Paldea Headquarters

  At the Paldea Alliance Headquarters, Geeta stared at her phone s, her expression plex.

  Nearby, Rika leaned against the wall, arms crossed. She noticed Geeta's hesitation and after a moment, asked,

  "Did he turn it down?"

  Geeta sighed.

  "Yeah… I inally pnned for Iono to take him on a week-long beach trip to Levincia City!"

  She had already booked everything—but Naoki refused.

  Rika thought about it for a moment.

  "It's harvest season at the ranch. Maybe Naoki just doesn't have time."

  Geeta scrolled through her phone, about to respond—when a breaking news alert popped up.

  Trending Topic: "Gar's Stro Champion, Leon, Has Left Gar and Is Now Traveling to the Paldea Region!"

  The post was from a Paldean traveler who had just returned from Gar after watg Gigantamax battles.

  On his cruise back to Paldea, he uedly ran into Leon—and even took a picture with him.

  In the photo, Leon grinned broadly, fshing his signature fident smile.

  Geeta froze.

  "Leon? What is he doing in Paldea? Is he ing for Naoki… again?"

  Her arm bells went off.

  'Could Leorying to recruit Naoki for the Gar League?!'

  That must not happen!

  Geeta's expression turned serious as she shared her theory with Rika.

  Rika, after listening, was momentarily speechless.

  "Chief… aren't you overthinking this?"

  Geeta wasn't vinced.

  "Pack my bags. I am heading to the ranch."

  Rika sighed.

  "Fine, fine. I get it."

  ...

  Meanwhile, at the ranaoki also received a message from Leon.

  Leon: "Hey, Naoki! I'm on my way to Paldea! I should arrive in two days—let's catch up!"

  Naoki pondered for a moment.

  "Two days… That's just enough time to finish my work on the World Tree."

  After f a response in his mind, he replied.

  Naoki: "Alright. When you arrive, take the Squawkabilly Taxi directly—don't get lost again."

  Leon: "Haha, don't worry! I'll definitely be on time this time!"

  Oher side of the s, Leon awkwardly scratched his head.

  After his st attempt at visiting Naoki, where he got lost for hours, he had learned his lesson.

  Instead of riding Charizard, he opted for a cruise ship—a transport method with a fixed route.

  This way, he shouldn't get lost… right?

  Leo out a small sigh.

  "Man, I've been bad with dires since I was a kid."

  Back when he first started his Pokémon journey, he would stantly get lost—to the point where his Charmander had to learn to read maps just to help.

  That same Charmaer evolved into Charizard, being his most trusted partner.

  ...

  The day, Naoki, along with the Pokémon from the rand Calyrex, made their way to the World Tree.

  It was time to accelerate its growth.

  With a gentle wave of its hand, Calyrex unleashed a brilliant green aura.

  The World Tree bathed in light—abs the purest energy.

  A momehe glow faded. At first ghe tree looked unged.

  But Naoki knew better.

  "Just two more months… and the World Tree will fully mature."

  As he gazed up at its t form, new information surfaced in his mind.

  [World Tree (Mature Stage)] A legendary tree that has absorbed an immense amount of Grass-type energy. Due to influence from the GOgoats, it underwent a mutation during its growth. It is said to possess the power to sustain aire world and nourish all living things.

  Estimated time until full maturity: 19,850 years.

  Naoki's eyes sparkled with excitement.

  "One more round in May… and by June, we begin the World Tree Assion Project!"

  Calyrex, standing beside him, shared the same awe.

  "I hought I'd witness such a miracle in my lifetime."

  Suddenly, a white light fshed nearby.

  Mewtwo teleported onto Sky Isnd, gazing curiously at Naoki and the other Pokémon. It g the World Tree, clearly sensing its ges.

  Naoki turo Mewtwo.

  "o worry. Calyrex is using its power to accelerate the tree's growth. The process takes time sihe World Tree needs immense energy."

  Mewtwo aking in the expnation. Its eyes flickered toward Calyrex, the Pokémon with the rge head.

  It remembers that the other party was also in that group chat.

