Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 316: Dragonite



Naoki had never been certain about the precise location of Kitakami. Before being transported to this world, the Teal Mask DLC for the Pokémon games hadn't been released, so he had assumed Kitakami Village was somewhere in the northeastern shadows of the Paldea region.

However, it appeared his assumption was incorrect.

According to Mayor Thomas, Kitakami Village was a secluded settlement located in a remote area. To reach it, one would travel through regions dotted with vast mountain ranges. It was certainly off the beaten path.

"There's no airport in Kosaji Town," Mayor Thomas continued. "You'll need to head to Glass Bottle City to catch a flight. Don't worry about expenses-the town will cover all your travel costs."

Naoki nodded, mentally mapping out his schedule.

It was February 26th in the 199th year of the Alliance Calendar. The journey to Kitakami for the week-long agricultural exchange was set to begin on the 29th. This gave him three days to tie up loose ends on the ranch before departure.

"Understood. I'll make sure I'm ready," Naoki replied.

Mayor Thomas smiled warmly, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out a card. "Here's your identification badge for the exchange. Keep it with you at all times. When you arrive, someone from Kitakami will meet you at the station. Just show them this badge, and they'll take care of the arrangements."

Naoki accepted the badge, thanking the mayor for the detailed instructions.

After explaining everything, Mayor Thomas rose to leave. "I'll take my leave now. Don't worry about the ranch while you're gone. The townsfolk will help keep everything running smoothly."

"Thank you. I'll be ready," Naoki assured him, walking him to the door.

He stood outside, watching the mayor's figure fade into the distance before heading back inside.

Back in the kitchen, sister Indeedee gestured toward the basin of seafood. "Ai Ai?" she chirped, tilting her head to ask if he wanted her to continue preparing the ingredients.

"Oh, no need! I've already cleaned everything," Naoki replied with a grin. "Just steam it directly."

Taking over, Naoki began layering the clams, conches, oysters, shrimp, and crabs into the steamer. While waiting, he minced a few cloves of garlic, whipped up a simple garlic sauce, and prepared a few dipping bowls on the side.

Living so close to the coast, Kosaji Town was known for its seafood, which was always fresh from the morning's catch. As the pot began to steam, the rich aroma of the ocean filled the kitchen, mingling with the savory scent of garlic.

When the seafood was perfectly cooked, Naoki carefully poured it into a large iron bowl. The vibrant colors of the shells glistened, and steam swirled upward, carrying the tantalizing scent.

He glanced down, and almost instinctively, information about the dish appeared in his mind:

Seafood Feast (C+): A hearty dish made from a variety of fresh seafood, brimming with the unique flavors of the ocean.

Effect: Slightly increases friendliness for Water-type Pokémon. Provides a small boost to their overall vitality.

Comment: A simple yet delicious meal that brings the taste of the sea to life!

Naoki's eyes widened. "Huh, it boosts Water-type Pokémon friendliness? That's neat!" He paused, then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Wait a second... I don't really have any Water- types on the ranch right now."

His eyes lit up as he remembered. "Oh, right! Those silly Psyducks by the stream. They'll love this."

Setting aside a portion of shrimp and shellfish for the Psyducks, Naoki made a mental note to deliver it to them later. Meanwhile, he planned to let the Dragonites have their fill first-they were already eyeing the seafood pot eagerly.

As Pokémon living on isolated islands, the Dragonites and Dragonairs rely heavily on the ocean for their food. Their diets include sea fish, squid, shrimp, and shellfish, all of which they catch fresh from the sea.

Every morning, they wake up promptly and dive into the sea to catch their breakfast. After their meal, the Dragonites fly to Naoki's ranch to help with work, where they are rewarded with delicious Poffins as a treat.

The Dragonites don't return to Dragonite Island at noon, so Naoki prepares nutritious sandwiches to keep them energized. They stay on the ranch until sunset, returning to their island as the day ends.

For these Pokémon, seafood is a regular part of their diet. However, the dishes Naoki prepares elevate the flavors, making the familiar taste extraordinary. When Dragonite bit into a squid dipped in sauce, its eyes lit up with delight. Soon, all the Dragonites were savoring their portions with clear expressions of satisfaction.

In contrast, Koraidon and Cyclizar showed little interest in seafood. They much preferred large, juicy cuts of grilled meat that exploded with flavor at every bite. Unsurprisingly, the entire pot of seafood was devoured by the Dragonites, who still looked like they hadn't had enough.

Naoki watched them with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

That evening, the Dragonites and Dragonairs returned to Dragonite Island carrying boxes of Poffins. They gathered near the central lake, eating their treats happily. Between bites, some of the Dragonites began to discuss an idea.

Dragonair One: "Oooo!" (Naoki likes fish just like we do!)

