As Naoki ied the crops growing in the fields, he spotted Mewtwo nearby and greeted it casually.

  "How's life here at World Tree?"

  Mewtwo, standing amidst the verdant ndscape, remained as calm as ever. It nodded slightly in aowledgment. Then, a deep, telepathic voice echoed in Naoki's mind.

  "Everything is fine."

  Yes, everything was fine, Mewtwo thought.

  This World Tree sanctuary was everything it had ever hoped for. A remote, peaceful pce where no humans would disturb it. Only Pokémon lived here—free, unbothered, and safe.

  Most importantly, Mewtwo no longer o stantly search for food to feed the Pokémon it cared for.

  Thinking back, it recalled something that had happened a few days ago.

  The Pokémon it had been looking after had gathered together and prese with berries from the trees they had grown themselves.

  The ed Pokémon it had once rescued were so kind, so pure—and they had even learned gratitude.

  Mewtwo didn't he berries, but it still accepted them.

  After all, it uood the se behind their . And for that reason alo liked this pce.

  Naoki smiled. "That's good."

  He had been slightly ed that Meouldn't adapt to life here.

  "I thought you might get bored. Any pns for the future? Maybe travel the world and see what else is out there?"

  Mewtwo remained silent. After a long moment, it slowly shook its head.

  "No. There is no need for that anymore."

  Naoki gave a casual shrug. "Alright then! If that's the case, you stay here without a worry. And if you're ever curious about the world outside, you always use the Rotom Phoo check things out."

  Mewtwo nodded in uanding.

  "Thank you."

  The Rotom Phone had been a gift from Naoki, after all. And this entire sanctuary was something Naoki had helped create. As a Pokémon that carried both human and Pokémon genes, Mewtwo hesitated for a moment.

  Then, it finally spoke again, its telepathic voice tinged with siy.

  "If you ever need help iure… e to me."

  Naoki blinked in surprise.

  Then, uanding dawned on him. Measn't oo express gratitude with words. This was its way of saying thank you.

  Naoki chuckled. "Alright then, I'll take you up on that."

  Mewtwo seemed to rex slightly at his respo least now, it wouldn't feel ied for living here.

  Just as their versation ed up, Naoki suddenly noticed something strange in the distance.

  The farmnd had transformed into a glowing green grass field. Turning his head, he saw exactly what he expected—three Gogoat had cimed the area.

  And otle Skiddo eating the grass dumplings from the basket in front of it.

  'What's going on?'

  Both Naoki awo were drawn to the se.

  "What are you doing?" Naoki called out.

  The little Skiddo gulped down a mouthful of food before replying, "Meaaah!" (The senioat are teag me to use the Sacred Sword of the Grassnds!)

  Naoki blinked in fusion.

  Wait… Sacred Sword of the Grassnds?

  He g his three Gogoat, then back at the determined Skiddo.

  The Gogoat nodded quickly: "Meaaa!" (This way it protect itself and other Pokémon!)

  "Meaaa!" (That's right! I want to bee a Gogoat as awesome as Seniors!)

  The Skiddob said this with full of fighting spirit, then lowered its head and tio eat the green grass dumplings with great effort.

  For a moment, a ridiculous thought crossed his mind.

  Was this... some kind of Keldeo situation?!

  Did that mean his three Gogoat had bee the equivalent of the Swords of Justice?!

  It was just a shame Kyurem wasn't around—otherwise, this could have pyed out exactly like the movie.

  Meatg from the sidelines, also seemed deep in thought.

  Naoki let out a small sigh before finally speaking.

  "Alright. In that case, the little Skiddo's training is in your hands."

  The natural energy surrounding the World Tree was rich, filled with the st of fresh grass. It was the perfeviro frass-type Pokémon to train.

  "Meaaaah!" (We got this!) The Gogoat immediately responded with fidence.

  ...

  After returning to the ranaoki handed over the day's fresh produce to Zack.

  With that done, he made his way to the kit.

  Tonight, it was time to prepare dinner for the Pokémon. Most of the Pokémon on the ranch had a sweet tooth—preferring desserts over anything else.

  Miltank, the Eevee family, Pawmot, Calyrex, the Indeedee siblings… the list went on.

  So, tonight's menu? A full spread of desserts.

  Following the recipe book, Naoki carefully prepared a variety of treats:

  Tiramisu, egg tarts, Caramel pudding, Apple pie.

