On April 1st, 200 of the Alliance dar, with rising temperatures signaling the o of summer, the Paldea region officially weled the hot season.

  The daytime heat was intense, so Naoki used the cooler m hours to milk the Gogoat ahe other Pokémon on his ranch. Once his chores were done, he decided to che the progress of the fruit wine fermenting in the celr.

  Just as he was about to ehe house, his Rotom ph.

  Pulling the phone from his pocket, Naoki g the s and saw it was Iono calling. He raised an eyebrow, paused for a moment, and then pressed the answer button.

  "Hello?" he said.

  "Hey, hey, Naoki! What're you up to?" Iono's eic voice came through the phone.

  "I just finished up my ranch work. I nning to take a break," Naoki replied, letting go of the Rotom phone as it switched to hover mode, floating near his ear. He turo the outdoor faucet to wash his hands.

  "And you? Don't you have work today?" he asked. Gym Leaders rarely took time off, especially not during this season. They typically stayed at their gyms, prepared to take on trainers' challenges.

  If it were Iono, Naoki figured she'd be live-streaming battles from Levincia Gym right now.

  Iono chuckled mischievously. "Guess!"

  he rarance, Iono motioned for Koraidon and Cyclizar, who had noticed her arrival, to stay quiet. Koraidon, about to let out a sound, obediently closed its mouth.

  "Huh?" Naoki was surprised. "Are you live-streaming outside right now?"

  "Nope!" Iono teased.

  Naoki paused, drying his hands with a towel. Thinking about Iono's pyful personality, he had a sudden realization.

  "Wait... Are you on your way to the ranch?"

  "Bingo! Look behind you!" Iono excimed with a ugh.

  Turning around, Naoki saw Iono standing on the grass not far away, waving eically at him. Beside her, Koraidon and Cyclizar stood, watg silently.

  Naoki shook his head, smiling helplessly. This was just like Iono.

  He ehe call and sidered the risi. Deg it would be better to chat indoors, he invited Iono into the living room.

  "Sorry to intrude!" Iono said cheerfully, following him inside.

  "Are you here to attempt the trial again?" Naoki asked.

  Iono nodded enthusiastically. "You got it! After my st attempt, I've e up with a strategy to ter Pawmot's hammer!"

  In truth, she wasirely sure why she'd e to the ranch but used this excuse to cover her visit.

  "I see..." Naoki said, intrigued. Still, he felt something was a little off. From what he knew of Iono, she wasn't usually oo focus on honing her battle skills. She prioritized eaining her audience over victory during gym challenges.

  But perhaps Iono had ged her mi? If so, Naoki was more than willing to help.

  As the two of them ehe house, Koraidon and Cyclizar squatted on the grass outside, watg the se curiously.

  Cyclizar looked at Koraidon, then at the odd tree nearby, and asked in fusion, "Gao?" (Do you know that human?)

  Cyclizar felt that Koraidon seemed very familiar with that human.

  It had a positive impression of Iono, recalling how she had enced it during a low point.

  Koraidon nodded sagely. "Raao." (You'll get to know her well soon enough.)

  Koraidon believed that someday Iono would bee an important part of their lives.

  Cyclizar tilted its head, unsure of what Koraido. "Gao..." (I don't get it.)

  Ihe living room, Indeedee brought Iono a cup of refreshing bck tea.

  "Thank you!" Iono excimed, taking a sip. Her eyes widened with delight. "This is so good!"

  Indeedee beamed at the pliment, cheerfully replying, "Indeedee!"

  A moment ter, Indeedee returned with some homemade snacks to apany the tea.

  "Wow, you're spoiling me!" Iono said gratefully, happily digging into the treats.

  Naoki watched the iion with a warm smile. Ondeedee left, he asked, "How's your live-streaming going tely?"

  "It's bee!" Iono said excitedly. "I switched up my style, and the popurity of Levincia Gym is s!"

  Naoki, who followed Iono's page on PikaTube, nodded in aowledgment. Though her popurity wasn't quite at its peak, she was undoubtedly on the rise.

