Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 383: Reward

Chapter 383: Reward

“Find a way? What do you mean?”

Iono tilted her head, looking confused as Naoki’s words sank in.

She had only been introducing Grusha’s situation to Naoki and hadn’t expected him to suggest helping.

And… was something like that even possible?

Naoki didn’t dwell on her reaction. He returned to the kitchen, bringing out the freshly prepared dishes and setting them on the table.

As they began eating, Iono couldn’t help but glance at Naoki repeatedly. Her hesitation to speak was obvious. Naoki noticed and decided to address the situation directly. Turning to Grusha, he asked, “I heard you injured your leg some time ago. How is it feeling now?”

Grusha froze for a moment, caught off guard by the question.

After a brief pause, he responded, “I can walk normally, but I can no longer handle strenuous activity.”

Even a slight push could bring a sharp, throbbing pain to his leg.

“I see,” Naoki murmured, nodding thoughtfully. “Well, let me take a look after lunch. Maybe I can help.”

Grusha blinked, surprised. “Are you a doctor, Mr. Naoki?”

“No,” Naoki replied with a small chuckle. “But I have a remedy that works wonders for both humans and Pokémon alike. It’s worth a try.”

Grusha’s usual calm demeanor began to waver. He could sense the genuine care in Naoki’s voice. While he had little hope of recovery after so many failed treatments, he nodded politely. “Thank you. I appreciate the effort.”

Naoki offered a reassuring smile before focusing back on the meal.

After lunch, Naoki approached Calyrex, who was lounging near the ranch garden, and explained Grusha’s condition.

Calyrex, intrigued, agreed to help. Floating gracefully toward the living room, the legendary Pokémon emitted a faint blue glow as it scanned Grusha’s right leg with psychic energy.

Grusha sat on the sofa, unable to hide his astonishment as a soothing blue light enveloped his injured leg.

After a few moments, Calyrex opened its eyes and spoke telepathically. “The injury was severe. I see evidence of fractures that never healed properly.”

Grusha stared at his leg in disbelief before looking back at Calyrex, his mind racing.

“Can it be healed?” Naoki asked, his voice steady but hopeful.

Calyrex nodded calmly. “With my Heal Pulse and a dose of Gogoat’s Life Milk, his injury can be fully restored.”

Without hesitation, Naoki fetched a bottle of Life Milk from the refrigerator, placing it on the table.

Grusha’s disbelief deepened. Did Calyrex just say his injury could be healed? How could that be possible after years of pain and unsuccessful treatments?

But… what if it were true?

Grusha felt a flicker of hope he hadn’t dared to entertain for years.

Iono, who had been observing silently, finally spoke up. “Wait… Grusha’s injury can really be healed?!”

Naoki smiled confidently. “Calyrex believes so. The combination of Heal Pulse and Life Milk should do the trick. Go ahead and drink this while Calyrex begins treatment.”

Grusha hesitated, eyeing the bottle. The label depicted an adorable illustration of a Gogoat, and he recognized it as the same milk Naoki had used earlier to restore an injured Pokémon.

Taking a deep breath, Grusha picked up the bottle and began drinking. The milk was rich and soothing, filling him with warmth.

Calyrex floated closer, its body radiating soft pink energy as waves of healing power emanated from it. The magical energy enveloped Grusha’s leg, seeping deep into the bone and tissue.

Seconds ticked by. Then, with a serene smile, Calyrex announced, “It is done.”

Grusha stared at his leg in stunned silence. A comforting warmth coursed through his limb, unlike anything he had felt since the accident.

Tentatively, he stood up. The movement was smooth and free of pain. He took a step, then another. His pace quickened until he was running and jumping, his joy evident in every movement.

Naoki, watching the transformation, couldn’t help but smile. “Why not take a proper run outside?” he suggested.

Grusha nodded eagerly, and the group followed him out to the ranch. Surrounded by Pokémon, Grusha tested his leg by sprinting across the field and performing agile leaps. His face, often stoic and cold, now bore a radiant smile.

For the first time in years, he felt whole.

Naoki observed the scene and let out a contented sigh. “At this rate, I might become Paldea’s most famous doctor.”

Hearing this, Iono turned to him, her expression playful. “With skills like that, maybe you already are!”

