Pokemon: A New Path
Blueberry Academy [669]

"I'm very sorry, but Sylveon isn't in the best shape to battle today," Naoki said gently, making up an excuse.

Sylveon, standing beside him, blinked in confusion.

"Boo-ee?"

It tilted its head, clearly puzzled, its condition was excellent!

Naoki quickly shot it a wink and subtle hand signal. Sylveon, though still a little confused, caught on fast. Without hesitation, it flopped down onto the grass, drooping its ears and putting on its best sickly act.

"Boo… boo-ee…" it whimpered weakly.

Naoki: "…"

Okay, maybe it was a little over the top, but effective.

He turned back to the boy standing across from them. "Like I said, Sylveon's had a long day and really needs some rest."

"Oh…" The young boy looked disappointed. His face fell slightly as he processed the news, the spark in his eyes dimming.

He hesitated, then asked timidly, "Then… what about tomorrow? Could I challenge the Hero Trial tomorrow instead?"

Naoki raised an eyebrow. This kid was determined.

His curiosity piqued, he asked, "Why do you want to take on the Hero Trial so badly?"

"Because I grew up listening to your stories, Mr. Naoki!" the boy exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I was just seven when I first heard about the Hero Trial from other trainers. They said you were incredible!"

"After that, I kept seeing news about you and the ranch online. Trainers from all over started coming just to challenge the trial. I always looked forward to every update!"

"You're the strongest trainer in Paldea! I've looked up to you my whole life. And now that I'm finally a trainer, I want to battle you, just like the others!"

Naoki: "…"

He wasn't quite expecting that.

Looking into the boy's sincere, hopeful eyes, Naoki found himself at a loss for words.

How could he turn away such heartfelt admiration?

In that moment, he realized something: the best way to respect this young trainer's feelings… was to accept his challenge, sincerely and wholeheartedly.

"Hah…" Naoki sighed softly and then smiled, the tension leaving his face.

"In that case," he said warmly, "I accept your challenge."

"R-Really?" Saad stood frozen, stunned by the sudden turn of events. "But… but didn't you say Sylveon couldn't battle today?"

Naoki looked down at his partner with a smile. "After hearing your story, I think Sylveon would be happy to battle you."

As if on cue, Sylveon leapt up from the grass, eyes sparkling with renewed spirit.

"Boo!"

Saad's expression lit up. He quickly pulled out a Poké Ball. "Then, Mr. Naoki, Sylveon! Please accept our challenge!"

He threw the Poké Ball forward, and with a flash of light, a Pokémon landed on the field.

It had yellowish fur, a pig-like snout, fierce triangular eyes, three-fingered hands and feet, and a long, thin tail that flicked behind it with energy.

It was a Mankey, the Pig Monkey Pokémon.

In Paldea, trainers had begun exploring unique evolutions of familiar species, and Mankey was one such case. Through determination and growth, it could evolve into Primeape… and eventually the mighty Annihilape, shedding physical limits to become something far fiercer.

Naoki studied the Mankey briefly before shifting his gaze to the boy. "It's clear you've trained your Mankey well," he said. "But before we begin… I need to say something first."

He paused, making sure Saad was listening.

"In the time since the Hero Trial began, Sylveon has battled many strong opponents. It's grown a great deal, and might be a little too strong now for a new trainer to face."

Saad nodded seriously. "I understand. We'll do our best!"

Naoki smiled, satisfied with the boy's attitude. "Then let's begin."

Sylveon vs. Mankey- the Hero Trial battle officially begins!

Saad's face was tense but determined. His first command came with a spark of nervous excitement. "Mankey, use Scratch!"

Mankey lunged forward, claws glowing as it slashed toward Sylveon.

"Sylveon, use Moon blast!"

"Boo-ee!"

Sylveon sprang into action, shimmering with light as star-shaped projectiles launched from its body in rapid succession.

The glowing stars flew through the air and struck Mankey mid-charge, breaking its momentum and sending it tumbling backward with a surprised yelp.

Saad gasped. "Mankey!"

The little Fighting-type struggled to its feet, trembling but refusing to give up.

Seeing its trainer's concern, Mankey gritted its teeth and stood firm, determined not to lose heart.

"Hang in there, use Low Kick!" Saad called out.

Mankey charged again, lifting one leg high as it prepared to trip Sylveon.

Naoki remained calm. "Sylveon, use Dazzling Gleam."

He knew that in a battle like this, the most respectful thing he could do… was give it his all.

"Boo-ee!"

With a cheerful cry, Sylveon shimmered with radiant pink energy. The light flared brighter and then surged forward in a concentrated beam, blasting straight toward the wild Mankey.

In a flash, the beam struck its target. Mankey was knocked off its feet and collapsed with a thud, no longer able to battle.

"Whoa, incredible!" Saad stood frozen in awe, but his shock quickly turned to joy.

"As expected of Mr. Naoki!"

Naoki chuckled and offered a warm compliment. "You and your Mankey really have a great bond. When a trainer and their Pokémon share a strong connection, that emotion shines through in battle. It makes them stronger."

This was the power known as a bond, the invisible thread of trust between trainer and Pokémon.

"Yeah!" Saad nodded quickly, his eyes sparkling. "I met Mankey in the forest when I was nine. Back then, I was being bullied by a group of wild Pokémon. He stepped in to help, and ever since then, we've been together."

"I see," Naoki said, smiling. Then he turned toward the ranch and called out, "Koraidon, could you bring me a bottle of Life Goat Milk?"

Koraidon let out a grunt and trotted off. Not even half a minute passed before it returned, carrying a glass bottle in its jaws. It carefully handed it over to Naoki.

Naoki accepted the bottle and handed it to Saad. "Here. Let your Mankey drink this."

Saad gasped. "This is... I know this! It's the famous Life Goat Milk, right? From your ranch? Produced by your Gogoats?"

Before Naoki could even explain, Saad was already bubbling with excitement.

"I'm one of your biggest fans, Mr. Naoki!" he declared, eyes burning with admiration.

Naoki laughed again. "Then as my loyal fan, you'd better keep working hard with Mankey. I'll be waiting for you at the ranch for our next battle."

"Yes, sir!" Saad nodded vigorously. "I promise I will!"

He clenched his fists with determination. He would continue to train with Mankey and one day return as a stronger trainer to challenge Mr. Naoki and his Sylveon once more.

Just as the boy left with his newly energized partner, someone else arrived at the ranch and overheard the conversation.

"Oh my, looks like you're becoming a big-shot trainer in Paldea!" teased Geeta, smiling brightly. "Before long, even the top influencers might have to step aside."

Naoki froze. "..."

"But the kid's right, you know." Geeta's voice was soft but sincere. "Right now, you might just be the strongest trainer in the whole Paldea region."

Naoki gave her a helpless look. "There's always someone better out there. Chief, please stop teasing me."

Geeta just smiled, her eyes twinkling, and said nothing more.

Naoki: "..."

After a moment of comfortable silence, Naoki tilted his head. "But seriously, what brings you here today, Chief?"

"I came to check on Elara. How's the little one doing?" Geeta asked.

"Same as usual," Naoki replied. "Eating, sleeping, crying, and spacing out."

Geeta chuckled. "All babies go through that. She'll grow out of it soon enough."

As they chatted, Geeta reached into the bag slung over her shoulder and pulled out a piece of paper.

"Here, this is for you."

Naoki took it instinctively and glanced at the bold letters printed across the top.

[Invitation for Faculty and Staff - Blueberry Academy]