Chapter 436: Relocating the Dragon Island

Chapter 436: Relocating the Dragon Island

That very night, the group of Druddigon returned to their island home, floating on the vast ocean. Having decided to stay by the World Tree, they wanted to bid a proper farewell to their fellow dragons on the island.

In the boundless sea, the Druddigon Island was a serene presence, akin to a moon disk hanging in the night sky. Nurtured by the power of dragons, the island boasted lush vegetation, with trees bearing clusters of juicy berries.

"Rustle, rustle!"

Amidst the trees, leaves rustled, and a Druddigon poked its head out, using its chubby claws to pluck a string of ripe berries. It immediately popped them into its mouth, relishing the burst of flavors.

Not far behind this Druddigon, there lay a circular lake. Numerous Druddigon, Hakamo-o, and Noibat frolicked by its shore, enjoying their playful moments.

"Roar~!"

A series of melodious roars echoed from the sky, capturing the attention of the island's Druddigon. They craned their necks upward and spotted their companions—the very same Druddigon that had ventured to assist humans—returning to the island.

The eyes of the miniature dragons and Hakamo-o, who had been splashing in the clear lake water, lit up with excitement.

As the returning Druddigon landed, the younger dragons gathered around, their eyes filled with longing as they gazed at the boxes of Pokeblocks held by the adults.

The eldest Druddigon skillfully distributed the Pokeblocks among the eager Noibat and Hakamo-o.

In addition to these younger dragons, several other Druddigon on the island were drawn to the scene.

With curious and adorable gazes, they looked at the Pokeblock boxes in their companions' claws, their expressions asking, "What does that tasty treat taste like?"

On any other day, the hardworking Druddigon might have only shared a block or two. But tonight was their last night on the island before they embarked on their new life of leisure on the ranch.

Since they had an abundance of Pokeblocks, thanks to Naoki and his sister, they decided to share their treats as a farewell gift to their fellow dragons.

"Roar~!"

With that thought, the hardworking Druddigon opened their boxes and generously shared the Pokeblocks with the other dragons.

Gradually, more and more Druddigon were drawn to the commotion. They happily munched on the Pokeblocks, wondering why their generous companions were giving away their treats instead of eating them.

One of the hardworking Druddigon replied cheerfully, "Roar~!" ("Because starting tomorrow, we'll be living with Naoki!)

The other Druddigon were astounded by this news.

"Roar?!'

Some were shocked by the sudden decision to leave the island.

A few others realized that if their companions moved away, they might never get to taste the delicious Pokeblocks again!

This news quickly reached the ears of an elderly Druddigon on the island.

The wise dragon stepped forward and asked, "Roar?" ("Have you made up your minds?")

The hardworking Druddigon nodded enthusiastically and proceeded to tell their stories about the ranch.

"Roar." ("Naoki is a kind human, and he's amazing.")

"Roar~!" ("Thanks to Naoki, I evolved into a Druddigon! ")

"Roar, roar!" ("I love the life over there. All I have to do is deliver milk with Rotom, and I get lots of food and money. Rotom told me I can use the money to buy things I like!")

"Roar!" ("That's right! And if we behave well, Naoki will use his magical power to help us become stronger!")

The dragons listened quietly, their eyes filled with curiosity.

These words sparked a flicker of interest in some of the dragons who had initially been indifferent to the ranch and the human named Naoki.

However, there were still a few stubborn dragons who wore worried expressions.

"Roar... ("But if you leave, what will happen to me? I won't be able to eat Pokeblocks anymore...")

One of the hardworking Druddigon thought for a moment and replied, "Roar!" ("Then you should go work for him too!")

Another Druddigon nodded in agreement. "Roar! ("Yes! If you work for Naoki, he'll give you lots of Pokeblocks!")

Upon hearing this, the dragon who had asked the question had a light bulb moment.

"Roar!"

It was a brilliant idea!

The other dragons, who had just realized they wouldn't be able to get Pokeblocks anymore, had a similar epiphany.

