Not Being a Trainer This Time

Early in the morning, Naoki went to buy groceries in Porto Marinada Town and saw some people and Pokémon moving stalls and fireworks toward the beach.

Walking along the street with Cyclizar, Naoki found Porto Marinada Town exceptionally lively today.

Even the shops along the street had banners promoting the fireworks festival.

A diverse group of people gathered by the street, leisurely chatting with their Pokémon.

”Looks like tonight will be really bustling!” Naoki started to feel a bit excited.

Beside him, Cyclizar was also infected by the mood and let out a happy cry: ”Gaa-ow!”

After buying groceries, Naoki and his Pokémon returned to the ranch.

Naoki chatted with the Pokémon at the ranch about the fireworks festival.

Upon hearing that another fireworks festival was happening, the Pawmot were all very excited.

Ogerpon recalled the scene from last year’s fireworks festival: the sky filled with beautiful fireworks at night was breathtaking!

”Boni!” It was determined to participate again this year!

Cyclizar dashed into the room and quickly returned with a ball in its mouth, placing it in front of Naoki and looking at him expectantly.

”Alright, I get it, I’ll play ball with you then!” Naoki said with a smile, patting Cyclizar’s head.

Not far away, Koraidon looked disdainful; playing ball seemed so childish!

In conversation, Naoki glanced around but didn’t see any sign of the Eevee here at the ranch.

There’s no need to guess; those playful little guys have run off to play at the World Tree again.

He took out his phone and made a video call to Mewtwo.

It didn’t take long for the little faces of the Eevee to appear on the screen.

Naoki: ”If you don’t come back, I won’t take you to the fireworks festival tonight!”

”Bui…”

Upon hearing this, the Eevee showed conflicted expressions.

After carefully asking, Naoki learned that a bonfire event was happening tonight at the World Tree too, and they just agreed to participate with the Pokémon there.

”I see…” Naoki nodded and quickly came up with a good idea: ”If that’s the case, you should stay at the World Tree! You can see the fireworks from there too, be sure to give me a video call so we can watch the fireworks together.”

”Bui!” That’s a great idea!

Faces full of joy appeared on the Eevee.

After hanging up, Naoki looked over at the Indeedee Sibling: ”This year, you should join in too, sister!”

”Ai-yi…” Although sister Indeedee felt tempted, she showed a hesitant expression.

Naoki immediately understood her thoughts: ”Don’t worry, the Pokemon Tavern having a day off won’t be a problem, those Pokémon guests will likely be attracted to the fireworks festival instead.”

Upon hearing this, sister Indeedee felt relieved.

She and her brother happily agreed, planning to head to the beach in the evening with Naoki to watch the fireworks.

Then, Naoki stepped outside and into the ranch.

Dragonite was standing by the field watering the crops, while Gogoat waited nearby, ready to care for the crops with Grass Energy as usual.

On the nearby grassy field, the Miltank were leisurely eating dew-covered grass.

Observing this gratifying scene, Naoki couldn’t help but smile.

He looked toward the direction outside the ranch but saw nothing.

”Is Lono not here yet?”

After some thought, Naoki took out his phone to call Lono.

Soon, Lono’s lively voice came through: ”Hello?”

Naoki raised an eyebrow and looked toward the direction of the ranch entrance: ”Are you almost here?”

”About to set off!” Lono’s side was filled with rustling sounds: ”I’m preparing gifts for Cyclizar and the others; sorry for the disturbance today!”

Naoki: ”You don’t need to bring gifts…”

”Hehe!” A silly laugh came through: ”I always feel bad for bothering you, Naoki, but rest assured, I’m all set and will be setting off soon!”

Checking the time, Naoki said: ”I’ll have Dragonite go and pick you up.”

Without waiting for Lono’s agreement, he found his Dragonite.

Shortly afterward, Dragonite joyfully flew off with a shoulder bag.

”Let’s leave it at this, I’ve got some stuff to take care of, and Dragonite has already set off; it’ll soon be in Levincia City.” Naoki said.

”Alright, noted!”

After hanging up, Naoki went to the field to pick crops that had been ripened by Gogoat.

Meanwhile, in Levincia City.

Lono stood by the street with shopping bags, unable to stop smiling.

”Hehe.”

Bellibolt felt its Trainer’s happiness and joyfully started swaying its round body.

Suddenly, a message from Geeta came through, interrupting Lono’s thoughts.

Huh? From the champion? Could it be a special task? Lono suddenly tensed up.

She had struggled to secure two days off from the champion!

Back then, all she mentioned was having some personal matters; if the champion found out she took time off to play, she’d be doomed!

Quickly opening her Rotom Phone, she found out that the champion was just here for some leisurely chat.

[Geeta: Has Levincia Gym stopped accepting challenges now?]

[Lono: Yes, I’ve put up a notice at the door stating the suspension of challenges!]

[Geeta: I see! Are you two not in Levincia City?]