  Tiramisu is a dessert with a rich coffee and liquor-infused fvor. Its main ingredient is mascarpone cheese, and instead of the traditional sponge cake, it uses dyfingers soaked in coffee. Finally, it's dusted with cocoa powder ao chill for the fvors to meld.

  Earlier iernoon, Naoki had prepared a batd stored it in the refrigerator, ensuring it would be perfectly chilled for when the Pokémourned home.

  But tiramisu wasn't the only treat on the menu tonight.

  There was also caramel pudding, made with thick, fresh cream and topped with a delicate, crisp yer of caramelized sugar. And apple pie, filled with sweet apple pote, spiced with amon and a hint of lemon juice to enhas warmth and fragrance.

  As the sky outside darkehe Pokémon who had spent the day pying at the World Tree finally returned.

  And the moment they stepped ihe house—

  They made a beeliraight for the kit.

  "Bu-yi!"

  Leading the charge, Freon she air, its ears perking up as it caught the sweet aroma drifting from the kit.

  Its eyes sparkled with anticipation as it loudly demao know: "Buyi" "What delicious treats did you make for us today?"

  Naoki chuckled at the eager crowd gathering before him.

  "I made lots of desserts I know you'll love." He turo the Indeedee sibling standing by his side. " you help me take them out of the fridge?"

  The elder Indeedee brother—nodded and happily walked over to fetch the tiramisu and caramel pudding.

  Meanwhile, the Eevee trio—led by Freon—twitched their little noses, sniffing at the desserts with wide, expet eyes.

  Their tails wagged excitedly.

  Naoki couldn't help but chuckle. "You're all such greedy little furballs."

  Still, he gnced over the desserts o time, noting that most of them boosted Pokémon happiness and strengtheheir bond with their trainer.

  Nothing too unusual.

  Indeedee then approached with a knife, ready to portion the desserts for everyone.

  At that moment, two more Pokémon—Alcremie and Pawmot—rushed over, their eyes shining with excitement at the sight of so many sweets.

  But oher side of the kit…

  A few Pokémon who preferred meat-based meals were left staring longingly at the desserts.

  Their expressions could only be described as heartbreaking.

  "Ah… gah…"

  "Gah…"

  "Awoo…"

  "Mreeam…"

  At st, Koraidon couldn't take it anymore.

  With an exaggerated huff, it stomped into the kit, bringing Cyclizar, Flutter Mane, Dragonite, and a shiny Dratini with it.

  All of them fixed pleading eyes on Naoki.

  Naoki, meanwhile, was busy feeding a piece of apple pie to the Slugma warming itself uhe stove.

  He turo look at the Pokémon gathered before him. He couldn't help but ugh and asked,

  He burst out ughing.

  "Are you guys also hungry?"

  "Agass!"

  Koraidon shook its rge head, insisting that it wasn't hungry—it just wao be pampered like the Eevees.

  Naoki's ughter grew.

  "…The Eeveelutions are still babies. You guys are all grown. Some of you could start your own families at this point!"

  Koraidon immediately defted, l its head in exaggerated disappoi.

  Seeing its rea, Cyclizar quickly perked up.

  "Gaa-ao!" (I'm still young!)

  The tiny shiny Dratini nodded repeatedly in agreement. And then, Dragohe oldest of them all—did something utterly shameless.

  It ed its arms around Naoki, buried its fato him, and began ag like a helpless baby.

  "Awoo~" (Take care of me too~)

  Naoki: "…"

  Flutter Mane, floating nearby, fell into deep thought.

  'How old was I?'

  Naoki let out a startled yelp as Dragonite suddenly g to him, causing the spatu in his hand to slip and ctter onto the floor.

  "Hey—get off me!" he huffed, trying to push the massive Pokémon away. "I 't cook if you guys keep causing trouble in here!"

  Dragonite, along with the other hungry Pokémon crowding the kit, only pouted in response. But Naoki was firm. With a few shoves and some exasperated sighs, he herded the group into the living room, shutting the door behind them before finally returning to prepare their long-awaited meal.

  Of course, they didn't stay sulky for long.

  The moment the rich, savory aroma of roasti drifted from the kit, their ears perked up. They all turoward the doorway, witg.

  Watg this unfold, Indeedee covered her mouth and chuckled.

  Meanwhile, her older brother diligently moved about the house, vacuuming up the clumps of fur that the Eeveelutions had shed.

  With summer in full swing, the thick fur they had grown for winter had begun to shed in clumps. Every day, the living room seemed to be bed in Eevee fluff.

