Pokemon: A New Path

Thirty Minutes Later, on the road leading to Naoki's Ranch

As Leon walked along the dirt road, he absentmindedly fiddled with the small object in his hand. 

It was an intricately crafted wooden sculpture of a Pokémon, its most striking feature being a large, dark green bud atop its head, shaped like a regal crown. 

Delicate patterns adorned the bud, with slender, vine-like tendrils supporting it and stretching downward toward the Pokémon's petite body. The craftsmanship was remarkable—the eyes, nose, and mouth were carved with such precision that the sculpture exuded an air of majesty, capturing the essence of a true king. 

Underneath the crown, the Pokémon's slim, graceful limbs were delicately chiseled, giving the figure a sense of elegance. 

"The King of Bountiful Harvests…" Leon murmured to himself, studying the sculpture one last time before tucking it carefully into his bag. 

He made a mental note to give it to Hop as a gift when he returned to the Galar region. 

At that moment, a large wooden sign came into view at the end of the road. The words "Naoki Ranch" were boldly painted on the doorplate. 

Seeing the sign, Leon let out a deep sigh of relief. "Finally, I'm here!" 

The journey had been far from easy. After getting lost so many times, Leon had almost forgotten what it felt like to arrive at his destination without any mishaps. 

Now that he had made it, it was time to challenge the owner of this ranch and finally finish their interrupted battle! 

Just as Leon took a step forward, a shadow passed over him. He instinctively looked up to see several orange Pokémon soaring through the sky, their forms unmistakable. 

"Dragonite?" Leon whispered in awe, watching as the majestic Pokémon descended gracefully onto the ranch's pasture. 

'There were so many of them!'

Even as a Champion, Leon couldn't help but marvel at the sight. Seeing multiple Dragonites in one place was a rarity, even for a trainer of his caliber. 

His thoughts wandered briefly.

'Was Naoki a retired Champion trainer, like his own mentor Mustard? It would certainly explain the caliber of Pokémon on the ranch.'

Curiosity getting the better of him, Leon quickened his pace and approached the ranch's entrance. He stopped just outside the gate, taking in the view. 

One glance was all it took to see that the ranch was well-maintained. 

Rows of farmland stretched across one section of the property, brimming with various crops. One of the Dragonites stood near the farmland, its wings flaring as it performed a Rain Dance.

The effects were immediate. A gentle drizzle began to fall from the sky, droplets shimmering in the sunlight. The rain nourished the soil, giving life to the crops and refreshing the land. 

Next to the farmland lay an expansive field of lush green grass. The grass was impeccably trimmed, appearing clean and orderly without a single stray weed in sight. 

Dozens of Pokémon played freely on the grass, chasing one another in carefree joy. The scene was a picture of harmony and warmth.

Leon scanned the lively pasture, observing the Pokémon as they frolicked in the grass. One by one, he tried to recall their names: "Alcremie, Dolliv, Glaceon, Cyclizar…" 

However, some of the Pokémon weren't familiar to him—likely because they weren't native to the Galar region. 

"It's so lively!" Leon thought, a grin spreading across his face. Taking a deep breath, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted toward the house: 

"Hey! Is anyone there?" 

The Pokémon playing on the grass immediately paused mid-chase, turning their heads to look toward the gate. 

Among them, a small pink Pokémon with a red cape and a tiny hammer squeaked in alarm. It spun around and flew off in a panic, disappearing behind the house. 

Leon blinked in surprise, scratching his head. "Huh, that's new." 

Before he could ponder further, a figure emerged from the house, stepping onto the front porch. 

Naoki squinted toward the gate, his expression shifting from curiosity to shock as recognition dawned. 

"That's… Leon?"

Naoki muttered to himself. Was he seeing things? Why would Leon—the Champion of Galar—be here of all places? 

Leon's broad smile and enthusiastic wave quickly dispelled any doubts. "Hey there!" 

Naoki blinked, then snapped out of his surprise. Stepping forward, he greeted his unexpected guest. "Hello, Mr. Leon!" 

Leon tilted his head, genuinely surprised. "You know me?" 

Naoki froze for a moment, realizing his slip-up. Of course, they'd never spoken before, and Leon wouldn't have expected him to recognize him so easily. 

Thinking quickly, Naoki flashed a polite smile and replied, "Well, I saw some of the ads you were featured in back when I was visiting the Galar region." 

Leon chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Ah, I guess those commercials did their job, huh?" 

Naoki nodded politely, though his mind was racing. 'Why was Leon here?'

It didn't take long for him to piece it together. His thoughts drifted back to the commercial competition he had participated in during his travels through Galar. Leon had been there, and, if he remembered correctly, had watched part of his match. 

Recalling what Geeta had mentioned about Leon's special request to visit the Paldea region, Naoki couldn't shake a wild idea that suddenly popped into his head.

'Could Leon really have traveled all this way just to challenge me?'

