Not Being a Trainer This Time

Naoki never imagined asking Ho-oh to use Sacred Fire to set off fireworks, and even more unexpected was that Ho-oh really followed Jirachi down from the World Tree.

Naoki, accompanied by a large group of Pokemon, stood on the snowy ground, looking in awe at Ho-oh descending from the sky.

But... isn’t Ho-oh a bit too flamboyant?

It’s leaving a rainbow trail in its path, even at this time of night...

”Jirachi invited Ho-oh down!” Jirachi happily flew around in the night sky.

Naoki: ”...”

He sighed helplessly, looking at the eagerly awaiting Pokemon around him, and then announced:

”Alright, I declare, the first Naoki Ranch Fireworks Festival, officially begins!”

With Naoki’s command, the Pokemon around him cheered, then swarmed towards the fireworks placed on the snow.

To let every Pokemon experience the feeling of setting off fireworks, Naoki had bought many fireworks and divided them into several groups, placing them at different spots on the open ground.

At this moment, small groups of Pokemon gathered around each set of fireworks.

The Eevees surrounded one set of fireworks, all eyes on the Flareon with an expression of ”it’s up to you now”.

Charged with such a significant task, Flareon was filled with a sense of mission. It nodded its fluffy big head vigorously, and took a deep breath.

The next second, a stream of scorching flames burst out, melting the snow on the ground and igniting the fireworks’ fuse.

The fuse burned swiftly, accompanied by a ”whoosh” sound, a light ball shot up into the night sky, and upon reaching its peak, it exploded, turning into a cascade of dazzling fireworks, brilliant yet fleeting.

Alcremie sat on the head of a Garganacl, as five Garganacl, three Dugtrio, Combee, and Pawmot all circled around Koraidon.

While Cyclizar couldn’t use Fire Type moves to light fireworks, now as Koraidon, it was thoroughly enjoying itself.

Watching the fireworks it lit bloom in the sky, Koraidon couldn’t help but think: So this is what it feels like to set off fireworks?

Cyclizar, Ogerpon, Gholdengo, and Bellibolt from Lono surrounded Dragonite, who swung its fists and used Fire Punch on the fuse, igniting it within moments and setting off the fireworks in the night sky.

Watching both Dragonite and Koraidon able to light fireworks, Cyclizar was extremely envious.

Meanwhile, Jirachi floated alongside Ho-oh, coaxing it to help light fireworks.

For this small and lovable Pokemon with a pitiful background, Ho-oh was very fond, gladly accepting Jirachi’s request and breathed out a small flame onto the fuse.

Shortly after, another beautiful firework bloomed in the night sky.

Calyrex, however, did not join in, choosing to stand with its two beloved steeds beside, looking up to appreciate this rare and beautiful scene.

”So lively!” Calyrex whispered in amazement.

In the Crown Tundra, it had never seen such a sight, nor had it ever been surrounded by so many Pokemon.

Spectrier and Glastrier lightly swayed their tails, making a snorting sound as if agreeing with Calyrex’s words.

The fuses were ignited one after another, the fireworks illuminating the night sky of Naoki Ranch.

This beautiful view reflected in the Pokemon’s eyes, even the ancient Flutter Mane was moved by the scene.

Ho-oh admired this sight as well, but quickly, its gaze shifted towards Naoki standing on the snow not far away.

This was the human it favored, and it was about time for the Ho-oh squad to acquaint themselves with Naoki, it thought.

”How beautiful!”

Naoki and Lono stood behind the Pokemon, watching them play like children on the snow, both with smiles on their faces.

”Sometimes I get this feeling.” Naoki began.

”Hmm?” Lono tilted their head, looking at the side of Naoki’s face.

”Raising these Pokemon feels like raising children.” Naoki suddenly thought that even when they have their own kids, he would raise them like Pokemon.

Raising Pokemon as children, and children as Pokemon, there’s probably no one else in the world like us?

Lono agreed with Naoki’s words.

She recalled her own experience raising Tadbulb and Misdreavus into Bellibolt and Mismagius, breaking into a smile and said, ”They really are like children!”

At this time, Naoki noticed all the fireworks had been set off, so he called out to the Pokemon:

”There’s still some handheld fireworks over here!”

Hearing this, Koraidon and the others were immediately drawn over.

”Hold them properly! Once lit, be sure not to point them at other Pokemon, stay safe!” Naoki distributed sparklers and similar fireworks to the group of Pokemon, reminding them seriously.

”Akashi!”

The sensible Pokemon responded in unison, then ran off with the fireworks.

At that moment, the Arceus phone Naoki had in his pocket rang.

Naoki was slightly startled, then took out his phone, receiving a notification.

[Your Pokemon Mew along with Teddiursa have entered the mysterious dungeon on an adventure!]

[Mew and Teddiursa have entered the world of ”Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX!”]

”What’s up?” Lono, seeing Naoki in a daze, couldn’t help but ask.