  By the time Naoki emerged from the kit, carrying ptes of food, the Pokémon had gathered excitedly, their eyes shining with anticipation.

  "Alright, dinner's ready!" he called.

  A chorus of delighted cries erupted as the Pokémon rushed forward, eagerly digging into their meals.

  Meanwhile, the Eeveelutions—already full from the desserts earlier—were sprawled zily around the room.

  Some curled up together on the sofa, others sat on the floor, quietly grooming themselves, while a few lounged in the rog chair he firepce, their tails flig in te.

  Watg this peaceful se, Naoki couldn't help but feel satisfied. A small smile tugged at his lips.

  He absentmindedly reached out and patted the head of the nearby Cyclizar, who responded with a cheerful chirp.

  "Eat as much as you like," Naoki told them with a grin. "There's more i if you're still hungry."

  "Gah!"

  Cyclizar happily wagged its tail.

  Having already eaten a little while cooking, Naoki wasn't particurly hungry. Instead, he felt overheated from standihe Slugma he used for heating the stove. He decided to step outside for some fresh air.

  The summer nights weren't as blistering as the daytime. A cool breeze from Mountain rolled in, bringing a refreshing chill.

  Taking out his Rotom Phone, Naoki checked his messages. He quickly respoo Iono, who had sent him a chat earlier, before notig something iing.

  He saw that Giratina awo were once again chatting in the Legendary Pokémon group chat.

  Naoki raised an eyebrow.

  [Giratina]: You should make a forum at too! Let's see who get more followers!

  [Mewtwo]: …Not ied.

  Naoki: "…"

  He stared at the s, amused.

  If Mewtwo actually made a forum at, Team Rocket would probably collectively lose their minds.

  But more than that—what was Giratina's obsession with i fame?

  Naoki recalled that, not long ago, Giratina had thrown a tantrum when Calyrex gained more followers than it. It eve so far as to ask Rotom to take endless photos of it—different angles, different lighting, different poses.

  It was determio recim its "popurity."

  This strange petitive streak…

  And this wasn't even the first time Giratina had tried recruitiwo to join the chaos.

  Of course, Mewtwo had zero i from the beginning.

  Naoki, uo resist, decided to join in on the versation.

  [Gold King ]: Hey, Giratina, how about I give you two Rotom Phones? You give them to Dialga and Palkia.

  Almost immediately, Giratina responded.

  [Giratina]: NO! Those two 't join the group!

  Naoki blinked.

  [Gold King ]: …Why?

  [Giratina]: Humph. No reason. It's just not happening.

  Naoki: "…"

  Logically speaking, the retionship between the Creation Trio of Sinnoh—Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina—shouldn't be as openly hostile as the rivalry between Groudon and Kyogre, who are notorious for g the moment they see each other.

  However, given Giratina's banishment to the Distortion World, it's safe to assume that there's lingering tensioween it and the other two. Maybe it still holds a grudge against Arceus, or perhaps Dialga and Palkia look down on it for being cast aside.

  Naoki sighed. He wasn't likely to meet Dialga or Palkia anytime soon, so why not ihem to the group chat?

  But what about Arceus?

  Naoki couldn't help but wonder—was there a way t Arceus into the chat as well?

  In the movie Arceus and the Jewel of Life, Arceus regais sanity in the end.

  Anyway, he promised Giratina that he would go join in the fun and help in revenge against Arceus.

  From Arceus' perspective, humans like Ash and his friends were just people trying to stop it from losing trol aroying the world. If it had truly regais reasoning, maybe it wouldn't mind staying in touch.

  Perhaps, when the moment was right, he could hand Arceus a Rotom Phone, saying it would help it uand the modern world.

  The only question was—would Arceus accept the phone?

  That was uain. But sidering the lore, the Arceus in this world might only be an avatar, rather tharue Creator of the Universe.

  The real Arceus resided outside all dimensions, silently the evolution of humans and Pokémon.

  pared to its avatar, the true Arceus seemed much more… adaptable.

  It eve as far as developing its own Arceus-branded phone and sending it to Rei or Akari wheraveled ba time to Hisui.

  It wouldn't be a stretch to call Arceus a god who kept up with teology.

  ...

  April 28, Year 200 of the Pokémon League dar

  On this day, Iono received an invitation from Naoki and once again traveled from Levincia City to visit the ranch.

  It all started when Naoki posted a picture of his homemade desserts on his social media.

