Despite taking the hit from his Gogoat, Kingambit—known for his imposing stature and sharp bat instincts—didn't go down easily. He staggered but stood tall, fixing his pierg gaze on the goat Pokémon.

  With a deliberate thud, Kingambit k on the grassy battlefield, his steel bde shimmering in the light.

  Naoki blinked in surprise. His Gogoat tilted its head, wearing a goofy, fused expression. 'What's happening? Is Kingambit... surrendering?'

  'No!' Naoki's heart raced. 'This isn't a surre's a trap!'

  'That's Kingambit's signature strategy—Kowtow Cleave!' Naoki thought, panic setting in. Kingambit was luring Gogoat into a false sense of security, only to strike the moment it let down its guard.

  But Naoki knew he couldn't interfere—this was Gogoat's battle.

  "Baa?" Gogoat took a step forward, curious and unsuspeg. It she air, tilting its head as if trying to uand Kingambit's strange behavior.

  Suddenly, the air shifted. The gleam of mali Kingambit's bde intensified. With lightning speed, the rge Pokémon sprang into a, his steel bde slig downward in a calcuted arc.

  SLASH!

  The sound of the blow reverberated through the field. Gogoat let out a cry of pain: "Baa-aa!"

  Naoki ched his fists as Gogoat stumbled back, wounded but determined. Kingambit rose to his full height, his body glowing faintly as he prepared to unch a finishing blow, hoping to end the fight before the grassy terrain could heal Gogoat.

  "Enough! Stop!" A anding voice rang out.

  It was Geeta.

  Kingambit froze instantly, sheathing his bde with a metallic click. He stepped bad stood by Geeta's side, his expression unreadable.

  The pulse of the grassy terrain surged again, ing Gogoat in warm energy, rest its strength. Gogoat shook off the pain and stomped a hoof, gring fiercely at Kingambit.

  "Meh!" it snorted, full of defiance.

  Naoki's other two Gogoat bounded forward, f a protective line beside their friend, gring at Kingambit with their best attempt at intimidating stares—though their expressions looked more cute than threatening.

  Geeta chuckled. "These Gogoat are fearless," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Sorry about Kingambit's tactics—he's... a bit of a trickster."

  Naoki sighed, stepping up to his Gogoat. "It's okay," he reassured them, patting each of their heads. "Kingambit wasn't being mean—it's just how he battles. You hadn't seen that move before, but now you know what to do ime, right?"

  The lead Gogoat's eyes gleamed with uanding. It gave a determined nod.

  "Baa!"

  Naoki smiled. "Good kids. That's enough for today. How about some green grass dumplings?"

  At the mention of their favorite treat, the Gogoat perked up. Without a sed thought, they bolted toward the ranch, leaving Kingambit far behind, their miirely focused on snacks.

  Naoki shook his head in amusement and turo Geeta.

  "They're strong," Geeta observed thoughtfully, "but they don't seem to have much battle experience."

  Naoki nodded. "Yeah, they've spent most of their time at the ranch. They've fought a few battles, but holy, they care more about grazing than fighting."

  Geeta smiled. "That makes sense."

  Naoki goward the other Pokémon lounging nearby. "If we're talking serious battles, my Dragonite and Pawmot are more up to the task."

  Geeta nodded, watg the pyful Gogoat disappear into the distance. "Still, that one seems to have a natural talent for battle moves."

  As a champion with rich battle experience, Geeta observed the way Naoki's Gogoat used every Grass-type move—it felt unique, like each move had been enhanced beyond its normal limits.

  The Grassy Terrain it summoned not only covered a wider area but also seemed to restore far more health than a typical one. And when it used Vine Whip, the vines were thid intimidating—far strohan the usual version.

  But the final move really stood out.

  The mental image of Gogoat holding a rge bde of grass in its mouth fshed through Geeta's mind, causio ask in surprise, "What move was that?"

  "Leaf Bde," Naoki answered casually.

  Geeta blinked in disbelief. "Leaf Bde?"

  Naoki noticed her rea and offered a small grin. "It's still Leaf Bde in essence—just a different way of using it."

  "A differehod?" Geeta murmured thoughtfully, processing the idea. After a moment, her expression softened with uanding. "Ah, I see."

  Satisfied, she returo her usual calm demeanor, a glimmer of admiration in her gaze. "Yoat's strength is truly impressive. Its moves are both powerful and elegant. It seems that the Paldea region has gained a remarkable rainer."

  She smiled warmly. "Every Pokémon Trainer is a treasure to the Paldea region. Naoki, wele back to Paldea."

  Naoki: "…"

  For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

  But then he chuckled inwardly. 'If she says it's true, who am I tue?'

  "So," Naoki asked, "do you want to tihe challenge?"

  Geeta shook her head with a gentle smile. "No, I think we'll stop here. It wouldn't be fair to yoat. But if it gains more battle experiene day, I'd love to face it again."

  Naoki nodded. "That sounds good."

  Geeta gave a satisfied nod. "The's call it a day!"

  Before leaving, she handed Naoki her taformation. "And remember, the Paldea region will grant you one wish within reason—sider it a reward for heroic trainers."

  She paused, her eyes twinkling. "Also, if you're ever ied in w with the Paldea League, just reach out. I'd be happy to help you find a good position."

  It was clear she hadn't given up on recruiting Naoki.

  As Geeta walked away, Naoki gnced down at the number she had given him, muttering to himself, "Really..."

  ---

  That evening, Naoki was at home, happily making grass dumplings and grass cakes when his videoph. He answered the call, and Dr. Sada's friendly face appeared on the s.

  "Good evening, Naoki!" Dr. Sada greeted him with a warm smile.

  "Good evening, Doctor," Naoki replied. "Koraidon has been doing well retly."

  Hearing this, Dr. Sada looked pleasantly surprised, and his smile grew even brighter. "I'm so gd to hear that Koraidon is settling in well with you. But that's not the reason I'm calling."

  Naoki tilted his head in fusion. "Oh? What's going on?"

  "Well," Dr. Sada began, "Geeta reached out to us earlier today. She had a lot of good things to say about you."

  Naoki raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

  "Yes! She told us about your strength as a trainer." Dr. Sada smiled knowingly. "It sounds like you've bee quite the trainer, Naoki."

  Naoki scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit embarrassed by the praise.

  Dr. Sada tinued, "Actually, I wao offer you a ce to visit Area Zero."

  "Area Zero?" Naoki echoed, startled.

  "Yes," Dr. Sada firmed. "We o duct a physical examination on Koraidon, and you could use this as an opportunity to explore the area. Normally, you'd need approval from the Paldea League to enter, but given your skills—and the fact that you helped prevent that fire—now might be the perfect time to apply."

  She paused briefly before adding, "Just be aware, Area Zero is massive. It takes time to navigate, so you'll o prepare well in advance."