Pokemon: A New Path-Chapter 495: New Year and Spring

As the night deepened, Naoki finally finished preparing a grand feast for everyone at the ranch.

Koraidon preferred fried steak, Dragonite loved steamed seabass, and Pawmot happily munched on roasted cashews.

During dinner, snowflakes once again began to drift down outside, though the snowfall wasn't nearly as heavy as in previous days.

Naoki glanced toward the barn, feeling a bit concerned. If the snowfall continued, it might pile up on the roof of Gogoat's shelter.

"You guys eat first. I'll be right back," he said, grabbing his coat and stepping outside.

The night sky stretched wide above him, the freshly fallen snow reflecting its silvery glow. Even without a flashlight, the world around him was visible in soft, natural light.

Looking at the snowy scenery, Naoki couldn't help but think, Heavy snow is a sign of a good harvest.

With that hopeful thought in mind, he quickly cleared the snow off the shed before heading back inside.

As he approached the door, he spotted Koraidon and Pawmot squatting beneath the eaves, their eyes locked on him as if they'd been waiting.

"What are you two doing out here? It's freezing! Get inside!" Naoki quickly ushered them back into the warmth of the house.

"Raao?"

"Pamo!"

Chuckling, Naoki took his seat at the table, smiling at the lively group of Pokémon gathered around.

The table was covered with steaming dishes, and the air was filled with warmth and laughter. The wind howled outside, but inside, the cozy ranch house was as welcoming as a spring morning.

No matter how many times he experienced this, Naoki still cherished these moments.

"Alright, dig in!" he said cheerfully.

A chorus of happy cries erupted as the Pokémon eagerly began their feast, savoring every dish Naoki had prepared for them.

Smiling, Naoki pulled out his Rotom Phone and snapped a photo of the scene. Then, he posted it to his social feed.

[Naoki: Celebrating the New Year with my Pokémon! ^_^]

(Picture attached)

It didn't take long before replies started rolling in.

[Professor Sada: Koraidon looks so happy! 😊]

[Cynthia: Happy New Year! 🎊]

[Professor Oak: Wait a minute… is that Pokémon in the background Mew?!]

[Alder replied to Professor Oak: Ahahaha! Naoki's got plenty of Pokémon as rare as Mew!]

[Professor Oak replied to Alder: What?! You mean there are even more Pokémon as rare as Mew?!]

[Professor Oak: Naoki! You need to visit Pallet Town sometime! I'd love to host you for some research discussions!]

Naoki: "…"

Professor Oak's research instincts were kicking in again.

For researchers like him, Pokémon like Mew and Jirachi were treasures of immense scientific value.

However, there wasn't exactly time for that right now.

After thinking it over, Naoki replied:

[Naoki: Sorry, Professor, things are busy at the ranch. I don't think I'll be able to visit Pallet Town anytime soon. But you're always welcome to come to Paldea instead!]

Unfortunately, it seemed like Professor Oak was just as busy, juggling Pokémon research with his regular lectures.

Naoki sighed but didn't dwell on it.

The two agreed to meet another time when their schedules aligned.

After that, Naoki took a moment to reply to Professor Sada and Cynthia, sending them warm New Year's wishes.

There was no Spring Festival Gala in the Pokémon world, but there were special New Year's programs featuring Pokémon celebrations.

After dinner, Naoki settled on the couch with his Pokémon to watch TV.

Or rather, the Pokémon were watching TV—Naoki was busy chatting with Iono on his Rotom Phone.

Iono told him that she had just finished dinner and was now at home, listening to the loud fireworks outside while her Bellibolt rested beside her.

[Iono: Ugh! It's so noisy outside! 😤]

Naoki smiled at the message and replied:

[Naoki: Come celebrate at the ranch next year! It's peaceful and quiet here. No fireworks, just good food and Pokémon! 😆]

[Iono: Ooooh, now that sounds tempting! You better not forget this promise! 😏]

Then, out of nowhere, she added something unexpected:

[Iono: Oh! I almost forgot to tell you—I started learning how to cook recently! Next time we meet, you HAVE to try my cooking! 😆]

Naoki was surprised.