As everyone knows, Leon, the undefeated Champion of Galar until his match with Victor, had a flawless record. Not even Raihan, his fiercest rival, had ever claimed victory against him.

This reputation had earned Leon the title of "The Unbeatable Champion."

Given that, it seemed inevitable that Leon would win the Rising Star Tournament in Galar City. Naoki's withdrawal midway through the competition must have piqued Leon's curiosity, prompting the Champion to embark on a journey across regions to seek him out.

The thought made Naoki freeze for a moment. 'Could this truly be why Leon was here? Surely not… right?'

But before he could dismiss the notion entirely, Leon approached with his signature grin and asked enthusiastically,

"Do you remember the Rising Star Tournament in Wyndon City?"

Naoki sighed internally. 'So it's true.'

Hiding his surprise, Naoki smiled politely and gestured toward the house. "Why don't we continue this conversation inside? Please, make yourself at home."

"Thanks!" Leon said cheerfully as he followed Naoki toward the ranch house.

The Pokémon who had been playing outside trailed after them, peeking curiously from behind the sofa. Their wide-eyed expressions betrayed their intrigue about the visitor who had traveled such a long way to the ranch.

As Leon entered the cozy living room, his gaze drifted toward the Pokémon gathered on the far side. Among them was the unmistakable figure of Calyrex, seated comfortably and watching TV.

'Calyrex really is Naoki's Pokémon,' Leon thought to himself, marveling at the serene yet commanding presence of the legendary Pokémon.

Just then, the sister Indeedee, appeared with a tray, setting two cups of freshly brewed tea on the table.

"Thank you!" Leon said, taking a sip of the tea before getting down to business.

"I was at the Rising Star Tournament," Leon began, his tone shifting to one of earnestness. "I saw your match. That Koraidon of yours—it's an incredible Pokémon!"

Naoki glanced at Koraidon, who was lounging nearby with a contented expression, clearly pleased by the compliment. Smiling, Naoki nodded. "Koraidon has always been a reliable partner."

"Raao~" Koraidon chirped happily, swishing its tail.

Leon leaned forward, his expression growing serious. "After you withdrew from the competition, I faced and defeated all the remaining trainers to win the tournament. But the fact that I never got to battle you… it's always left me with a sense of unfinished business."

Naoki's polite smile faltered slightly as he listened. 'So that's what this is about.'

As a seasoned Champion, Leon could easily sense the sheer strength emanating from both Koraidon and Calyrex.

The aura of strength radiating from Naoki's Pokémon, particularly Koraidon and Calyrex, reminded Leon of his own mentor, Mustard—a testament to Naoki's skill as a trainer. As the Champion of Galar, Leon had never shied away from challenges. In fact, he relished the chance to battle stronger trainers to refine his abilities.

"That's why I'm here," Leon declared with a determined grin. "I want to finish the match we didn't get to complete!"

Naoki hesitated for a moment. 'Is Leon a little too obsessive?'

He was tempted to explain that he wasn't a full-time trainer but just a rancher. However, looking at Leon's eager expression, he knew such a statement would likely fall on deaf ears. After all, who would believe that someone with a team of such strong Pokémon wasn't actively battling?

Naoki couldn't deny that his experience in real-life Pokémon battles was limited. Compared to Leon's years as a champion, Naoki lacked the command experience necessary to match him. On top of that, while many of the Pokémon on the ranch were strong, their levels varied widely. He wasn't even certain he could field a full team of six champion-level Pokémon.

Yet… a small spark of curiosity flickered within him. Naoki wanted to see how much his Gogoats had grown.

With the benefits of the World Tree's leaves and the nourishing effects of their own Gogoat milk, his Pokémon could recover quickly from injuries. Perhaps this was the perfect opportunity to test their progress in a real battle.

Naoki made up his mind. 

He nodded at Leon and said, "Alright. But I can't field a full team of six. Let's make it a 3v3 battle instead."

"Three-on-three?" Leon repeated, surprised by the proposal. He had expected Naoki to refuse entirely. Instead, relief washed over him, and his grin widened. "Alright! Let's do this!"

"Follow me," Naoki said, standing and leading Leon outside.

The two stepped onto the wide, open grassland of the ranch. The air was fresh and filled with the cheerful cries of Pokémon playing nearby. Naoki gestured to a specific area, a well-maintained battlefield he had built for the Green Grass Trial.

As Naoki prepared for the battle, the Pokémon on the ranch gathered, forming a lively audience around the battlefield. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to witness the rare occasion of their caretaker taking part in a Pokémon battle.

Naoki called forward his three Gogoats, their sturdy forms exuding strength and confidence. Turning to Leon, who was clutching a Poké Ball, Naoki offered a slight smile.

"Before we start, there's something you should know," Naoki began. "In addition to being a rancher, I'm also a chef. My specialty is crafting dishes with unique, even magical, properties—similar to berries that can heal or cure status conditions."

