Pokemon: A New Path-Findings [632]

"We lost," Leon admitted after a brief moment of silence. Then he let out a breath and smiled.

"You really haven't changed, Naoki."

How could the man capable of forming bonds with so many Legendary Pokémon lose to him again?

Even though Naoki had said that Calyrex had left the ranch to travel the world, Leon knew better.

He had heard the stories, how Naoki had saved Calyrex in the Crown Tundra.

Deep down, Leon was sure of one thing. A Pokémon like Calyrex, who had once been saved by Naoki, would never leave his side, nor would it choose another trainer to journey with.

And even if it did, that person would still be Naoki.

Leon had pieced it all together long ago.

The Naoki standing in front of him now was the same mysterious figure who once helped protect the Hoenn region and even stopped the Creator Pokémon, Arceus.

He had realized this only after hearing more and more scattered accounts over time.

But since Naoki clearly preferred to keep a low profile, Leon chose to keep this truth to himself.

After the battle ended, Naoki turned to speak, but before he could, he noticed Iono walking sleepily out of the breeding treehouse, rubbing her eyes.

"Huh?" She blinked at the sight of guests. "Oh! We have visitors!"

"Hello, Miss Iono," Sonia greeted her with a warm smile.

Iono quickly recognized her. Sonia was a researcher from the Galar region, and she had attended Iono and Naoki's wedding alongside Leon.

"Long time no see, Sonia!" Iono beamed, her mood instantly lifting.

The two women began catching up, chatting cheerfully about recent events, including the baby.

Battle Record: 32nd place in the Kalos League Conference]

[Name: Ariel

Hometown: Unova Region

Gym Badges: 0

Battle Record: 10th place in the Unova League Conference]

[Name: Roel

Hometown: Hoenn Region

Gym Badges: 0

Battle Record: 8th place in the Ever Grande Conference, winner of the Hoenn Ribbon Master Showcase freeωebnovēl.c૦m

[...]

Naoki flipped through the list and blinked, stunned.

"Why are there so many challengers today?"

Anya looked unsure but offered a sheepish explanation.

"Because of you. The gym has gone viral online recently. Trainers from other regions are coming here just to battle you..."

Naoki's face fell.

So that's what this was about. These weren't trainers collecting badges for the Paldea Conference. They were here to mess with him, and probably Zapdos and Jirachi too!

"There are also a lot of influencers and streamers," Anya added nervously. "They're gathering in the city's central plaza. Most of them just want to film legendary Pokémon for views."

Naoki massaged his forehead.

"They're just here to farm clout? And now I have to fight all of them?"

He clenched his fist in quiet frustration.

This wasn't a gym battle schedule. This was a content creator ambush.

Anya hesitated for a moment. "Should I start calling them in now for battles?"

Naoki exhaled slowly and stood up.

"Let's start."