From what he remembered, Iono had once told him she wasn't much of a cook. Back when she lived in Levincia, she would often eat out at restaurants with her Pokémon instead of cooking at home.

[Naoki: What made you suddenly decide to learn?]

[Iono: I figured I'd give it a shot! If I can get better, I'll be able to cook for my Bellibolt! 💛]

Naoki made a video call.

Before long, the call connected, and Iono's face appeared on the screen.

Hearing the familiar sound, Koraidon, who had been nearby, perked up and eagerly approached the device.

Seeing Koraidon, Iono beamed. "Happy New Year, Koraidon!"

"Raao~!"

Naoki, feeling a little curious about Iono's past, asked, "Back when you were younger, did you also rely on takeout food when traveling?"

"Traveling?" Iono shook her head. "I actually didn't go out much! Back then, I was studying at Naranja Academy like everyone else. I had breakfast and lunch at the school cafeteria, and I only went out later when I started taking on Gym challenges. But even then, I mostly used Pokémon Taxi services to get around!"

"I see," Naoki nodded in realization. "I guess I assumed it was the same as how trainers from other regions do it. I've met trainers from places like Kanto and Johto—over there, they don't have to attend school. Once they turn ten, they can receive their first Pokémon from the local professor and immediately start their journey."

Iono tilted her head thoughtfully. "Maybe it's just because Naranja Academy has been around for so long? It could be a tradition in Paldea for kids to start school at ten instead of setting out as trainers right away."

Naoki considered this before asking, "So, how did you end up becoming a Gym Leader?"

Iono grinned. "Well, back then, I had no idea what I wanted to do in the future, so I just took on the Gym Challenge like everyone else."

She continued, "Later on, the Paldea League extended an invitation for me to join them, and eventually, I was assigned as the Levincia Gym Leader! Hehe, I actually really love this job!"

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"So that's how it happened," Naoki said, nodding. "I thought you inherited the Gym from your family!"

At that, Iono sighed dramatically. "Ugh, not at all! My parents can't sit still to save their lives. Every year, they go traveling, saying 'The world is huge! There are still so many places we haven't seen yet!' Meanwhile, I was always left behind in Levincia."

A mental image formed in Naoki's mind, and he couldn't help but chuckle. No wonder Iono turned out so eccentric—her parents must be quite the characters, too!

Before he could comment, Iono suddenly turned the tables. "What about you, Naoki? Chief mentioned that you only moved to Paldea a few years ago. Where did you live before that?"

Naoki was caught off guard for a moment.

After a brief pause, he answered, "I used to live with my parents in the Hoenn region. But after they passed away due to illness… I left and started traveling around the world."

"It wasn't until three years ago that I returned to Paldea and inherited my grandfather's ranch."

Their relationship hadn't been particularly close before, and Iono had never heard Naoki mention his parents. Now, after hearing his story, a tinge of sadness crossed her face.

"Everything will be okay," she reassured him gently.

"Yeah!" Naoki nodded with a soft smile. "But honestly, I've already gotten used to it. Now, I have Koraidon and the others by my side… and I have you, too. I feel really happy now."

He wasn't lying.

Before coming to this world, his parents had passed away early.

Despite his loss, he had remained strong. Even during the years he worked tirelessly as a corporate employee, he never lost his optimism.

After all, he still had Pokémon to keep him company—through games, through the anime, and now, in real life.

Hearing his words, Iono nodded eagerly. "Mm! I'll always be here with you!"

Naoki's heart softened at her words. He nodded, his voice gentle. "I'll remember that."

The two continued chatting about different things, their conversation carrying them through the night. Before they knew it, the clock struck midnight.

The new year had arrived—the 201st year of the League Calendar.

The house was quiet, the world outside still and peaceful under a blanket of snow.

