Not Being a Trainer This Time

In the end, Groudon and Kyogre still didn’t register an account on the Pokemon Forum.

Because their legendary pride makes them disdain using such methods to attract humans.

Giratina’s persuasion plan failed; it originally wanted to see if these two Pokemon could surpass its fan base, but it seems they have no such desire.

Groudon and Kyogre, who wouldn’t give in to each other, are still quarreling in the group, indulging in verbal spats.

Naoki initially wanted to stop them, but after thinking it over, he decided to let them argue, as long as they don’t fight physically, it’s all fine.

Thus, the footsteps of time quietly passed by, and in a blink, it reached the year-end of League Year 200.

The New Year is approaching. On this evening, Naoki specially drove his pickup truck to the town to buy New Year’s supplies.

It’s deep winter already, and there might be a heavy snow in a couple of days, which could bury the road leading to the town.

Therefore, Naoki plans to prepare more supplies while the weather is nice today.

Parking by the roadside in Porto Marinada Town, Naoki jumped off the truck with several Pokemon.

”Steaks, flour, rice, snacks... and firewood.”

Naoki read aloud the items listed on his shopping list, walking toward his destination.

People in the Pokemon World also celebrate the New Year; although there’s still some time before the new year, the streets are already filled with festive atmosphere.

Pokemon wearing scarves, children in red cotton coats — just looking at them feels joyful.

On both sides of the road, there are workers and Machamp carrying fireworks.

These fireworks will be set off on the evening of New Year’s Day.

Some town shopkeepers recognize Naoki, and when he passes by, they greet him with smiles.

”Good morning, Naoki! Taking your Pokemon out to shop?”

Naoki smiled and replied: ”Yes! New Year is coming, buying some supplies back home so we can ’hibernate’ comfortably when the time comes!”

”Hibernate?” The florist lady heard this unfamiliar term and showed an intrigued expression.

On the flower racks beside her, several Hoppip and Skiploom stood lazily.

”It means staying home warmly through winter, like Skitty cuddling in a warm den to sleep on snowy days.” Naoki explained with a laugh.

The shop owner suddenly understood: ”That’s quite nice. Oh right, we’re having an event at the store. To thank customers who have shopped here before, we’re gifting a pot of flowers. You’ve come at just the right time, this pot is for you!”

Saying that, the shop owner handed over a pot of blooming flowers.

Naoki had previously bought a lot of flower seeds from her shop and was a big customer.

Seeing this, Naoki didn’t refuse and accepted the pot with a smile, handing it to Koraidon next to him: ”Hold this!”

”Ah-ga-sii...” Koraidon obediently held the flower pot with its paws.

”We’ve got things to do, so let’s catch up later, see you!” Naoki bid farewell to the shopkeeper.

”Alright, see you later. Next year we’ll have a batch of flowers unique to the Kalos Region, remember to come and check them out!”

”No problem!”

Leaving the flower shop, Naoki headed towards the department store.

Ogerpon and Alcremie are very familiar with this place. As soon as they entered, several Pokemon eagerly looked at Naoki.

Naoki pushed a cart and laughed, saying to them: ”Go ahead, pick what you want and bring it over! I’ll cover it.”

”Bo-ni~”

”Bam-oh~”

”...”

The Pokemon made happy sounds and then ran towards the shelves.

Naoki followed them with his cart, took out his Rotom Phone, and snapped a photo to send to Lono.

[Mighty Wing: Shopping with Pokemon at the supermarket, what are you up to?]

Lono quickly replied.

[Lono: Listening to my mom’s chatter! Those two are really something, didn’t go anywhere at all this year.]

Naoki felt a tug at his heart; he had heard Lono talk about her parents.

Supposedly, they were both Trainers in their youth, fell for each other at first sight during their travels, and then got together.

After the journey ended, the duo married with Pokemon and settled down in the bustling city of Levincia.

Are they nagging Lono thinking she fell in love too soon?

[Mighty Wing: Do they think you’re in love too early?]

[Lono: Huh? No way, they’re hoping I get married sooner, and I’m already an adult, okay! Puffing with anger.jpg]

Naoki: ”...”

The image of Lono puffed up like a little puffer fish popped into Naoki’s mind, and he couldn’t help but laugh.

At that moment, Ogerpon and the others bounced back, clearly they had picked what they liked.

Seeing this, Naoki put his Rotom Phone away, took a tour in the supermarket again with the Pokemon, and after purchasing the items he wanted, he left the place.

Loading the goods onto the pickup truck, ensuring nothing was missed, Naoki started the vehicle and returned to the ranch.

Before they even got out of the truck, Greavard was already running towards them from afar.

That look was precisely like a dog greeting its owner home.

To guard against the upcoming snow, Naoki parked the truck in the garage, then opened the door and got out, picking up the approaching Greavard.

Greavard excitedly wagged its tongue, then licked Naoki’s hand.

”Alright, alright!” Naoki patted its head, saying: ”Let’s go home!”