  He grinned. "But isn't Levincia Gym still open for challenges? Are you sure it's okay for you to be here?"

  As far as Naoki khe Paldea Alliance had performance requirements fym Leaders and would occasionally send iors to test their strength.

  Iono nodded and said, "Don't worry! Before ing here, I made sure to request three days of leave from the Paldea Alliance, aa personally approved it!"

  "I see!" Naoki smiled. It seemed that the Paldea Alliand Geeta were both quite siderate.

  After Iono finished her snacks and drank the bck tea prepared she expressed her iion to challenge Pawmo's Lightning Trial once again.

  Naoki called for Pawmot, and the two headed to the battle arena on the ranch.

  Watg Pawmot brimming with fighting spirit, Naoki couldn't help but marvel.

  "I didn't expect this!"

  Iono tilted her head in fusion. "Didn't expect what?"

  Naoki chuckled. "I didn't expect you to be so diligent and hardw. You're a little different from what I imagined."

  In Naoki's experierainers like Grusha or Larry rarely visited the ranch more than once, but Iono frequently returo challehe trials.

  Was it possible that the Iono of this world differed from her in-game terpart?

  Regardless, if Iono was w so hard, Naoki resolved to help her to the best of his abilities. After all, she was his friend.

  However, hearing this, Iono's cheeks turned red. The truth was, she wasn't here solely for the challenge!

  Naoki, unaware of her flustered thoughts, tinued, "Although I'm not an expert in raising and trainirion, I think Pawmot in battle might give you some inspiration."

  "So, in the match, we won't go all out. sider it a demonstration. Be sure to have your Pokémon watch carefully!"

  "Eh?" Iono blinked in surprise before noddihusiastically.

  "Alright!"

  The first match began with Naoki sending out Pawmot, while Iono chose her Electivire.

  As the battle enced, Pawmot charged forward, its hammer sparking with electricity. Electivire braced itself, crossing its arms in defense. As the hammer came down, a surge of electricity erupted, but Electivire absorbed it pletely into its body.

  Naoki immediately reized the ability. "Motor Drive," he remarked. "It nullifies Electric-type moves and boosts the Pokémon's speed instead."

  However, Pawmot was no ordinary Electrion. Its hammer carried physical force alongside its electrical energy.

  Electivire stumbled slightly from the blow, but Iono quickly issued her and:

  "Electivire, use Brick Break!"

  Electivire roared, raising its hand to strike Pawmot, who dodged the attack with swift precision. Not missing a beat, Iono followed up:

  "Thunderbolt!"

  A brilliant burst of electricity surged from Electivire, aiming directly for Pawmot. Naoki, unfazed, calmly instructed, "Charge."

  "Pawmot!"

  Pawmot cried as it stood firm, allowing the Thunderbolt to hit. To Iono's shock, Pawmot absorbed the electrical energy rather than suffering damage.

  "How is that possible?!" Iono excimed.

  Naoki expined, "For Electric-type Pokémoricity act as food. When a Pokémon uses Charge, it accumutes energy. If it absorbs the oppo's Electric moves during this state, it takes minimal damage while greatly enhang its own energy reserves."

  Iono's eyes lit up. "Using the oppo's attack as fuel? That's brilliant! Let's try it!"

  Her Electivire nodded in uanding, ready to attempt this rategy.

  Naoki called out, "Pawmo, Discharge!"

  "Pawmot!"

  A powerful surge of electricity spread across the battlefield, heading straight for Electivire.

  "Electivire, Charge!" Iono shouted.

  Electivire roared, standing firm as it braced itself. eling Naoki's earlier words, it began abs the iniricity.

  The electricity surged iivire's body, its energy levels rapidly climbing. Within moments, it felt its power rea unpreted peak.

  In this state, if Electivire uses aric-type moves, their power will be signifitly amplified!

  Naoki oward Iono aivire. "Give it your all!"

  Iono was now fully immersed itle. She ched her fists and shouted with determination:

  "Electivire, use Wild Charge!"

  "Pawmot, let's go too! Use Thunder Cp!"

