Not Being a Trainer This Time

”Hello Kiawe, I’m Naoki. I just bought this ranch not long ago, and I’m also very happy to meet you.” Naoki said with a smile.

”Yeah!” Kiawe nodded happily. ”From now on, we’re neighbors! The environment on Akala Island is quite nice, perfect for running a ranch. If you need to buy anything, you can just go to Paniola Town to get it!”

This Kiawe seemed somewhat different from the one he had in mind... Naoki studied the dark-skinned boy in front of him carefully.

Judging by his age, he seemed not yet ten years old, which is why he didn’t seem as mature as the one in the anime. Perhaps that’s the reason?

Thinking this, Naoki nodded with a smile. ”Alright, I’ve got it. If I need anything, I’ll head to Paniola Town.”

”Yeah!”

Just then, Kiawe suddenly noticed the few Pokemon on the ranch.

A strong build, resolute eyes, and a coat of thick brown fur—the Gogoat.

Apart from that, there was also a group of unfamiliar Pokemon made entirely of rocks, quite large in size.

His gaze was instantly attracted to them.

”Wow! Those aren’t Pokemon from the Alola region, right?”

”That’s right.” Naoki introduced to Kiawe, ”That’s a Gogoat, which you should also find around the Alola region, though not many people seem to raise them. The other Pokemon next to them are Garganacl, they’re Pokemon from the Paldea region.”

”Garganacl...” At this moment, Kiawe suddenly realized something. ”Mr. Naoki, you’re from the Paldea region, right?”

”That’s right!”

”The Paldea region seems to be buzzing with excitement!” Mentioning the Paldea region made Kiawe’s eyes light up with admiration.

”Eh? You’ve heard about the Paldea region too?” Naoki was somewhat surprised.

Kiawe nodded. Recently, the Paldea region has been trending online!

The ancient Paldea Academy, all kinds of rare Pokemon, the mysterious Terastal, and many intriguing urban legends...

Thinking of this, Kiawe took out his Rotom Phone and showed Naoki his compiled ”Paldea Travel Guide.”

”If only I could visit there someday!” Kiawe couldn’t help but express.

Naoki glanced at it and immediately understood everything.

”...”

Looking at it this way, Geeta’s recruitment strategies hadn’t gone to waste—not even Kiawe could resist the allure.

If they could introduce events like the Glamorous Contest in the future, perhaps even protagonists like Dawn and Serena could be attracted over.

This might be a good suggestion to bring up to Geeta, Naoki thought.

He checked online using his Rotom Phone and found out that the Paldea region is currently the most popular travel destination in the world.

Secondly, the Galar region, known for its thriving Dynamax battle culture.

Following that, the Alola region, benefitting from geographical advantages.

As for other regions like the Kanto region and Johto region, they are at the bottom of the list.

The reason is that these places still preserve a bygone era’s traditional vibe, exuding an ancient beauty.

Like the Johto region, it’s the birthplace of many traditional cultures.

Centered around Ecruteak City and Violet City, Buddhism and Shintoism flourish, Azalea Town has a culture of Slowpoke reverence, and Mahogany Town has ancient ninjutsu...

But for some tourists and trainers with a taste for the archaic, it’s an excellent destination.

After viewing the Garganacl, Kiawe decided to leave.

Before leaving, he inquired, ”By the way, Mr. Naoki, do you plan to stay here permanently? I noticed your ranch doesn’t have any Miltank, so if you need to order milk, please let me know!”

Kiawe’s family runs a ranch, and he often helps his parents deliver milk to customers.

”No, I’ll be here during the day for the time being, but later, I’ll have to leave.” Naoki said, ”After that, I might settle here only in the winter!”

”Eh?” Kiawe looked confused. ”But weren’t you planning to run a ranch here?”

”Because I have a ranch in the Paldea region too!” Naoki explained, ”It’s colder there in the winter, so I thought I’d buy a ranch in the Alola region as well. That way, I can bring my Pokemon here for a vacation.”

Kiawe suddenly understood, ”I see!”

”By the way, Kiawe, do you know where I can find a caretaker nearby? I’m not here long-term, so I’d like to hire someone to regularly clean up the house.” Naoki asked in passing.

”A caretaker?” Hearing this, Kiawe was stunned for a moment, but soon his eyes lit up, ”I can take the job!”

”Hmm?” Naoki was slightly taken aback.

Kiawe explained, ”I’ve been looking for a part-time job to save up money for traveling to the Paldea region. I often do housework at home, so I’m quite skilled at this job, no need to worry that I can’t do it well!”

Naoki: ”...”

He glanced at Kiawe’s abs—six-pack from diligent labor.

... It’s just too much.

But the problem is, Kiawe isn’t ten years old yet. Can the Pokemon World hire child labor?

When Naoki asked this question, Kiawe shook his head and said:

”The League? There’s no Pokemon League in the Alola region yet!” So the League’s laws don’t apply here.

Naoki: ”...”

”Don’t worry, Mr. Naoki! The Alola region allows kids like us to work part-time in restaurants and such! Because adults think kids who train this way will become stronger!” Kiawe assured him.