Pokemon: A New Path

A Surge of Life[459]

Dragonite couldn't wait to return to Dragonite Island, but the temptation of Poké Puffs was too great.

As soon as it took a bite, a delightful crunch filled its mouth, followed by the soft, fluffy texture of the filling. The rich aroma of fresh berries blended perfectly with the sweet yet delicate crust, making each bite an indulgent treat—sweet, but never overwhelming.

The dozen or so newly hired Dragonite employees suddenly had their eyes light up with excitement.

Without hesitation, they plopped down on the grass, basking in the golden glow of the setting sun, their faces filled with pure bliss as they savored their well-earned treats.

Seeing them enjoy their reward, the older Dragonite workers stood off to the side, watching curiously.

Soon, however, those who had been with Dragonite Express for a while found themselves at a loss for words.

Rather than wasting time standing around, they gathered up their boxes of Poké Puffs and took off, heading into the Distortion World to rest on Dragonite Island.

Dragonite cast a sidelong glance at the new recruits, a look of disdain in its eyes.

Naoki stood by, observing the scene with amusement. Then, he turned to his own Dragonite and said, "By the way, give this a try. Let me know if the flavor has changed."

Hearing this, Dragonite picked up a Poké Puff and took a careful bite.

Its eyes widened slightly in surprise before a look of confusion settled on its face.

"Awoo?" '

Noticing Dragonite's puzzled expression, Naoki chuckled and explained, "I actually bought these from a specialty dessert shop. Do you like the taste?"

Dragonite took a moment to assess the flavors. While it still preferred the ones made by Naoki, these store-bought Poké Puffs were still delicious.

"Awoo!" Dragonite nodded its large head in approval.

Seeing this, Naoki sighed in relief. He had been a little concerned that the Pokémon might not like the change. But now that it seemed they could accept them, he and Indeedee could finally catch a break.

Even so… relying on store-bought Poké Puffs indefinitely wasn't ideal.

If he could recruit some, he could move the kitchen equipment to the World Tree, allowing them to handle the daily baking. That way, the Pokémon living on the World Tree could make their own Poké Puffs without depending on outside suppliers.

As he pondered this, several Pokémon came to mind.

He had already asked the Great Hero Expedition Team to look for them, but Mew and Teddiursa hadn't encountered any yet.

Naoki had also considered recruiting a few Indeedee to help with baking, but wild Indeedee were incredibly rare.

He felt lucky to have even come across the two Indeedees he had met before—just a chance encounter during Indeedee's

"How fascinating."

A human who had changed the course of the world, one who had even befriended the cold and violent Giratina?

Arceus let the other worlds it had been watching fade into the background.

For now, its focus was wholly fixed upon this world.

It wanted to see what else this Naoki and his Pokémon would bring into existence.

...

As Calyrex's ritual concluded, the surging energy of life that had flooded the World Tree began to settle.

The pulsating emerald glow faded, and within moments, the tree stood once more in serene majesty, its presence unchanged yet profoundly different.

Naoki lifted his gaze, and the World Tree's detailed status surfaced within his mind.

[World Tree – (Mature Stage)]

A sapling that has absorbed an immense amount of grass-type energy. Due to its connection with Gogoat, its growth has undergone a unique mutation. It harbors a boundless vitality, nurturing all life that surrounds it. It is said that one day, it will be able to sustain an entire world, its energy nourishing all living things.

Estimated time to full maturity: 9,854 years.

Naoki's heart swelled with satisfaction.

One more time—just one more cultivation cycle next month, and the World Tree would finally reach full maturity!

It was unbelievable.

From 100,000 years to just 9,000—and all in the span of two years.

And none of it would have been possible without Calyrex's incredible power.

Naoki turned toward Giratina, who loomed beside him, its imposing form basking in the afterglow of the ritual.

With excitement brimming in his voice, Naoki grinned.

"I'll be counting on you next month!"

Giratina, still reveling in the changes sweeping through its domain, let out a deep, resounding chuckle. For the first time in eons, its once barren and silent Reverse World was flourishing.

Life had taken root where once there had only been decay.

Flowers bloomed upon the floating sky islands, green sprouted from the ruins of a realm long abandoned.

It turned its golden gaze to Naoki and bared its fearsome, jagged fangs in what could almost be called a smile.

"Leave it to me!"

With the ritual complete, Naoki bid farewell to Giratina and left the Reverse World, returning to the ranch alongside his Pokémon.

The moment they stepped foot back into reality, a wave of heat pressed down on them.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting its blazing rays over the landscape.

The northwestern region of Paldea had reached a scorching 37 degrees Celsius today—a day fit for resting in the shade or lounging under cool waters.

With the Eeveelutions off playing at the World Tree, and Dratini visiting Dragonite Island, the ranch was unusually quiet.

Only Naoki, Koraidon, Cyclizar, and Alcremie remained behind.

Naoki glanced around the cozy living room of the ranch.

Koraidon was sprawled lazily on the carpet, yawning as it stretched out its powerful limbs.

Alcremie was perched on the windowsill, deep in conversation with Pawmot, who was nodding along attentively.

Cyclizar was comfortably lounging on the sofa, eyes fixed on the television, completely absorbed in whatever was playing.

Meanwhile, the Indeedee siblings were huddled together, engrossed in a handheld gaming console that Naoki had bought for them.

Curious, Naoki approached them.

"What are you playing?"

The younger Indeedee, turned to him excitedly, her round eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. She eagerly held up the game console, showing him the screen.

On it, a Charmander and an Eevee were navigating a complex dungeon maze together.

In order to make Naoki understand what she was saying, sister Indeedee brought Naoki a couple of translation seed crisps, and then said happily:

"Aiya!"

Naoki blinked in surprise.

"Pokémon Mystery Dungeon?"

A mix of nostalgia and confusion washed over him.

He pressed the  on the console, switching the game to the background to check the title screen.

There, in bold letters, was the game's name:

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team

Naoki's eyes widened.

Wait… Game Freak exists in this world?!

He had long since accepted that the Pokémon world was vastly different from anything back on Earth, but to find out that Game Freak still existed here… and that Pokémon Mystery Dungeon was a thing?

That was unexpected.

Seeing his surprise, Indeedee tilted her head and asked eagerly:

"Ai-e?"

Naoki hesitated for a moment.

"Wait… this game supports multiplayer?"

Her older brother, the more tech-savvy Indeedee, nodded confidently.

"Aiya."

Naoki raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, you guys keep playing for now. I'll order a console first—once it arrives, I'll join your team."

Without missing a beat, he pulled out his Rotom Phone, navigated to an online shopping app, and placed an order for a brand-new 3DS.

A single console cost 18,000 Poké Dollars—not too expensive, considering how much he was earning from the ranch.

The moment he confirmed the purchase, the Indeedee siblings cheered excitedly.

"Aiya!"  the younger sister clapped her hands in delight.

The older brother, who prided himself on his gaming skills, clenched his fists with determination.

'If Naoki was joining, I would make sure to lead him through the most difficult dungeon in the game!"

He had already completed the hardest levels a long time ago, but since his younger sister preferred a more relaxed pace, she always made him slow down and enjoy the adventure.

Since he couldn't win against her persistence, he had no choice but to go along with it.

...

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