  The ands were given, and the two Pokémon sprang into a simultaneously.

  Electivire's muscur frame was enveloped in crag electricity, f a shimmering suit of lightning armor. It charged forward with incredible speed, leaving scorch marks otlefield.

  Meanwhile, Pawmot eled all its stored electricity into its hammer, which glowed with a radiant, silver sheen. Without hesitation, it dashed toward Electivire.

  The two Pokémon collided in a brilliant fsh of light, creating a massive sphere of electricity that engulfed them both.

  Moments ter, a powerful explosion rocked the battlefield, sending shockwaves through the air.

  Both Pawmot aivire were knocked bading on opposite sides of the field. her had lost the ability to fight, but both were clearly exhausted.

  "What a powerful csh!" Iono excimed, her eyes wide as she saw the faint scorch marks and bruises oivire's body.

  Naoki smiled. "It looks like Electivire has already uood the lesson. There's o push it further. Let's end the battle here."

  Iono nodded. "Okay!"

  Naoki gestured to elder Indeedee whht over bowls of fresh Milk to help the Pokémon recover their strength. The two Pokémon eagerly drank, their exhaustion easing as the soothing milk restored their energy.

  Seeing their efforts, Naoki invited Iono aivire to rest in the living room.

  "How was it?" Naoki asked with a smile.

  Iono nodded enthusiastically. "As expected of you, Naoki! Your methods are amazing!"

  Naoki chuckled. "When you head back, try incorporating this trainihod with your Pokémon. I'm fident that with sistent practice, the strength of the Levincia Gym will improve greatly."

  "I'll definitely give it a try!" Iono replied eagerly.

  As they rexed, Iono's eyes wao the many strong Pokémon on the ranch. Curiosity piqued, she thought about Naoki's past.

  Acc to Geeta, Naoki had e to the Paldea region three years ago after spending time traveling through ions.

  "By the way, Naoki," Iono asked, "where did you travel before ing to Paldea?"

  Naoki paused, caught off guard by the question. After a moment, he smiled and replied, "I've been to quite a few pces—Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Kalos."

  "Wow!" Iono's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I've never eve Paldea!"

  Naoki chuckled warmly. "When you have the time, you should explore ions. Eae has its own unique culture, ndscapes, and Pokémon. It's worth experieng."

  Iono houghtfully, theated before asking, "What about your family? Don't you live with your parents?"

  Naoki's expression softened. He shook his head gently. "No, they passed away a long time ago. I spent part of my childhood in Paldea, but ter, we moved to Hoenn for my parents' health. After they passed, I began traveling through ions."

  He paused, his gaze distant. "Eventually, I got tired of wandering. So, I returo my hometown, and ied my grandfather's ranch."

  Iono's expression fell. "I'm so sorry, Naoki. I didn't mean t up anything painful."

  Naoki grinned, signaling to Iono not to feel awkward. "It's okay, it's all in the past."

  Iono's eyes sparkled, and she nodded early. "Naoki, you're really strong—not just in battles, but as a person!"

  Naoki waved it off with a soft ugh. Instead of tinuing the topic, he asked, "What about you?"

  "Me?" Iono poio herself, slightly surprised by the question. When Naoki nodded, she began to speak.

  "I grew up in Levincia. Like other kids, I left home when I was ten to attend Naranja Academy."

  "That's where I met Bellibolt and Misdreavus. Together, we started my journey—challenging gyms, earning badges, aually, I became the Gym Leader of Levincia's Electric Gym."

  "Life iy must be lively," Naoki ehoughtfully.

  Ioated for a moment, unsure how to respond. "I've never really experienced living in the tryside."

  "That's a shame, isn't it?" Naoki said with a smile. "Life in the tryside is wonderful in its own way."

  "In spring, the hills e alive with flowers, and you see bee flitting among the blossoms, gatheriar."

  "During summer nights, fireflies gather he rivers. It's like watg the stars e to life oer's surface. Sometimes, you'll eveer-type Pokémon peek out from the river to enjoy the glow."

