The soft morning breeze carried the scent of ripe berries across Dawn Valley Ranch. The sun had barely risen, casting golden hues over the grasslands as Kai sat on the porch of his modest house, a portable Pokégear in hand.
He tapped the screen, and after a few beeps, the familiar face of Professor Oak appeared, framed by the warm wood of his Pallet Town lab.
"Kai!" Professor Oak's eyes lit up the moment he saw him. "I heard everything from Geeta. You handled it brilliantly — as I knew you would."
Kai gave a small nod, his voice calm and steady. "It was a little rough, but Iron Thorns is safe now. It's... recovering well."
Oak chuckled lightly, but there was a softness in his expression that only showed when he spoke to Kai. "I'm glad. And the Charcadet? They arrived safely too?"
Kai shifted slightly, glancing toward the side yard where two tiny bursts of energy — the Charcadet — were currently sparring with Chimchar. "They're full of spirit. They'll fit in here just fine."
"That's good to hear. Remember, Kai — don't carry everything alone. You have friends who care about you." Professor Oak's voice was warm but carried an underlying concern.
Kai allowed himself the smallest smile. "I know, Professor. Thank you."
After a few more exchanges — brief updates on the ranch, some talk about seasonal berry harvests, and a few reminders about Pokémon health — the call ended, leaving Kai with the soft beep of the Pokégear powering down.
Pocketing the device, he stretched and stood up. The ranch awaited.