Chapter 438: Naoki's Ranch and its Hidden Trial, Unlocked! (Part 2)

Chapter 438: Naoki's Ranch and its Hidden Trial, Unlocked! (Part 2)

The Frogadier bore scorch marks and extensive bruising, a testament to the Bunnelby's immense strength.

"What a powerful performance!" Yang Ming thought. Initially, he had believed the online post to be exaggerated, but now, having experienced the Thunder Trial firsthand, he realized that the descriptions hadn't done justice to the true challenge.

He had lost, defeated by a Pokemon with a type advantage, and he hadn't even gotten the chance to utilize many of his tactics.

"I'm sorry, but you didn't pass the Thunder Trial," Naoki said gently, having seen this outcome many times before. Ai Guanshi approached with a bottle of life-restoring sheep milk to revive the Frogadier.

"You did well, Frogadier. It's not your fault," Yang Ming consoled his Pokemon, stroking its head gently to lift its spirits after the defeat.

The Bunnelby was an unconventional opponent, possessing immense strength and speed despite its small and adorable appearance.

Naoki turned to the other two trainers who had approached. "Would you like to continue?" he asked.

Nanako shook her head, knowing victory was unlikely after witnessing the battle.

Yang Ming, on the other hand, nodded resolutely. "Mr. Naoki, I'd like to continue. Please give me a moment to think."

"Take your time," Naoki replied, intrigued by the determination in Yang Ming's eyes.

Yang Ming fell into deep thought. With the Frogadier defeated, he knew that his remaining Pokemon might not stand a chance against the formidable Bunnelby. Perhaps he should attempt one of the other trials?

His mind turned to the Grass Trial and the strategies outlined in the online post: the infinite healing capabilities of the riding goat, the unique "Grass Sword," and the powerful vine whips...

There seemed to be only one viable strategy to pass the Grass Trial.

The use of a substitute and Swords Dance was probably just the prelude to something bigger. If he remembered correctly, Eevee could use the move Baton Pass.

Baton Pass, a normal-type move, allowed Pokemon to switch places with another Pokemon waiting in the wings.

What's more, the incoming Pokemon could inherit any changes to its predecessor's abilities.

Whether it was Tailwind, Sunny Day, or Swords Dance, they were all setting the stage for the final Pokemon that was about to enter the fray.

"Interesting," Naoki thought to himself. This was the first time he had encountered a trainer in real life who utilized such tactics.

As expected of the talent-rich Padia region!

With these thoughts in mind, he coldly gave his command: "Gogoat, use Vine Whip and sweep the entire battlefield!"

A Pokemon that uses a substitute doesn't disappear into thin air; it reappears in another direction on the battlefield.

The substitute was merely an object created by the Pokemon using its energy to confuse its opponent.

As Naoki gave the order, the Gogoat erupted with a terrifying amount of Grass Energy.

The energy transformed into two gigantic vines, which began to whip around indiscriminately, radiating out from the Gogoat at the center of the battlefield.

Witnessing this display, both Yang Ming and Nanako's eyes widened in surprise.

Nanako muttered, "What's going on?"

Yang Ming's heart leaped into his throat, and he quickly shouted, "Dig, use Dig!"

"Bu!"

On the field, Eevee was so startled by the two giant vine whips, which resembled electric fans, that it froze in fear.

It was only when it heard its trainer's voice that it frantically used Dig and burrowed underground.

"Gogoat, use Stomping Tantrum to force it out!" Naoki commanded.

The Gogoat retracted its vines, its gaze turning sharp and focused. Then, its front hoof stomped the ground with tremendous force.

The next second, the entire battlefield began to shake violently.

"Rumble, rumble!"

Beneath the ground, Eevee was compressed by the surrounding soil and had no choice but to emerge from the earth.

Waiting for it above ground was the Gogoat's massive vine whip.

Eevee looked up at the towering vine whip and jumped back in fright.

"Buuu!"

Just as the vine whip was about to slam down on it, Eevee used Substitute one more time.

However, after using Substitute twice in quick succession, it was now running out of energy.

What did the trainer say earlier?

"Use Baton Pass when you're at your limit!"

Without hesitation, Eevee used Baton Pass.

Its body transformed into a beam of light and returned to its Poke Ball, switching places with the Pokemon inside.

