Pokemon: A New Path-The Three Legendary Beasts were shocked- I[607]

Special training for Pokémon was something Naoki had plenty of experience with.

Exercise the body, sharpen the will, and gain real battle instincts through practical combat. With the help of Moomoo Milk, Gogoat Milk, and carefully prepared meals, even Pokémon with poor starting stats could grow into powerful allies.

Unfortunately, he hadn't yet developed a dish that could directly help Sylveon grow stronger… and Naoki felt a twinge of regret about that.

After a full afternoon of training, Sylveon collapsed onto the grass, completely wiped out. Its pastel ribbons drooped to the ground, and its tongue lolled from its mouth as it panted for breath.

Naoki walked over and offered it a chilled bottle of fresh Moomoo Milk. "Still hanging in there?"

Sylveon gulped it down gratefully. As the refreshing milk filled its belly, energy flowed back through its tired limbs, and the Pokémon sprang back to its feet with a determined sparkle in its eyes.

"Bu-ee!"

Naoki smiled warmly. "Good. That's enough for today."

Just then, a voice called out from the entrance to the ranch.

Naoki turned and spotted a boy in a Uva Academy uniform standing under the wooden ranch sign, reading it aloud with a thoughtful expression.

"'Tree House'? Mr. Naoki, you changed the ranch's name?"

"That's right," Naoki replied with a nod. "The old name was just a placeholder. This one feels more like home."

"Even your online shop changed names!" the boy added, pulling out his Rotom Phone and scrolling through the app.

Naoki chuckled.

The boy put his phone away and then pulled a Poké Ball from his belt. "Mr. Naoki! I'm here for another challenge!"

"You're always welcome," Naoki said with a grin.

He recognized this boy immediately. He'd come several times before to challenge Pawmot's Thunder Trial, only to lose each time.

But Naoki admired his spirit. After every defeat, the boy would go back, train, learn, and return in a few weeks, determined to improve.

"Let's see how much stronger you've gotten this time!" Naoki said.

"Let's go, Kilowattrel!" the boy called, tossing the Poké Ball high into the air. "Show Mr. Naoki how far we've come!"

Moments later…

WHAM!

Kilowattrel lay sprawled on the ground, eyes spinning. Pawmot stood over it, still crackling with leftover static from its thunder-powered punch.

Sister Indeedee, acting as the judge, blew her whistle crisply.

"Fweeeet!"

Naoki flexed his shoulders, then looked across the field with a friendly smile. "Whew. Looks like you're still coming up short."

The boy recalled his fainted partner, his expression thoughtful as he replayed the battle in his head.

"We'll be back!" he promised earnestly. "We're gonna figure this out!"

Naoki smiled at his determination. Just as the boy turned to leave, Naoki suddenly remembered something.

"Wait a sec!" he called.

The boy turned around. "Yes, Mr. Naoki?"

"There's a new trial available at the ranch, one that's beginner-friendly," Naoki explained. "No Gym Badges required. Even rookie Trainers can give it a shot."

"Really?" The boy's eyes lit up.

"Yeah. If you could help spread the word to others who aren't ready for the Thunder Trial yet, that'd be a big help," Naoki said.

He glanced toward Sylveon, who was still cooling down after its earlier training.

Sylveon needed more battle experience. This trial could be perfect.

"I'm calling it the Hero Trial," Naoki continued.

If Sylveon wanted to become a hero who could one day defeat dragons, then this was the right place to begin.

And anyway, most heroes start off weak and unsure. They only become great through trials, hardship, and heart.

The Hero Trial was tailor-made for Sylveon.

The boy looked eager. "I wanna try it now!"

Naoki glanced up at the sky, noting the time.

"Not today," he said with a laugh. "It's getting late, and I need to go pick up my wife from work."

"Wait—your wife? You mean... Gym Leader Iono?" the boy asked, stunned.

Naoki just smiled.

"But… but Levincia is so far from here!"

Before the boy could finish that thought, Naoki mounted Koraidon's back.

With a short wave, he called out, "Take care! See you next time!"

Then Koraidon let out a roar, and in the blink of an eye, the two of them disappeared into the clouds.

