After drinking the goat milk, the eldest brother Dragonite slowly got back on its feet. Its gaze was steady, its expression serious, and it let out a low, determined cry: "Awoo."
The look in its eyes clearly conveyed: 'From now on, you are my trainer.'
The two younger Dragonites stepped up behind their leader and nodded enthusiastically. "Awooo!" (Yes, you're our trainer too!)
Naoki broke into a nervous sweat, his thoughts racing. Why does this feel like a "buy one, get two free" deal?
Later that afternoon, when Naoki's own Dragonite returned to the ranch after completing its delivery route in KosajiTown, it was greeted by an unusual sight—a trio of unfamiliar Dragonites standing in front of Naoki with wide, eager smiles.
Dragonite's eyes narrowed suspiciously, and it immediately swooped down to land between Naoki and the three newcomers, shielding him from their view.
The eldest brother Dragonite noticed this defensive stance and shifted its gaze from Naoki to his Dragonite. The tension in the air was palpable as the two Dragonites locked eyes, each sizing the other up.
The eldest brother Dragonite said nothing, and Naoki's Dragonite remained silent as well. The two stood on the grass, their expressions stern and unyielding.
"Ahem." Naoki awkwardly cleared his throat, stepping between them to break the standoff. "These three Dragonites are here to apply for jobs at the ranch."
Dragonite blinked in confusion. "Awoo?" (Jobs?)
Naoki placed a reassuring hand on Dragonite's shoulder. "Yes, they're here to work. And as per the usual process, it's your job to show them the ropes. Take them to town, familiarize them with the delivery routes, and help them settle in."
Dragonite tilted its head, still puzzled. It knew the eldest brother Dragonite was powerful and proud—so much so that it seemed impossible for someone like it to come all the way to the ranch for simple delivery work.
"Awoo?" (Are they really here just to work?) Dragonite asked, its tone skeptical.
Naoki nodded with a smile. "It's true. They're here to work, but their real goal is to become stronger. That's why I promised to help them grow in exchange for their work."
Dragonite's eyes lit up in realization. 'Working to become stronger?' That sounded like a pretty good deal—and it would save a lot of resources like Poffins!
Now understanding there was no competition for Naoki's attention, Dragonite relaxed. Its expression softened, and it nodded cheerfully. "Awoo~" (Alright, leave it to me!)
"Great. Off you go!" Naoki said with a grin, patting its head.
Dragonite turned to the three newcomers and motioned for them to follow. Together, they flew off toward Kosaji Town, with Dragonite explaining the delivery process and the areas they would be covering.
The next morning, the three new Dragonites officially joined the Naoki Ranch delivery team. From this day forward, the townspeople of Kosaji Town would begin to experience firsthand the unique personalities of Ranch Dragonites.
For the most part, the Dragonites of Naoki Ranch were known for their gentle and kind demeanor. Over time, this reputation led to the assumption that all Dragonites were like this.
However, this assumption was quickly shattered when, early that morning, one of the townspeople opened their door to receive their delivery.
Standing on the doorstep was none other than the eldest brother Dragonite, its fierce gaze unyielding, its scar stark and intimidating, and its expression as serious as ever.
"Ah!" A white-haired elderly woman gasped, stumbling back in shock. For a brief moment, she felt as if she had been transported back to her youth.
During her younger years, while venturing into the wild, the elderly woman had an unforgettable encounter with a grumpy, ferocious-looking Ursaring. The bear caught her off guard and attacked her, leaving her severely bruised and hospitalized for several weeks. The traumatic experience left a deep scar on her memory.
Now, seeing the stern and intimidating appearance of the Dragonite before her, those old fears came rushing back.
The eldest brother Dragonite, noticing her fear, furrowed its brow, its expression becoming even more serious. However, instead of reacting aggressively, it quietly placed the milk on the ground and turned away, walking back toward the path it came from.
The old woman stared at the milk on the ground, gradually realizing what had happened. This Dragonite… was here to deliver milk?
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Naoki kept himself busy with other tasks while waiting for the Dragonites to return from their delivery routes. His nerves remained on edge, particularly regarding the three new Dragonites. Their naturally fierce and serious expressions might give the townspeople the wrong impression.
When all the Dragonites finally returned safely, Naoki let out a breath of relief.