  These days, Mewtwo has been quietly lurking in the group chat, watg the chats of the other two Pokémon.

  After for a period of time, it found that the Giratina had a rather arrogant and violent personality, and liked to curse at humans oer.

  Sometimes, when Giratina 't win by scolding humans, it will just run along the work cable to scare those humans.

  At first, Mewtwo thought that Giratina was full of malice towards humans.

  But ter it discovered that this was just the guy's character.

  pared to Giratina, who stantly ranted in the chat, Calyrex had a much calmer temperament.

  Whenever Giratina's fiery temper fred up, Calyrex would step in, a few wise words to help soothe the situation.

  Mewtwo had also noticed something else—

  "These two Pokémoo be extremely popur among humans."

  On the human I, both Giratina and Calyrex had gathered a huge following.

  At one point, Giratina even suggested that Mewtwo create an at like theirs.

  But Mewtwo refused.

  It had no desire to expose its current life, nor did it want to be bothered by humans.That sort of existence wasn't for it.

  Mewtwo's thoughts were interrupted when it noticed Calyrex looking at it.

  The King of Bountiful Harvests gave a small, knowing nod—ohat Mewtwo returned.

  Then, Calyrex turo Naoki, fshing a gentle smile.

  "Well, I won't keep you any longer. I'm going back to rex and py on my phone."

  Naoki: "…"

  "…Alright, have fun."

  With that, Calyrex left, and Naoki shifted his gaze toward Mewtwo.

  "The crops should be ready for harvest nht?"

  Mewtwo nodded.

  "Great! Let's head over and start harvesting."

  Naoki turo the Pokémon gathered around him.

  "Koraidon, Cyclizar, Pawmot, Alcremie, and Garganacl—want to e help?"

  "Raao!"

  "Awoo!"

  "Pawmot!"

  "Mree!"

  The Pokémon eagerly agreed.

  With that, Naoki and his group followed Mewtwo toward the World Tree.

  Mewtwo led the way, gliding effortlessly through the air—its long tail swaying behind it.

  Naoki observed for a while before they arrived at the World Tree Elevator. With a slight hum, the green energy bubble activated, lifting them to the top of the World Tree.

  At the very heart of this pce stood the Expedition Guild.

  Even after just a few days, the guild had bee lively—filled with Pokémon enjoying their new home.

  Venusaur, Vaporeon, Golduck, and the three Tatsugiri were busy running the sushi restaurant. Purrolin and ales were rexing on a ben the park, basking in the gentle breeze. o and Mino were brewing coffee in the café. Pikachu ah were w as waiters at the Pokémon tavern. A sleeping Rhydon y sn he Expedition Guild entrance.

  Even Dragonites had e to enjoy themselves.

  Two of them were seated in the sushi restaurant, happily dev ptes of fresh salmon sushi prepared by Venusaur, the head chef.

  Naoki chuckled, taking in the cheerful atmosphere.

  "Wow… these Pokémon really look happy and at ease here."

  The Pokémon around him also seemed curious about this vibrant sanctuary.

  At that moment, Alcremie suddenly spotted two familiar faces ihe cake shop—

  "Mree!"

  A vanil-fvored Alcremie and a lemon-fvored Alcremie—

  Naoki had brought them from the town just a few days ago.

  Hearing the excited call, the two Alcremie turoward the window, looking delighted.

  Naoki smiled.

  "Do you want to go py with them?"

  "Mree!" (Yes, yes!)

  Alcremie nodded excitedly.

  "Alright, go on then!"

  With that, Alcremie happily dashed away, joining its friends.

  Naoki turo the rest of the Pokémon.

  "This is Pokémon Park. Feel free to explore and enjoy yourselves."

  Hearing this, Gholdengo and Ogerpon lit up with excitement—

  Like kids stepping into a toy store, they rushed straight to the sushi restaurant.

  Meanwhile, Pawmot went to visit its parents in the chi coop.

  Naoki's Eeveelutions also scattered, eager to py in the Expedition Guild.

  The only ones left standihe five giant Garganacl.