The boy stared at the empty sky, his mouth hanging open.

"That speed is insane."

...

At 4:30 in the afternoon, Naoki arrived right on time to pick up Iono from the Levincia Gym.

It was, surprisingly, the first time Naoki realized that Gym Leaders in the Paldea region actually got off work this early.

Iono came trotting over cheerfully, clutching two neatly packed bags in her hands.

As she reached him, Naoki took the bags and asked with curiosity, "What's all this?"

"My mom dropped them off at the Gym today and told me to bring them to you!" Iono grinned. "They're some of Levincia's famous local snacks."

Naoki laughed. "Your mom really likes me, huh?"

"Of course!" Iono giggled. "She said it herself, she hit the jackpot with a son-in-law like you."

Naoki puffed out his chest dramatically. "I mean, who wouldn't like a son-in-law like me?"

"Hmph," Iono snorted, giving him a light swat on the shoulder. "Save the bragging for later. Let's get home first! Koraidon, did you eat well today?"

"Ah-gah~"

Koraidon chirped happily, its tail swaying in sync with its relaxed mood.

The two climbed onto Koraidon's back and began their ride home under the warm pink hues of the evening sky.

Naoki turned slightly and asked, "How are your parents doing? I saw them crying so much at the wedding."

"They're probably still feeling a little sentimental," Iono replied. "It's hard to let go."

Naoki nodded thoughtfully. "Let's visit them soon. I'll bring some gifts, too."

A soft smile touched Iono's lips. "Sounds perfect."

By the time they returned to the ranch, the sun had dipped below the horizon.

Naoki headed into the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Iono walked around the pasture, helping feed the Pokémon for the night.

Soon, it was 7 p.m.

After dinner, the Pokémon sprawled across the living room, playing and chatting with each other, while Naoki and Iono finally sat down to open the gifts they had received on their wedding day.

Unlike in Naoki's past life, weddings in the Pokémon world weren't about money. Guests didn't bring cash envelopes. Instead, they brought thoughtfully chosen gifts, each one filled with meaning and care.

Steven Stone's gift was a pair of delicately crafted gemstone bracelets. Elegant and understated, the jewelry reflected the taste of someone raised in a refined, wealthy household.

Professor Oak gifted them two uniquely designed Poké Balls, hand-crafted and engraved with the delicate floral emblems that symbolized joy and well-wishes. The craftsmanship and warmth matched his scholarly age perfectly.

Alder's present, on the other hand, was a bundle of toys and baby supplies. Attached was a small handwritten note:

"For your future little one!"

Naoki stared at the note in silence.

"..."

Iono, meanwhile, blinked and leaned closer, her voice full of wonder. "You sure know a lot of Champions."

Naoki rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah, I guess so."

Then he chuckled and added, "I helped Alder out once when his Volcarona was injured. We've been friends ever since."

"Professor Oak came to the ranch year ago, he wanted to give his grandson and the others a chance to meet rare Pokémon up close. Since then, we've kept in touch."

"As for Cynthia... she came here looking to research legends tied to Giratina and Arceus. That was quite the visit."

Naoki looked at Iono, one brow raised. "And I think you can probably guess why Steven showed up."

Iono thought for a moment, then her eyes widened in realization. "You helped stop the battle between Groudon and Kyogre in Hoenn!"

Naoki nodded with a smile. "That's right. Steven's always been grateful for that."

He leaned back, thoughtful. "Over the years, a lot of people have come through this ranch, including students from Paldea, trainers from other regions, travelers passing by, and even street performers and musicians. But many of them left as friends."

Iono looked around at the cozy ranch filled with the sounds of Pokémon laughter and the warmth of home.

She leaned her head against Naoki's shoulder.

Over the years, Naoki had met many people and experienced countless stories.

Iono listened quietly, occasionally smiling as she heard snippets of Naoki's past. Cyclizar and Pawmot, nestled on the floor nearby, also perked up, their ears twitching with interest as they listened to the tales.

"And now... I get to be part of that too."

Naoki turned slightly, wrapping an arm around her gently.

"Yeah," he said. "Now we build it together."