Why hadn't they thought of that? If they also went to work for Naoki, they could enjoy delicious Pokeblocks every day!

So, early the next morning, a large group of Druddigon set off from their island, crossing the vast Pasio Sea toward the Pasio region.

Along the way, an ocean-going ferry spotted the group of Pokemon.

The captain and his mate stood on the deck, observing the unusual sight through their telescopes.

Some tourists were also drawn to the deck, their faces filled with astonishment as they witnessed the extraordinary scene in the distance.

Many tourists believed that seeing Salamence was a good omen and began to make wishes.

At 6:35 AM Pasio Time, Naoki was feeding the Pokemon on the ranch when he felt a dark shadow pass overhead.

He looked up and saw a large group of Salamence descend onto the ranch.

Naoki: !!!

Normally, it wouldn't be unusual for Salamence to come to the ranch for work.

But why were there so many of them today?!

Naoki was taken aback and quickly sought out the most prominent member of the group, the elder Salamence, to ask what was going on.

The elder Salamence replied honestly, "Roar." (They also want to work here.)

Another working Salamence nearby added, "Roar, roar!" (That's right! If you give them Pokeblocks, they'll be happy to work for you too, Naoki!)

"..."

After hearing the responses from several Salamence, Naoki finally understood what had happened.

Apparently, his employee Salamence had returned to their island yesterday and told the others about the ranch, bidding them farewell, which had attracted this new group of Salamence.

However, Naoki suspected the real reason was that they realized they wouldn't be able to mooch Pokeblocks anymore, so they decided to come and work for them...

Facing this situation, Naoki was at a loss for words.

If Professor Oak were here studying Salamence ecology, he would undoubtedly discover something interesting.

Working at Naoki's ranch seemed to be a popular trend among young Salamence.

"Alright then!" Naoki turned to the other Salamence and smiled, conveying his goodwill: "Welcome, I'm Naoki, the owner of this ranch."

The Salamence blinked; they knew who Naoki was because he had visited their island and brought them lots of food.

"From now on, I look forward to working with you. Help me with deliveries, and in return, I'll make Pokeblocks for you."

Naoki asked Garchomp to bring over a dozen spare Rotom Phones, then called over his own Salamence to mentor the new recruits.

The elder Salamence nodded and took charge, teaching the new Salamence how to use the Rotom Phones and make deliveries.

The veteran employee Salamence also pitched in with additional instructions.

Meanwhile, Naoki took a headcount of the new arrivals.

"One, two, three, four... eleven, twelve, thirteen."

"Thirteen new Salamence, plus the twelve regulars, that makes a total of twenty-five Salamence and one Bagon on the ranch."

Naoki: "..." That's an impressive number!

How many Salamence were left on Salamence Island now?

If he remembered correctly, there were only about thirty Salamence there, including those that hadn't evolved yet—Bagon and Shelgon. The total population probably didn't exceed fifty.

My goodness! Half the island's Salamence were now on his ranch!

Even Naoki found this number hard to believe.

He recalled that the gigantic Salamence was also living on the island now.

That Salamence had come to the Pasio region in search of friends and finally found its kin, only for most of them to end up here...

Naoki was speechless.

Maybe he should invite the remaining Salamence to settle near the World Tree? That way, they could all be together, even if they didn't work for him.

Although Naoki wanted to invite all the Salamence, he figured those left behind probably didn't want to leave their island.

Otherwise, they would likely have joined this group this morning.

Since the Salamence didn't seem inclined to move, he couldn't force them.

After careful consideration, Naoki decided to let the idea go.

However, the Salamence had their own plans.

In the evening, after a day's work, Naoki brought the Salamence to the World Tree and temporarily settled them by the lake where Minior resided.

Then, Naoki returned to the ranch, while the Salamence curiously explored their new surroundings, flying around to familiarize themselves with the area.

Meanwhile, Minior, Tropius, Miltank, and Oranguru, who had already made their home here, noticed the arrival of the large group of Salamence.

To welcome them, Oranguru took the initiative to offer tree fruits stored in the tree hollow.