  "In autumn, the forests turn golden, and you go up the mountains to gather things like mushrooms, hazelnuts, and Berries. You might even spot wild Pokémon stog up food for winter."

  "As for winter... Well, it's freezing, so I don't ve much. But on occasion, I'll take my Pokémon to the fields to build snowmen and gaze at the stars."

  "On clear nights, with no clouds in sight, the stars and moon shine brighter than you imagine."

  Iono listened, her face lighting up with wonder and a touch of envy.

  "That sounds incredible!"

  "Doesn't it?" Naoki smiled, the thought of summer already filling him with anticipation.

  Then, aruck him.

  "Speaking of which, it's summer now. There should be fireflies tonight. Would you like to see them?"

  Iono bliaken aback. "Really? Would that be okay?"

  "Of course," Naoki said warmly. "There are guest rooms upstairs where you stay the night. You head back to Levincia tomorrow."

  The guest rooms were well-kept, often hosting visitors such as Professor Oak, Arven, and Alder.

  Iono smiled sheepishly, scratg the back of her head. "Thanks! I'll take you up on that offer."

  ...

  That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the sound of cicadas echoed faintly from the nearby hills.

  Iall grass he river, fireflies began to flicker to life.

  As the night deepehe tiny glowing is gathered by the water, their light illuminating the serene keside like tless tiny stars.

  Naoki spread out a piiket on the grassy riverbank. It was adorned with an array of snacks and treats.

  Fresh milk pudding, honey cake, poffins, Pokéblocks, berry juice, and Moomoo Milk filled the piiket, creating a feast for all the Pokémon on the ranch.

  Excited, the Pokémon chased each other around the bheir cheerful energy filling the air. Across the river, a group of Psyducks sat in their usual dazed poses, clutg their heads as they stared bnkly at the fireflies dang above the water.

  Iono released her team of Pokémon as well. The Pokémon on Naoki's ranch had dined with Iono's team before, so they were already quite familiar with each other.

  As soon as they reunited, Pawmot hopped forward, releasing a small electric charge to greet Luxray and the others in the unique unication style of Electric-type Pokémon.

  Flutter Mane seemed especially intrigued by Misdreavus, floating close and staring ily at the ghostly Pokémon. Misdreavus, unnerved by the scrutiny, floated away to hide behind Iono.

  Watg this serene se, Iono found herself feeling something she couldn't quite describe.

  She had seen many breathtaking sights before—the dazzling million-volt lights of Levincia, the casg beauty of Gseado's waterfalls, and the vast olive orchards of the South Paldean region.

  But nothi quite like this.

  Along the riverbank, where the water flowed gently, groups of fireflies glowed faintly as they dahrough the night air. Their shimmering refles rippled across the surface of the clear water.

  The tranquil night, the soothing hum of cicadas, the soft summer breeze...

  This eao city could offer.

  "So beautiful," Iono murmured, a smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, Naoki."

  Naoki, leaning ba his hands, looked out at the luminous river, his gaze soft.

  "I should be thanking you, too," he said quietly.

  "Huh?" Iono blinked in fusion.

  Naoki turo her with a knowing smile. "You've promoted my ranch shop during your livestreams, haven't you?"

  Iono's eyes widened in shock. "How did you figure that out?!"

  She thought she'd been subtle!

  "Your fa messages on my shop's page." Naoki chuckled, pulling out his Rotom Phoo show her some of the ents:

  [Reended by Iono's livestream! The milk here is amazing—fresh, sweet, and delivered super fast by Dragonite. Highly reend!]

  [Thanks to Iono, I found this gem of a shop! The vegetables are so fresh. Now my grandma doesn't have to go out to buy groceries. Will definitely ain!]

  Iono's face flushed crimson, utterly embarrassed.

  "Thank you," Naoki said sincerely.

  Iono scratched her head awkwardly, her blush deepening. She had always been someone who liked to help others, even as a livestreamer. In the anime, she often enced her fans and cheered them up during tough times.

  "By the way," Naoki suddenly remembered, "did you take the Squawkabilly Flying Taxi to get here?"