"It looks like their delivery work went smoothly," Naoki said to himself. He had been half-expecting a flood of complaint calls about the "robber-looking" Dragonites, but no such calls had come. He was impressed—and a little surprised—that the townspeople seemed to handle the encounters well.
Now, it was time for Naoki to fulfill his end of the bargain.
As the Dragonites rested on the meadow, some chatted with each other, others dozed off, and a few feasted on treats with contented expressions. The two younger Dragonites, who followed their eldest brother, were particularly engrossed in their newfound love for Poffins, enjoying them with reckless abandon.
The eldest brother Dragonite, however, remained indifferent to the food. Its focus lay elsewhere, driven by a deeper desire to grow stronger. Its self-discipline and ambition set it apart from its siblings.
Naoki called the eldest Dragonite into the living room. On the table was a neat row of fruit wines, each labeled with its unique properties: resistance to paralysis, poison, burns, and freezing.
"Drink these!" Naoki said with a warm smile. "They're my special brews made from Berries. They'll help enhance your strength."
The eldest brother Dragonite stared at the glasses of wine skeptically. Could something like this really make me stronger? It hesitated for a moment, uncertain.
'You don't need to fight, just drink this to become stronger?'
After a moment of silence, it reasoned that Naoki had no reason to deceive it. With that thought, it cautiously picked up a glass and took a sip.
One glass turned into two, then three, and before long, the Dragonite had polished off over a dozen glasses of fruit wine. Its eyes started to glaze over, and a hazy, light-headed sensation washed over it. The mighty Dragonite, renowned for its stoicism, now swayed slightly, its balance unsteady.
Naoki stood frozen, wide-eyed. How could this happen? The alcohol content in these fruit wines wasn't supposed to be that strong. To him, the drinks tasted more like juice, similar to the mild pineapple beer he'd occasionally enjoyed in his previous life.
By looking at the patrons in the Pokémon Tavern, Naoki noticed that none of them had ever been drunk. 'Is this Dragonite's alcohol tolerance really this poor?' he wondered.
With a resounding thud, the mighty Dragonite collapsed to the ground, sound asleep and thoroughly intoxicated.
Naoki: "…"
The commotion caught the attention of the curious Eevees, who padded over to inspect the unconscious Dragonite. They prodded its large body gently with their tiny paw pads.
"Bu-ee?" one of them squeaked inquisitively.
Naoki chuckled and explained, "It's drunk."
Fetching a soft blanket, Naoki covered the Dragonite, letting it rest peacefully. The Eevees, however, didn't understand what it meant to be drunk. Two of them clambered onto the table, noses twitching as they sniffed the remnants of the fruit wine in the glasses.
Quickly stepping forward, Naoki whisked the glasses away. "No drinking for you. You're too young. Maybe when you turn one year old," he said, wagging his finger at them.
"Eevee!" protested one of the little troublemakers, its eyes fixed on the wine. The fruity aroma was simply too enticing!
Seeing Naoki's firm stance, one particularly cunning Eevee darted its gaze toward the basement door—the place where Naoki stored his wines. Its tiny eyes gleamed with mischief as it began to plot.
Naoki immediately caught on. "Don't even think about sneaking into my wine cellar!" he scolded. Marching over, he securely locked the cellar door.
...
When Big Brother Dragonite finally woke up, the sun was high in the sky, and it was already nearing lunchtime. Stretching and blinking groggily, the Dragonite's first sight was Naoki, who greeted it with a warm smile.
"Awake? How do you feel?" Naoki asked, his tone lighthearted.
The Dragonite closed its eyes briefly, focusing on its body. In mere moments, it noticed subtle yet significant changes: its muscles felt stronger, its energy reserves replenished, and there was a faint but undeniable sense of growth—both physical and internal.
Its pupils widened slightly in amazement. 'Those drinks… were incredible!'
Naoki noticed its expression and chuckled. "Each glass of that wine has a different effect," he explained, outlining the benefits of the various fruit wines. "But while your strength is impressive, it seems like you're lacking in technique and strategy."
Naoki's observation came from the Dragonite's battle with Koraidon earlier. Big Brother Dragonite clearly subscribed to the philosophy of brute strength, charging headlong into fights without much consideration for tactics or precision. Against a seasoned opponent, such recklessness became a glaring weakness.
After lunch, Naoki decided to help. He called over his own Dragonite and suggested a sparring match between the two.