Dragonite One: "Woo~" (I'm going to catch a lot of fish for Naoki tomorrow morning!)

Dragonite Four: "Awoo!" (I'll catch some too!)

Dragonite Three, still reminiscing about the seafood: "Awoo..." (Those little fish were so delicious. I want more...)

By the time dawn arrived, several Dragonites and Dragonairs had dived into the sea, leaving their companions behind with puzzled expressions.

Every Dragonite was a skilled swimmer, slicing through the water like sleek missiles. Their speed and agility made them efficient hunters.

Dragonite Two was the first to resurface, clutching a massive lobster in its claws. The lobster thrashed its tail in a futile attempt to escape, but Dragonite Two quickly subdued it with a well-placed slap. Pleased with its catch, it placed the lobster in a box for Naoki.

Another loud splash caught its attention. Turning, Dragonite Two saw Dragonite Four emerging with a small blue dolphin-like Pokémon, a Finizen, in its grip. Dragonite Four proudly held the struggling Pokémon, asking its companion: "Ouch?" (Will Naoki like this?)

Before Dragonite Two could respond, the Finizen smacked Dragonite Four with its tail and escaped, retaliating with an angry water gun to the face before disappearing into the waves.

Drenched and slightly bewildered, Dragonite Four grumbled, "Oooch..." (What a bad- tempered Pokémon. Naoki wouldn't like it anyway.)

Shaking off the water, Dragonite Four dove back into the sea. After a few moments, it resurfaced triumphantly, carrying a massive tuna it had stunned with electricity. "Awoo!" it cried, overjoyed with its catch.

Yesterday, those small fish and shrimp were too small, so they couldn't eat enough. This fish is big, so they will definitely be able to fill their stomachs!

After seeing Dragonite Four proudly display its enormous tuna, Dragonite Two suddenly felt its large lobster wasn't quite as impressive anymore. With a flick of its claws, it released the lobster back into the ocean and dived down once more. Moments later, it resurfaced, clutching a hefty salmon in its arms, wearing a look of triumph. Meanwhile, the other Dragonites and Dragonairs were also busy catching their own prizes. Giant lobsters, enormous squid, and clusters of oversized crabs soon filled their claws and tails. Some even carried tufts of green seaweed as if adding a decorative touch to their haul.

Satisfied with their bounty, the Dragonites and Dragonairs took to the skies, their mouths watering in anticipation. They flew back toward the ranch, each carrying their spoils with

pride.

At 7:25 a.m., Naoki was busy milking his trio of Gogoat. The fresh milk was poured into barrels, ready to be moved to the milk cellar by Koraidon and Cyclizar.

On the farmland, the Dragonite was performing its usual duties, using Rain Dance to water the fields. The morning air was filled with the hum of productive activity.

Suddenly, a loud chorus of whooping cries echoed from the sky.

Naoki didn't need to look to know it was the "part-time" Dragonites arriving. He glanced up, prepared to greet them casually, but what he saw left him utterly stunned.

What on earth was that?!

Each Dragonite and Dragonair was carrying something-massive somethings. Two Dragonites held enormous fish in their claws. Another carried two colossal lobsters, their

claws still twitching. Dragonairs followed close behind, their tails and mouths filled with squid, crabs, shrimp, and even seaweed.

"Oooooh-"The Dragonites descended gracefully, their faces lighting up with pride as they

spotted Naoki.

They landed in front of him and promptly deposited their catches on the grass, looking at him

with expectant expressions.

"For me?" Naoki asked, still in shock.

"Woo!" Dragonairs nodded eagerly, their eyes shining with anticipation.

Naoki stared blankly at the seafood strewn across the ground, momentarily speechless. As he processed what was happening, information about the freshly caught ingredients popped into his mind:

The first Dragonite had brought a salmon, about one meter long, with a sleek spindle-shaped body and a silver-blue back adorned with black spots. The second Dragonite's prize was a massive bluefin tuna, over two meters long, with a streamlined body and a shimmering blue dorsal fin. The third Dragonite carried two enormous lobsters, their claws slowly waving as if still pondering escape.

Dragonairs, not to be outdone, presented their contributions: squid, sardines, blue crabs, shrimp, and bundles of seaweed.

The commotion soon caught the attention of the other Pokémon on the ranch. Alcremie, Pawmot, and Glaceon hurried over to investigate. Upon seeing the sheer size of the bluefin

tuna, their jaws collectively dropped.

"Pawmot?!" Pawmot exclaimed in awe.

Naoki looked at the Dragonites and Dragonairs gathered before him, their wide eyes filled

with anticipation, and felt a wave of emotion.

Walking up to them, he gently patted each of their heads in turn and said with a warm smile,

"Thank you. I really love these gifts."

"Awoo~" The working Dragonites crooned happily, their eyes lighting up with delight at his

praise.