  They looked around bnkly, unsure of what to do.

  Just then, Alcremie waved at them—and with brightened expressions, the Garganacl stomped over happily.

  And just like that, only Koraidon and Cyclizar remained by Naoki's side.

  Meatched all of this in siles gaze unreadable.

  "Alright, let's head to the farmnd," Naoki finally said.

  Mewtwo nodded.

  The group soon arrived at the farmnd area that was transformed from a pin.

  At this moment, all kinds of crops have grown in those fields.

  Emerald green watermelons, Bright e pumpkins, Dark green cucumbers, Shiny red apples, Golde fields swaying in the breeze

  The air was thick with the st of ripening crops.

  "Remember how I told you to harvest them?" Naoki asked.

  Mewtwo nodded.

  Then, without a word a powerful psychic force swept across the wheat field.

  Grains of wheat floated into the air, gathering into a golden cloud.

  Then like a gentle rain, the wheat drifted into the mill, where Charizard and Nidoking stood waiting with barrels.

  As the mill ed, finely ground flour trickled down from the wheat into the barrels. Before long, the first barrel was full.

  Seeing this, Nidoking stepped forward, lifted the heavy barrel with ease, a aside. Then, he pushed a fresh empty barrel into pce.

  This process repeated several times until—

  More than a dozen barrels of freshly milled flour were ly arranged beside the mill.

  Naoki: "…"

  'Having Pokémon with Psychic-type abilities sure is ve.'

  But—Naoki didn't e here just to watch Mewtwo perform telekiic magic tricks. Meouldn't always be here to help.

  One day, these Pokémon would o learn how to mahe farm on their own.

  So, Naoki called over the Pokémon watg from the sidelines, along with Koraidon and Cyclizar, and began demonstrating how to properly harvest crops.

  The Pokémon watched carefully.

  Among them, Sandssh caught on the fastest—

  Using its sharp cws, it mimicked Naoki's teique, slig through stalks of golde with precision.

  Naoki nodded approvingly.

  "That's it! Keep going just like that!"

  Seeing Sandssh master the teique, the other Pokémon grew excited and eagerly joined in.

  Meanwhile, Mewtwo floated off to the side, everything in silence.

  Naoki noticed its thoughtful expression and stopped beside it.

  "I know what you're thinking," Naoki said.

  Mewtwo turoward him, intrigued.

  "They will eventually have to learn how to harvest crops by themselves because you 't take care of them for a lifetime. If one day you suddenly want to leave the World Tree and travel to other pces, these Pokémon live here with their own strength."

  Naoki looked out at the field, where Pokémon of all kinds worked together—

  Water types helped with irrigation. Ground types tilled the fertile soil. Grass types carefully teo saplings and crops.

  "Different Pokémon, each with their own strengths, w together to build something special."

  Mewtwo's gaze softened slightly.

  It had spent so much of its existence fighting against the world—

  A, here, on the World Tree, Pokémon were building their own future, side by side.

  "Let them enjoy a meal made from their own hard work for lunch," Naoki suggested with a smile.

  Mewtwo his time, it didn't intervene. Instead, it stood bad observed, as Naoki led the Pokémon through their work.

  Only when they were pletely exhausted—colpsed in the fields, panting from the effort—did Mewtwo finally use its Psychic abilities to collect the remaining crops, telep them directly to the granary.

  Naoki sighed. 'They really need more helping hands.'

  Having Pokémon like Scyther alde would make the harvesting process much more effit.

  'Guess I'll just wait until Mew and Baby Bear bring in more friends!'

  By midday, the group returo the Expedition Guild—their arms full of freshly harvested produce.

  Naoki took over the kit, preparing a sumptuous feast using the fruits aables from today's harvest.

  The meal was held in the restaurao the guild, where a long wooden table had bee up.

  Pokémon gathered around eagerly. And when the food was finally served—

  "Meow~" (This is pure happiness, meow~)

  "Pikapi!" (This is the life I want!)

  Meowth melted in delight, while Pikachu's eyes sparkled with excitement.