  Iono nodded. "Yup! There are taxi stations in both Levincia and Kosaji Town. It's really ve!"

  "How long was the flight?" Naoki asked curiously.

  "Hmm… about six hours," Iono answered after a moment of thought.

  Kosaji Town and Levincia are at opposite ends of Paldea. A six-hour flying taxi ride was already remarkably fast, sidering the distance.

  Naoki raised an eyebrow and asked in disbelief, "A six-hour flying taxi ride?"

  Iono tilted her head, puzzled. "Huh? What's wrong?"

  Naoki fell silent.

  Six hours? That's too slow. This bad-forth trip sounds like such a hassle!

  "Let Dragoake you baorrow," Naoki said, feeling a headache ing on.

  Dragonite could reach Levincia ihan half an hour with its incredible speed—several times faster than the Squawkabilly Flying Taxi.

  Now it was Iono's turn to look fused.

  "Isn't that a bit much to ask?" she said hesitantly.

  "It's fine," Naoki replied. "Dragonite o deliver goods to Levincia anyway. You just go along for the ride."

  "Alright then," Iono said with a smile. "Thanks so much!"

  Not far away, Koraidon and Cyclizar were squatting on the grass, the two humans by the river.

  Cyclizar turo Koraidon, its expression curious. "Gaoo?" (Why 't we bother Naoki?)

  Koraidon's tone was serious as it replied, "Awooo." (Naoki has something very important to take care of.)

  "Gao?" (Something important?)

  Cyclizar perked up with i, but Koraidon remained quiet.

  Koraidon g the peaceful se by the river, with Naoki, Iono, and the Pokémon happily gathered together. Memories from its past resurfaced.

  It remembered a time long ago when a small child—Naoki's child—held its tail and asked in a tender voice, "When will you e back?"

  Back then, Koraidon, still in its Cyclizar form, had promised to return soon.

  But it didn't. And the child never saw it again.

  The memory made Koraidon's heart heavy, but then it lifted its head resolutely.

  Now that it was back, it would fulfill its promise.

  The ime it saw that child, it would proudly say, "I've returned."

  Early the m, Iono boarded Dragonite auro Levincia.

  Just half an hour ter, Naoki received a message from her:

  [Iono: Thank you, Naoki! I had such a great time yesterday!]

  Naoki smiled a back a cheerful emoji before pocketing his Rotom Phone.

  It was another new day, and there lenty of work waiting for him on the ranch.

  While he was busy pnting summer crops in the fields, Kelly arrived with a stru team in tow.

  She waved to Naoki befng around with a mischievous smile. "Where's yirlfriend?"

  Naoki blinked, fused. "What girlfriend?"

  But then, he realized what Kelly meant.

  "Wait… Are you talking about Iono?"

  Sure enough, Kelly grinned. "Yup, the girl who came to the ranch yesterday!"

  Naoki sighed. "Don't jump to clusions. She was here to challehe trial."

  "Oh really?" Kelly said, a teasing look in her eyes. "But I noticed she looks at you differently."

  Naoki froze.

  "Differently?" he repeated. "No way."

  Kelly shrugged auro overseeing the stru with her Machamp team, leaving Naoki bewildered.

  He stood there for a moment, lost in thought.

  What kind of look? Did Iono really look at him differently?

  Shaking his head, Naoki decided it wasn't worth overthinking.

  Besides, the house's videophone had started ringing, pulling him away from his musings.

  With a shrug, Naoki turned and headed io ahe call.

  Although Rotom Phones have bee widely popur in this world, videophones remain essential.

  This is because some trainers do not own a Rotom Phone or may lose theirs while traveling in the wild. In such cases, they visit the Pokémoer and use the videophoo tact family and friends.

  At Naoki Ranch, the videophone was retained and repurposed as a publie for the ranost days, ers use it to pce orders fetables, Moomoo Milk, Berries, and other fresh produce.

  When the videoph, Naoki answered. A gruff voice came through from the other end of the line.