Naoki laughed, scratching the back of his head. But when he glanced at Iono, he noticed her eyes sparkling with admiration.

“What?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Iono grinned mischievously. “Your hairstyle looks really good right now.”

Naoki blushed faintly. Compliments weren’t something he was used to. “Well, uh, thanks,” he muttered, trying to brush it off.

Iono shifted the conversation, her tone more serious. “Have you treated many people like this before?”

Naoki shook his head. “Not people, no. Grusha was the first. But I’ve helped plenty of trainers treat their Pokémon.”

“That Pokémon was seriously injured. With the current state of medical technology, there was no way to fully cure it. If nothing had been done, it wouldn’t have survived,” Naoki said, his voice soft but firm.

Iono’s eyes widened as she began to understand. A grin spread across her face as she chimed in, “That trainer must have been overjoyed, right?”

Naoki smiled faintly, recalling Alder’s heartfelt gratitude. “Yes. He was incredibly thankful—and he even helped me out a lot in return.”

At that moment, Grusha came running back into the room. His face was flushed, his expression animated, and without warning, he pulled Naoki into a big, enthusiastic hug.

Naoki froze in surprise. “???”

Grusha released him after a moment, his face brimming with gratitude. “Thank you, Naoki. Truly, thank you.”

Realizing what this was about, Naoki chuckled warmly. “You’re welcome. It was just a small favor.”

Grusha shook his head adamantly. “No. No matter how small you think it was, I need to thank you properly.”

Before Naoki could reply, a group of Pokémon began gathering around Grusha, their excitement evident in their sparkling eyes and eager expressions.

Naoki gestured toward them. “Your Pokémon were worried about you too.”

Grusha turned to face his Pokémon—his loyal companions who had stayed by his side through thick and thin.

There they stood: Frosmoth, Beartic, Cetitan, Weavile, and Altaria. Each one’s gaze was filled with joy and relief as they looked at their trainer.

Grusha’s expression softened, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Everyone… I’m sorry for making you worry all this time.”

“Wooo~!”

Altaria, standing at the forefront, let out a melodious cry before stepping closer.

Grusha knelt down and gently stroked its head, his movements tender and full of affection.

Seeing this, the other Pokémon eagerly crowded around him, their happiness palpable. Grusha reached out to each one, offering a touch or a word of gratitude.

Naoki stood back, observing the heartwarming scene unfold. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Is this the real Grusha?” he asked.

Iono grinned, her vibrant energy returning. “Yep! That’s the Grusha I remember—lively and full of life!”

“It’s quite the surprise,” Naoki admitted, his tone lighthearted.

After spending a few more moments with his Pokémon, Grusha approached Naoki and Iono, his expression radiant.

“Congratulations, Grusha!” Iono cheered, her enthusiasm infectious.

Naoki raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye. “So, what are your plans now? Are you going to stay as the Gym Leader of Glaseado Mountain, or are you thinking about returning to competitive snowboarding?”

Grusha glanced at Naoki, then at Iono, a serene smile gracing his face. “I remember something you once told me, Iono—that the past is the past, and we should look forward.”

Iono nodded enthusiastically. “That’s right! Have you figured things out now?”

Grusha’s gaze turned resolute. “Yes. The past is behind me. From now on, I’ll focus on the present. I am Grusha, the Gym Leader of Glaseado Mountain Gym. I want to live alongside my Pokémon and embrace the challenges of being a trainer.”

The Pokémon standing behind him let out cheers and cries of encouragement, echoing their trainer’s renewed determination.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Naoki said with a grin. “Honestly, I was a little worried you’d quit being a Gym Leader to return to the competitive scene. If that happened, I’m sure the Chief would have come to give me an earful!”

Grusha laughed heartily, the sound warm and genuine.

Iono, picturing the scenario, chuckled as well. “Oh, the Chief wouldn’t scold you. She’d probably just drag you over to Glaseado Mountain and make you run the Gym!”

The group shared a laugh.

“Forget it then!” Naoki shook his head repeatedly. “It’s way too cold up there at Glaseado Mountain. Cyclizar would never be able to adjust to that kind of environment.”

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Paldea League…

Geeta, busy and utterly drained from dealing with reports of wild Pokémon causing havoc and disrupting the city’s power systems, suddenly sneezed several times in succession.

