Despite all the heated arguing, Groudon and Kyogre still refused to register Pokégram accounts.
For Legendary Pokémon, their pride was far too great.
They saw no need to rely on human admiration to prove their superiority.
Thus, Giratina's plan to stir up an internet battle between the two failed completely. The Renegade Pokémon had wanted to see if their followers would surpass its own. But it turned out… neither of them cared about popularity at all.
Instead, Groudon and Kyogre continued arguing in their chat group, exchanging insults without pause.
Naoki considered stepping in to stop them. But after thinking it over, he decided…As long as they weren't destroying the world, a little bickering was fine.
And so, ti passed quietly.
In the blink of an eye, the Alliance Calendar Year 200 was coming to an end.
As the New Year approached, Kosaji Town was already imrsed in festive preparations.
That evening, Naoki drove his pickup truck into town, ready to stock up on New Year's supplies.
The cold winter winds had already begun to pick up, and there were rumors that a heavy snowstorm would arrive in a couple of days.
By then, the road leading to town would likely be buried under snow. So Naoki decided to make the trip today while the roads were still clear.
After parking by the roadside, Naoki hopped out of his truck, accompanied by a few Pokémon.
Holding up his shopping list, he muttered,
"Steaks, flour, rice, pastries… and plenty of firewood."
As he walked down the street, he couldn't help but admire the lively atmosphere around him. Despite the chill in the air, the town was bustling with warmth and excitent.
People in the Pokémon world celebrated the New Year just as humans did. Even though the actual New Year's Eve was still a while away, the festive spirit was already in full swing.
Children bundled up in cozy red coats ran through the streets, their laughter echoing as they played.
Pokémon wearing woolen scarves accompanied their trainers, looking just as excited as the townsfolk.
Street vendors displayed rows of colorful fireworks, while workers carefully transported large crates filled with even more.
These would light up the sky on New Year's Eve, bringing a dazzling end to the year.
As Naoki walked through the bustling streets, he was greeted warmly by familiar faces.
Many of the shopkeepers in town knew him well.
A baker waved from his stall. "Good evening, Naoki! Are you here to stock up for the celebrations?"
Naoki smiled and nodded. "Yep! Gotta get everything ready so I can just hibernate."
Nearby, the florist—a cheerful woman arranging a bouquet—perked up at his words.
"Hibernate?" When the proprietress of a flower shop heard this unfamiliar word, an expression of interest appeared on her face.
As she spoke, Naoki's gaze drifted to her flower stand.
On it, a few Roselia and Cherrim stood lazily in their pots, their petals half-closing in the chilly air.
"It ans staying ho and keeping warm through winter," Naoki explained with a smile. "Kind of like how a Delcatty curls up in a cozy nest on a snowy day."
The florist nodded in understanding. "That sounds wonderful! Oh, by the way—our shop is holding a special event. To thank our loyal custors, we're giving away a complintary potted plant! Since you're here, this one's for you."
She handed Naoki a vibrant potted flower, its petals blooming beautifully despite the cold.
Naoki was a frequent custor, having purchased many flower seeds from her shop before. Seeing her generosity, he didn't refuse.
"Thank you!" He smiled and passed the flowerpot to Koraidon, who stood beside him. "Hold this for ."
"Raao~" Koraidon let out a soft growl, carefully cradling the flowerpot in its claws.
Naoki chuckled, then turned back to the florist. "We've still got a lot to do, so we'll be heading off now. See you later!"
"Alright! Oh, and next year, our shop will be getting a fresh batch of rare flowers from Kalos—be sure to stop by!"
Naoki nodded enthusiastically. "I'll definitely check them out!"
After leaving the flower shop, Naoki and his Pokémon headed towards the departnt store.
As soon as they stepped inside, Ogerpon and Alcremie perked up in excitent. They were already familiar with this place, and before Naoki could say anything, several Pokémon turned their eager gazes toward him.
Naoki grinned, grabbing a shopping cart. "Alright, go ahead! Pick out whatever you want—I'll cover it."
"Pon~!"
"Bamo~!"
And with that, a small stampede of Pokémon dashed towards the aisles, tails wagging and wings fluttering.
Naoki chuckled to himself, watching as his Pokémon enthusiastically browsed the shelves. Taking out his Rotom Phone, he snapped a quick picture and sent it to Iono.
[Naoki: Shopping with the Pokémon. What are you up to?]
Iono's reply ca almost imdiately.
[Iono: Listening to my mom nag at ! (T^T) It's hilarious, though. My parents didn't travel anywhere this year, which is totally unlike them!]
Naoki paused for a mont, his expression softening.
He had heard stories about Iono's parents before.
Apparently, the two of them had once been renowned Pokémon Trainers, eting by chance during their travels and falling in love at first sight.
After their travels ended, Iono's parents settled down in the bustling tropolis of Levincia, where they married and started a family—surrounded by their Pokémon, of course.
Now, they were nagging Iono, but… could it be that they thought she had rushed into a relationship too soon?
[Naoki: Do they think you're too young to be in a relationship?]
[Iono: Hmm? Of course not! They actually want to get married already! I am an adult, okay! (>_
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