  Other Pokémon nodded in agreement, their faces full of joy as they enjoyed every bite. For the first time, they were eating food they had grown themselves.

  The entire restaurant buzzed with ughter and warmth. Naoki watched with a smile.

  "This is your home now. Live well and take care of it."

  ...

  After lunaoki walked around to che how the Pokémon were settling in.

  By now, they had fully embraced their new roles.

  Some Pokémoed, while ot back to work.

  Tatsugiri and its three employees returo the sushi restaurant.

  Venusaur, the head chef, reported to Tatsugiri that their ingredient supply was running low.

  Without missing a beat—

  "Tatsu!" (Let's go get more supplies!)

  Tatsugiri rallied its team, and the group headed to the lower level of the World Tree

  Naoki didn't follow them. Instead, he decided to check out the nearby café.

  The café, located right o the sushi restaurant.

  A pce where Pokémon could rex with a warm drink.

  As Naoki entered, he saw diligently behind the ter. The little Pokémon moved gracefully, brewing coffee with practiced ease.

  Mino swiftly moved over, carrying three cups of freshly brewed coffee—one for Naoki, one for Koraidon, and one for Cyclizar.

  Naoki took a sip, expeg bitterness—but leasantly surprised.

  "This isn't bad at all!"

  It had a mild, smooth fvor. Even Koraidon and Cyclizar—who usually weren't fans of coffee—drahusiastically.

  "Excellent craftsmanship!" Naoki gave o a thumbs up.

  "Mimi mimi!" o beamed with pride.

  Just as Naoki finished his coffee, a trio of Treecko—who were in charge of guarding the orchard—ehe café.

  Seeing that the café was getting busier, Naoki decided not to stay too long.

  After finishing his drink, he took Koraidon and Cyclizar with him and tinued his tour of the area.

  , Naoki stopped by the item shop. The store was run by Lilligant, and its shelves were well-stocked with an impressive variety of berries—each with unique effects.

  Some could restore stamina, some could cure ailments, and others had mystical properties useful for battle.

  Naoki walked around, examining the setup.

  "This is perfect. Keep up the good work, and more Pokémon will visit!"

  Hearing the praise, Lilligant twirled happily.

  "Lilli~!" (I'll do my best!)

  o the item shop okémon hospital. But sino Pokémon with healing abilities had moved i, it remaiy—for now.

  Beside the hospital, the Pokémon dormitory was led uhe shade of the World Tree's massive branches.

  Inside, a pair of Mareep and a ales were curled up in their s, napping peacefully.

  Naoki chose not to disturb them and tinued on his way.

  When he arrived at the Pokémon Tavern, the pce was lively. Pikachu ah were busy preparing fresh berry juice using a teique Slowking had taught them. Ohe juice was ready, Meowth delivered it to ers. Gholdengo sat fortably, enjoying the rexed atmosphere.

  "This pce is shaping up nicely," Naoki thought with satisfa.

  After greeting Gholdengo, Naoki tinued his tour.

  on the list was the Expedition Guild Headquarters—

  However, si hadn't officially opened yet, the building was mostly empty, with only a Rhydon snoozihe entrance.

  Naoki didn't go inside. Instead, he walked toward the fountain, sat down on a bench, and admired the peaceful surroundings.

  Nearby, a Purrolin y stretched out on another bench, basking in the warm breeze. The moment it saw Naoki sit down, it immediately jumped onto his p, curled up, and fell asleep.

  "Heh, just like an ordinary house cat."

  Naoki chuckled aly stroked its fur.

  At that moment, he felt a deep sense of fulfillment. The Pokémon here had truly built a life for themselves. Even if he wasn't around, they could thrive on their own.

  "What do you two think of this pce?" he asked Koraidon and Cyclizar.

  Cyclizar's eyes sparkled as it looked around iement.

  "Gaaa!" (It's a Pokémon paradise!)

  Naoki's brows lifted in thought.

  "Paradise, huh… That's actually a great name."

  From this moment forward, he decided—

  "We'll call this pon Paradise!"