The ensuing battle only confirmed Naoki's suspicions. Big Brother Dragonite launched itself forward with raw, unbridled power, relying on sheer physicality. Meanwhile, Naoki's Dragonite employed a well-coordinated strategy, using Rain Dance to summon a downpour and then striking decisively with a powerful Thunder attack.
The clash was over in moments. Big Brother Dragonite was left defeated, stunned, and sitting on the sidelines, its face a mix of disbelief and frustration. 'How could that clumsy Dragonite… surpass me?'
Naoki carefully reviewed Big Brother Dragonite's recent battles, identifying its strengths and areas needing improvement. Now that he had diagnosed the "symptoms" of the elder Dragonite's struggles, it was time to provide the right "treatment."
The plan was multifaceted: teaching Big Brother Dragonite about type matchups, practicing combination moves, refining its fighting style, and instilling the importance of observing opponents' actions instead of charging in recklessly.
To achieve this, Naoki enlisted the help of Koraidon and his own Dragonite as sparring partners. Each battle was a chance for Big Brother Dragonite to learn something new, whether it was a tactical adjustment or how to better manage its immense strength.
...
Time passed quickly, and before long, it was September 20th of the 199th year in the Alliance Calendar.
In that time, Big Brother Dragonite's progress was remarkable. It had evolved from a reckless powerhouse into a more calculated and versatile fighter. The lessons learned from Naoki had a profound impact, shaping it into a wiser Pokémon.
But Big Brother Dragonite's growth wasn't limited to battle skills. Over the past month, it had experienced many things that were completely new to it, and one change stood out more than anything else: the way the townspeople viewed it.
At first, its intimidating appearance had frightened everyone it encountered during deliveries, much like wild Pokémon feared it in the wilderness. Yet, as it continued delivering goods, the people slowly began to warm up to it. Instead of fear, they started greeting it with gentle smiles and waves.
One incident stood out vividly in Dragonite's memory. During a delivery, an elderly woman's Meowth had climbed a tall tree and become too scared to come down. Before leaving, the woman had shyly asked for help. Without hesitation, Dragonite rescued the Meowth, earning the heartfelt gratitude of both the woman and her Pokémon. As thanks, they offered Dragonite a plate of freshly baked cookies, a gesture that left a deep impression on it.
What had begun as a job driven by the desire to grow stronger had become something more. Big Brother Dragonite realized it genuinely enjoyed its role as a delivery Pokémon. The simple joy of helping others, the gratitude it received, and the sense of community made every day fulfilling.
It finally understood why the other Dragonites were so eager to work at Naoki's ranch. It wasn't just about the delicious Poffin. It was about the sense of purpose and the respect Naoki showed every Pokémon under his care.
One evening, as the moon cast its silvery glow over Dragonite Island, Big Brother Dragonite quietly returned to its nest. It rummaged through its belongings until it found a precious keepsake: a shimmering scale from its own Reverse Scale.
This was no ordinary scale. During a fierce battle in the past, the scale had been dislodged, causing Dragonite great pain. After the fight, it had kept the scale as a treasured memento, a symbol of its trials and growth.
But now, it decided to give this cherished scale to Naoki as a token of its gratitude.
The following morning, Big Brother Dragonite approached Naoki at the ranch, carefully presenting the glimmering scale. Naoki blinked in surprise, his gaze shifting between the Dragonite and the scale in his hand.
"For me?" he asked, incredulous.
Big Brother Dragonite nodded, its deep voice rumbling softly: "Awoo."
For a moment, Naoki and the Dragonite locked eyes. In that brief exchange, Naoki understood the unspoken message: this was Dragonite's way of saying thank you.
A warm smile spread across Naoki's face.
Reflecting on the Dragonite's journey, Naoki felt his heart swell with pride and affection. Despite its fierce appearance and thirst for strength, this Dragonite had a kind heart. It never bullied weaker Pokémon and was always ready to help those in need. The phone call he'd received from the elderly woman, thanking him for Dragonite's assistance, echoed in his mind.
Naoki couldn't help but feel a deep fondness for this Dragonite.
"I understand," Naoki said softly, exhaling as he spoke. Then, with a warm smile, he added, "From now on, live with us on the ranch!"
Big Brother Dragonite regarded him seriously for a moment, then let out a low, resolute cry: "Awoo."
Without further hesitation, it turned and headed off to spar with Naoki's Dragonite, eager to improve itself even further.
