Pokemon: A New Path

"Amazing!" Eric exclaimed, unable to believe his eyes as he took in the scene. He adjusted the frame of his glasses, looking around at the surrounding greenery before finally returning his gaze to the three Gogoat.

"This is unbelievable! Such rich and abundant Grass-type energy! This simple Grassy Terrain move has been brought to an extraordinary level. It's beyond perfect—it's something only the world's top Pokémon breeders could achieve!"

Eric was visibly astonished. "Full marks! Absolute full marks!" He then quickly looked up at Naoki, the young man standing before him. "Are you the breeder who raised these three Gogoat?"

Naoki felt the weight of everyone's eyes on him and couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. He took a moment to steady himself, then replied with a polite smile, "No, I'm just the rancher who takes care of them."

However, Eric's expression was skeptical, as if to say, 'Don't lie to me.' "I can't believe an ordinary rancher could bring out such potential in Gogoat using a pasture like this."

'As expected of a Pokémon breeder—he recognized the move immediately,' Naoki thought. But he was genuinely just a rancher! Feeling the pressure, Naoki glanced at Mayor Thomas for help.

Although Mayor Thomas didn't fully grasp the intricacies of Pokémon breeding, he knew that cultivating Pokémon to this level was no small feat. Seeing Naoki's silent plea, he stepped forward and clarified, "Mr. Eric, Naoki really isn't a breeder. He moved here not long ago and is currently managing a ranch."

Eric's confusion deepened. "How is this possible? This defies all logic!"

Despite his shock, Eric quickly regained his composure and began to study Naoki with renewed curiosity.

Naoki felt slightly exasperated, 'What can I say to convince them?'

Sensing the need to wrap things up, Mayor Thomas took over the conversation at just the right moment. Holding the microphone, he announced to the crowd, "Everyone, it seems we have found this year's champion of the Spring Cattle and Sheep Judging Competition! Let's congratulate Naoki Ranch! He will receive the championship trophy and half a year's worth of Pokémon meals specially prepared by the town!"

"And let's also give a big thanks to Mr. Eric, our esteemed judge for this competition!"

"Wow!" The crowd erupted into cheers, celebrating the conclusion of the lively event.

With the competition officially over, Naoki left the stage, carrying the championship trophy and a photo taken by Mayor Thomas of him with his three Gogoat. Satisfied and happy, he rode Koraidon back to the ranch.

Back at home, Naoki placed the trophy and the photo on his desk and took a moment to admire the picture. In it, he stood proudly on the grass with his three Gogoat, all looking at the camera with a sense of accomplishment frozen in time.

'This is definitely a moment to remember,' Naoki thought. 'I'll need to buy a special stand to display the trophy and photos in the future.'

As for the half-year supply of Pokémon food, it was a nice bonus—better than nothing! Mayor Thomas had mentioned that someone would deliver it tomorrow.

'What a great day!' Naoki thought with contentment. But now, it was time to take care of another important matter.

Turning his attention to the Teddiursa with the crescent moon on its forehead, Naoki pulled an empty Poké Ball from the drawer and gently asked,

"Teddiursa, are you willing to stay on the ranch forever?" Naoki asked gently.

"Ursa?" Teddiursa seemed surprised by Naoki's invitation, letting out a startled cry. "Ursa...?"

"What's wrong? Don't you want to?" Naoki asked, sensing Teddiursa's hesitation.

Teddiursa quickly shook its head. "Ursa, Ursa!"

After a moment of careful consideration, Teddiursa made its decision. It jumped high, touching the Poké Ball with its claws. In an instant, its body transformed into a red light and was absorbed into the ball.

The Poké Ball shook slightly a few times before coming to a stop, signaling that the capture was successful.

Naoki's face lit up with a smile. 'Great! There's a new companion on the ranch!'

He opened the Poké Ball, and Teddiursa was released back out.

Naoki smiled warmly at the little bear and said, "You can stay at the ranch from now on! We'll make sure you have plenty of honey and everything else you love!"

"Ursa~" Teddiursa, feeling truly cared for, was moved. This time, it didn't just pretend to be cute but genuinely cuddled up to Naoki, showing its affection sincerely.

Naoki chuckled, reaching out to pick up the little bear. He rubbed its head affectionately. "That's right!"

After playing with Teddiursa for a while, Naoki turned to prepare lunch. However, just as he was getting started, Teddiursa seemed to remember something. It let out a few excited "Ursa, Ursa!" sounds and then dashed out of the house.

Naoki was a bit puzzled but trusted that Teddiursa knew its way around the area, so he didn't worry too much.

A little while later, as Naoki was finishing up lunch preparations, he saw Teddiursa returning to the ranch, dragging a cloth bag behind it with great effort.

The little bear handed the bag to Naoki, its eyes shining with excitement. "Ursa, Ursa!"

"Huh?" Naoki was a little surprised.

Naoki opened the cloth bag with a sense of curiosity, only to find it filled with an assortment of small gadgets. Inside were colored glass marbles, pebbles, tiny bottles, seeds of unknown plants, large rhizomes, shoal shells, hard stones, and even a few bones.

As he looked at these items, Naoki was momentarily startled, then realization dawned on him—these must be the "treasures" that Teddiursa had accumulated over the years. Now that Teddiursa had found a new home on the ranch, it had gone back to its old nest to bring all its belongings here.

Thinking of this, Naoki smiled warmly and said, "Don't worry, I'll help you put these things away."

"Ursa~" Teddiursa responded happily, grateful for Naoki's care.

That night, after a long day of work, Naoki fell asleep early, cuddling Teddiursa and Pawmi in his arms.

The moon was particularly beautiful tonight, and Dragonite, who rarely stayed awake at night, had finished its day's training and was sitting alone on the grass, gazing up at the moon.

Meanwhile, the restless Cyclizar also wandered out of the ranch house. Spotting Dragonite sitting quietly on the grass, admiring the moon, Cyclizar trotted over and sat down beside it.

Ever since the last frisbee game, Cyclizar had been deep in thought. It wanted to become stronger, like the powerful Dragonite, so it could be more helpful to Naoki. But it hadn't figured out the best way to achieve that strength, and now, seeing Dragonite, it couldn't resist asking:

"Raao?" (Dragonite, why do you work so hard?)

"Awoo?" Dragonite blinked, and upon hearing Cyclizar's question, it began to share its story.

Dragonite spoke about the island where it was born, its cherished memories of its favorite Dragonite, the sadness it felt due to its own weakness, and how it would sit on a cliff every night, gazing at the moon in sorrow.

Cyclizar listened intently, though its expression was one of confusion. After a moment, it asked, "Raao?" (You've learned a lot of powerful moves. Can I train with you?)

Hearing this, Dragonite looked a bit puzzled. "Awoo?" (Koraidon is stronger than I am. Why don't you train with him?)

"Raao..." Cyclizar hesitated, lowering its head. "Raao, Raao..." (Koraidon is intimidating. Sometimes it looks at me with those scary eyes. I'm really afraid of it.)

Dragonite tilted its head in confusion. "Awoo?" (Really? I never noticed that.)