Marnie smiled. This was probably the most shocking thing the three members of Team Yell had seen recently.
It's important to note that Marnie usually wore a stoic expression, never showing her emotions. Even when she smiled, it was always with the help of her fingers. Being cold was practically Marnie's signature trait.
But now, she smiled naturally. Though it was a small smile, they could see it clearly.
The first thought that came to the Team Yell trio's minds was that Marnie's secret smile practice had finally paid off. She had been trying to keep this practice a secret, but in reality, everyone except Piers was aware of it.
Indeed, the hardworking Marnie was the best! Their shock slightly subsided, and suddenly, the notification sound from their phones rang.
This was a special notification tone set for Marnie's posts, ensuring they could immediately catch any updates from her.
"What's this…"
The three, staring at their screens, looked at the new picture Marnie had shared, which was accompanied by a message.
"Marnie's victory ヽ(▽)ノ Everyone really worked hard (●''●) I'm very happy too o(*￣▽￣*)ブ"
In the new picture shared by Marnie, there was a Morpeko reaching out with its tiny hand on her shoulder. Marnie's previously smiling expression had reverted to her familiar stoic look.
The trio quickly posted their congratulations, and then collectively said:
"Indeed, this is the familiar Marnie… huh?"
Then they noticed something odd. It made sense for Marnie to send something separately to Summer, but why could she naturally smile?
"Summer! When did you get so close to Marnie?!"
Surrounded by the trio, Summer pondered for a moment and then said:
"Actually, it was my suggestion for Marnie to catch the Grimmsnarl. With that, you understand, right?"
Summer directly chose to throw the question back at the trio. So it was Summer's idea to use Grimmsnarl to challenge the Fighting-type Gym?
Tim started his usual brainstorming and finally came to a conclusion.
"Hmm, this is gratitude, yes, a grateful smile. This explains it. Indeed, the hardworking Marnie is the best!"
This wasn't any special care; it was Marnie expressing gratitude for Summer's suggestion. In other words, now Marnie could slightly show her emotions to express gratitude due to her private practice!
"Is that so?" Aya questioned.
"Hmm, hmm, because it's Marnie, it's quite possible," Nayo agreed.
At this moment, Tim said to Nayo, "Speaking of which, Nayo, did you forget the other reason we came to find Summer?"
"Oh, I almost forgot because of Marnie's matter. Summer, I have a request for you!" Nayo turned and clasped her hands together in a plea.
"What is it?"
"Actually, my younger sister wants to become a Trainer and needs a Pokémon."
"A Pokémon? Why not go to the Pokémon Professor? The Pokémon they provide are not only easy to train but also friendly towards people, making them perfect for beginners." Summer was puzzled.
Nayo gave a bitter smile, "Ahaha, Summer, you know the culture of Spikemuth…"
"Rebellious, unruly," Tim adjusted his invisible glasses.
"And defiant!" Aya added.
"Uh, indeed," Summer nodded.
"So, when I suggested a plan similar to yours, my sister refused and insisted on catching a wild Pokémon as her first partner, just like Marnie."
"Then I thought of the Sunset Forest. Besides Morpeko, the Pokémon there aren't very dangerous, right?"
"Since she wants to use a wild Pokémon as her first partner, I figured she should catch one herself. That's what I thought."
Then Nayo looked at Summer and pleaded, "Summer, you're the Ranger of the Sunset Forest and know the Pokémon distribution best. Though I want her to catch one herself, I don't want her to encounter any dangerous Pokémon."
"So please, Summer, find a suitable area for her!"
Besides Morpeko... this idea was correct previously. However, the Sunset Forest had changed significantly. The Dream Forest and Tropical Rainforest areas were definitely not places for unarmed kids.
With this in mind, Summer asked, "Nayo, does your sister prefer Grass-type Pokémon or Water-type Pokémon?"
"Uh, I really don't know…"
"In that case, why not take Summer to meet your sister?" Tim suggested.
"Yes, face-to-face would help understand her true preferences," Aya agreed.
Hearing their suggestions, Nayo asked, "That's right, Summer, what do you think?"
"I'm fine with it," Summer said, thinking it would be best to determine the most suitable Pokémon based on Nayo's sister's preferences.
"Great, I'll lead the way!" Nayo said happily.
Through the maze-like streets, Summer followed the Team Yell trio to Nayo's house. It was an ordinary house, but due to Spikemuth's decline, the exterior looked somewhat dilapidated.
Nayo pushed open the door, and inside, the house had a warm atmosphere, though it was a bit crowded. Just the shoe cabinet at the entrance was filled with several pairs of shoes, and the remaining space was crammed with Marnie's support items.
"Please come in," Nayo invited Summer and the trio inside.
At that moment, noisy sounds came from inside the house. Two boys, around ten years old, ran out, one with a Galarian Zigzagoon by his side and the other with a Wingull on his head.
Following them was a Mr. Mime, not in its Galarian form, but in its usual form. It looked apologetically at Nayo, finding it hard to manage the overly energetic kids.
"Hey, hey, Puer, Marl, don't run in the house!" Nayo asserted her authority as the eldest sister, and the two boys immediately stood with their hands at their sides, not daring to make a fuss.
She covered her forehead and then said to Mr. Mime, "Phew, thank you for your hard work, Mr. Mime. So, where's Nako?"
"Mime~" Mr. Mime waved his hand to indicate it was fine, then pointed upstairs to show Nako's location.
"Thanks. Summer, you guys wait on the first floor for a bit. I'll go get her," Nayo said.
"Summer?"
"Who?"
The two boys were extremely curious, tilting their heads to see Summer through Aya and Tim. But their attention was mostly on the Rillaboom behind him.
"Rillaboom!" They exclaimed in unison, "It looks so cool!"
"Don't shout, you'll disturb the neighbors," Nayo said as she pinched their cheeks.
"Alright, Nayo, it's just kids being kids," Summer said, then introduced himself, "Nice to meet you, I'm Summer, the Ranger of the Sunset Forest and your sister's friend."
"I'm Puer," the boy with Zigzagoon said.
"I'm Marl," the boy with Wingull said.
Their expressions were serious because their sister had taught them to respond properly when greeted.
Nayo, satisfied, went upstairs. By the window, a little girl was carefully watering the seedlings in a flowerpot. She turned her head because her sister was calling her.
"Nako, come here, it's about your Pokémon!"