Cooking Effect: Guardian of the Sea (exclusive to Cyclizar), the Pokemon that consumes this dish can receive the Guardian of the Sea effect once; when the Pokemon faces a life-threatening crisis, this effect is automatically triggered, completely blocking all damage from that attack.
Evaluation: When emotions and cuisine blend together, it gives birth to an incomparable culinary masterpiece.
"?"
Naoki stared at the plate of steamed lobster in front of him, slightly puzzled.
Exclusive cuisine for Cyclizar?
How could it be... was it because he had been thinking about Cyclizar while cooking?
Guardian of the Sea, seems like an enhanced version of Protect, completely blocking one attack.
However, for a Cyclizar that lives on the ranch all the time, this function might not ever be needed.
Thinking of this, Naoki looked at the garlic steamed lobster on the other side.
[Garlic Steamed Lobster (B+): Cooking effect, specialized for lobsters, the lobster Pokemon that eats this dish will have a slight increase in defense and attack, lasting for 30 minutes.]
Naoki: "..."
How terrifying! Making lobsters eat lobster, that's too much like hell.
Lobster Pokemon refers to ones like Corphish, Crawdaunt, and Clawitzer.
However, Naoki was a bit puzzled: does Corphish count as the same species as regular large lobsters?
There aren't any Corphish on the ranch, so this dish doesn't seem of any use.
Naoki didn't think much more about it, got up and served today's dinner on the dining table, and called the Pokemon playing outside back home for dinner.
At the dinner table, Naoki looked at Cyclizar enjoying his meal, then asked:
"Mr. Alder, is emotion also a form of power for Pokemon?"
"Of course!"
Alder nodded and explained to Naoki: "Some Pokemon Academies specifically teach this kind of knowledge. Besides the usual attributes we know, emotions can also turn into energy and play a role."
"Like Retaliate and Frustration from Normal Type, Grudge from Ghost Type, but only some Pokemon can use these moves."
"For example, when novice Trainers raise Pokemon like Eevee, they try to build a good relationship with them, using this method to enhance the power of Retaliate to face stronger enemies."
Hearing this, Naoki couldn't help but think of Frustration.
Frustration: A Pokemon attacks the opponent to vent its displeasure, and the lower the Trainer's intimacy, the greater the power.
Alder continued: "Frustration works the same way..."
Naoki: "But this move would affect the relationship between Pokemon and Trainers, wouldn't it..."
How could there be Pokemon that hate their own Trainer while still fighting for him—it's like a masochist-type Pokemon?
Alder laughed and nodded: "Yes, it indeed affects the relationship between the two. So after being captured by humans, Pokemon find it hard to use this move again. Even if they do, its power is weak, and for opponents, it's nothing."
Naoki nodded thoughtfully.
So it was because he wanted to protect Cyclizar, for it to live through life safely, his emotions intertwined with the cooking, that led to the steamed lobster having the "Guardian of the Sea" effect?
This effect can only be triggered once, and the conditions are so demanding; it only triggers during a life-threatening crisis.
If possible, Naoki hopes Cyclizar never has to use this guardian.
*
After dinner, Alder comfortably rubbed his belly and leaned back on the sofa.
"Ah~ I'm so full! Your cooking skills are amazing! I feel like I've gained quite a bit of weight during my time on the ranch."
Sister Indeedee brought him a cup of tea.
Alder immediately sat up straight: "Ah, thank you!"
"Indeedee~" Sister Indeedee smiled slightly and then stepped aside.
Alder looked at Naoki and asked, "The things here should be settled now, right? When do you plan to set off for the Unova Region?"
Naoki nodded; after the race ends, there's not much going on here.
The crops in the ground need some time before they can be harvested, and the new plot across the river doesn't need urgent development; it can wait until he's back.
Today is March 25th, and Alder mentioned the banquet is on April 1st.
Plus, Alder said he would introduce a Pokemon Breeder to teach him how to make Pokeblocks, which might take some time too.
In that case, it's best to go early and return early!
Thinking of this, Naoki said: "Tomorrow then!"
Alder agreed enthusiastically: "Alright, I have no problems! You helped me so much, once in Unova Region, I have to give you a good reception!"
Alder looked like he wanted to take him all over the Unova Region to see its beautiful scenery.
Naoki thought it wasn't necessary.
But he still tactfully asked, "Mr. Alder, don't you need to handle the matters of the Unova League? Geeta seems to be busy nonstop every day."
Hearing this, Alder blushed.
After encountering that incident, where Volcarona was severely injured and couldn't be healed, he couldn't focus on dealing with Unova League's matters, wandering throughout the Unova Region, seeking a cure for Volcarona.
As for Unova League matters, he irresponsibly threw them to the Elite Four...
But could he say any of this?
Clearly not.
The person in front of him is his fan, and to maintain his image in the fan's eyes, Alder coughed lightly, his dark face slightly reddening:
"The Unova League matters are now managed by the Elite Four, and once I return, I'll resume my responsibilities as Champion."
Alder spoke earnestly, and Naoki chose to see through but not say through.
Alder saw Naoki looking at him and, feeling a little uncomfortable, changed the topic:
"The banquet this time will have many well-known figures and famous Trainers attending, Lance might also be there."
"The Dragon Master Lance..." Naoki murmured, "I do quite want to meet him."
"Oh?" Alder grew cautious: "You really admire Lance?"
"...Not really." Naoki organized his words in his mind: "I've just heard his name for a long time."
"I see!" Alder realized: "There are battle venues at the banquet, you can spar with him. Oh, and you can bring all your Dragonite too."
He quite wanted to see Lance's expression when seeing so many Dragonite.
Naoki felt a bit tempted but thought it through and decided against it.
Because Dragonite need to stay behind for work; taking them away means they can't deliver goods to the townsfolk.
"Dragonite need to work." Naoki said.
Alder showed an expression of regret.
"Then..." Naoki thought for a moment and asked: "Will Steven, the Champion of the Hoenn Region, be there?"
"Steven?" Alder recalled and then shook his head: "Probably not, as he's never attended such events."
Naoki thought it made sense, as Steven is either on the road searching for stones or searching for stones.
"However, although Steven won't attend, Mr. Stone from the Devon Company will be there, as well as Giovanni, a well-known entrepreneur from the Kanto Region." Alder added.
Hearing this name, Naoki was slightly surprised.
"Giovanni?"
Is it the Giovanni he knows?
The Viridian Gym Leader, the head of the notorious Team Rocket, the mastermind behind Mewtwo's creation, self-proclaimed strongest man...
"Whoa? You've heard of Giovanni?" Alder saw Naoki's expression and was surprised, as the distance between the Kanto and Paldea Regions is indeed quite far.
"Yes." Naoki nodded and spoke briefly: "Before settling here, I traveled around other regions."
"I see!" Alder understood: "I'm not familiar with Giovanni, but he is a famous entrepreneur in the Kanto Region and also serves as a Gym Leader in one city, with very strong capabilities."
"..."
Naoki didn't know what to say for a moment.
Famous entrepreneur, this term seems to fit Giovanni quite well.
Though Giovanni is a hidden big boss, fortunately, Paldea and the Kanto Region are far apart, Team Rocket's reach doesn't extend here, which is something Naoki doesn't need to worry too much about.