Leon tilted his head, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Naoki continued, "Not long ago, I established a series of trials here on the ranch. Trainers who pass these trials receive rewards—special dishes with unique effects. For example, I've created wines that can boost resistance to poison, lessen paralysis damage, or even gourmet meals that occasionally help Pokémon learn new moves."

Leon's eyes widened in surprise. "Food… that enhances a Pokémon's abilities? Really?" His voice was tinged with disbelief, but his curiosity was undeniable.

Naoki nodded, his calm demeanor unwavering. "Yes. And today, you'll face the most famous trial here—the Green Grass Trial. If you can defeat my Gogoats in battle, I'll reward you with a bottle of fruit wine from the ranch as a prize."

Leon's gaze shifted to the three Gogoats, each radiating a quiet but resolute strength. "The Green Grass Trial, huh?" he mused aloud, excitement sparking in his tone. "I'm in!"

As Leon stepped onto the battlefield, Naoki gave a quick warning. "One thing to note—there's no Dynamaxing here in Paldea. Let's see if you can adjust."

One of the Gogoats stepped forward, its hooves pressing into the lush grass. Its eyes gleamed with determination.

Leon grinned confidently as he tossed his Poké Ball into the air. "No Gigantamax? No problem! Let's have a classic battle! Haxorus, you're up!"

With a burst of white light, the formidable Haxorus emerged onto the battlefield. Its armored body gleamed under the sun, and its massive axe-like jaw glinted menacingly. The dragon's tail lashed eagerly, its eyes fixed on the opponent with intense focus.

Naoki's Gogoat stepped forward, its hooves sinking into the soft earth of the field. Energy surged from the Pokémon's body, and in mere seconds, a vibrant Grassy Terrain bloomed across the battlefield. The green glow spread like a wave, transforming the ground into a lush meadow filled with small, glowing blades of grass that swayed gently in the breeze.

Leon's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Grassy Terrain? And so fast, too! That's nearly instant!" He couldn't help but admire Gogoat's skill. "But," he added with a determined grin, "Haxorus has the advantage here!"

He pointed forward. "Haxorus, Poison Jab!"

Haxorus roared and charged, its claws glowing with a menacing purple aura as poisonous energy pulsed from its tips. Its powerful legs tore across the field, closing the distance with alarming speed.

Naoki, unfazed, observed the attack calmly. He raised his hand and gave a simple command: "Vine Whip."

With a sharp whoosh, two enormous vines as thick as tree trunks shot out from Gogoat's sides. The air cracked as the vines whipped forward, their sheer size and speed leaving ripples in the glowing terrain.

The attack was sudden, but Haxorus's sharp instincts kicked in. With a quick pivot, it leaped into a graceful slide, narrowly avoiding the sweeping vines. The force of the missed attack sent a strong gust of wind rippling across the field.

In the next moment, another Vine Whip shot out with a sharp whistle, hurtling straight toward Haxorus. This time, there was no room for escape, and the attack struck the dragon Pokémon head-on.

The immense impact sent Haxorus flying backward, skidding across the ground before coming to an abrupt halt. The force of the blow left the Dragon-type Pokémon stunned, unable to rise immediately.

"So strong!" Leon exclaimed, his shock evident. "Was that really a Vine Whip? I've never seen one with that much power!" 

But this wasn't the time for admiration. Haxorus was clearly in trouble, and Leon knew he needed to act fast.

"Haxorus, hang in there!" he called, his voice carrying a sense of urgency and encouragement.

Meanwhile, Naoki, who had been watching the battle with a calm and calculating gaze, issued his next command with steady resolve: "Gogoat, use your strongest move!"

"Meaaaa!"

Gogoat bleated, determination shining in its eyes as it focused intently on its opponent. Lowering its head, it prepared for a decisive strike. 

Its body suddenly glowed with a brilliant white light as it dashed forward, a streak of energy racing across the battlefield toward the struggling Haxorus.

"Dodge it!" Leon shouted, his instincts warning him of the danger.

However, Gogoat's precision and determination made it impossible for Haxorus to escape. As it closed the distance, a tremendous surge of Grass-type energy erupted from Gogoat, materializing into a massive, glowing blade of verdant light. The shimmering Leaf Blade was held firmly in Gogoat's mouth, radiating an aura of unyielding power.

Leon's eyes widened in shock. "What kind of move is that?!"

The scene was awe-inspiring. Gogoat, wielding the glowing Leaf Blade, charged forward with incredible speed. The blade sliced cleanly through the air, striking Haxorus with precision and force.

After delivering the attack, Gogoat skidded to a halt, gracefully turning its back to its opponent as it came to a stop. Its stance was calm and confident, its gaze fixed straight ahead.

Behind it, Haxorus remained motionless, standing eerily still in the aftermath of the attack. For a brief moment, the battlefield was completely silent, the tension palpable.

Then, with a soft thud, Haxorus fell to its knees on the grass, its energy depleted.

...

(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 343 @ patreon.com/Keepsmiling818

The next goal is 2500 for a bonus chapter