On the other end of the call, Iono yawned sleepily.

Noticing how late it had gotten, Naoki glanced around at the Pokémon dozing beside him and said softly, "If you're tired, you should get some rest."

Iono rubbed her eyes and gave a small nod. "Yeah… I know. Good night, Naoki~"

"Good night."

With that, the call ended.

Naoki turned off the TV and carefully began moving the sleeping Pokémon back to their beds one by one.

Of course, moving large Pokémon like Dragonite was no easy task. For that, he called on Calyrex to use its psychic powers and gently levitate them to their proper spots.

During this process, Koraidon stirred awake from the sensation of psychic energy. It blinked sleepily, scanning the room in confusion before its gaze landed on Naoki.

"Raao?" it murmured groggily.

"It's bedtime," Naoki whispered, patting its head.

Koraidon yawned widely, stretching its arms before obediently following Naoki back to his room.

After washing up, Naoki returned to find Koraidon still awake, curled up on his bed.

Sitting down beside it, he ran a hand through its warm, smooth scales. His mind drifted slightly before he suddenly asked,

"Koraidon, what do you think about Iono? Would it be nice if she lived here at the ranch with us?"

"Raao?!" Koraidon immediately perked up, its sleepiness vanishing in an instant.

It nodded excitedly, its tail thumping against the bed.

Naoki chuckled, surprised by the enthusiasm. "Oh? You really like Iono that much?"

"Raao!" Koraidon let out a happy cry, its eyes sparkling.

"I see." Naoki smiled, his heart feeling lighter. "Then… it's decided."

"Raao~!"

"Alright, time to sleep now," he murmured, rubbing Koraidon's head fondly before lying back on his pillow.

Taking a deep breath, he stared at the ceiling, thoughts drifting like falling snow.

Maybe… just maybe… I can truly have a family here in this world.

A peaceful life, running the ranch with Iono, caring for the Pokémon together.

Maybe, one day, they would even have a child—one who, just like the other children in this world, would turn ten, receive their first Pokémon, and set off on their own journey.

Just like Mr. Elif, who owns the Elif Cherry Orchard next door, Naoki dreamed of a peaceful life—running a ranch alongside his loved ones, much like how Mr. Elif ran his cherry orchard with his wife and children, living a simple yet happy life.

With that thought in mind, Naoki closed his eyes and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

That night, he had a dream—one where he and Iono were getting married. Geeta stood as their witness, while Koraidon and Cyclizar played the roles of flower girls, tossing petals along the aisle.

...

A New Season Begins

As winter gave way to spring, the snow melted, and life began to bloom once more.

After the New Year, the Hero Expedition Team resumed their journey.

However, what surprised Naoki was that Zapdos had chosen to temporarily part ways with them.

According to Zapdos, it had some "personal matters" to attend to and would return once it was done.

Naoki was utterly confused.

He tried asking what it was about, but Zapdos remained secretive, refusing to tell even Mew and Teddiursa. Instead, it only promised that it would return with a "surprise."

Before Zapdos left, Naoki gave it a Rotom Phone, making it easier for the legendary bird to stay in contact with the group.

Zapdos gave a nod of appreciation, then spread its wings and soared into the sky, disappearing into the horizon.

Mew and Teddiursa watched its receding figure before setting off on their own journey.

This year, they had set their sights on a new destination—the Sinnoh region.

According to stories from water-type Pokémon, Sinnoh was home to ancient ruins, hidden treasures, and legends waiting to be uncovered.

Naturally, Teddiursa, who had a knack for collecting shiny things, immediately became determined to travel there.

With the departure of the Hero Expedition Team, the World Tree returned to its usual tranquility.

Pokémon continued their daily lives in harmony.