  It was a fitting name, far better than the cold, research-based name once used by Professor Sada and Professor Turo in Area Zero.

  "Gaa!" Cyclizar nodded enthusiastically.

  Naoki turo Koraidon.

  "What about you?"

  Koraidon tilted its head a out a deep "Ah, gah!", signaling its agreement.

  Naoki grinned.

  "Then it's settled! You two must protect this pever let any bad guys e and ruin it!"

  "Gaaa!" (Of course!)

  Cyclizar nodded seriously.

  Koraidon, however, sensed a different meaning behind Naoki's words. It turo look at Naoki in fusion.

  ...

  After several days of travel, Leon finally arrived in the Paldea region.

  But this time, he had learned his lesson. To avoid getting lost, he stuck with the main group during the erip.

  The moment he disembarked, he headed straight for the Squawkabilly Flying Taxi Station—taking a direct flight to Naoki's ranch.

  ...

  Back at the ranaoki was enjoying the cool breeze inside his air-ditioned home. With a gss of freshly squeezed Moomoo Milk in hand, he checked his phone for Leon's arrival update.

  Last night, Naoki had discovered a fun game on his phone……and ended up staying up way too te pying it.

  Now, he was exhausted.

  "Ugh, if I didn't have guests today, I'd be sleeping in for hours."

  He dowhe rest of his Moomoo Milk—instantly feeling refreshed. Just then, his Rotom phone buzzed.

  Ining call: Leon.

  Naoki answered.

  Oher end, strong winds howled loudly—

  "Hey, did you finally make it to Paldea?" Naoki asked.

  Leon's cheerful voice came through.

  "Yes!"

  Hearing the whistling wind, Naoki squinted suspiciously.

  "Wait… are you riding Charizard again?"

  If so… wouldn't he actally end up in Levincia instead?

  Leon chuckled awkwardly.

  "Haha, no, no! I took a flying taxi this time!"

  "Phew… that's a relief," Naoki sighed.

  "So, when will you arrive?"

  "Ten-thirty sharp."

  "Ten-thirty?" Naoki repeated before adding, "Alright, don't wander around town. I'll be heading there soon to buy groceries—I'll pick you up then."

  Leoated for a moment.

  He wao protest, saying he wasn't a kid anymore…But sidering his history of getting lost, he swallowed his pride and answered,

  "Okay."

  At 10:20 AM, after pig up fresh groceries, Naoki arrived at Flying Taxi Station.

  About ten mier, a Squawkabilly Flying Taxi swooped down, nding gracefully oform.

  As the doors swung open, a familiar figure stepped out—Leon.

  Naoki spotted him immediately, rolled dowruck windoatted the passenger seat.

  "Get in!"

  Leon didn't mind that Naoki's pickup truck looked old and worn—without hesitation, he hopped in and buckled up.

  "Long time no see!" Leoed with his signature wide grin.

  "It has been a while," Naoki admitted as he started the eeering the truck away from the flying taxi station.

  It had been a full year sinaoki st saw Leon.

  Back then, it was Leon's visit that led Alder to e to the ranch, and thanks to that, his Vola had been saved.

  "Isn't your work in Gar keeping you busy?" Naoki asked.

  Leon sighed dramatically.

  "Busy? That's an uatement!" he groaned. "If I weren't so sed, I'd have challenged you again ages ago!"

  Naoki: "…"

  Leon leaned ba his seat.

  "Especially with everything that happened retly. The whole 'Calyrex I' pletely shook up Gar!"

  At first, Naoki didn't think much of it.

  After all, Calyrex was an indepe Pokémon, not a 'resource' exclusive to any region.

  But after hearing Leon's rea, Naoki realized how deeply it had affected Gar.

  "Did it really cause that much of a stir?" he asked.

  Leon nodded.

  "It hit the Garian Royal Family the hardest. Public opinion turned against them, and their reputation plummeted. Their influence isn't as strong as before—but it didn't affect the Gar League much."

  Naoki listened carefully.

  After all, the Gar League wasn't responsible for the i. Most people reized the League's efforts in developing the region, while the Royal Family, who took credit for past successes, had dotle to tribute in modern times.