Eevee: It's all up to you now!

In that beam of light, a Pokemon cloaked in purple armor appeared, with blade-like arms engulfed in purple flames, resembling a vengeful spirit.

It was a Blaziken!

Yang Ming immediately threw a bead at the Blaziken.

As the bead landed on the Blaziken, it erupted with a dazzling light.

Within the light, the Blaziken was enveloped by Taiji Energy.

Above its head, a candelabra and flickering flame appeared—the symbol of Taiji Fire.

This Blaziken was no ordinary Pokemon anymore.

It had inherited Eevee's two Swords Dances, the Tailwind from Castform, and the Sunny Day, becoming a fully empowered Taiji Fire Blaziken.

Witnessing this transformation, Naoki raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Impressive," he complimented.

Although he also possessed a Taiji Bead that could empower his Gogoat, he didn't carry it with him; it was safely stored back at his home.

There was no way he could interrupt the battle now to retrieve it.

"This is our final move, Mr. Naoki. Please help us test it out!" Yang Ming's eyes blazed with determination. "Blaziken, use Shadow Sneak!"

"Gogoat, let's do this!" Naoki said softly.

As the commands were given, both Pokemon sprang into action.

The Gogoat summoned a gigantic Grass Sword in its mouth.

The Blaziken gently pressed its forehead against its blade, as if gathering its life force and regrets into the sword's tip.

Its body was engulfed in fierce purple flames, and then it swung its blade at the Gogoat.

The robust fire energy clashed with the Gogoat's Grass Energy, resulting in a critical collision that caused a violent explosion.

The entire battlefield was engulfed in brilliant light, and scorching waves of fire spread in all directions.

Yang Ming held his breath, his heart pounding with anticipation.

Could they win?

A moment later, he got his answer.

On the battlefield, the powerful Gogoat lay on the ground, while the Blaziken stood a short distance away, calmly watching the Gogoat.

They had won!

Yang Ming's heart swelled with excitement.

However, the next second, a surge of Grass Energy erupted from the grassy field and flowed into the Gogoat's body.

In the blink of an eye, the Gogoat stood up again.

Yang Ming: ?!!

How is that possible? Yang Ming's mouth hung open in shock at the Gogoat's incredible recovery.

Naoki: "..."

How could the Gogoat, blessed by nature, fall so easily?

Chosen by the World Tree, they were like the grass of the earth, their lives everlasting and ever-growing.

But there was no need to continue the battle; a Gogoat that would never fall could never be defeated.

Naoki acknowledged the boy's will and spirit and didn't mind giving him a break.

"Return, Gogoat!" he called out. "This battle is our loss.

Yang Ming paused, as if understanding something, and then nodded firmly.

"I understand!"

The Riding Goat and the Blade Brandisher clashed once more.

Five minutes later, with the fall of the last Riding Goat, the second trainer to pass the Grass Trial was born.

Nanako exclaimed in shock, her eyes wide, "You actually passed!"

Yang Ming maintained his composure and calmly replied, "This is the result of my hard work and that of my Pokemon—Espeon, Leafeon, Vileplume, and Blade Brandisher, thank you all!"

Having defeated a formidable foe, the Pokemon felt as delighted as their trainer.

Naoki smiled at the young man and said, "Congratulations! You've successfully passed the Grass Trial. As a reward, you will receive a bottle of Wonder Juice brewed by me."

However, Yang Ming wasn't too concerned about the reward. He turned to Naoki, intending to seize the opportunity to attempt one of the hidden trials on the ranch.

"Mr. Naoki, can you tell me about the hidden trials on the ranch now?"

Upon hearing this, Naoki was slightly taken aback but asked with interest, "Do you really want to know?"

"Yes!" Yang Ming nodded eagerly.

"You're really something else," Naoki chuckled. "But since you've passed the Grass Trial, it means you now have the qualifications to challenge the hidden trials." Naoki turned to look at Golurk.

"Ah Gah!" Golurk seemed to understand and walked forward.

Naoki introduced them, "This is Golurk, and the upcoming trial is the Ancient Trial, which involves a battle against Golurk."

"However, unlike the other trials, for this one, you can look for a teammate and form a Double Battle. Golurk will also have a partner, and the rule is a 2v2 format."