  "Hello! Is this Naoki Ranch? I'm the owner of a dessert shop in the neighb city. We're hosting a dessert petition soon, and we need fresh apples to make apple pies and dy apples. I'd like to p order for a batch of apples from your orchard!"

  "Got it! No problem," Naoki replied. After firming the man's requirements, he asked for the delivery address and tact details, assuring the er that the apples would be delivered soon.

  Naoki took dowails:

  Name: Cliff

  taumber: 693-7394

  Address: Shop 3, Blue Bay Street, Boping City

  After hanging up, Naoki opehe map app on his Rotom Phoo check the distaween Kosaji Town and Boping City.

  Driving there would take about an hour and a half.

  With the locatio, Naoki called on several of his Pokémon and made his way to the apple orchard across the river to start pig apples.

  At this time of year, the apples in the orchard were big, round, and vibrantly red—eae looking irresistibly delicious.

  The task seemed simple enough, so Naoki only asked Koraidon and Cyclizar to help him.

  However, when Ogerpon and Gholdengo overheard the pn, they eagerly volunteered to assist as well.

  Naoki hahem some cardboard boxes, instrug them to pack the harvested apples ly into the cartons.

  Both Ogerpon and Gholdengo were quick learners, mimig Naoki's example with ease. They worked diligently, pig apples and pag them in an orderly fashion.

  Pleased by their effort, Naoki focused ba his own work.

  Everything was going smoothly until Naoki suddenly heard a startled cry from Ogerpon.

  Naoki and the other Pokémon quickly turo see what had happened.

  "What's wrong?" Naoki asked.

  Ogerpon poioward a peculiar-looking apple hanging on a branch.

  "Oge!"

  Naoki followed Ogerpon's gaze and spotted the "apple."

  At first g looked just like any other apple. But upon closer iion, subtle differeood out:

  Large, round eyes had repced the apple's stem, tilr-like tails emerged from a hole in the back, and faint fang-like patterns decorated its lower surface.

  Clearly, this was no ordinary apple—it okémon.

  Naoki immediately reized it as an Applin.

  Startled by Ogerpon, the timid Applin quickly retreated into its apple shell, remaining motionless.

  Watg the shy Pokémon, Naoki felt a wave of excitement.

  Finally! It's here!

  He had been eagerly waiting for Applin to show up in his orchard for what felt like forever.

  Because Applin help fruits and apples ripen faster!With their presehe orchard on the World Tree flourish eveer.

  Thinking of this, Naoki paused his work and reassured Ogerpon, "Don't worry. It's also a Pokémon. Its name is Applin, and it lives inside apples."

  Hearing this, Gholdengo looked surprised.

  "Ghol" " Pokémon live inside apples?" it seemed to ask, its expression filled with amazement.

  Ogerpon, oher hand, looked terrified.

  It was clearly worried: what if it actally ate an Applin hiding inside an apple?

  "Pon..." Ogerpon seemed to spiral into anxious thoughts, and its expression turned even grimmer.

  Notig their reas, Naoki quickly expined, "Don't worry. Appli start its life inside an apple. After it's born, it finds an apple to hide in and spends the rest of its life there."

  "Ogerpon, you don't o be afraid of it. As long as you pay closer attention wheing apples iure, you'll be able to tell the differeween an Applin and an ordinary apple."

  As he spoke, Naoki walked forward aly pced his hand on the apple housing Applin.

  The power of his dragon aura activated!

  As a dragon-type Pokémon, Applin instantly felt a friendly presence.

  It hesitated, then cautiously peeked its eyes out of the apple to observe its surroundings.

  When Applin noticed the human standing before it, it instinctively tried to retreat bato its apple, wary and defensive. However, it quickly reized the familiar aura radiating from this person.

  "Hello, Applin. I'm Naoki, the caretaker of this orchard. You don't o be afraid. No one here will harm you—not me or any of the Pokémon in this area." Naoki spoke gently, showing his kindness.

  Applin stared at the human, still cautious. Its natural instincts told it to remain on guard—after all, it feared beien.