  "I see..." Naoki murmured, lost in thought.

  It was clear that Gar's gover didn't see Calyrex as a major priority.

  Instead, Chairman Rose seemed far more ied in Dynamax energy research.

  To solve Gar's long-term energy crisis, Rose structed a massive underground energy pnt. But he hadn't anticipated the leaked energy would trigger widespread Dynamax outbreaks, eventually leading to the release of Eternatus.

  'If Chairman Rose had truly mastered Eternatus's power… what would've happeo Gar?'

  Naoki didn't have an answer. But something about Gar's current state felt… off.

  It was shifting toward "erce riculture." Not a full of farming, but the focus had clearly shifted.

  "Still… I never expected all this history to be real," Leon admitted.

  "The idea of a Pokémon ruling Gar as a king? It feels surreal."

  Naoki chuckled.

  "It's not just Gar—every region has its own fotten legends. Gar's just happens to be… a bit messier due to historical revisions."

  Leon sighed, then shook his head.

  "Anyway! Let's not dwell on history! I came here to battle you!"

  His eyes lit up with excitement.

  "Last time, I quered yrass Trial. This time, I want to challehe Storm and Lightning Trials!"

  Naoki smirked.

  "You know, the ranch has more than just those three trials now."

  Leon perked up immediately.

  "Wait, what?!"

  "There's a hidden trial—only accessible to trainers who have passed at least one previous challenge. Since you cleared the Grass Trial, you qualify to attempt it."

  "What is it?"

  Naoki smiled.

  "It's called the Arial. Uhe previous trials, this one has two formats: Sitle or Double Battle."

  "In a Sitle, you must defeat a single Pokémon—Koraidon. In a Double Battle, you must defeat two oppos together."

  Leon's mind immediately fshed to the image of Koraidon—the powerful scarlet Pokémon.

  His excitement spiked.

  "Then I'll challehe Arial!"

  "Alright," Naoki grinned. "I've been looking forward to battling you again."

  As they tinued chatting, the pickup truck rumbled toward the ranch. From a distanaoki spotted someone waiting at the entrance.

  "Hmm? Geeta?"

  'What was she doing here? Wasn't the Paldea League busy?'

  Naoki pulled the truck to a stop.

  Geeta approached with a smile. "Long time no see, Naoki. I came by to visit—hope I'm not intruding?"

  'What was this? A surprise iion from the Champion?'

  If he remembered correctly, in the Paldea regioa regurly visited Gym Leaders to test their strength.

  Though Naoki wasn't a Gym Leader, he supposed he could be sidered some kind of rising star now.

  "e inside and we'll talk!"

  With that, Naoki drove the truto the ranch.

  Leon hopped out first, stretg his legs after the ride.

  Geeta arched an eyebrow, clearly surprised.

  "Mr. Leon? I didn't expect to run into you here."

  Leon grinned, extending a hand to shake hers.

  "It's been a while, Chairwoman! I'm here to visit Naoki and have a friendly battle with him!"

  "I see!" Geeta csped her hands together iement. "Then that means I'll get to witness a battle between two Champion-level trainers firsthand!"

  Leon chuckled.

  "It's just a spar, not a serious match!"

  Geeta shook her head.

  "A battle of this caliber is rare! Outside of the annual World Championships and the Masters Eight Tour, it's not often we see Champions battle!"

  Hearing that, Leon suddenly remembered something.

  "Speaking of which, Chairwomaa—aren't you peting this year?"

  Geeta smiled and shook her head. "The Paldea League keeps me too busy. I don't have the time."

  Leon sighed, disappointed.

  "I was hoping to face you in an official mate day!"

  Geeta shifted her attention to Naoki.

  "What about you, Naoki? No pns to join the World Championships or Masters Eight?"

  Naoki blinked, caught off guard.

  "Me?"

  He shook his head, waving off the idea.

  "Fet it. I'm not a teenager anymore. I'll leave that stage to the younger geion."

  Geeta was around twenty-six or twenty-seven now—and of the three present, Leon was still the you.

