After a series of tests and evaluations, Zack finally offered a high price of 600 Poké Dollars for the Moo Moo Milk. Naoki felt quite satisfied as he took the stack of money Zack handed over.
With the goods collected, Zack drove the truck away from the ranch.
Naoki looked at the sunset and the darkening sky in the distance, stretching to ease his muscles.
'It's getting late,' he thought, 'time to prepare dinner for everyone!'
As the sky darkened, the weary birds returned to their nests, and the ranch, bathed in the soft glow of the sunset, exuded a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
After leaving Naoki Ranch, Max hurried toward the town. Tonight, he planned to rest at the Pokémon Center.
Once there, he used the videophone to contact his teacher and report on his day's encounters.
As the video call connected, a young woman with glasses, dark skin, and long purple hair appeared on the screen. This was Professor Raifort, a history teacher at Naranja Academy, responsible for guiding this year's freshmen.
"Good evening, Professor Raifort!" Max greeted her with a wide smile.
Professor Raifort adjusted her glasses and looked at the young man on the screen, noticing the Fuecoco and Fletchling perched on his shoulders.
"It seems you've successfully taken your first steps as a trainer. Congratulations, Max."
Max scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit embarrassed, and then recounted the story of how he chased and tamed the Fletchling earlier that day.
As he finished, he hesitated before asking, "Um... Professor Raifort, have you ever seen a glowing Skiddo?"
Raifort raised an eyebrow. "A glowing Skiddo?"
Max nodded, continuing, "I met a very mysterious person today who helped me tame the Fletchling. He's a rancher who raises many..." He paused, searching for the right words, "a lot of unusual Pokémon."
Now Raifort was intrigued. "Oh?"
Max explained, "A Skiddo that glows green, a Dragonite that uses rain to water crops, and a Pokémon I've never seen before—not even in the Pokédex."
He carefully recounted everything that happened on the ranch.
At first, Raifort seemed a bit unimpressed. "Some Pokémon do emit light when they evolve, which means their trainer has raised them to their peak."
"And while Dragonite is rare, it's not unheard of to use one to help water crops."
But when Max described the Pokémon he'd never seen before, Raifort's interest piqued. "A Pokémon that resembles a motorcycle lizard, with a red body and a strong build. Are you sure you saw it clearly?"
Max quickly responded, "I promise I wasn't seeing things!"
Raifort's curiosity deepened. "Oh, it sounds like you've encountered something very intriguing!"
The description reminded her of an ancient Pokémon, possibly a Koraidon, recorded in old exploration notes, known for its immense power.
However, Raifort was uncertain. After a moment of thought, she said, "I suddenly remembered something. Let's pause our conversation here for today—I need to look up some information."
Max nodded eagerly. "Oh, okay!"
Raifort set aside her current research on the Four Treasures of Ruin and stood up, preparing to head to the academy's library to investigate further.
There, in the academy's library, was a large collection of ancient books, including the Book of Vermilion, written by the ancient explorer. Raifort knew she would need to consult this tome to find the answers she sought.
...
"Mr. Naoki, there's a letter for you!"
It was early morning, and Naoki was in the Pokémon House, instructing Miltank on how to use the automatic milking machine. Suddenly, he heard the familiar voice of the postman, Ivan [Alven], calling from outside.
Naoki paused his work with Miltank and walked out of the Pokémon House to meet Ivan, who handed him a letter.
Ivan's face was bright with a sunny smile. "This one's from Mayor Thomas."
"Mayor Thomas?" Naoki repeated, curiosity piqued as he opened the envelope.
The letter read:
To Naoki,
How are you doing lately? Is everything going well on the ranch? I heard from Zack that you've started raising Miltank, which is quite a surprise! Your grandfather would be so proud to know how hard you're working to keep the ranch thriving.
By the way, I'm sure your ranch has a fair number of cattle and sheep type Pokémon, right?
In a few days, the town will be hosting the Spring Cattle and Sheep Judging Competition. All the nearby ranches will participate, bringing the cattle and sheep-type Pokémon they've raised to be judged. The town's Pokémon breeders will serve as judges, assessing the Pokémon's fur, health, and overall well-being to determine the best cared-for Pokémon.
The town has prepared a mysterious gift for the ranch that takes first place!
If you're ready to participate, please come to the town's celebration square at 9 a.m. on February 24th. I look forward to seeing you there.
—Mayor Thomas
"Spring Cattle and Sheep Judging Competition?" Naoki murmured, a spark of interest lighting up in his eyes.
Ivan, who had been standing by, seemed to know about the event. He leaned in with a grin. "Mr. Naoki, are you going to participate? Eh? The Skiddo have evolved!"
"Yes, they evolved just a few days ago," Naoki replied with a smile. "Have you ever participated in these competitions?"
Ivan nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Nearly everyone in town takes part. Last year, the winner was the Mareep from Light Green Pasture. I've heard this year's competition will be even tougher! So, will you be participating?"
Naoki glanced over at his three lazy Gogoat, recalling the incredible scene of their evolution just days before. He coughed lightly and said, "Most likely!"
"Great! I'll be rooting for you, and I'm sure the rest of the town will too!" Ivan said, flashing a bright smile.
After delivering the letter, Ivan turned to leave, but Naoki stopped him with a question. "I'm still getting familiar with the area, and besides the cattle and sheep competition, are there any other festivals in town?"
"Festivals, there are so many!" Ivan replied, his excitement clear.
"The Spring Horse Race at the end of March is a big one. Everyone rides their own horse Pokémon—like Rapidash, Zebstrika, and Mudsdale—to compete in the race. Trainers passing through town are welcome to join too!"
"There are also fireworks shows and fishing competitions in the summer, harvest days and food festivals in the fall, and Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve celebrations in the winter. They're all lively festivals where the people and Pokémon in town gather to celebrate together."
Naoki listened with interest, imagining the vibrant community life that each festival would bring.