League Year 198, March 26 — Clear
After two straight days of rain, the weather finally cleared.
The Pokémon rushed out of the house one after another, happily scrambling outside.
Even though there was plenty of food and entertainment indoors, they still preferred playing outside.
Cinccino called for Morpeko, holding Smoliv in its arms, while the five Flabébé followed behind them.
Behind them came the five Mareep.
Happy Mareep and Brave Mareep ran at the front, while Lazy Mareep lagged far behind, completely unmotivated.
Staying inside had been wonderful.
Eat, sleep, wake up, eat again—no responsibilities.
It was Lazy Mareep's dream life.
Unfortunately, it had come to an end.
The air after the rain was thick with lingering moisture, making everything feel damp and sticky.
Kangaskhan ran out onto the grass while carrying the Pokémon Egg, basking in the sunlight.
The egg in her pouch had become extremely active.
Every so often, it trembled slightly, proving the life inside.
Hayato Sora grabbed Cyclizar and brought it with him to the lake.
After the heavy rain, the water level had risen noticeably.
Fortunately, it hadn't caused any trouble for Relicanth and Veluza.
Those two were the easiest Pokémon to care for on the ranch.
One lived entirely on plankton.
The other could meditate and train for an entire week without eating even once.
A legendary fasting champion!
After confirming that both of them were fine, Hayato Sora asked Cyclizar to head to the chicken coop and release the chickens for some fresh air.
Meanwhile, he walked toward the cave.
Over there, the Noibat were already preparing to take off.
Today was the Baby Cup semifinals.
And the three Noibat occupied three of the four remaining slots.
The rookie Trainers of Shalour City this year had personally experienced the terror of being dominated by dragons.
The more they resisted—
The more excited the three flying dragons became.
"You still don't need me to come along for the semifinals?"
Hayato Sora asked while stroking the Noibat's large ears.
"Vee~"
Enjoying the affection, the Noibat rubbed their faces against his palm.
They told Hayato Sora not to worry.
They could handle the battles themselves.
He should just wait at the ranch.
They would bring the championship trophy back to him.
"Alright."
Seeing their determination, Hayato Sora didn't insist further.
He hung a small bag around one Noibat's neck and took out the contents to explain.
"This is an Oran Berry. If you're tired or hungry, eat one—it'll restore your strength quickly."
His finger moved from the blue Berry to a pink one beside it.
"This is a Pecha Berry. If you fight a Poison-type Pokémon, remember to eat one afterward. It can cure most poisoning."
He continued explaining several different Berries capable of removing various negative conditions.
All of them were packed inside the small backpack just in case.
The Noibat didn't find Hayato Sora's instructions annoying.
Instead, they watched attentively, memorizing each Berry by color.
Hayato Sora's love for them never changed.
No matter the situation, he always thought about them first.
"Vee-vee~"
A moment later, the Noibat flapped their wings and soared into the sky.
They exchanged determined glances.
The fire of battle burned in their eyes.
They would not disappoint Hayato Sora.
They would repay his care and kindness with the championship.
Although Hayato Sora agreed to let them act independently, it didn't mean he wouldn't secretly send someone to watch over them.
Once again—
It was Cyclizar.
Quietly following behind them.
It entered Shalour City together with the Noibat and arrived at the central battle arena.
After watching them disappear into the stadium, Hayato Sora didn't stay idle.
He headed to the stable and called out the Mudsdale.
He explained that they would be leaving the ranch soon.
Since nothing urgent was happening recently, it was the perfect time to search for stone materials to build gravel paths across the ranch.
He definitely didn't want to repeat the experience of walking through mud every time it rained.
Building paths required a lot of stone.
The best place to find it would be an area inhabited by Rock-type Pokémon, where plenty of rock could be mined.
It seemed he would need to ask the local Pokémon.
Hayato Sora planned to cook a few dishes and visit the Pyroar family.
At the same time, he wanted to ask them to watch over the ranch for a week while he and his Pokémon traveled.
That way, wild Pokémon wouldn't come and ruin the results of all their hard work.
What dishes would suit Fire-type Pokémon?
Extra-spicy grilled meat skewers were a must.
Sichuan-style boiled pork slices too.
And of course—
Special baby food for the little Litleo.
First, conquer the Pyroar family's stomachs with good cooking.
After that, everything else would be easy.
Over the past three months, Hayato Sora's cooking skills had improved dramatically.
After packing the prepared dishes for the Pyroar family into insulated lunch boxes, he called over the three Mudsdale and set off.
With Mudsdale as his mounts, there was no need to follow the main roads.
Hayato Sora and the three Pokémon cut straight through the forest.
The eldest Mudsdale led the way in front, literally opening a path through the forest using High Horsepower.
Before long, they arrived at Pyroar's territory.
The loud disturbance caused by Mudsdale was quickly noticed.
Soon, three Litleo came running toward them from afar.
They looked extremely excited—
And there was even a bit of drool at the corners of their mouths.
"Pyroar, Litleo! I came to visit you again."
"Roar~"
Pyroar responded calmly.
But its lion-like eyes were completely locked onto the insulated lunch box in Hayato Sora's hands.
It had already smelled the food.
And the aroma was irresistible.
Under Pyroar's lead, they arrived at a cave.
Just in time to see the female Pyroar returning from a hunt.
"Pyroar, come over! I brought delicious food for you."
Hayato Sora called out to her while the Litleo eagerly urged him to open the container.
The moment he lifted the lid—
A powerful, spicy aroma burst out.
Hayato Sora sneezed repeatedly.
The Mudsdale frowned and instinctively stepped back.
Meanwhile, the Pyroar family showed expressions of pure enjoyment.
Yes.
This was the smell!
"Rawr!"
The Litleo were the first to rush forward, eager to take a bite.
But before they could—
Both of them were grabbed by the scruffs of their necks and tossed aside by their parents.
This food was too spicy for children.
They'd never sleep tonight if they ate it.
"Waaah!"
The Litleo protested and tried to run forward again.
The male Pyroar pressed one paw on their heads, pushing their faces straight into the dirt.
Hayato Sora chuckled and patted the Litleo.
Then he placed another lunch box in front of them.
"This one is for you. Go ahead and eat."
The Litleo looked at him gratefully and immediately began devouring the food.
After the Pyroar family finished all the dishes and lay comfortably on the rocks in satisfaction—
Hayato Sora stepped forward and brought up his request.
"Pyroar, next month I'm planning to take the ranch Pokémon out for about a week."
"Could you help watch over the ranch during that time?"
"Please! You only need to visit the ranch once a day. When I come back, I'll cook for you again as payment."
Hayato Sora clasped his hands together and looked at the female Pyroar with hopeful eyes.
He knew very well who made the decisions in the family.
After all—
When you've eaten someone's food, it's hard to refuse their request.
"Roar~"
"No problem!"
It was just watching the ranch.
And maybe making a bit of extra baby food for the Litleo.
That was nothing.
With Pyroar's scent lingering around the ranch, wild Pokémon would certainly stay far away.
After settling the agreement, Hayato Sora called the Mudsdale and prepared to leave.
But halfway through, he suddenly turned back.
He had almost forgotten something important.
"Pyroar—do you know any place near Route 12 where Rock-type Pokémon live?"
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