"Of course, if you prefer, you can control both of your Pokemon in a Double Battle."

Looking at the Pokemon named Golurk before him, Yang Ming's eyes lit up with excitement, and he was determined to take on the challenge.

"I want to give it a try!"

"Alright," Naoki said with a slight smile, not adding anything further.

He returned to the battlefield, and Yang Ming once again sent out the Blade Brandisher.

The battle officially began.

The Blade Brandisher attempted to attack Golurk with Regret Sword, but before it could make a move, Golurk was already in front of it.

With a swift claw strike, the Blade Brandisher was knocked out in a single blow.

Yang Ming: ?!?

Nanako exclaimed in disbelief, her mouth agape, "How...how strong!"

This Pokemon was even stronger than the three Riding Goats and the Salamence! At that moment, both Yang Ming and Nanako understood the meaning behind Naoki's earlier words about needing to pass one of the three major trials before qualifying for the hidden trials.

Golurk's strength far exceeded their imagination, and its power seemed to belong to a whole other level!

Nanako asked in a trembling voice, "Mr. Naoki, is this the hidden trial on the ranch?"

Naoki thought for a moment and then shook his head, "Not exactly. Aside from Golurk's Ancient Trial, there are a few other trials. But let's talk about those after you defeat Golurk."

Defeat Golurk?!

Does that mean the Pokemon in the remaining trials are even stronger than Golurk?

Golurk's strength had already surpassed their imagination. They dared not even contemplate the power of the Pokemon in the other trials...

The two looked around, trying to spot a Pokemon among those present that was more powerful than Golurk.

Naoki understood their thoughts but didn't explain. Instead, he waved goodbye.

Ai Guanshi understood her brother's intentions and turned to leave. Soon, she returned with three bottles of juice.

"Take these! As the second trainer to pass the trial, these are your rewards. The other two bottles are an extra gift from me. I'm glad to have witnessed such an exciting battle. Your wisdom and courage are truly admirable!" Naoki said.

Yang Ming looked down at the three bottles of juice.

Nanako, on the other hand, noticed the keyword "second."

She asked in surprise, "Does that mean someone else has passed the trial before him?"

Naoki nodded, "That's right. It was a very powerful trainer."

"Was it the Chief?" Nanako asked in shock.

In the Padia region, the Chief was known for being the strongest trainer.

Naoki shook his head, "No, the Chief is busy with her work and doesn't have time for trials."

Nanako nodded, impressed.

Naoki then proceeded to explain to Yang Ming the effects of each of the juice bottles.

Initially, Yang Ming and Nanako thought they were just ordinary juice.

But when they heard from Naoki that the juice could increase their Pokemon's resistance to abnormal conditions, their faces showed their astonishment.

"Really?"

"Of course," Naoki replied, "This juice is made using my family's secret method, infusing the essence of tree fruit. It improves the Pokemon's constitution and helps them grow stronger."

"Wow!" Nanako exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with envy as she looked at the juice.

She wanted some too, but she hadn't passed the trial yet...

And all her Pokemon were Grass-type, so she couldn't employ the same tactics as Yang Ming.

Ah, so frustrating!

Unlike Nanako's frustration, Yang Ming remained calm.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Naoki, but this is too precious. I can't accept it, and the Chief has already prepared a reward for me."

Hearing this, Naoki was surprised.

Hmm? This young man is quite interesting.

"This is your well-deserved reward," Naoki said. "Every trainer who passes will receive it. It's a gift from me to the brave challengers."

Upon hearing this, Yang Ming opened his mouth in surprise and then solemnly accepted the juice, "Thank you very much, Mr. Naoki!"

Mr. Naoki truly lived up to the town's reputation; he was indeed a great man!

Not long after seeing off the two challengers, Naoki received a video call from Yazi.

Naoki went on to recount the day's events in detail.

Upon hearing this, Yeci's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"So, that trainer is quite talented!"

"That's why I want you to get my King's Proof now," Naoki said.

"Don't rush me." Yeci smiled. "I've already asked Aoki to help you look for it, okay?"

"Ah, please don't tire out Aoki," Naoki said, concerned. "The last time I saw him, he looked so exhausted."

However, upon hearing this, Yeci smiled and said, "But lately, he's been full of energy! I heard that he often buys the magical sheep milk from your ranch to drink."