Naoki watched it go before lowering his gaze to the crescent-shaped scale resting in his palm. A moment later, a familiar sensation filled his mind, and information about the scale surfaced:
[Dragonite's Reverse Scale: A unique item imbued with Dragonite's deep trust and gratitude. This reverse scale carries the essence of a dragon's power. If used as an ingredient in cooking, it may grant special effects.]
Naoki froze. "Another sentimental item?"
The last time he received something similar was from the forest Pokémon he'd helped. They had gifted him berries imbued with gratitude, which, when used in cooking, significantly enhanced the quality of his dishes.
But this... This was different. His expression grew serious as he examined the scale. This wasn't just any ordinary item; it was a reverse scale—a piece of Dragonite's very being.
For dragon-type Pokémon, their reverse scale was incredibly significant, a physical and symbolic representation of their strength and spirit.
Dragonite had entrusted something so precious to him.
Naoki felt a mixture of awe and concern. "How could such an important part of Dragonite have come off?"
His thoughts quickly turned to the only plausible explanation: battle.
The idea made his heart ache. Losing a reverse scale wasn't just symbolic; it was undoubtedly painful, a wound both physical and emotional. Naoki found himself imagining the agony Dragonite must have endured when it lost the scale.
He gripped the scale tightly, his expression firm. He couldn't bring himself to use it for cooking. This wasn't just a tool—it was a token of trust, one he couldn't tarnish.
Naoki made his decision. He would keep the scale as a treasure, a reminder of the bond he shared with Big Brother Dragonite.
Back in the living room, Naoki gently placed the scale on the table. Sitting on the sofa, Calyrex, glanced up from the television, noticing Naoki's pensive expression.
"What's on your mind?" Calyrex asked, his tone curious.
Naoki held up the shimmering scale. "This is Dragonite's reverse scale. It gave it to me as a gift."
Intrigued, Calyrex leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly as Naoki explained the significance of a reverse scale to dragon-type Pokémon.
"Under normal circumstances," Naoki continued, "a reverse scale doesn't fall off naturally. The only way it could have come off is if it was forcibly knocked off during a battle. I can't imagine how much pain Dragonite must have been in at that moment."
Calyrex's expression turned solemn. Nodding slightly, he reached out toward the scale. His eyes glowed faintly with a blue light as he activated his psychic abilities, delving into the past and future of the scale.
Images flooded Calyrex's mind.
In one vision, he saw Dragonite mid-battle, roaring in anguish as the scale was torn from its body. The pain was palpable, yet Dragonite persevered, refusing to give up despite its suffering.
In another vision of the future, Calyrex saw the scale transform into a radiant force, merging with Naoki. This newfound power enabled Naoki to help every dragon Pokémon on the ranch grow stronger, creating an unbreakable bond between them.
Calyrex looked slightly surprised. After a moment of thought, he said, "You can use its power by transforming it into a dish."
Naoki blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean by that?"
"I've seen it in the future," Calyrex explained. "This scale becomes your power, and you use it to help Pokémon."
Naoki's expression turned to one of utter confusion. 'What exactly did Calyrex mean? How could a scale become his power? And how would that help him aid Pokémon?'
Calyrex said no more, instead using his psychic abilities to project what he had seen directly into Naoki's mind.
The image that appeared in Naoki's thoughts was vivid. He saw himself placing his hand gently on the scar of Big Brother Dragonite. From his hand emanated a faint, shimmering light that flowed into Dragonite's body. The large Pokémon's expression shifted to one of deep relaxation and contentment, as if being healed or empowered.
The vision vanished, leaving Naoki staring blankly into space. He couldn't fully grasp what he had just seen, but one thing was clear: the scale contained untapped potential. Whatever he created from it could benefit Big Brother Dragonite directly.
After some consideration, Naoki came to a decision. He would use the scale to explore this newfound possibility.
Naoki sought out Big Brother Dragonite at the ranch. Holding the reverse scale reverently in his hand, he asked, "Would you mind if I used this scale of yours for something... special?"
Dragonite tilted its head in curiosity before nodding solemnly. Since it had already entrusted the scale to Naoki, it had no objections to how he used it.
Relieved, Naoki returned to the house, brimming with determination.
His initial plan was straightforward: grind the reverse scale into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. However, he quickly discovered that the scale's hardness was beyond what any ordinary tool could handle.