Jirachi decided not to travel this time, choosing instead to stay close by, often visiting the ranch to snack on Naoki's homemade treats. Mewtwo remained stationed as the guardian of the World Tree. Ho-Oh frequently left on long journeys. Rayquaza, apart from venturing into space to snack on meteorites, preferred to rest atop the highest branches. Giratina, meanwhile, continued its reign as a popular Pokémon social media icon, amassing an ever-growing fanbase in the Distortion World. As for Groudon and Kyogre—they had nothing better to do, so they spent most of their time bickering in the group chat.

Naoki had long since given up trying to intervene.

"As long as they don't actually start fighting, they can argue as much as they want," he thought, treating it as a harmless way for them to burn off energy.

With the arrival of spring, Naoki turned his focus back to the ranch.

The fields needed to be cultivated again.

This year, the seed shop in town had brought in a fresh variety of crops.

Among them were:

Cabbage, Broccoli, Lettuce.

Naoki found the gourds especially interesting.

"I wonder… what if they mutate into rainbow gourds and spawn seven little gourd Pokémon?" he mused, amused by the idea.

Seeing how many seeds he had bought, Hugh, the seed shop owner, threw in a few extra bonus packs as a gift.

Once he returned to the ranch, Naoki wasted no time and got to work.

As always, the Pokémon teamed up to get the job done:

Dugtrio took charge of tilling the soil. Koraidon and Cyclizar carefully planted the seeds in neat rows. Dragonite used Rain Dance to provide natural hydration. Finally, Gogoat infused the soil with Grass-type energy, enhancing the crops' growth.

With all the Pokémon working together, the fields were prepared in no time.

After finishing his work on the ranch, Naoki turned his attention to his next major task—fulfilling Raifort's commission.

To capture the Four Treasures of Ruin—the legendary Pokémon associated with calamity—and use Reverse Cuisine to transform them into Pokémon that could bring good fortune to the ranch.

Of course, there was also the matter of the Alola ranch…

But there was no need to rush.

That place was originally intended as a winter retreat, and now that spring had arrived, there was little reason to stay there for an extended period.

Naoki decided he would head there after wrapping up everything in Paldea. Once there, he planned to conduct an investigation—and, if possible, challenge the Tapu Guardians.

If he could impress them, perhaps they would grant him a Z-Ring and the power of Z-Moves.

Among them, he was especially interested in the Grassium Z for Calyrex, as well as a special Z-Move for Eevee.

Naoki had made a promise to his Eevee—a promise to help it master its ultimate technique: Extreme Evoboost.

As he mentally mapped out his next steps, an unexpected visitor arrived at the ranch.

Butterfree, who had been basking in the warm spring sun atop the rooftop, was the first to notice the approaching figure.

Sensing something unusual, it quickly fluttered over to Naoki to alert him.

Naoki, who had been tending to the fields, glanced up and spotted a woman standing at the entrance of the ranch.

She was dressed in an elegant floral dress, carrying a small bag in one hand. There was a certain grace and refinement in the way she carried herself, and her presence felt calm and composed.

For a moment, Naoki was caught off guard.

Their gazes met across the field.

Then, in a soft and polite voice, the woman asked:

"Excuse me, may I ask where I am?"

Naoki: "?"

The confusion on his face must have been too obvious, because the woman looked slightly embarrassed.

She quickly explained, "I'm terribly sorry. I heard about the legends of Kosaji Town and came here as a tourist, but I got lost while exploring the shrine trails in the mountains. Now I'm quite tired and thirsty. Would it be alright if I borrowed some water? I'm happy to pay for it."

Realization dawned on Naoki.

Over the past two years, Kosaji Town has become a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors eager to see the shrine of the King of Bountiful Harvests.

"Of course," Naoki said, setting aside his farm tools.

He walked over to the outdoor sink, washed the dirt off his hands, and then gestured toward the entrance.

"This is Naoki Ranch, located on the eastern side of the town. I'm the owner. Please, come inside and rest for a while."

The woman's face lit up with a warm smile. "Thank you so much. I appreciate your kindness."

As she stepped forward, Koraidon, who had been standing nearby tilted its head in confusion.

"Raao?" (isn't that Iono's mom?)

...

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