Not Being a Trainer This Time

”Pokémon are just so adorable!”

After visiting the Abundant Shrine, the group prepared to return to the ranch.

On the way, the kids chirped non-stop, much like a flock of Squawkabilly gathering for a party.

”Ah, I can’t wait to turn ten and receive my first Pokémon to travel the world!” a blond boy wished aloud.

”Yes, definitely! I want to catch all the Pokémon in the world! And those rare, powerful ones too, I want to become the strongest Trainer!” a boy clenched his fists, his eyes full of determination.

Hearing this, Professor Oak turned around in surprise, his gaze sweeping over the children, and asked with a smile:

”Is that what everyone here is thinking?”

”No!” A girl raised her hand: ”I want to become friends with all the Pokémon in the world!”

”If you do that, you won’t be able to become a powerful Trainer!” The boy beside couldn’t help but say: ”Even among the same type of Pokémon there are differences in strength; if the Pokémon you catch are too weak, other Trainers will surpass you, that’s what my brother told me!”

”That’s not true!” The girl frowned: ”If you catch too many Pokémon, the Trainer won’t be able to manage them, and their relationship with the Pokémon will worsen, which will also affect the Pokémon’s strength!”

”Alright, alright.” Professor Oak, looking at this familiar scene, couldn’t help but laugh and said: ”None of you are wrong, because everyone has their own way of treating Pokémon.”

”Some people like taking care of Pokémon and want to spend time with them, so they’ll become Pokémon Breeders. Others prefer Pokémon battles, so they’ll train with Pokémon to increase their abilities.”

”However, the most important thing is your heart. Let the Pokémon see your heart, feel your thoughts, and if they recognize you, you’ll become the world’s best companions and partners.”

The children listened in a daze, each considering this matter and their reasons for liking Pokémon.

”Just like Naoki.” Professor Oak’s words immediately drew the children’s attention to Naoki.

”Me?” Naoki was a little surprised.

Professor Oak nodded gently: ”Regardless of how you treat Pokémon, there’s no conflict between the methods.”

”For example, Naoki has many Pokémon living on his ranch. Although some Pokémon occasionally have minor disputes, every Pokémon there loves him.”

The children listened to these words in a trance, and then carefully recalled the scenes they had witnessed over the past two days:

Koraidon and Cyclizar helped Mr. Naoki with farm work, the Indeedee Sibling prepared water and towels for him when he was tired, and Pawmot also helped Mr. Naoki by taking care of the hens on the ranch.

Mr. Naoki has a great relationship with every one of them, and all of these Pokémon are strong.

Looking at Naoki in front of them, at this moment, the children had a rough idea of their future goals.

They wanted to become as great a Pokémon Trainer as Mr. Naoki!

Seeing the determined look in the kids’ eyes, Professor Oak said with a smile:

”It seems everyone has understood, yes, this is the relationship and future between humans and Pokémon, this is the world we live in.”

*

Meanwhile, on the World Tree, Land of Earth.

Urshifu sat cross-legged on the ground meditating, but a drop of cold sweat emerged on its face, looking somewhat awkwardly at its mentor, Groudon.

”Muh? (Hasn’t Naoki replied yet?)” Urshifu couldn’t help but ask.

Groudon’s face darkened, it anxiously pounded its large tail on the ground, eyes revealing a defiant spirit.

”You tell me, why did he ask Kyogre for help but not me, is he looking down on me? Thinking I’m not as capable as that guy?!”

Urshifu: ”...Muh.” (…That’s not the case, Master, Naoki treats all Pokémon the same.)

The same? Groudon didn’t feel it.

It immediately questioned: ”Then why hasn’t Naoki answered my call yet?”

A drop of cold sweat appeared on Urshifu’s forehead: ”Muh...” (Naoki probably has something else to deal with...)

Groudon snorted coldly.

Urshifu thought carefully and then seriously corrected a slip of the tongue from earlier.

”Muh.” (Besides, Master, you’re not the same as us, you’re not Naoki’s Pokémon, you just reside here at the World Tree.)

Pokémon like us, that have our own Poke Ball, are Naoki’s Pokémon.

So there’s a big difference between us.

Groudon: ”...Then he must be looking down on me, otherwise he wouldn’t just ask Kyogre for help and not seek me, he’s doing it on purpose!”

A lifetime of striving to be strong, Groudon was always stubborn when it came to competing with Kyogre.

Urshifu was at a loss for what to say.

It could only silently close its mouth.

And at this moment, Groudon’s Phone Rotom emitted a notification sound.

”Report! Naoki is calling, Rotom!”

Upon hearing this, both Pokémon present almost simultaneously turned their heads, casting their gaze at the Rotom Phone floating in mid-air.