Since this was about building their new home together, both Naoki and the Pokemon looked especially hopeful and attentive.
Therefore, when Keri was working with Machamp and Conkeldurr, Naoki often stood watching from a distance, observing them lay foundations, saw wood, mix cement...
They anticipated the completion of their new home, where they would start a brand-new life.
For Naoki, this new home had extraordinary significance.
It was not just a house but a shared home with the Pokemon, a product of their hard work, and the entire ranch was filled with an atmosphere of joy.
Amidst this atmosphere, time unknowingly advanced to May 19th.
That evening, Keri and several Machamp stopped their construction work, and covered in dust and mud, she walked up to Naoki.
Keri: "By the way Naoki, are you planning to participate in the fishing competition tomorrow?"
Thinking about how he had been practicing his fishing skills these past few days, Naoki nodded: "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll participate."
"Then you should do your best!" Keri said, "I heard Allen is also participating, and his fishing skills are quite impressive. People in town often see him walking around with a big fish."
Naoki was a bit puzzled: "Why haven't I heard him mention it?"
"Didn't he say so?" Keri seemed equally surprised. She thought for a moment and added, "Maybe he wants to surprise you?"
Naoki: "..."
Well, let's talk about it tomorrow!
It's getting late. Today's construction is over. Keri took Machamp and Conkeldurr and left the ranch; they planned to take the morning off tomorrow to watch the fishing competition.
Naoki had no objections, even though he wanted to move into the new house as soon as possible, he wasn't in too much of a hurry.
After all, having waited so many days, a little longer wouldn't hurt.
Watching Keri's silhouette as she left, Naoki turned to prepare dinner for the Pokemon.
To be in the best condition for tomorrow's fishing competition, after dinner, Naoki went to bed early.
He initially thought he would wake up early the next day, head to the exciting fishing competition, and win first place.
However, plans couldn't keep up with changes.
Early the next morning, just as Naoki was about to set off for the competition venue at Lake Verity, an unexpected guest arrived at the ranch.
Staring at the young girl who appeared in the ranch like a phantom, Naoki stood frozen.
She was an extremely beautiful young girl dressed in a kimono with pink cherry blossom petals printed on it, her long black hair elegantly tied up, revealing a flawless swan neck.
The girl looked over with ethereal eyes, appearing so fragile as if her life force was fading away.
Suddenly, she lifted her foot and walked over frivolously on what seemed like quiet flames.
Naoki's gaze was instantly captured by this incredible sight.
At this time, Cyclizar, prepared to take him to the fishing competition site, looked over curiously when Naoki remained stationary for a long time: "Gaao?"
Naoki glanced at Cyclizar, but realized it seemed not to see the girl walking towards them at all.
Naoki was slightly taken aback and then widened his eyes in disbelief: "C-Cyclizar, can you see the person over there?"
Cyclizar followed his pointing direction but saw nothing.
Can't see? Could it be a ghost in broad daylight?
Naoki shivered, and suddenly, a strange voice echoed in his mind: "This is an illusion technique."
Stunned, the girl walking on fire suddenly erupted into a flame.
Within the flame, the girl's form kept changing and finally disappeared, replaced by a four-legged Pokemon with a fox-like appearance.
It was cloaked in glimmering gold fur, with nine fluffy and slender tails swaying gently as it walked. Its crimson eyes showed no expression, and its proportionate body conveyed nobility and elegance.
It's... a Ninetales?!
Naoki's eyes opened wide.
At this moment, Cyclizar could finally see the suddenly appearing Ninetales, and it jumped in fright as well.
"Gaao?!"
Hearing the commotion, Koraidon, Dragonite, and other Pokemon ran over. Upon seeing the situation, they curiously directed their gazes toward the unexpected Ninetales.
Ninetales seemed unconcerned about Dragonite and the other Pokemon, only looking calmly at Naoki.
"Teddiursa and Mew told me that a Pokemon Tavern opened here, where Pokemon can fulfill their wishes."
Teddiursa and Mew?
Hearing these names, Naoki immediately understood the Ninetales was here for the Pokemon Tavern!
Though the tavern wasn't constructed yet, it wouldn't stop him from starting the business.
After a brief thought, Naoki asked: "Do you have a wish you hope to fulfill?"
Ninetales remained silent, and a glimmer flashed in its crimson eyes.
Soon, Naoki witnessed the scene around him rapidly change.
The ranch disappeared, replaced by an ancient mansion.
A kimono-clad girl, showing anxiousness, rushed into the mansion carrying a wounded Vulpix, shouting at the householder: "Please save this Vulpix!"
Naoki saw the Vulpix was injured.
Responding to her plea, the mansion's owner agreed and healed Vulpix's injuries.
Since then, Vulpix began living with the girl, growing up with her, slowly maturing until it reached the end of its life.
The girl's hair turned white, and Vulpix became Ninetales.
It lingered long at her graveside, unwilling to depart, until the world underwent drastic changes: seas turned into land, the sun rose and set, forests grew, and the gravestone vanished in time.
After witnessing the illusion crafted by Ninetales, Naoki couldn't help but feel moved.
He asked, "Is this your wish?"
Gazing at the human across, Ninetales nodded gently: "My life is nearing its end. Before it vanishes, I wish to see her one last time."
Naoki: "..." Although he wanted to help Pokemon fulfill their wishes, he wasn't a wish-granting machine, nor could he make the Time God Dialga send this Ninetales back in time.
Seeing his expression, a wave of disappointment swept through Ninetales' eyes: "Is it impossible?"
Naoki: "…Actually, I am just a normal human."
Hearing this, Ninetales did not speak further, turned around, and attempted to leave.
Watching its silhouette retreat, Naoki's mind quickly raced, and suddenly, he recalled a dish he had once made.
—A caramel-flavored cream fruit cake!
The cake's effect is a sweet dream that temporarily allows Pokemon to forget their troubles and sorrow and meet who they want to see in the dream.
Thinking of this, Naoki hurriedly called out: "Wait!"
Ninetales turned back in puzzlement.
"Is it just to see her once?" Naoki asked, "No matter the way?"
Ninetales nodded slightly.
Naoki: "If that's the case, follow me then, this matter I can manage."