Paldea Region, North Second District, Fury Falls.
In the Bamboo Forest surrounded by streams, a large group of Pokemon is seriously listening to Naoki speak.
Gastly, Jigglypuff, Amoonguss, Passimian, Swablu, Deerling, Hoppip, Vivillon, Venomoth...
"Everyone, listen up, if anyone can help me find the item in this picture, I can give them a big box of Pokeblocks and Poffins!"
Naoki looked at the group of wild Pokemon attracted by the aroma and immediately decided to use his usual tactic, employing the Power of Viridian, to hire these Pokemon living near Fury Falls to help find the Firescourge Shrine.
The Power of Viridian greatly enhanced his affinity with wild Pokemon.
Coupled with the generally gentle nature of modern Pokemon, Naoki quickly attracted a curious group of Pokemon when he took out the Poffins and Pokeblocks from his bag.
As expected, just as Naoki anticipated, the greedy Pokemon's eyes lit up with joy upon hearing this.
One of the Passimians even let out a series of monkey calls, excitedly declaring that no one was more familiar with this place than it was!
It's best to entrust the search to it!
However, upon hearing this, an unhappy Amoonguss beside it clenched its fists.
That expression seemed to say: Such a good thing cannot be enjoyed by Passimian alone!
Unwilling to be outdone, Passimian hopped twice, looking as if it wouldn't yield to anyone.
As the two Pokemon were about to fight over this, Naoki quickly said:
"You can search together, as long as you find it together, anyone can get the reward."
"Gastly～"
The Gastly in the group let out a happy Growl, as if saying it liked the idea.
Gastly happily floated away, enjoying this treasure hunt game.
The other Pokemon also turned and ran out in different directions.
Passimian and Amoonguss exchanged glances, neither yielding to the other, then turned away and dashed in opposite directions.
It seems like these two don't get along very well!
But to be honest, wild Pokemon are really interesting; even without humans, their interactions can be so fascinating.
This time, the number of Pokemon helpers was more than yesterday.
To receive their news promptly, Naoki didn't wander around but stayed beneath Fury Falls.
However, looking at the spectacular waterfall before him, Naoki couldn't help but think of Farfetch'd's waterfall slashing plan.
After a moment of contemplation, he said to the Dragonite next to him: "Dragonite."
"Hoo?" Dragonite turned its head to look.
"Can you go to the ranch and bring Farfetch'd here for me? I want to see the results of its previous special training," Naoki said, smiling as he patted Dragonite's head.
"Hoo～" Dragonite gladly agreed.
Then, it flapped its wings and flew away.
As time ticked by, during the wait, Naoki laid out a picnic cloth between the bamboo.
Then placed some food on it, sitting with Koraidon and others in the forest, waiting while watching the wind blow the bamboo leaves down.
At this moment, the first Pokemon Naoki sent out to search for the Firescourge Shrine and the stakes returned.
It was the same Gastly as before.
It excitedly said: "Gastly～!"
"Found it?" Naoki eagerly asked.
Gastly nodded repeatedly: "Gastly Gastly!"
Then, it turned, floating in front to lead the way.
Following behind, Naoki indeed found a glowing stake at a mountainside spot.
Although the exact location of the Firescourge Shrine wasn't found yet, it's okay to pull out these stakes in advance.
"Great job, Gastly!" Naoki praised.
This wild Gastly looked very happy, floating up and down with purple smoke billowing from it.
"Gastly!" This game is fun!
Gastly liked playing games; it used to live alone in this forest, feeling lonely with no one to play with.
Now, playing the treasure hunt game with someone, Gastly was very happy.
It eagerly conveyed to the human: "Gastly Gastly!"
Naoki was surprised: "Are you saying that I should wait over there while you continue to help find a few more glowing stakes?"
"Gastly Gastly!" The purple mist on Gastly swirled continuously, affirming it!
Then, it turned and floated away ghostly.
Watching this scene, Naoki suddenly found Gastly to be quite adorable.
Simple-minded and silly, slightly mischievous.
Did it take the commission for finding stakes and the Firescourge Shrine as a game?
Moreover, the evolution of Gastly, Gengar, is quite popular, Naoki remembered many people liking this purple chubby character in his past life.
Many anime episodes featured "Haunted Houses," "Ghost Ships," and other "haunting" episodes,
with the haunting protagonist usually being ghost-type Pokemon like Gengar.
Interestingly, most Gengars prank people purely for fun, intentionally scaring them for certain purposes, unlike the wild Litwicks and Chandelures that actively attack humans.
"Well, I'll make sure to give this Gastly more Pokeblocks and gifts later!"
Naoki made a decision in his mind.
Returning to the bamboo area, Dragonite had already brought Farfetch'd over.