Chapter 278: Dragonite's Hospitality

"Dragonite~"

At the entrance of Rina's Bakery in Morimachi, Dragonite landed with the Dragonite from Dragon Island and two Dragonair in tow. The people of Morimachi were already used to seeing Dragonite in the city. After all, Natsume's Dragonite often came to deliver Miltank milk and pick up cakes from Rina. In its free time, Dragonite would also wander around the city. As a result, everyone was familiar with this chubby, yellow giant.

However, for first-time tourists in Morimachi, it was a different story.

"Just like the guide said, Dragonite really does randomly appear at this bakery!" someone exclaimed excitedly.

"Quick, take a picture!"

"Near-legendary Pokémon! I finally get to see one today!"

The locals of Morimachi couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority as they watched the tourists. They thought to themselves, You haven’t even seen the legendary Pokémon at the farm yet.

This kind of thinking wasn’t surprising. Differences in perspective inevitably led to such disparities.

Dragonite waved cheerfully at the crowd before pushing open the glass door and walking inside. The Dragonite from Dragon Island and the Dragonair followed closely behind.

"Wow, so many of you came this time," Rina said, surprised, as she packed cakes behind the counter.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite explained.

"Rotom, Dragonite says they’re here to pick someone up from the station," a Rotom floating behind Rina translated.

Thanks to Natsume's Dragonite, Rina's bakery business had become incredibly successful. With the money she earned, Rina had bought a new assistant Pokémon—a Rotom translator. A Rotom that could translate Pokémon language was an incredibly useful assistant for any business.

"I see," Rina nodded with a smile. "Good thing I prepared a lot of new items today. Come on, everyone, try some."

From behind the counter, Alcremie brought out several cakes filled with Springy Mushroom.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite's eyes lit up at the sight of the Springy Mushroom cake, and it immediately grabbed a piece and stuffed it into its mouth.

"How is it?"

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite let out a satisfied groan.

"Dragonite~"

The Dragonite from Dragon Island and the Dragonair quickly stepped forward to claim their share.

"Glad you like it," Rina said with a smile. "I made these especially with your taste in mind."

Ding dong~

As Rina was talking to Dragonite, her phone buzzed with a message.

"Huh? An autumn harvest festival?"

"Dragonite?"

Dragonite curiously leaned in.

"You didn’t know?" Rina turned her phone toward Dragonite. "The farm is holding an autumn harvest festival. The chamber of commerce has invited all the businesses in Morimachi to set up stalls. We’ll be able to set up shop along the road near the farm. It’s going to be so lively!"

"Dragonite."

Dragonite scratched its head.

"Rotom, Dragonite is asking if there will be a lot of good food."

"Of course there will!" Rina explained. "The second half of Peach Blossom Road will turn into a food street. A food street is a place where you can find all kinds of specialty snacks from all over the region. You’re going to love it, Dragonite."

Dragonite licked its lips in anticipation.

"Dragonite."

Dragonite picked up a cake and waved at Rina.

Dragonite was in a hurry to lead its Dragon Island companions to pick up the guests and return to the farm to join the festivities.

Rina waved with a smile. "See you later~"

Alcremie also stood on the counter, waving its tiny hand.

"Dragonite~"

At Morimachi Station.

"Whew."

Aiko pulled her luggage and looked at the bustling crowd outside. "Morimachi is so crowded now. Was it always like this?"

The woman next to her, wearing a hat, asked softly, "No, it wasn’t."

Aiko shook her head. "When I came here before, the station was actually quite run-down. There weren’t many people either. Now, it seems like it’s been completely renovated."

Aiko marveled at the patrol robots roaming around the station. "It’s like a futuristic world now."

Ring ring~

Aiko picked up her phone, glanced at the caller ID, and answered. "We’re here. Natsume said he’d send Dragonite to pick us up. Hehe, it’s fine to call him that, right? I don’t know when it’ll arrive, but it should be soon."

As Aiko was talking to Haruka, she looked up at the sky.

Her eyes widened.

"Wow!!!"

"What? What’s wrong?" the voice on the phone asked nervously. "Did something happen?"

Aiko’s voice trembled slightly. "Have you ever seen a near-legendary welcoming party?"

"Huh?"

"I’ll send you a video. Dragonite’s here."

Aiko hung up and turned to the woman beside her, who was also surprised. "Misuzu, the farm’s Dragonite is here!"

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite flapped its wings and slowly landed beside Aiko.

"Long time no see, Dragonite. You’ve gotten even more handsome."

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite responded with a cheerful grin, then pointed to the Dragonite and Dragonair behind it.

"You want us to ride them?"

"Dragonite."

Dragonite nodded.

"Alright~"

Aiko walked over to one of the Dragonair. "Thanks in advance, Dragonair."

"Dragonair~"

The passengers at the station watched in envy and curiosity as the two women mounted the Dragonair.

"Are those Dragonite from the farm? Who are they to have Dragonite pick them up?"

"Wait, isn’t that Misuzu, the diva? I love her songs and movies!"

Someone recognized the woman with Aiko, causing a stir in the station. Clearly, she was a very famous person.

Misuzu pulled her hat lower, hiding her stunning face.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite didn’t care about any of that. They soared into the sky, heading straight for the farm.

"Misuzu, you’re going to love the environment at the farm. And I’m sure Natsume, the Gym Leader, will be able to help with your condition."

Misuzu whispered, "Mm."

Aiko smiled at her. "Natsume is different. Trust me."

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite turned back and signaled to the Dragonite and Dragonair behind it.

"What’s going on?" Aiko asked curiously.

"Dragonair~"

Dragonair used Protect.

"Huh?"

Boom!

A sonic boom echoed through the sky.

Dragonite and Dragonair turned into streaks of light, disappearing into the horizon in an instant.

The farm had arrived.