  As an unevolved Pokémon, Applin was incredibly fragile. Many dangers could threaten its life:

  If Applin lost its apple, the water in its body would gradually deplete, leaving it weak. If it couldn't find another apple quickly, it would perish.

  A fall from a great height could also force Applin out of its apple, leaving it exposed and vulnerable.

  Worst of all, Applin stantly had to stay alert for bird Pokémon, its natural predators. Even Pokémon like Noibat might mistake it for food and carry it back to their s.

  It didn't help that Applin looked almost identical tur apple.

  But soon, Applin sensed a unique energy from the human in front of it.

  This energy was calming, as if it was taking care of Applin and reying thoughts directly to it:

  "Don't be afraid. No one here will harm you—not me, and not the Pokémon in this orchard."

  Gradually, Applin began to let its guard down.

  Naoki khat non-type Pokémon could resist the allure of the dragon's aura.

  "Alright then, from now on, you live here peacefully!" Naoki said reassuringly.

  His pn was to help Appliually evolve iher Fpple or Appletun. By that time, the World Tree would have fully grown, and he would send Applin to live there. For Pokémon, the World Tree was an absolutely safe haven.

  But before that, Naoki had one more thing to do.

  "e on, Appli's see what your ability is," he said gently.

  Naoki veyed his thoughts to the little Pokémon. Applin seemed to uand what he was asking, though it took a moment before it acted.

  Finally, it hopped over to a slightly green apple hanging on a tree.

  The moment, a special energy wave emanated from Applin's body.

  Uhe influence of this wave, the green apple began to turn red right before Naoki's eyes, ripening into a perfect, glossy fruit.

  Seeing this, two words popped into Naoki's mind: [Ripening Power].

  This Applin's ability erfect for enhang the orchard!A Pokémon with this kind of skill could nurture fruit trees, helping them grow faster and bear better fruit.

  Delighted, Naoki decided to probe further using his dragon power. He sensed a thought from Applin:

  [I ripened all the apples on this tree!]

  Naoki blinked in surprise. "Really?"

  Applin nodded in affirmation.

  Naoki turned his attention to the apple tree Applin had worked on, paring it to other nearby trees.

  Sure enough, every apple on this tree was ripe and vibrant. The single unripe apple was clearly due to Applin not having reached it in time.

  "Why are you doing this?" Naoki asked curiously.

  Through the dragon's aura, he sensed Applin's thoughts again:

  [I ate one of your apples. I o repay you by ripening more apples.]

  Naoki couldn't help but smile. He hadn't expected such reasoning from the tiny Pokémon.

  "Have you been here for a long time?" he asked.

  Applin replied that it had only retly arrived but had seen Naoki taking care of the orchard—watering the trees and tending to them with care. From this, it uood that this was Naoki's territory.

  "I see," Naoki nodded. "You're a thoughtful one, aren't you?"

  He gently pced Applin ba the tree and reassured it."In that case, you stay here for now. Later, I'll take you to a safer pce where there's no danger. You'll be able to care for an orchard there."

  Applin chirped in agreement, settling itself among the branches.

  With that, Naoki returo work, joined by his Pokémon helpers. Together, they packed the ripe apples into cartons and loaded them onto a pickup truck.

  Once everything was set, Naoki climbed into the driver's seat, pulling a cart of apples along with several Pokémon following the vehicle on foot as he drove off to deliver the goods.

  Meanwhile, in the Hoenn Region…

  In the heart of a sprawling forest surrounded by mountains, Mewtwo soared through the air, leading a group of e Pokémon. For a long time, it had been searg for a pce to belong, trying to us purpose in this world.

  Suddenly, Mewtwo felt a familiar presence.

  It halted mid-flight, its superpowers activating as it slowly desded to the forest floor, apanied by Meowth, Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and other e Pokémon.

  The dense foliage parted as Mewtwo nded, and its sharp gaze locked onto two figures in the distance.

  One was a Teddiursa, its small frame radiating a sense of ce and justice. The other was her than Mew, whom Mewtwo once regarded as its "mother" and its fiercest oppo in battle.