It was now nighttime, and with Krile having finished her construction work and left with her Machamp crew, only this group of Pokemon remained on the World Tree.

After discussing with the others, Oranguru and Minior decided to hold a bonfire party for the Salamence.

Grovyle, Oranguru, Miltank, Minior, and the Salamence gathered around the campfire.

One of the Noivern replied, "Roar~" (Noivern Island. There are so many of us living there!)

Another Noivern nodded happily and added, "Roar~!" (Yes! But now... we may never see them again...)

Its voice trailed off sadly as it expressed its longing for its companions.

"Chirp?" The Grovyle looked confused, unsure why the Noivern felt this way.

The Noivern explained, "Roar." (Because the others chose to stay on Noivern Island.)

This particular Noivern was a new addition to the group, having joined just that day. Spending the night at the World Tree was a new experience for it, as it had grown up on Noivern Island.

It missed its companions back on the island.

While the Grovyle had also left their homeland, they were excited about their new life at the World Tree and the upcoming establishment of the Pokemon Guild, where they planned to run a cafe. As a result, they didn't know how to comfort the homesick Noivern.

The flickering campfire reflected on the Noivern's faces, and the air was heavy with a melancholy atmosphere. Beautifly and the Miltanks also felt sad for the Noivern.

Olivau, who had been quietly observing everyone, spoke up with a gentle gaze. Having grown up with Naoki, it rarely took the initiative but always kept a watchful eye on him.

It knew that in a situation like this, Naoki would probably choose to stay together with his friends.

Yes, that's right!

A realization dawned on Olivau, and it suggested, "Leer, leer!" (If you miss your friends, why not invite them all to live here at the World Tree?)

"Roar?!" The Noivern looked up, their eyes shining with curiosity.

Olivau continued gently, "Leer." (As you can see, the World Tree has plenty of space for many Pokemon. If they join us here, you won't have to be apart anymore. Just like how we all live together on the ranch.)

Upon hearing this suggestion, the eyes of the working Noivern lit up with excitement.

What a great idea! This way, they could all stay together! And the World Tree was such a wonderful place; their friends would surely love it here!

The Noivern were thrilled at the prospect.

Decision made, the Noivern felt their spirits lift, and the heavy atmosphere dissipated.

They spent a peaceful night at the World Tree.

Early the next morning, a large group of Noivern approached Naoki to share their plan and ask for his permission to invite all the Noivern from their island to live at the World Tree.

"Roar~!"

The Noivern looked at Naoki expectantly, their expressions hopeful.

Naoki was taken aback by their request. He hadn't expected this, and it took him a moment to process what they were asking.

"You want to invite all the Noivern from your island to live here at the World Tree?" he asked, incredulous.

"Roar~!" The Noivern nodded vigorously.

"Do you think they'll come?" Naoki wondered aloud, a hint of worry in his voice.

However, the Noivern were confident. They patted their chests proudly, indicating that their friends would definitely join them. All the Noivern on the island had grown up together, spending their days fishing in the sea, picking berries in the jungle, and gazing at the stars and sunrise together.

Now that they were apart, they knew their friends back on the island must be feeling the same sense of longing.

"Then let's go together!"

Naoki decided to close the ranch store for the day to focus on this unexpected task. He mounted his Golurk and joined the Noivern, crossing the vast ocean once more.

After a year, Naoki returned to the solitary island, which stood alone in the middle of the sea. Accompanied by his Golurk and the Noivern, he followed the working Noivern to their former home.

Hearing the Noivern's words, the lone Noivern felt a tug at its heartstrings. It, too, had once lived on this island, spending its days with the others.

Back then, it had been a bit of a klutz, but instead of teasing or bullying it, the others had accepted its quirks. Yet, it had always felt like an awkward Noivern, and its mood often reflected that.

Now, looking back, it felt a twinge of nostalgia for those days.

Seeing the group of Noivern before it, all eager to compete for a Trainer, the lone Noivern decided that from then on, it would allow Naoki to teach it new moves!

The working Noivern began negotiating with the other Noivern on the island, explaining their plan.