  Iono, ever the food lover, had ented instantly— "OMG! That looks delicious! I wahat too!"

  Being the hospitable person he was, Naoki replied:"e visit the ranext time, and I'll make some for you!"

  So, the very day—Iono showed up.

  Naoki was genuinely surprised when he saw how fast she arrived.

  "Isn't the Levincia Gym busy?" he asked.

  Iono suddenly looked a little guilty.

  "A-ahaha… I've got things under trol! It's fio take a day off on a while!"

  Hearing that, Naoki nodded in uanding. After all, in both games and anime, some Gym Leaders would close their gyms temporarily for personal reasons.

  There were even times when challengers had to help with odd jobs before they were allowed to battle.

  So this wasn't all that unusual.

  Iono ended up spending a wonderful day on the ranch, enjoying the fresh air, Pokémon, and of course—the desserts.

  By the time evening rolled around, she finally had to leave.

  Naoki watched as Iono and his Dragonite flew off into the sky, feeling quite satisfied.

  She had showered him with praise for his cooking, which was always o hear.

  He holy wouldn't mind if Iono visited the ranch more often. It would make things much livelier, and his Pokémon would have more friends to py with.

  Naoki didn't have many human friends in the Pokémon world—there were a few, like Geeta, Professors Sada and Turo, Alder, Leon, and some local townspeople.

  But they didn't meet up often. Most of their iions were just casual online chats.

  Whenever Iono visited, the ranch became a lot more exg.

  The Pokémon got to make new friends, and Naoki got to talk to someone about human matters for a ge.

  As Dragonite's silhouette gradually faded into the distanaoki let out a deep breath, feeling the peaceful quiet of the evenile in.

  But then, a thought crossed his mind.

  'Steven and Walce must have a friendship like this tht?'

  In the ahose two were known to be close friends. Maybe it wasn't too different from how he got along with Iono.

  With a small chuckle, Naoki turned around and headed bae, leading Koraidon and the others inside.

  In the living room, Indeedee was tidying up, his careful movements keeping everything in order.

  Sister Indeedee, stood nearby, watg Naoki with an amused smile.

  Notig her unusually delighted expression, Naoki raised an eyebrow in suspi. "Hmm? Something you want to say?"

  As he spoke, he casually grabbed a handful of seed crisps from the table, taking a bite before reag for his bck tea.

  Indeedee nodded cheerfully, her voice carrying a teasing lilt. "Ai-ai~ Ai-ai?" (Iono seems to like you very much~ Could she be the future dy of the ranch?)

  "Pfft—!"

  Naoki nearly choked on his tea. Startled by her words, he actally spat out a mouthful, coughing violently.

  "Cough! Cough—cough!"

  Seeing him struggling, Indeedee quickly rushed over and patted his back, helping him recover.

  It took a moment, but once he finally caught his breath, Naoki stared at her in disbelief. "What… what did you just say?"

  Indeedee blinked ily before repeating, "Ai-ai!" (My brother and I both felt it. Iono has a special fondness for you.)

  Naoki's brain short-circuited.

  "Iono… likes me?" He found the idea pletely ridiculous. "That's impossible."

  He had always treated Iono as a friend—nothing more.

  And besides, Iono was so young! In many ways, he saw her as a junior, much like Ash.

  But Indeedee tilted her head, looking fused. "Ai eh? Ai eh!" (But we feel it clearly! Iono really likes you)

  Hearing their insistenaoki still found it hard to believe.

  Before he could dismiss the versatioirely, Koraidon suddenly spoke up.

  "Raao" (That's right!)

  Naoki turo Koraidon with a look of disbelief. "Wait. You like Iono too?"

  Cyclizar, who had been quietly watg, perked up with curiosity.

  Caught off guard, Koraidon shifted awkwardly. "Raao…" (She's… a really nice person…)

  Indeedee nodded in agreement. "Aiya~" (Yes, she is very kind~)

  Naoki: "…"

  He suddenly felt a headache ing on.

  "You're all just imagining things," he said firmly, rubbing his temples. "Let's just drop it, okay? No more talking about this."

  He didn't even know how to face Iono properly now.

  Seeing that Naoki was clearly overwhelmed, Indeedee let it go.

  "Ai-ai." (Alright, we won't bring it up again.)

  Naoki exhaled, relieved.

  Just as he was saying something, his Rotom Phone buzzed with an ining message.

  It was from Steven.