Chapter 182: Fireworks
Chapter 182: Fireworks
"Hahaha!"
Seeing Golurk's expression, Naoki couldn't help but laugh.
Stroking Golurk's head affectionately, he said, "Just kidding!"
Changing his posture, he leaned back against the grassy wool of his riding goat and sighed contemplatively, reflecting on the events of the past few days.
Tilting its head to observe him for a moment, Golurk scooted closer and lowered its body, lying down beside him like a large Golden Retriever on the beach.
Neither of them spoke, simply enjoying the tranquil and serene atmosphere that enveloped them.
In the distance, the lights of Rustboro glowed warmly, and gentle waves lapped softly against the shore, leaving trails of white foam on the sand.
The sounds of Pokemon calls and human conversations drifted over from the bustling streets, carried by the evening breeze.
Even the wind seemed to have softened in that moment, caressing them gently.
Not far away, a group of Mudbray, Salamence, Claydol, and Glaceon played in the sand with a few Minidraco and Noibat, while the Sudowoodo and Wigglytuff watched on.
The riding goat stood by Naoki's side, leisurely munching on some Pecha Berries from the picnic basket.
Oricorio sat on the picnic blanket, keeping a watchful eye on Butterfree and Combee as they chatted quietly nearby.
From time to time, passersby would stroll by, their eyes widening in amazement at the sight of so many Pokemon.
A few youngsters, around the age of ten and dressed like aspiring trainers, were drawn to the scene.
Naoki noticed them watching Salamence and the others before making their way over to him.
"Let's have an exciting Pokemon battle!" the boy in shorts eagerly challenged him.
Seeing the enthusiasm on the boy's face, Naoki raised an eyebrow and turned to ask, "Who wants to give it a try?"
The riding goat stood tall, brimming with fighting spirit.
"Maa!" it cried.
With a wave of Naoki's hand, the eager riding goat stepped forward to face the boy's Paras.
A few seconds later, the Paras was sent flying.
"Wow, you're amazing!" the other trainers exclaimed in unison.
At that moment, one of them seemed to realize something, his eyes widening as he asked, "A-are you Mr. Naoki?!”
Hearing his name being called out, Naoki was taken aback.
He turned to see a young man in a casual kimono, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Do I know you?" he asked.
The young man nodded vigorously. "You're the founder of the Green Trial! I've heard stories about you at school!"
His companion, looking confused, asked, "Green Trial? What's that? Is it a new Gym challenge?"
"No way!" the young man explained. "It's a trial that helps Pokemon and trainers alike on their journey. They say that those who participate in this trial experience a huge boost in their strength!"
"Huh? Is that true?" His companion was clearly astonished.
"Of course! I've always wanted to give it a shot..." The young man's face fell. "But I haven't collected all four Gym badges yet, so I'm not eligible to challenge you. But I'll keep trying!"
Naoki: So, the challenge restrictions I set have already spread through those challengers last time.
"Quite a few people know about it?" he asked.
The young man nodded. "Yep, the legend of the three riding goats is all over school! Lots of people want to challenge you, but we only enrolled this year and haven't collected all four badges yet."
"Looks like the news only spread among the lower grades," Naoki mused.
The boy studied his expression, then asked with a puzzled look, "Mr. Naoki, I have a question..."
"Go ahead," Naoki replied, exuding understanding.
Boy: "Do you have to sign some sort of non-disclosure agreement to challenge the Green Trial? I noticed that Carter and the others refuse to divulge any details about the trial. Whenever we ask them about it, they make these really odd expressions."
Those expressions seemed like a mix of pain and pleasure.
Naoki: "..."
He smiled politely and said, "There's no non-disclosure agreement, but as for the details of the challenge, you'll find out when you come to take the trial yourself."
Hearing this, the boy's face lit up with anticipation. "I will definitely take on the challenge! Well, we won't disturb you further. Goodbye!"
Naoki nodded slightly, watching as the young trainers ran off.
Then he turned his attention back to his riding goats.
Lately, to help his riding goats enhance their physiques and better accommodate the Green Energy within them, Naoki had been taking a few of them on morning runs every day.
Budew also joined in on these exercises.
After returning from the Dragonite Island, in an effort to return to its roots and evolve into a stronger Breloom, it had started running on the ground again, rarely opting to fly during their travels.
Naoki felt heartened by the dedication of his Pokemon.
Even though he wasn't a trainer and they didn't battle every day, their constant growth could only be beneficial.
Soon, the Dragonites tired of playing and returned, gathering around the picnic blanket.
Naoki was about to say something when he noticed people gathering on the beach, including the uncle who had been selling Magikarp earlier.
Accompanied by a loud boom, a massive firework exploded in the night sky.
For a moment, the brilliant light illuminated the faces of everyone attending the festival.
Then, as if a switch had been flipped, more fireworks soared into the sky, blooming in the night sky above the sea.
It was a breathtaking sight, as if announcing that summer had reached its climax.
"Wow..." the nearby Dragonite murmured in awe.
Naoki turned to see the reflection of the dazzling fireworks in its dark, shiny eyes.
Although he couldn't understand its words, Naoki guessed that it was saying, "So beautiful!"
Amidst the dazzling display of fireworks, Naoki looked at each of his Pokemon:
Garchomp, Golurk, Dragonite, Breloom, and Glaceon...
He felt that he would never forget this moment.
Suddenly, Garchomp and Golurk seemed to sense something.
They turned away from the fireworks and looked towards Naoki.
The two Pokemon's eyes were equally clear and bright, their expressions relaxed and joyful, and in their eyes, Naoki saw a reflection of himself.
"Agas!"
"Gol!"
A smile tugged at Naoki's lips, and he reached out to grasp the paws of the two Pokemon.
The man and his Pokemon continued to enjoy the fireworks together.
Amidst the starry sky and blooming fireworks, Naoki's lips moved, and he whispered:
"I'm also very glad to have met all of you!"
(End of Chapter)
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