Undeterred, Naoki turned to Calyrex for assistance. With a wave of his hand and a glimmer of psychic energy, Calyrex compressed the scale with extreme precision, shattering it into a fine, shimmering powder.
Next, Naoki prepared to combine the dragon scale powder with high-quality black tea leaves. He brewed the mixture carefully, his movements precise, as though performing a sacred ritual. As the tea steeped, a mysterious, almost otherworldly fragrance filled the room.
The tea was ready.
Naoki gazed into the cup, its liquid a deep, radiant gold, exuding a strange, alluring aroma. The information about this extraordinary concoction immediately surfaced in his mind:
[Dragon Scale Fragrance (S+): A unique tea brewed from the reverse scale of a Dragon Pokémon and premium black tea leaves. The drinker gains the ability to form unparalleled bonds with Dragon Pokémon.]
Cooking Effect: The Power to Command Dragons. Drinking this tea bestows a special ability to the drinker, allowing them to forge deep connections with Dragon-type Pokémon. This ability is exclusive to humans.
Dragon Power: Greatly enhances the drinker's affinity for Dragon Pokémon, making them easier to befriend or capture. Allows the drinker to channel this power to accelerate the growth and strength of Dragon Pokémon.
Comment: According to legend, only those who are deeply trusted by Dragon Pokémon can acquire this ability. Those blessed with the Power of Dragons will find all Dragon Pokémon drawn to their presence.
Looking at the cup of tea in front of him, Naoki's hands trembled slightly.
"The power to control dragons… Wasn't this a gift exclusive to the legendary Dragon Clan?"
Even among the Dragon Clan in Blackthorn City of the Johto region, this power was considered extremely rare. It was said that only those born with extraordinary potential could awaken such an ability—true Dragon Masters, destined to command the respect and awe of all dragon Pokémon.
Naoki's thoughts turned to the Dragon Clan in Johto, to Lance, the legendary Dragon Master, and finally to himself and the dragon Pokémon who had become an integral part of his ranch.
Who were the true keepers of dragons?
Dragonite wasn't the only dragon Pokémon on the ranch. Koraidon and Cyclizar were also part of his team. This power… It wasn't just a blessing—it was an opportunity.
Without hesitation, Naoki lifted the cup and drank the tea in one gulp, paying no mind to whether ingesting something made from Dragonite's reverse scale might upset his stomach. The moment the tea settled in his stomach, Naoki felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. It was as if a new, foreign force had integrated itself into his being—a force he could control with a mere thought.
The power of dragon affinity.
Naoki rose from his seat and headed straight for the ranch's dragon Pokémon. He first approached Big Brother Dragonite, who had been lounging nearby.
As Naoki drew closer, Big Brother Dragonite turned to look at him. There was something different—an inexplicable feeling of closeness and trust radiating from the human.
Not just Big Brother Dragonite—the other dragon Pokémon also began to gather around Naoki, their curiosity piqued by the strange new aura he exuded.
Naoki grinned at the group, then reached out toward Big Brother Dragonite, placing his hand gently over the scar that marked its face.
The power of dragons activated.
The scene predicted by Calyrex earlier that day began to unfold. As Naoki's hand rested on Dragonite's scar, a warm, glowing energy began to flow from him into the dragon's body.
Big Brother Dragonite's eyes widened in surprise at first, but as the energy coursed through its form, it felt an indescribable comfort spreading throughout its body. Strength surged in its veins, a heat built in its core, and a newfound vitality blossomed within it.
The scar didn't disappear, but something deeper changed. Big Brother Dragonite closed its eyes, its expression melting into one of pure contentment as it soaked in the power. This wasn't just healing—it was empowerment.
Naoki gave everything he had, pouring his dragon affinity into Big Brother Dragonite until he felt his reserves run dry. He staggered slightly but quickly assessed his condition. Despite the exhaustion of his newly gained power, he felt no other discomfort. It was as though the ability would replenish itself naturally over time—just like mana in a role-playing game.
Naoki chuckled to himself, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. "How do you feel now?" he asked.
Big Brother Dragonite's eyes snapped open, now blazing with energy and a newfound sense of vigor. It turned to Naoki, its gaze intense, almost fiery.
Before Naoki could react, his own Dragonite stepped forward protectively, scooping him up and carrying him a safe distance away.
"Awoo!"
...
Bonus Chapter @1000Ps
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