She frowned slightly but quickly brushed it off as insignificant.

From her spot leaning against the doorframe, Rika crossed her arms and observed Geeta with an amused expression. Noticing the tiny crystal-shaped buds woven into Geeta’s hair, she quipped, “Chief, maybe it’s time you took a break.”

Without turning around, Geeta replied firmly, “There’s still work that needs to be done. Speaking of which, did you see the report about the blackout in Levincia yesterday?”

Rika sighed. “You already assigned that task to Tulip this morning. She’s probably on-site handling it by now.”

“Oh,” Geeta murmured, her tone lightening. Putting her pen down, she chuckled awkwardly. “In that case, I suppose I really should take a break.”

Rika pinched the bridge of her nose, exasperated. “You’re impossible sometimes, you know that?”

...

Grusha and Iono eventually left the ranch, each returning to their respective gyms to continue their duties.

Life at the ranch resumed its peaceful rhythm, as though nothing unusual had occurred. However, Naoki began noticing something peculiar—Cyclizar had become increasingly clingy.

After Cyclizar bounded over to lick his hand for the thirty-eighth time that week, Naoki finally reached his limit.

“Don’t pick up bad habits from Koraidon!” Naoki scolded, trying to sound stern.

“Gaooo…” Cyclizar responded, its eyes wide and pitiful.

Meanwhile, Koraidon, who had been lounging nearby, tilted its head innocently and chirped, “Raao!”

It was clear Koraidon didn’t think it had done anything wrong. Well, technically, it hadn’t—because Cyclizar had been copying its behavior all on its own.

Feeling Koraidon’s guilty glance, Naoki sighed. “Oh, so it was you who taught Cyclizar this?”

Koraidon quickly looked away, turning its back to Naoki and pretending to nap. Its body language all but screamed guilt.

Naoki rubbed his temples, exasperated. “Cyclizar, ready for battle!” he called out suddenly.

Cyclizar blinked, confused by the sudden command. It darted its gaze around the room, searching for a foe but found none.

Even Koraidon, startled awake, looked around to assess the situation.

“Cyclizar, use Lick… on Koraidon!” Naoki instructed with mock seriousness.

“Gao?!” Cyclizar’s eyes widened in disbelief as it turned to look at Koraidon, who stared back at it with equal horror.

Neither of them moved for a moment, their shared look of disgust palpable.

Cyclizar finally let out a panicked cry and bolted from the room, heading for a shady corner of the ranch. There, it sprawled out lazily, relieved to have avoided the ridiculous “battle.”

Cyclizar was content. Being close to Naoki was worth all the awkwardness. It silently thanked Iono for the encouragement that had helped it build this bond.

Meanwhile, Koraidon stretched leisurely, ambling over to Naoki. Noticing Naoki watching Cyclizar run off, it tilted its head and chirped, “Raao?”

Naoki furrowed his brow. “Have you noticed? Cyclizar’s been acting a little mischievous lately.”

He paused, deep in thought. “Do Pokémon go through a rebellious phase? Or maybe Cyclizar’s behavior is more like a human teenager trying to get attention…”

Hearing this, Koraidon immediately understood what was going on.

“Ah, gah…”

At that moment, the videophone in the living room rang, interrupting his musings.

Naoki walked over to answer the call. The screen lit up with Geeta’s composed face, her usual air of authority softened by a satisfied smile.

“Well done, Naoki,” she began, her tone warm.

Naoki blinked in confusion. “I’m sorry, what?”

Geeta elaborated, “I heard about everything from Iono and Grusha. You helped Grusha heal his injury, overcome his emotional struggles, and strengthen the Glaseado Mountain Gym in the process.”

“I’m glad you were willing to support him. So tell me—what reward would you like? On behalf of the Paldea League, I want to thank you properly.”

Naoki stared blankly at the screen. “A reward?” he echoed, dumbfounded. Helping Grusha had never been about receiving anything in return.

Geeta, however, didn’t let him off the hook. “Come on, don’t be modest. Do you want a rare Pokémon, cultivation items, evolution stones? Or perhaps something else? If the Paldea League doesn’t have it, I’ll use my personal resources to ensure you get what you want.”

...

Bonus Chapter