The Dragonairs joined in with their own contented whines, crowding closer to Naoki in a display of affection. Their efforts to bring him joy had clearly paid off.

Not far away, another Dragonite-the one Naoki had raised and trusted for a year-watched this scene unfold. Its eyes widened in shock and, soon after, narrowed in indignation.

It felt a sudden pang of jealousy and frustration.

'Those scheming Dragonites had given Naoki gifts without telling it, intentionally leaving it out of their plan! Were they trying to steal Naoki's affection?'

The Dragonite's thoughts spiraled. It imagined Naoki sitting at a table, laughing and eating

with the other Dragonites, while it was left alone in a dark corner, forgotten and abandoned. The very idea made its tail twitch with anger.

"Awoo!" Dragonite roared, its voice sharp with determination. It spread its wings, ready to storm over and stake its claim as Naoki's most loyal companion. However, just as it was about to act, a thought stopped it in its tracks.

The other Dragonites had brought gifts to Naoki, but it had brought nothing.

'No!'

That couldn't stand. If it wanted to outshine those other Dragonites, it needed to give Naoki

an even more impressive gift-something so spectacular that Naoki wouldn't even glance at the others.

With a furious huff, Dragonite turned and soared into the sky, its powerful wings beating rapidly as it vanished toward the horizon.

Naoki had been smiling at the Dragonites and Dragonairs when he heard Dragonite's angry

cry. Turning, he saw his Dragonite flying off, a clear look of frustration in its movements. "Dragonite!" he called after it, his voice filled with worry.

But Dragonite didn't look back. Within moments, it had disappeared into the distance.

Naoki's heart sank. He realized at once that Dragonite was jealous. Its usual playful demeanor had been replaced with something uncharacteristically serious, and now it was gone. Panic gripped him. Turning quickly, he looked at Koraidon, who was watching the scene with

a curious tilt of its head. "Koraidon, we have to go after it!" Naoki exclaimed.

Koraidon was speechless, squatting on the ground with a calm demeanor. It let out a yawn,

showing no signs of concern for Dragonite's dramatic departure.

Naoki: "..."

"Koraidon, aren't you worried about Dragonite?"

"Ah, gah..." Koraidon closed its eyes and began to nap, dismissing the question entirely.

Naoki stared, baffled. "Is Dragonite really going to be okay?" he muttered under his breath, trying to gauge Koraidon's nonchalant attitude.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Still, Koraidon remained indifferent, leaving Naoki to wonder if it, too, was jealous like

Dragonite. For the first time, Naoki truly felt the weight of managing so many Pokémon with unique personalities.

The part-time Dragonites, however, recovered from their initial confusion. They quickly

donned their signature red bags, collected bottles of Moo Moo Milk from Indeedee, and took off for Kosaji Town to start their day's work. Their cheerful departure left Naoki standing alone, staring at the horizon where Dragonite had disappeared. "Pamo..." Pawmot murmured, looking up at Naoki with concern. Sighing, Naoki turned back toward the pile of fish that Dragonite and the others had

delivered. He decided he didn't have the energy to deal with it anymore and dumped the seafood into the lake on the ranch.

As the fish splashed into the water, a swirling purple vortex suddenly appeared. Within

seconds, every single fish vanished without a trace.

Naoki: "..."

Of course. He realized immediately what had happened: Giratina had likely claimed the fish as

some kind of unintentional offering.

With a groan, Naoki pressed his fingers to his temples. "It's one thing after another."

Meanwhile, above the distant ocean...

Dragonite, still fueled by jealousy, was flying at incredible speed. Its determination pushed it

to use multiple high-speed moves, breaking through its limits as it zipped across the open

sky.

It soared so fast that it overtook a passenger plane, causing startled screams to erupt from the

cabin as it zipped past the windows like a golden blur. Oblivious to the commotion it had caused, Dragonite kept flying, its focus unshaken.

Eventually, it dived into the ocean, eager to find a fish even bigger than what the other Dragonites had brought back. It searched tirelessly, gliding through the currents with precision, but despite its efforts, there were no significant catches in sight. Dragonite narrowed its eyes, unwilling to admit defeat. It swam upward with a powerful stroke and burst out of the water, wings flapping furiously as it took to the skies once more.

Determined, it decided to explore further afield.

The tenacious Dragonite flew over the sprawling Galar region, bypassed the towering bridges

of Unova, skimmed across the tropical waves of Alola, and even made a wide circle around the

snowy peaks of Sinnoh before finally arriving at the Hoenn region.

Below, the vast, sparkling Hoenn seas stretched endlessly, teeming with marine life. Taking a

deep breath, Dragonite folded its wings and dived once again into the unfamiliar waters.

...

Next Bonus Chapter @1000 Power stones.

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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 351 @patreon.com/Keepsmiling818