Naoki was perplexed. Why would these three Dragonites come all the way from Dragonite Island just to challenge his Pokémon?
Seeing the serious demeanor of the three Dragonites, Naoki decided to take a moment to prepare. He turned to Pawmot, who was standing nearby. "Pawmot, could you fetch me some of those translated seed crisps?"
"Pawmot!" (On it!)
Pawmot nodded enthusiastically and dashed off. Meanwhile, the three Dragonites stood silently, their ferocious expressions betraying no emotion.
Koraidon, who was watching from the side, glanced at the three Dragonites with a mixture of annoyance and disbelief. It couldn't understand why they were making such a big deal about a simple challenge.
Pawmot returned in record time, carrying the seed crisps Naoki had requested. Naoki patted its head affectionately. "Good work." He took the crisps, popped one into his mouth, and turned to address the scar-faced Dragonite.
Breaking the silence, he asked, "Why do you suddenly want to fight me?"
The eldest Dragonite, its scar adding a fierce edge to its otherwise docile appearance, replied in a deep, solemn voice: "Awoo." (Because you are strong.)
Naoki raised an eyebrow. "So, you want to test yourself against stronger opponents?"
He studied the Dragonite closely. It was clear this wasn't an ordinary Dragonite. The scar running diagonally down its face spoke of countless battles, each one honing its skills and hardening its spirit. This wasn't the kind of Pokémon that followed orders lightly—it had earned its power through sheer determination.
Naoki couldn't help but compare it to Iris's grumpy Dragonite from the anime. But even that Dragonite paled in comparison to the commanding presence of this one.
Dragonite nodded again, its voice low and firm: "Awoo…" (If you defeat me, I will work for you like the other Dragonites.)
Naoki's eyes widened in surprise. So that's the deal.
This Dragonite wasn't here for rewards like Poffins or Pokeblocks. It wanted to become stronger—and it believed that having a human trainer could help it achieve that.
Naoki scratched his head, slightly overwhelmed by the turn of events. "You want me to train you?"
The eldest Dragonite's response was direct and unwavering: "Awoo." (Yes.)
Naoki glanced around nervously, relieved to see that his own Dragonite wasn't back yet. He sighed and shook his head. "Look, I can help you become stronger, but I don't want you to think of me as your trainer. Just see me as… your boss."
The Dragonite didn't seem to care about the semantics. "Awoo." (That's fine.)
"Alright then," Naoki said, stepping forward. "If I defeat you, you'll stay and help with the work here at the ranch. Deal?"
The eldest Dragonite nodded solemnly. It was clear this was a Pokémon that valued honor and kept its promises.
Naoki grinned. "Good. If you join us, you'll be a great asset to Dragonite Express."
As for helping Dragonite grow stronger, Naoki knew he would find a way—whether through special training, new recipes, or other creative means.
Naoki decided to ask one final question.
"Which of my Pokémon do you want to battle?"
The Pokémon gathered around eagerly, awaiting the Dragonite's choice. Among them were Koraidon, Cyclizar, Flutter Mane, Pawmot, Alcremie, the Eevees, Garganacl, Butterfree, and Ogerpon.
The eldest Dragonite's sharp gaze scanned the group, assessing each Pokémon. Finally, its eyes locked onto Koraidon.
Its dragon instincts told it that the crimson Pokémon was the strongest. The aura Koraidon exuded, the glint of determination in its eyes—everything pointed to a battle-hardened warrior.
Naoki followed the Dragonite's gaze and let out a soft whistle. Wow, it went straight for the top contender.
"Koraidon is incredibly strong," Naoki warned.
Hearing this, Dragonite's stance only grew firmer. It clearly wanted to challenge the most powerful opponent.
Naoki sighed. "Well, if that's your choice..." Turning to Koraidon, he added, "I'm counting on you!"
"Raao!" Koraidon stepped forward confidently, facing Dragonite.
Naoki thought for a moment. Typically, he'd allow the challenger to make the first move, but considering Dragonite's personality, that might come across as dismissive or disrespectful. Instead, he decided it would be best for both sides to give it their all from the start.
Once both Pokémon were ready, Naoki gave the signal: "Let's begin!"
Dragonite wasted no time, spreading its massive wings and unleashing a roar. A vortex of purple, dragon-type energy swirled in its mouth before surging outward in a devastating Dragon Pulse.
"Dodge it!" Naoki commanded calmly, confident in Koraidon's unmatched speed.
Koraidon responded instantly, its form blurring as it dodged the oncoming attack with ease, dashing toward Dragonite from the side like a streak of lightning.
Realizing its attack had missed, Dragonite pivoted quickly, its wings flaring to halt its momentum. Electricity crackled along its right fist as it prepared a Thunder Punch, thrusting it toward Koraidon with immense power.
The two Pokémon collided with immense force, creating a gust of wind that rippled outward in all directions. The sheer power of their clash left the surrounding Pokémon in awe.
It was their first direct confrontation, so Koraidon held back slightly, testing its opponent's strength.
Dragonite, however, did not yield an inch. Its unrelenting nature shone through as it closed the distance and unleashed its most powerful move: Outrage.
A fierce purple aura enveloped its body, its eyes glinting with a crimson light as it began an indiscriminate assault, embodying its raw, untamed power.
"Counter with Dragon Claw!" Naoki commanded firmly.
"Raao!" Koraidon responded instantly.
Although Outrage was an incredibly powerful move, it came with a glaring weakness: the attacking Pokémon would leave itself wide open and fall into confusion once the move ended.
Koraidon capitalized on this flaw. Its claws glowed with a brilliant energy as it slashed at Dragonite with precision. The impact shattered Dragonite's offensive rhythm, sending it flying across the field. The powerful hit left the Dragonite sprawled on the ground, unable to continue the battle.
The two younger Dragonites, who had watched the fight from the sidelines, stared at Koraidon in stunned silence, their expressions filled with disbelief and awe.
Naoki approached the defeated Dragonite, kneeling to check its condition.
"Indeedee, can you bring some of the goat milk?" Naoki called to his Indeedee, who quickly hurried over with a bottle of revitalizing milk.
While waiting, Naoki turned his attention to the two remaining Dragonites. "Do you two want to battle as well?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
The two Dragonites shook their heads vigorously. "Awoo!" (We follow Big Brother! Whatever he does, we do too!)
Naoki was attracted by this title. 'Why are these three Dragonites acting like gangsters'?
He glanced down at the unconscious Dragonite, his gaze falling on the long scar running across its face. Curiosity piqued, he reached out and gently touched the scar.
"How did your eldest brother get this scar?" Naoki asked, looking back at the younger Dragonites.
The two Dragonites puffed up their chests, eager to share their brother's heroic tale.
"Awoo!" (Big Brother got it while fighting a Gyarados!)
"Oooooh!" (That Gyarados was incredibly strong! It took all of Big Brother's strength to defeat it and become the ruler of that area!)
"Oooooh!" (Even though Big Brother looks scary and the Pokémon there fear him, he's not a bad dragon. He never hurts those who don't challenge him!)
Naoki listened quietly, a small smile playing on his lips. The admiration these two had for their elder brother was palpable.
He noted how they even mimicked their older brother's ferocious expressions, trying to look as intimidating as him.
...
Next Bonus Chapter @1000PS