"And the people from the Operations Department told me that after drinking the sheep milk, Aoki's work efficiency increased severalfold!"

Yeci suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right, I almost forgot. Naoki, do you want to collaborate with me?"

Naoki paused, a bad premonition creeping into his mind. "What kind of collaboration?"

"Sell the sheep milk from your ranch to the Padia League. We can buy it at a high price!" Yeci proposed.

"..." Naoki was speechless.

"Ahem, forget about that for now." Naoki promptly rejected Yeci's suggestion, not wanting to be complicit in her exploitation of hardworking employees. "Relying solely on external substances for a short-term boost is one thing, but doing so long-term can be harmful to the body!"

Yeci was taken aback by this revelation. "Huh? It's harmful? I thought the sheep milk from your ranch was like caffeine, invigorating without any side effects, judging by how energetic Aoki has been lately!"

While the sheep milk indeed had no side effects, people still needed proper rest. Relying solely on the milk and working tirelessly like a machine was not healthy.

With a nod, Naoki agreed, "Anything can be addictive. So, it's better to keep things natural unless it's absolutely necessary or you're trying to boost your health."

"Alright then." Yeci dropped the idea upon learning that prolonged consumption of the milk could lead to addiction.

"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now!" Naoki was worried that Yeci might try to exploit him further, so he wanted to end the call quickly.

However, Yeci brought up another matter.

"By the way, Naoki, are you close with Kisu?"

Naoki was a little surprised by the question. "What's up? Did something happen?"

"Nothing!" Yeci shook her head. "I just feel like you two seem to know each other well."

Occasionally, she would check in on her subordinates and their activities.

When she heard that Kisu had started live-streaming, Yeci had curiously tuned in.

During the stream, she noticed Kisu subtly advertising Naoki's ranch.

Naoki thought about it and replied, "Maybe it's because she's visited the ranch quite a few times."

Most of the other Gym Leaders had only come once, but Kisu was the one who had come the most.

"I see..." Yeci nodded thoughtfully.

A woman's intuition told her that there was something unusual going on.

As far as she knew, Kisu wasn't the type to strive for self-improvement or actively enhance her strength as a Gym Leader.

After a moment's thought, Yeci asked, "So, did Kisu take on the trials when she visited your ranch?"

Naoki recalled and nodded. "Yes, she did."

This made Yeci even more curious.

Looking at Naoki, a bizarre guess formed in her mind.

Could Kisu be...

Noticing Yeci's expression, Naoki tilted his head in confusion. "What's wrong?"

Yeci snapped out of her reverie and smiled. "Never mind, I was just thinking about something. I'll talk to you later; I have something else to attend to now."

After hanging up, Yeci's face wore a curious expression.

She decided to probe Kisu about this later.

If her guess was correct, she wouldn't mind playing matchmaker.

If those two got together, Naoki would likely stay in the Padia region, and she wouldn't have to worry about him moving away.

When the time came for their wedding, she could even attend as the officiant.

In that moment, Yeci's mind wandered to many possibilities.

A child born to someone as talented as Naoki would surely be exceptional as well.

They would be the future talents of the Padia region!

Three days later, at the Padia League headquarters.

Dressed in a suit, Yang Ming entered the tall building.

Three days earlier, he had reported to the Chief about passing the trial, and she had rewarded him as promised.

A generous bonus, along with a promotion to work in the Padia League's Operations Department.

Yang Ming felt incredibly honored.

Filled with anticipation for his new job and aspirations for the future, he stepped into the Operations Department building.

In the office, Yang Ming spotted a familiar figure—his senior, the Jin Hui Gym Leader and Flying-type King, Aoki!

Yang Ming's heart leaped with joy at the prospect of working with his senior. He approached Aoki and greeted him enthusiastically.

"Good morning, Senior! I'm Yang Ming, the new staff member in the Operations Department. Please take care of me!"

Aoki: "..."

He looked at the energetic young man before him with weary eyes.

How he missed the days when he, too, was brimming with vitality and enthusiasm!

Aoki nodded at the young man and said, "Mmm, nice to meet you. I have something to attend to, so let's chat another time."

"Ah, of course, Senior!" Yang Ming quickly stepped aside, watching as Aoki's figure disappeared down the hallway.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end