisms that shaped its enviro."

  She looked wistful, her gaze softening. "I've always dreamed of witnessing the a world firsthand, to see Pokémon like Koraidon and Flutter Mane in their natural habitats."

  But then, her expression grew somber. "Unfortunately, it's a dream that's hard to achieve. My family ties and responsibilities keep me grounded in this time."

  Naoki could sehe longing in her voice but respected her reasoning. He let go of the idea with a twinge ret.

  His thoughts shifted to Pokémon of the future, like Miraidon and Iron Valiant.

  "What about the Pokémon from the future?" Naoki asked. "Do you think their meical forms are natural, or were they artificially modified?"

  Dr. Turo, who had been listening quietly in the background, stepped forward to answer.

  "The Pokémon from the future are likely products of a teological era. My research suggests that Pokémon like Iron Valiant exhibit signs of artificial creation."

  Turo adjusted his gsses and tinued, "It's pusible that these Pokémon are bionic creations, engineered by a future society or a particurly ambitious stist fasated by Pokémon."

  From what Dr. Turo said, had he established a e with the Iron Valiant?

  Naoki was very surprised because the Iron Warrior was known for its cruel temperament!

  "We employed a uhod to establish a e between me and Iron Valiant," he expined. "If you're ied, Naoki, you're wele to visit the Zero Area Researstitute anytime. We'd be happy to expin it to you iail."

  With Koraidon by his side, Naoki felt fident he could navigate Area Zero with ease. After all, the Pokémon had proven invaluable in many challenging situations.

  Additionally, someone from the Paldea League had reached out to Naoki before. Upon learning that he had entered Area Zero, they had informed him that he no longer o apply for special clearance from the League to explore the region.

  As for who had grahis permission, it was her thaa, the Champion of the Paldea region.

  Dr. Sada and Dr. Turenuinely surprised to learn that Geeta and Naoki were acquaihey made this particur call to inform him of the new privileges he had been granted.

  Naoki, however, was incredulous. "Geeta really trusts me that much?"

  "I'll have to thank the Champion in person ter," Naoki said with a small chuckle.

  Dr. Sada smiled warmly. "That sounds like a good idea. Well, that's all for now. ime we chat, let's discuss more about a Pokémon."

  With that, the call ended.

  ...

  At the Same Time in the Paldea League Headquarters…

  Geeta was using her Rotom Phoo call Iono, the enthusiastic Electric-type Gym Leader, intending to have a casual versation—and perhaps test her reas.

  Iono, meanwhile, was at home editing one of her test videos. The sudden ringing of her Rotom Phoartled her, and when she saw Geeta's name dispyed, her heart skipped a beat.

  'It's the Chief!' she thought, momentarily panicked. 'Could this be about her Gym's performance? Was Geeta calling to evaluate her work?'

  But then she g the clock. 'Oh, it's after hours… so it's probably not an iion.'

  With that reassurance, Iono answered the call, putting on her characteristic lively tone. "Hello, hello! Good afternoon, Chief!"

  Geeta's warm smile appeared on the s. "Good afternoon, Iono. How are things going with yym? Have you entered any challenges?"

  "Everything's going great!" Iono replied, her fidence shining through. "No issues at all!"

  "Gd to hear that," Geeta said. Her tone shifted slightly, being more versational. "By the way, I heard from Rika that you and Naoki seem to have a good retionship. Is that true?"

  "Naoki?" Iono blinked in surprise. The abrupt ge in topic caught her off guard, and for a moment, she wasn't sure how to respond. "Uh…"

  Geeta raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? Is something wrong?"

  "No, no! It's fine!" Iono said hastily, waving her hands as if to dispel any misuanding. "Naoki and I are friends!"

  "Friends…" Geeta repeated, her smile turning ever so slightly mischievous.

  Iono: "?"

  There seemed to be something off about the chief today.

  Just as Iono was about to ask what was going oa suddenly ged the subject.

  "By the way, Iono, you're turning een this year, right?" Geeta asked casually.

  Iono, slightly fused, nodded. "Yeah, I just celebrated my eighteenth birthday not long ago. I'll be een soon."

  "Time flies, doesn't it?" Geeta said with a nostalgic smile. "I still remember when you first became a Gym Leader—you were just fourteen or fifteen… almost three years youhan Naoki. Have you ever met anyone you like?"

  Iono was pletely taken aback. A big question mark practically popped over her head. The chief was ag so odd today.

  "Chief, isn't it a bit early to talk about this kind of thing?" she said, trying to brush it off.

  "Is it?" Geeta replied with a knowing smile. "Well, maybe for you. But for Naoki, the time might be just right. I'm thinking of introdug him to a few suitable didates aing him up on a blind date. What do you think?"

  "What?!" Iono excimed, her voice filled with disbelief. For a moment, she stared at Geeta, pletely stunned. "Naoki doesn't seem like he's in a hurry for something like that… right?"

  Geeta chuckled. "Well, we'll only know if we try, won't we? Besides, there are a few people in the Paldea League who would be a great match for Naoki. I called you today to get your opinion since you're his friend."

  Io herself starting to panic. Sure, they were friends, but…

  Geeta watched Iono's rea carefully. The younger woman's visible distra and unease spoke volumes. Geeta smiled inwardly, satisfied that her suspis were correct.

  "You like him, don't you?" Geeta asked gently, her toinged with amusement.