  For a moment, Naoki aa exged a knowing ghen looked at Leon together.

  "Ah… youth." They sighed in unison.

  Leon: "…I'm not that much youhan you two!"

  Naoki ignored his protest, smirking.

  "No more talking. I'm going to start cooking—e inside and have some tea first!"

  The three ehe ranch house, where Indeedee brought them tea. As trainers, Leon aa immediately noticed something—

  There were far more Pokémohan before. Leon couldn't resist taking out his Rotom Phone, and sing the Pokémon around him.

  "No data found. This Pokémon is not yet registered in the Pokédex!"

  Leon's eyes widened.

  "Wait, what?"

  Geeta smiled knowingly.

  "That's Gholdengo, the Treasure Pokémon. It's said to be made of 1,000 s and is naturally friendly toeople."

  "It evolved from a Pokémon called Gimmighoul, but currently, there's only one recorded case of this evolution in all of Paldea."

  Leon was stunned.

  "That rare?!"

  Geeta nodded.

  "Naoki went through quite the challeo evolve it."

  Leourned his attention to another unfamiliar Pokémon.

  "What about that one?" He poierpon.

  But this time, Geeta shook her head.

  "I don't know about that. It's a Pokémon that Naoki brought back from outside."

  At that moment, Ogerpon perked up, revealing its bright starry eyes.

  "Pon!"

  Naoki, overhearing, called out from the kit.

  "That's Ogerpon, a Pokémon found iakami region."

  Leoed the houghtfully.

  "Ogerpon… seems pretty lively!"

  "Pon~!" Ogerpon nodded happily before dashing off to py with Gholdengo.

  Leon turned his ser toward Koraidon, who was napping on the floor.

  Again, no Pokédex data appeared.

  Leon blinked.

  "Wait… why isn't this registered either?"

  Geeta was more clear about this matter.

  The Paldea League funded Area Zero's research from the beginning, so they are aware of the findings… but paradox Pokémon like Koraidon and Miraidon have not yet been publicly doted."

  Naoki soon finished frying a few dishes, passing the rest of the cooking duties to his Indeedee before rejoining them in the living room.

  Just as he sat dowa brought up a certain topic again.

  "That fully-funded vacation trip I arranged for you—if you don't go, someone else will take your spot!"

  Naoki thought for a moment, then shrugged.

  "The someone else have it."

  Geeta: "…"

  Leon, who had been listening, perked up.

  "Vacation? Naoki, are you pnning to travel?"

  Naoki shook his head.

  "No sus for now."

  Leon grinned aended an invitation.

  "Well, if you ever ge your mind, e to Gar! I'll take you to Postwick Town for the hot springs, Spikemuth for some heavy metal certs, and Wyndon to see the skyscrapers!"

  Naoki ughed.

  "Sounds fun. I'll keep that in mind."

  It was true—he'd never been to a hot spring before.

  Too bad Paldea didn't have one, or he would've taken Koraidon and the others for a visit.

  Leon nodded seriously.

  "It's a promise!"

  Geeta: "!!!"

  She stiffened.

  She k—Leon had e to recruit Naoki far!

  Immediately, Geeta ged the topic.

  She took a casual sip of tea, then spoke as if she weren't scheming at all.

  "Naoki, isn't it too much work to run this ranch alone? Wouldn't it be easier if you had someoo help mahings? Like, say… a wife?"

  Naoki blihen chuckled.

  "The Pokémon are well-behaved, and my Indeedees help out a lot—I'm not overwhelmed at all."

  Theurhe question ba her.

  "Besides, Geeta, aren't you still single?"

  Geeta: "…"

  She calmly took another sip of tea.

  "The Paldea League keeps me busy—I don't have time for marriage."

  But Naoki was different.

  If Naoki got married and had kids soon, then in a few years, she could personally mentor his child.

  By the time she retired, that child could i her position as Chairperson, leading Paldea to the top.

  The meeta thought about it, the more perfect it sounded.

  Meanwhile, Naoki raised an eyebrow, smirking.

  "Workaholic."