Naoki's ability to detach himself from events and view them objectively gave him an interesting perspective on the situation.
Arceus had banished Giratina to the Reverse World, and Giratina, fueled by anger, had schemed tirelessly to create chaos.
This included using its powers of distortion to subtly influence Dialga and Palkia, the gods of time and space, pushing them into frenzies that rippled through the real world.
But what had Arceus done in response?
Instead of confronting Giratina directly, Arceus interacted with Ash and his companions to resolve disruptions caused by the actions of Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.
This led Naoki to ponder: surely Arceus must have been aware of Giratina's involvement in these disasters.
Why, then, had Arceus never approached Giratina directly?
While Naoki wrestled with this mystery, Giratina interrupted his thoughts.
"Have you thought it through?" Giratina asked, its tone sharp. "If you want my help, it means joining forces with me. If that one—He—discovers our actions, you'll have to face Him with me.
"To you humans, that being is what you call 'God', the creator of the world, right? Do you have the courage to confront God face-to-face?"
"Do you have the courage to stand against God Himself?"
Naoki blinked, startled. "Wait, wait, wait! I'm not planning to join you in destroying the world or anything. Why would Arceus even care if I'm just trying to make a floating tree?"
But Giratina seemed unimpressed. "If I help you," it growled, "what will you offer me in return?"
Naoki hesitated, recalling the time Giratina had taken a few fish from him during a previous visit. "Uh… I can catch you more tuna?"
"No!" Giratina roared, its crimson eyes blazing with intensity. "I want you to join me in taking revenge against Him!"
Naoki froze, unsure how to respond.
His first instinct was to bid Giratina a hasty farewell. But then, a thought struck him.
In a few years, Arceus, weakened by humanity's greed, would awaken from its slumber and seek retribution. That was the storyline of the movie Arceus and the Jewel of Life.
During that event, Dialga, Palkia, and even Giratina would unite to protect the world from Arceus' wrath.
If Naoki played his cards right, he could stage a mock battle alongside Giratina, pretending to attack Arceus to satisfy Giratina's thirst for revenge.
It wouldn't need to be a real confrontation—just an elaborate act to appease Giratina.
Naoki began strategizing. During the battle, Arceus' elemental plates—Water, Grass, Electric, and Ground—would be missing. Without those, Arceus would be vulnerable to moves of those types.
He already had Pokémon specializing in those attributes: Calyrex and Gogoats for Grass, Dragonite and Pawmot for Electric, and his Ogerpon equipped with Water and Ground moves.
With Giratina's support, alongside Dialga and Palkia, and restorative items like Moomoo Milk and other beneficial dishes, they might just pull off the illusion of a grand alliance.
Finally, he spoke. "So, how exactly do you plan to take revenge on Arceus?"
Giratina seemed momentarily at a loss for specifics.
Naoki seized the opportunity to steer the narrative. "I have a feeling your chance will come soon. Maybe in two years. Until then, why not focus on training and becoming even stronger?"
Giratina grinned, its serpentine tail flicking in anticipation. "Fine. Two years is nothing to me."
It yawned, settling back into the flowers. For a being that had existed for eons, two years was just a short nap.
Naoki, now thoroughly exhausted by the conversation, turned to leave the Reverse World.
...
Back in his living room, Calyrex greeted him. "Did you find a solution?"
"Um, maybe?" Naoki also had a headache. He told Calyrex in detail about what had just happened. At the end, he asked, "Am I too naive?"
Calyrex had never encountered Arceus nor heard of Him directly, but He was undeterred. With determination in His voice, He replied, "The God who created the world? I wonder how He would compare to the Darkest Day's Eternatus from Galar."
Naoki shook his head, replying thoughtfully, "Eternatus wouldn't stand a chance. Arceus wields the Plates of Creation. As long as He carries them, no type of attack in this world can harm Him."
Calyrex fell silent for a moment, His mind seemingly deep in thought. At last, He spoke, "If that's the case, we must prepare properly."
Naoki blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "Prepare? For what?"
Calyrex's gaze turned outward toward the ranch as He explained, "Now is the time. My strength has fully returned to its peak, and I can bestow the [Power of the King] upon Pawmot."
Naoki's eyes widened in surprise. "A coronation? Like what you did for Zacian and Zamazenta at the Crown Shrine?"
Calyrex nodded serenely. "Precisely. When I blessed the Sword and Shield, only those two valiant warriors, who had fought tirelessly with their respective weapons, could transform into the Sword King and Shield King."
Hearing this, Naoki was even more baffled. "Wait… You're going to enchant Pawmot's hammer?!"
Sensing Naoki's bewilderment, Calyrex elaborated, "That young one has a brave and pure heart. With the [Power of the King], Pawmot will become a true hero."
"But before bestowing this power, I must test its worthiness. Only by passing the test will it prove itself qualified to bear the mantle of the king."
"A test?" Naoki asked, still processing what he was hearing.
Calyrex nodded. "Leave this matter to me. You need not worry."
Naoki took a calming breath. "Alright, but how exactly are you going to test it?"
Calyrex 's voice was calm as He replied, "I will use my Psychic abilities to create an illusion—one that will reveal Pawmot's true courage."
Naoki nodded in understanding. "Alright. I'll trust you to handle it."
Calyrex 's expression softened with a warm smile. He rose gracefully from the sofa, floating out of the living room and toward the ranch.
Naoki followed Him and called out to Pawmot, who was playing nearby with Glaceon and the others. Upon hearing Naoki's voice, Pawmot dashed over enthusiastically. "Pawmot?"
Naoki knelt to meet its gaze, his expression serious yet encouraging. "Pawmot, do you want to become a real superhero?"
Without hesitation, Pawmot stood tall and gave an emphatic nod.
"Pawmot!"
Naoki smiled. "Then show your courage and your heart to Calyrex."
Calyrex regarded Pawmot with kind eyes, speaking directly to its mind through telepathy. "Do not be afraid. I will now test your bravery. If you succeed, I shall bestow upon you the [Power of the King], a gift worthy of your valor."
Pawmot tilted its head curiously, as though trying to understand, before looking to Naoki for reassurance. Naoki gave it a confident nod. "You've got this."
Bolstered by Naoki's encouragement, Pawmot's eyes filled with determination. "Pawmot!" it declared.
Calyrex gave a small nod of approval. "Then let the test begin."
...
Bonus Chapter