"Phew… why would I have a dream like that?"
"Losing… that feeling really is disgusting."
Inside a tent perched near a cliff, a purple-haired boy slowly woke up. As he recalled the opponent's movements from his dream, an unusual light flickered in his eyes. Without hesitation, he tossed out a Poké Ball.
"Chimchar—out. Extra training!"
…
"Mi-no mi-no mi-no-no mi-no mi-no~~~
(Once upon a time, there was someone who loved you for a very, very long time…)"
Inside the bicycle basket, Smoliv was doing its best to hum the melody of Sunny Day. It was clear the little one was taking its lesson seriously.
On the highway beside them, Buneary was running along weakly, struggling to keep up with the bike.
Normally, its speed was already comparable to Peter's bicycle in sonic mode—but after putting on the Power Anklet, every step felt like torture.
The item increased its load proportionally to its physical condition. So even after wearing it for an entire day, Buneary still hadn't fully adapted.
Every time its strength or speed improved even a little, the weight increased again…
"Mi-kyu…"
The little rabbit let out a soft cry, lifting its black, watery eyes pitifully toward its Trainer.
Peter laughed inwardly, then sighed theatrically on the surface.
"I want to let you rest, you know. But if you rest, you won't get stronger. And if you don't get stronger, you won't be able to climb Mount Coronet. And if you can't climb it… you won't get to see Grandma."
"Mi-kyu—!"
Buneary shook its head vigorously. Determination returned to its eyes, and even its heavy steps sped up just a little.
Seeing this, the smile in Peter's eyes deepened.
With the system's support, Buneary's potential was improving rapidly. That meant it was time to squeeze out every last drop of growth it had…
"Good job, Buneary. And you too, Smoliv."
Peter encouraged his two partners and pedaled even faster.
He could hardly wait to officially begin his journey.
…
With the roar of airplane engines, Peter left the Paldea continent behind.
Unlike when he arrived, he now had a reliable, adorable, and very huggable little companion.
At this very moment, Smoliv was suffering in Peter's arms—its tiny face being kneaded into all sorts of strange shapes.
"Mi-no… (Master, please don't…)"
The poor little thing looked helpless and could only turn to Buneary for help.
And then—
Buneary joined in.
It even leaned over and took a bite out of the top of Smoliv's head, sipping up a mouthful of fragrant olive oil.
The seed atop Smoliv's head could secrete a special plant oil—a highly nutritious delicacy that, with enough sunlight, could sustain it for over a week.
"Mi…"
Smoliv wore a bitter expression, but deep down, it didn't really resist.
Peter watched the two interact with a smile and opened the online marketplace on his phone, ordering a high-power sunlight lamp along with a thick reflective light hood.
They weren't expensive—but they would significantly shorten Smoliv's growth cycle.
After finishing up, Peter closed his eyes to rest.
As the plane cut through the sky, the next stop was Sinnoh.
-----
Johto Region — Goldenrod Gym
"Huh?! You're closing the Gym for a while?"
DJ Mary stared at Whitney in disbelief.
"Yeah~ taking leave is a Gym Leader's right too!" Whitney said with her hands on her hips, completely unapologetic.
"No, that's not the point—why am I taking leave with you?"
"Well… it's just a leave, that's all! Are you helping me or not?"
"Hold on. Say that clearly. What exactly do you need my help with?"
"It's simple! Just escort me to Sinnoh. I'm afraid I'll get lost if I go alone… and then escort me back."
Her voice grew weaker near the end.
"???"
DJ Mary looked at her like she'd lost her mind.
"You call that just escorting? I take leave, escort you there, then escort you back?!"
"Ahem… pleaseee~ Peachy, you're the best~~!"
Seeing this, Whitney grabbed her hand and started shaking it energetically.
"Stop, stop—your shaking is making me insecure."
DJ Mary glanced at Whitney's chest… then looked down at her own feet, sighing quietly.
Whitney raised an eyebrow. "So? You agree?"
"What choice do I have… must've owed you in a past life."
But she still hadn't realized how serious the situation really was.
Whitney jumped excitedly.
"This is great! Peter definitely won't expect me to go cheer him on!"
Her pink eyes sparkled with excitement, longing, and something deeper.
DJ Mary froze.
"Wait—don't tell me you're traveling all that way just to see Peter?"
"Of course~ Who else would I go see? I don't know many people anyway."
She said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world, smiling uncontrollably.
"..."
Whitney was silent for a moment, then spoke solemnly:
"Do you know what I feel like right now?"
"What?"
"A guide dog."
"…Huh?"
"Not only do I have to lead the way—
I even have to eat dog food."
-----
Sinnoh Region — Jubilife City
Known as the most technologically advanced city in Sinnoh, Jubilife City was built atop a hollowed mountain peak and was often called 'The City That Brings Happiness Together.'
Outside the airport on the city's outskirts, Peter stepped out with his backpack.
Pedestrians along the way couldn't help but stare.
On his right shoulder sat a cute little rabbit Pokémon. In his arms was a seed-like, tender-green Pokémon.
For an unfamiliar species like Smoliv, people naturally showed great curiosity.
Sure enough, a reporter in a professional suit approached them.
"Hello, handsome~ Would you mind a quick interview? I'm from Jubilife TV."
Peter froze for a second and instinctively refused.
"Uh… I'm kind of in a hurry."
"It's okay! Just a moment, I promise—it'll be super quick~"
She shoved the microphone right up to Peter's face, while the cameraman behind her linked the feed to the station.
Left with no choice, Peter agreed and put on a polite smile.
"Viewers, today on the streets of Jubilife City, we've encountered a refined young Trainer. The Pokémon in his arms appears to be an entirely unknown species—would you care to introduce it?"
Peter saw how serious she looked and replied calmly,
"Well… I think everyone will see its performance at the Sinnoh League Conference."
"Oho~ looks like you're very confident! Then could you tell us—what's your ultimate goal?"
-----
Meanwhile — Sandgem Town, Pokémon Center
After yet another Team Rocket incident, Ash, Brock, and Dawn were waiting for Pikachu and the others to finish treatment.
Just then, Peter's image appeared on the TV.
Seeing Smoliv in his arms, Dawn instinctively pulled out her Pokédex.
"Unknown. No data available…" the mechanical voice reported.
"Huh? A Pokémon that hasn't been recorded yet…" Dawn murmured.
Brock also looked up at the screen—and froze.
"This guy… doesn't he look kind of familiar?"
"Yeah… now that you mention it, I feel like I've seen him somewhere too," Ash said.
At that moment, the interview reached its climax.
"Could you tell everyone what your goal is?"
On screen, Peter's lips curved upward slightly.
"From the moment I stepped onto this path, I've had only one goal."
"…Champion."
The screen froze on his confident smile.