After the initial surprise, Naoki quickly regained his composure.
After all, Geeta had previously mentioned to him that there would be Gym Leaders coming over for trial challenges at the ranch to refine their battle skills and enhance their strength.
Naoki originally thought it would be Kofu, the Gym Leader of Cascarrafa Gym, who was closest to Porto Marinada Town, coming over first.
Unexpectedly, it was Lono, who was eight hundred miles away, who came running over first...
Bear in mind, Levincia City and Porto Marinada Town are separated by the entire Paldea Region!
In Naoki's mind, Lono was labeled as a person of action.
At this moment, Lono shifted her gaze from Zapdos to him and waved her hand.
"Hey~ Hello hello~! I'm Lono from Levincia Gym, the head said there are trial challenges here, so I came over!" The girl was full of energy.
Naoki nodded slightly and replied with a smile, "Hello, the head has already informed me. Indeed, there are a few trials here at the ranch, but we haven't had lunch yet, and the Pokemon are all still hungry, so we can only start the trials after lunch."
"Ah... Got it, got it!" As soon as she finished speaking, a rumbling sound came from Lono's stomach.
She had taken a morning flight from Levincia City to Porto Marinada Town, and rushed over immediately upon landing without having lunch.
Lono suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.
Naoki glanced at Lono, understanding her situation.
He thought that since these Gym Leaders were all here to help Pawmot and the others train their battle abilities, they might buy some local specialties like sheep milk, cow milk, or berries during their visit, just like Leon did before.
"It seems you haven't had lunch yet either. If you don't mind, why not join us for a meal?" Naoki suggested.
"Ah... Can I?" Lono's eyes lit up; this way, she wouldn't have to make another trip.
Seeing Naoki nod, Lono immediately expressed her gratitude, "Then I will impose!"
Hearing the commotion, a group of Pokemon also gathered around, curiously observing Lono from a distance.
Meanwhile, Naoki shifted his gaze back to Zapdos and inquired, "Are you eating lunch here?"
"Chirp!" Zapdos called out proudly, rejecting Naoki's invitation because Mew and Teddiursa were still waiting for its return.
"Alright then, I'll pack some food for you!"
While rummaging through his satchel, Naoki noticed that the medicines inside were almost depleted.
With Zapdos returning this time, he could restock them.
Saying this, Naoki went into the house and found some healing potions and food to put into Zapdos's satchel.
He didn't stop until the satchel was stuffed full.
"Off you go! Give my regards to them!" Naoki reached out and petted the soft, dense feathers on Zapdos's neck.
"Chirp!"
Zapdos didn't react too much. It took two steps back, flapped its wings, and flew into the sky.
Naoki stood in place, watching it go off into the distance.
Lono walked over at some unknown moment, gazing in amazement at the scene.
"Mr. Naoki... That Pokemon is Zapdos, right?"
Naoki nodded, surprised: "Have you seen other Zapdos?"
Lono shook her head, her eyes glowing with excitement. "That's the legendary Electric Type Pokemon! Every Electric Type Trainer dreams of having it!"
Naoki: "..."
Almost forgot, Lono's gym specializes in Electric Types.
"It's just so-so!" Naoki replied, since this Zapdos was merely a friend of Mew and Teddiursa, and wasn't closely associated with him.
"No wonder the head called you an exemplary trainer!" Lono said with genuine admiration.
Even Zapdos, such a rare Pokemon, you managed to capture...
And by the looks of Zapdos flying off, it was clearly a messenger for the ranch, just like the Dragonites!
She knew only Dragonites were used for deliveries here, but had no idea that even this rare Pokemon Zapdos served as a postman!
"Wow!"
This is way too extravagant!
Naoki smiled politely; he didn't reveal what Zapdos was up to, nor did he mention the existence of the Heroic Expedition Team.
Seeing them not returning for a long time, his sister Indeedee, who had already set the lunch on the table, had no choice but to come out and call them in.
"Let's go inside!"
"Thanks for having me!"
The two went into the room, and as Lono saw the spread of food on the table, she couldn't help but gulp: "Wow, so lavish!"
"Today, two new Pokemon joined the ranch, so we're celebrating their arrival!"
Naoki held a berry dessert and placed it on the floor near the fireplace.
The Slugma inside slowly crawled out happily to eat the food.
"So many Pokemon!" Lono exclaimed in surprise, eyes wide.
Her gaze swept across the living room.
Cyclizar, Indeedee, some unfamiliar Pokemon (Koraidon), some unfamiliar Pokemon (Ogerpon, Alcremie, Dragonite, some unfamiliar Pokemon (Calyrex), Sinistea and Polteageist, many Dragonairs.
There was even a shiny Dragonair inside!
Pearly pink, so cute! Lono's attention was instantly grabbed by the shiny Dragonair.
"Pawmo~"
At this moment, Pawmot flew in from outside.
The weather was great today, it had just let the hens out of the Chicken House to sunbathe, and from afar, it smelled the aroma of food, and hurriedly flew in.