  Iono's eyes widened in shock, and she stared at Geeta as if she'd just been caught red-handed.

  Geeta ughed softly and tinued, "From what I've observed, you're not the type of Gym Leader who prioritizes rigorous training or pushes yourself to be the stro in Paldea. ym Leaders only visited the rance, but you've been there multiple times. Surely you're not suddenly dedig yourself to special training to bee the strorainer, are you?"

  Iono sighed, realizing there was no use denying it anymore. "Alright, fine… maybe just a little."

  "If you like him, you should take the initiative. Be brave and go after what you want," Geeta enced. "Naoki's not the type to make the first move. If you wait for him, you might wait forever."

  Ioated. "I don't know… it feels like Naoki and I wouldn't be a good match."

  "Why do you think that?" Geeta asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Iono sighed, listing her s. "Naoki and I are so different. He loves quiet, peaceful pces, while I thrive in bustling cities. Our personalities, our lifestyles—they're just… different."

  Geeta houghtfully, listening ily. After a pause, she finally responded.

  "Love is a two-way street," she said. "It's about meeting each other halfway. These differences you're so worried about… they're not what you o focus ht now. First, you o be ho with yourself and with him. If you don't express your feelings, you'll never know if there's a ce."

  Iono looked at Geeta with a mix of admiration and fusion. There was something different about the chief today—something unusually thoughtful.

  "Why are you suddenly so ied in this, Chief?" Iono asked, half-teasing.

  Geeta smiled. "Everything I do is for the betterment of the Paldea League. Alright, that's enough for today. Let's talk more once you've sorted out your feelings!"

  Iono: "…"

  What was all this about for the Paldea League?

  Could her love story somehow revitalize the Paldea League?

  Iono was baffled.

  Still, the Chief wasirely wrong.

  She o express her feelings first. Otherwise, if she overthought everything and got rejected, it would be all the more embarrassing ter.

  Thinking about this made Iono feel nervous.

  "Fet it," she muttered to herself. "I'll just visit Naoki's rand see him first!"

  ...

  After hanging up the phone, Geeta leaned ba her chair, her expression pensive.

  Rika, who had been within earshot and overheard everything, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Chief, since when did you start moonlighting as a matchmaker?"

  Geeta smiled knowingly and replied, "I'm not matchmaking. I just want to help them."

  But Rika wasn't fooled.

  Obviously, Geeta had her reasons—it was all about keeping Naoki in the Paldea region.

  Geeta didn't mind beihrough by Rika. Instead, she allowed herself to indulge ihoughts about the future.

  "By the way, Rika," Geeta began.

  "What is it?" Rika asked, still watg her with suspi.

  Geeta's voice was light as she mused, "If Naoki had a child, how old do you think they'd be when they reached Champion-level strength?"

  Rika's expression turned incredulous, her disbelief pin on her face.

  'Chief, first you want Naoki to stay in Paldea, and now you're pnning for his future child?!'

  "What's that look feeta asked, her tone pyful. "I'm just saying—it's obvious that his child would be incredibly strong."

  Rika thought about it for a moment, her mind going to Naoki's Pokémon team: Koraidon, Flutter Mane, Dragonite, Spectrier, Gstrier, Calyrex and Gogoat.

  A trainer who could bond with and raise such powerful Pokémon couldn't possibly be weak.

  If Naoki's child chose to follow the path of a trainer, Naoki would undoubtedly teach them everything he knew.

  With so many Pokémon on the ranaoki might eve a partner Pokémon for his child as soon as they were born, allowing the two to grow up together.

  Such a bond would far surpass the eost trainers form when receiving their first Pokémon at age ten.

  By the time the child was three years old—old enough to walk and talk—Naoki might already start teag them how to care for and train Pokémon.

  If they trained sistently until the age of ten, they could likely challenge Gyms and even aim to bee the you Champion in history.

  Geeta could practically see the future unfolding—a brilliaar rising in the Paldea League.

  "It's aing thought, isn't it?" Geeta murmured, a smile tugging at her lips.

  ...

  Late March, Year 200 of the Alliance dar

  That m, Naoki was steaming grass dumplings for his Gogoat when his Rotom Phone buzzed with an ining call from Mayor Thomas.

  "Mayor Thomas?" Naoki answered.

  The mayor's jovial face appeared on the s. "Good m, Naoki! This year's Spring Horse Race is happening the day after tomorrow. Are you pnning t your horse Pokémon to pete?"

  Spring Horse Race?

  Last year, Spectrier had entered and won the championship. Logically, it should be Gstrier's turn this year.

  But Gstrier didn't seem as ied in the petition anymore.

  Naoki thought back to the time wherier had proudly kept its winner's trophy perched on its head. Worried that it might deform Spectrier's head, Calyrex had stepped in to expin that the trophy wasn't actually a .

  Spectrier had promptly set the trophy down, and Gstrier, overhearing the expnation, seemed to lose all i in the idea of being "Horse King."

  sidering this, Naoki thought for a moment and replied, "I'm not sure. I'll ask my horse type pokemon and see if they're ied. If they're willing, I'll bring them along."

  "Sounds good," Mayor Thomas said with a nod before ending the call.

  ...

  If you feel like supp me extra, you hop onto my Patreon page a access to 50+ chapters ahead!

  patreon./Keepsmiling818