"Uh..."
Hearing this, Teddiursa felt very embarrassed.
Naoki laughed heartily, then revealed to Teddiursa:
"Actually, before I met you, I had already heard about you from other ranchers nearby. They told me to be careful of a Teddiursa."
The nearby ranchers... they must mean the ranches it had visited.
Thinking of this, Teddiursa was astonished: "Uh?!" (So Naoki knew I was coming to the ranch to steal honey?!)
Naoki nodded truthfully: "That's right."
"Uh..." Then, a look of confusion appeared in Teddiursa's eyes: "Uh?" (Then why didn't you drive me away at the time? And why did you let me stay?)
If it were any other human, they probably would have driven away this "little thief" at first sight.
Teddiursa really wanted to know the answer to this question. It put down the honey pudding in its hand and looked up at Naoki.
Naoki thought carefully before answering: "Perhaps it's because we were destined to meet? It was fate that brought us together."
Just like the phrase players can see in the Pokemon's data in the game—alluding to Teddiursa crossing vast time and space to meet its destined match.
"Uh..."
Teddiursa didn't quite understand, but those words sounded impressive!
A smile appeared on its face as it happily said: "Uh!" (I am also very happy to have met you, Naoki!)
Naoki smiled slightly and then asked: "Are you and the others going to continue your journey?"
Upon hearing this, Teddiursa and Mew exchanged a glance.
Mew nodded softly: "Miu!" (That's right!)
Teddiursa also said: "Uh!" (The Heroic Expedition Team's journey isn't over yet!)
However, just after saying that, Teddiursa's tone became downcast: "Uh..." (That means I have to leave Naoki again...)
"Go on without worry!" Naoki reached out and patted Teddiursa's small head.
Teddiursa looked up, staring dumbly at him.
Naoki showed it a gentle smile: "If you want to do it, then go ahead! I'll always be waiting for you here at the ranch. If you get tired, you can come home anytime, and I'll prepare a sumptuous dinner for you then."
"Uh..." Upon hearing these words, Teddiursa was deeply moved; its eyes glistened with tears of gratitude.
Teddiursa wiped its tears and resolutely said: "Uh!" (I will always remember Naoki!)
No matter where it goes in the future, it will remember Naoki and miss him.
Naoki smiled slightly, letting out a yawn as he felt a bit sleepy: "Alright, it's getting late, time to rest!"
"Uh~"
*
League Year 198, November 25th.
On this day, Professor Sada returned from the Paldea Giant Pit to take Arven home from the ranch.
"Thank you for taking care of him during this period." Professor Sada expressed her gratitude to Naoki.
Naoki smiled and shook his head: "It wasn't any trouble, Arven was very well-behaved, and he helped me a lot with the work."
Professor Sada smiled, then bid farewell to Naoki with Arven.
"We're going back now; we'll visit you again when we have time."
Naoki nodded, looking at Arven: "Goodbye, Arven! Feel free to come play at the ranch anytime!"
Arven and Mabosstiff had enjoyed themselves these days. They nodded and waved to Naoki: "Goodbye, Mr. Naoki!"
Naoki stood at the ranch, watching their figures fade into the distance.
Only after they disappeared from view did he turn and head back to the living room.
Today was already November 25th; next month would be the new year.
Reflecting on it, he felt quite emotional; it had almost been a year since he came to the Pokemon World.
The weather forecast indicated that there would be continuous snowfall in Porto Marinada Town for the next half month, possibly even burying the roads in snow.
To be on the safe side, Naoki thought he should stock up on supplies for the new year beforehand.
When the time comes, he won't go out but spend the whole day at home with the Pokemon, keeping warm by the fireplace and reading books.
Naoki checked the stock at home.
"There aren't many steaks left, and we're running low on flour and seasonings. We have plenty of eggs, though, as the ranch can produce them, so no need to go to town for those."
"It's a pity the greenhouse isn't up yet, otherwise, we could have fresh home-grown vegetables."
"But it's okay, building it next year will be just as good."
"Besides these supplies, I need to purchase another batch of Berries, for making Poffins and also as snacks for Koraidon and the others."
After pondering for a while, Naoki took out paper and pen to write down the items he needed to buy.
That afternoon, he rode Koraidon and took three Gogoats with him to Porto Marinada Town.
In winter, Porto Marinada Town took on a completely different appearance.
The rooftops of the buildings in town were covered with a layer of white snow, and both the people and Pokemon on the streets were dressed in thick winter clothes and scarves.
Despite the cold temperature, Porto Marinada Market was still bustling with activity.
Naoki bought the items he needed according to the list, then hung the big bags on the Gogoats to help carry the goods.
Once the three Gogoats were fully loaded, they ended this shopping trip and returned to the ranch.
Naoki called on Cyclizar and other Pokemon like Pawmot to help carry the goods back home, while he also hurried back with several bags in hand.