Alder looked at the scene in wonder, uncertainly asking, "Is it… okay now?"
Naoki didn't know either, because although the Life Sheep Milk seemed effective, it was still far from the true Ho-oh Sacred Ash.
After a brief thought, he turned to look at Calyrex behind him.
Calyrex was also drawn to the scene.
Naoki asked, "Calyrex, can you help me check this Pokémon's condition?"
Calyrex nodded slightly.
Under Alder's stunned gaze, Calyrex slowly levitated over and then used telekinesis to carefully examine the condition of this Volcarona.
Calyrex could feel the man's emotions towards Volcarona, which touched its heart. In this situation, it was happy to help them.
Therefore, facing the Volcarona lying on the ground, Calyrex gently raised its hand, scattering soft blue lights.
The blue lights eventually gathered into a glistening blue droplet that slowly dripped onto Volcarona from mid-air.
"Is that Life Dew?" Naoki was seeing this move for the first time.
Life Dew healed Volcarona's hidden injuries, and Volcarona finally fully recovered to a healthy state.
It energetically fluttered its wings, levitating into the air.
Tears already glistened in Alder's eyes.
The tall and rugged man didn't say a word, just stepped forward and tightly hugged his Pokémon partner.
Volcarona's eyes curved into crescents, happily grasping its Trainer with its small feet and adjusting its body temperature to suit humans, acting as a large fluffy and warm pillow for Alder to hug.
Seeing this, Naoki and Calyrex exchanged smiles before turning back to sit on the sofa.
After a long while, Alder sniffed heavily and adjusted his state before sitting back on the sofa, his dark face all red.
"Sorry for making a fool of myself!"
Naoki smiled, realizing Alder had this side: "Just a little help, glad Volcarona is okay."
For him, it was just a bottle of sheep milk, but for Alder, it was of deep significance.
Seeing his expression, Alder was exceedingly serious:
"Regardless, I, Alder, owe you a favor."
Alder furrowed his brow: "If it weren't for you, I might eventually lose Volcarona forever. Having spent years with it, I can feel its life nearing its end…"
Truthfully, Alder was prepared for that day—facing Volcarona's passing, he would lay it to rest at the Celestial Tower in the Unova Region.
Naoki blinked, looking at Alder in front of him, implying something: "I feel like you've changed a lot."
"Changed?" Alder was slightly startled before relaxing: "Perhaps!"
Alder spoke slowly, like having an insight:
"Trainers strive daily to climb to the Champion's throne, representing ultimate strength, but being Champion is just one inevitable path in life, not the end."
"Volcarona's situation made me realize the greatness and unpredictability of life… Nothing remains powerful forever."
Alder chuckled bitterly: "Knowing Volcarona's injuries couldn't be cured with current medical standards made me sad… Because of this, I discovered the joy of being with Pokémon is so profound."
"Indeed!" Naoki agreed.
Whether becoming a Trainer or doing anything else, the most important thing has never been battles or getting stronger, but Pokémon itself.
Then, Naoki chatted a lot with Alder.
He learned from Alder that the Unova League matters are now handled by the Elite Four, and the Unova League is currently collaborating with the Paldea League to fully build Blueberry Academy.
Alder said some gym leaders in the Unova Region are preparing to send their grandchildren to Blueberry Academy for study.
During casual talking, Alder's state and mood slowly recovered.
In a normal state, Alder is very approachable, carefree, optimistic, and humble, completely lacking any Champion's airs.
Naoki found it quite interesting.
However, for some reason, Alder seemed to mistake him for a fan and even wanted to give him a bunch of signed Poke Balls…
"Hahaha!"
Alder felt Naoki's attitude towards Pokémon resonated well with him, so he asked Naoki for a pen, then took out Poke Balls from his backpack, starting to sign them.
"These small gifts are for you as decorations!" Alder said.
Naoki: "?"
He quickly realized his actions seeking Alder's help through Leon were mistaken by Alder for fandom!
Yes! Who would do such a thing if not a fan!
In Alder's eyes, he might be seen as a fan who greatly admires him.
As a fan, he constantly follows Alder, learns that Alder's main Pokémon Volcarona was gravely injured, and immediately seeks ways to find Geeta through Leon to help Alder.
"…"
Naoki, for a moment, didn't know what to say.
He wasn't a fan of Alder!
Alder was deeply touched and placed the pile of Poke Balls on the coffee table, eagerly patting Naoki's shoulder, saying to Naoki: