Naoki kept busy until nightfall before he finished preparing a large table of dishes.
Koraidon's favorite pan-seared steak, Dragonite's favorite steamed sea bass, Pawmot's favorite fried cashews...
During dinner, snowflakes began to drift outside again, but not as heavily as the past few days.
Naoki was a bit worried the snow might collapse Gogoat's shelter, so he had Koraidon and the others eat first while he went outside to clear the snow off the shelter.
Night had fallen, the snowy land reflecting the nighttime, and even without a flashlight, the surrounding paths were clearly visible.
Gazing at the snowy landscape, Naoki thought to himself that this was a good omen, as abundant snow brings a prosperous year!
Filled with anticipation for the new year, Naoki turned around to head back, only to see Koraidon and Pawmot squatting under the eaves, looking towards him.
"Why did you come outside? It's so cold, quickly get back inside!" Naoki pushed the Pokemon back into the house.
"Ah-ga-sii～"
"Alright, let's start the meal!" Returning to the table, Naoki smiled warmly at everyone.
On the table were steaming hot dishes, in front were various Pokemon, outside the cold wind howled, yet his cabin felt warm as spring.
Even though he'd experienced this a few times already, Naoki still felt filled with anticipation and enjoyment at this moment.
"Ga-oo!"
With his command, the countless Pokemon in front of him let out a cheer and began to enjoy the dinner Naoki had carefully prepared for them.
Naoki took out his Rotom Phone and snapped a photo, then posted it in the Poke Friend Circle.
[King Wing: Celebrating New Year with the Pokemon ^_^
Picture.jpg]
Soon, he received a few comments.
[Professor Sada: Koraidon looks so happy!]
[Cynthia: Happy New Year!]
[Professor Oak: Is that Pokemon the mythical Mew?!]
[Alder replying to Professor Oak: Haha, at Naoki's place there are many rare Pokemon like Mew!]
[Professor Oak replying to Alder: What? More Pokemon as rare as Mew?]
[Professor Oak: Naoki! When you have some time, come visit Pallet Town, and let me host you properly!]
Naoki: "..."
Professor Oak's research obsession was acting up again.
For researchers like him, Pokemon such as Mew and Jirachi indeed have significant research value.
However, they might not have time recently!
Thinking it over, Naoki replied to Professor Oak.
[King Wing: Sorry, Professor, the ranch here is quite busy, we might not have the chance to visit Pallet Town, but you can come to the Paldea Region, it's the same.]
However, Professor Oak also had no time available.
Apart from researching Pokemon, he also conducts lectures, introducing trainers to Pokemon ecology.
This left Naoki quite regretful.
The two could only agree to visit each other when they have time in the future.
Then, Naoki replied to Professor Sada and Cynthia, wishing them a Happy New Year.
In the Pokemon World, there's no Spring Festival Gala, but there is a special Pokemon Spring Festival program.
After dinner, Naoki sat on the sofa with his Pokemon to watch TV.
To be precise, the Pokemon were watching TV while he chatted with Lono.
Lono said she just finished dinner too, and now she is at home with Bellibolt and the others, listening to the noisy fireworks outside.
[Lono: So noisy outside!]
Naoki chuckled, then said: [Next year, come to the ranch here for New Year. It's quiet here, not much noise.]
[Lono: Sure! It's settled, then! Oh, by the way, I've recently begun learning to cook. Next time there's a chance, you should try my cooking!]
Seeing this message, Naoki felt a bit surprised.
He remembered Lono saying before her cooking wasn't very good, and while living in Levincia City, she often dined outside with her Pokemon.
[King Wing: Why suddenly start learning to cook?]
[Lono: Want to give it a try. If I can learn, I can cook personally for Bellibolt and the others in the future!]
Naoki made a video call.
Soon, the call was connected, Lono's face appeared on the screen.
Koraidon heard the voice and came closer.
Seeing Koraidon, Lono smiled and greeted it: "Happy New Year, Koraidon!"
"Ah-ga-sii～"
Naoki was curious about Lono's past: "When you traveled outside before, did you buy food at restaurants to take away?"
"Traveling?" Lono shook her head: "I rarely went out! Back then, I was studying at Orange Academy, having breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the cafeteria just like everyone else. Although I would later go out to challenge Gyms, most of the time I took Pokemon taxis!"
"I see." Naoki realized, "I thought it was like trainers in other regions. I encountered some trainers from other regions who didn't have to go to school, once they turned ten, they could receive their starter Pokemon from the local professor and embark on a journey."
"Maybe Paldea Academy has existed for a long time in the Paldea Region?" Lono speculated, "Enrollment at ten might be a tradition?"
"So how did you become a Gym Leader afterward?" Naoki was curious.
Lono replied: "Well, because back then I didn't know what to do in the future either, so I just joined the Gym challenge like everyone else."