"Let's hope so!" Calyrex sighed deeply.
Seeing Calyrex, an idea popped into Naoki's mind: perhaps he should go find that Melmetal and invite it to live on the ranch as well.
Though Melmetal was the unsung hero who provided iron for Zacian and Zamazenta to fend off the Darkest Day, it remained unrecorded in history.
Naoki wasn't sure what Zacian and Zamazenta planned, nor whether they'd come looking for Calyrex after defeating Eternatus.
But if given a chance, Naoki hoped they could all come to the ranch, including Melmetal.
While Naoki harbored a slight desire to collect Legendary Pokemon, he mostly wished for these heroes to retire happily at the ranch, under the World Tree.
With this in mind, Naoki began, "When there's time, let's go to the Galar Region to find Melmetal!"
Calyrex was slightly startled and gazed into Naoki's eyes, understanding his thoughts instantly.
This little believer wanted the heroes to live a better life!
Calyrex chuckled softly, "Yes, I would very much like to meet Melmetal again."
"Alright, it's a promise then," Naoki grinned, sealing the agreement with Calyrex.
*
The next day dawned bright and breezy, filling the countryside with the joy of harvest in this golden season.
A batch of Berries ripened in the Berry Garden; early in the morning, Naoki took Koraidon and Cyclizar to pick Berries, boxing the excess to load onto a pickup for sale.
Meanwhile, other usually idle Pokemon gathered at the Snorlax Park.
Pokemon like Pawmo, Ogerpon, Alcremie, Glaceon, Umbreon jumped onto Snorlax's belly one after another.
Larger Pokemon like Dragonite and Garganacl couldn't climb onto Snorlax's belly and had to stay on the open ground nearby.
And piled among the Pokemon was a heap of sparkling Gold Coins.
They gathered there to discuss something very important.
Naoki had always taken care of them, often bringing gifts from his travels outside.
Now, with Gholdengo's help, they all had money and decided to buy a gift for Naoki, just like he did for them.
Pawmo looked troubled: "Pamo…"(But I've never been to the town and don't know how to buy things from humans…)
The other Pokemon didn't know either. They exchanged puzzled glances.
Then, Dragonite stepped forward confidently:
"Rawr-rawr!"(I know! Just give them money, and you can buy things! Like humans buying milk from the ranch!)
Sister Indeedee's eyes lit up, promptly asking, "Dee-dee?" (Then who should we send to complete this task?)
It was a real problem since, apart from Naoki, humans didn't understand what they said.
The Pokemon glanced at each other.
Suddenly, the always-attentive Ogerpon had an idea.
"Boni-boni!"(How about I go? I can wear a mask, then they won't know I'm a Pokemon!)
It often did this back in Kitakami.
Alcremie: "Maa-maa!"(Good idea!)
Dragonite nodded as well: "Rawr-rawr!"(Then I'll take you there!)
It was very familiar with the town from making daily deliveries.
Brother Indeedee looked calmly at the other Pokemon, saying, "Dee-dee."(In that case, let's stay at the ranch to avoid Naoki noticing anything unusual.)
Sister Indeedee fretted slightly: "Dee-dee?"(But is this money enough to buy a gift?)
The other Pokemon had no concept of money, and were naturally puzzled by this question.
Then, Gholdengo confidently patted its chest and said, "Ding!"(Leave it to me! If it's not enough, I can make lots and lots of Gold Coins!)
So, after some careful planning, the Pokemon quickly divided the tasks among themselves.
Dragonite would take Ogerpon and Gholdengo to the town, while the other Pokemon stayed at the ranch to prevent Naoki from discovering anything.
Sister Indeedee found a small bundle, packed the Gold Coins inside, and hung it on Ogerpon's arm.
While Naoki was busy in the Berry Garden, Dragonite loaded Ogerpon and Gholdengo on its back and quietly slipped away from the ranch from the rear.
The remaining Pokemon stayed at Snorlax Park, waiting for them to return.
Busy in the Berry Garden, Naoki suddenly looked across the river.
"Did I just hear a Dragonite's growl?" he wondered aloud.
Koraidon and Cyclizar were equally perplexed.
"Graa…"
"Grro?"
"Never mind, it didn't sound like a fight," Naoki shook his head, dismissing the thought, as he instructed Cyclizar to help load the large basket of Berries onto the pickup.
Meanwhile, Dragonite, Ogerpon, and Gholdengo had already reached the town.
To conceal its Pokemon identity, Ogerpon donned an Eevee mask Naoki had bought at a fireworks festival.
Gholdengo and Dragonite feigned being its Pokemon.
The trio strutted down the streets of Porto Marinada Town, drawing looks from passersby.
Ogerpon was a bit nervous, whispering, "Boni?"(Why does it feel like everyone's looking at us?)
Dragonite seemed unconcerned: "Rawr!"(Maybe because I'm a Dragonite!)
Delivering goods frequently, it was used to humans staring or even chasing it through several streets just to see it.
Dragonite didn't understand humans, so it simply ignored them.
Hearing Dragonite's explanation, Ogerpon relaxed, thinking its Pokemon identity hadn't been discovered!
Meanwhile, Gholdengo was brimming with enthusiasm.
Seeing people watch it, it cheerfully waved back at them.
"Ding!"
People who hadn't seen Gholdengo before gasped in surprise.
"That Pokemon's greeting us!"
"Wow! Its body is so shiny and beautiful!"
Gholdengo nodded proudly, yes, it was indeed that impressive!
The three Pokemon continued forward.
Suddenly, a fervent-eyed boy blocked their path.
Ogerpon jumped in surprise, almost letting out a Pokemon growl beneath its mask.
The boy, excitedly glancing at Dragonite and Gholdengo, then turned to Ogerpon and said:
"You're a Trainer too, right? Amazing! You caught a Dragonite and this golden Pokemon... I challenge you! Please battle my Pokemon!"
ps: Added a chapter, end of month, asking for monthly votes!