Naoki watched with interest, turning to the lone Noivern and asking, "Did you used to play with them when you were younger?"

The Noivern nodded, "Roar, roar."

"Back then, I was still a Minidraco. We were all small and weak, spending our days in the lake, waiting to grow stronger." It paused, a faraway look in its eyes as it continued, "There were also Noivern who would bring back Berries and fish from outside the island to share with us."

Naoki suddenly remembered something else. His eyes scanned the group of Salamence in the distance, and he asked, "By the way, the Salamence you used to like is among them, isn't it?"

At these words, Salamence immediately widened its eyes.

Noticing its expression, Naoki raised an eyebrow. "You don't like it anymore?"

Salamence didn't know how to respond.

Naoki encouraged, "Now you're a pretty amazing Salamence yourself. You have to believe in yourself!"

Salamence sighed helplessly. "Roar..."

At that moment, the conversation between the working Salamence and the island Salamence was coming to an end.

The Salamence turned their heads to look at Naoki.

One of the working Salamence happily stepped forward, its tone cheerful. "Roar!"

"They agreed?" Naoki asked.

The working Salamence nodded.

Seeing this, Naoki heaved a sigh of relief.

His gaze fell on the gigantic Salamence among the group.

After consuming the magically enlarged pumpkins Naoki had made, its size had returned to that of a regular Salamence.

"Long time no see, Salamence!"

The gigantic Salamence responded happily, "Roar~"

It remembered Naoki, who had helped it find this place.

Gratitude filled the gigantic Salamence's heart when it thought of Naoki.

Now that the Salamence had agreed to live in the World Tree, the next step was to decide where to settle them within the massive structure.

Putting them all in the same layer as the Adventurer's Guild would be too crowded.

Moreover, there were too many Salamence, and the tree fruit garden he had cultivated might not be enough to feed them all.

He would have to clear a few more gardens...

Naoki fell into deep thought.

He looked around, observing the island where the Salamence lived and contemplating the interior of the World Tree.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea came to Naoki.

Could he ask Leafeon to use its psychic powers to move the entire Salamence Island into the World Tree?

According to Naoki's observations, there were multiple layers of space within the World Tree, and while the internal environment of each layer was similar, he could modify them as he wished.

The layer below the Adventurer's Guild was a vast valley with ample space, perfect for creating a Salamence homeland.

If he transferred Salamence Island there and added some seawater to the valley, then released fish fry into the water, he could perfectly replicate the environment near Salamence Island! The Salamence could catch fish when hungry or opt for tree fruits if they didn't feel like seafood.

And with Leafeon's abilities, this was entirely possible.

After all, Leafeon had once moved an entire sprawling forest to save the Pokemon living there.

With this in mind, Naoki took out his phone and contacted Leafeon.

Upon hearing Naoki's idea, Leafeon confirmed that it was feasible.

After asking for Naoki's location, Leafeon used the Rotom Phone's navigation to teleport to Salamence Island.

"Do we need to leave?" Naoki asked.

Leafeon surveyed the area, then shook its head gently. "No need. You can stay right there."

The next second, it unleashed its power.

A terrifying psychic pressure emanated from Leafeon, enveloping the island and the surrounding seawater in a faint pink light membrane.

The powerful psychic power even distorted the surrounding space, but this state didn't last long.

As the entire island was enveloped by the power, a dazzling white light erupted, and Salamence Island vanished from the sea.

Before Naoki and the Salamence could react, the surroundings underwent a dramatic transformation.

The vast ocean disappeared without a trace, replaced by a mysterious and unique space.

They were now inside the World Tree.

Leafeon had not only moved Salamence Island but also a large area of seawater.

The blue seawater flowed into the layer, soon transforming the entire area into an ocean.

The relocated Salamence Island floated quietly on this artificially created "sea."

Gradually, the turbulent waters calmed, returning to a state of serene tranquility.

The Salamence were utterly astounded, their heads craned in disbelief at the spectacle before them.

Everything around them was exactly the same as before, as if they were still out at sea.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end