Delayed Gratitude

Yuga's successful evolution of Roselia led to him acquiring the recipes for Grass-type Pokéblocks and Poison-type Pokéblocks.

In order to swiftly acquire the formula for the next type of Pokéblock, after lunch, Yuga headed to the Ecopark to retrieve an Eevee.

This Eevee Yuga took out had a black ribbon tied around its neck, indicating that it was the Eevee wishing to evolve into an Umbreon, the only one among the seven Eevees whose base potential was originally blue.

As long as this Eevee evolved successfully into an Umbreon, Yuga would obtain the formula for Dark-type Pokéblocks.

Yuga cradled the Eevee in his arms, stroking the fluffy fur around its neck. He spoke gently, "Eevee, in order for you to smoothly evolve into an Umbreon, you must resist the urge to evolve during the daytime, alright? Otherwise, you'll evolve into an Espeon."

"Eevee, Eevee," the Eevee nodded joyfully, wiggling slightly in Yuga's embrace to find a more comfortable position before contentedly closing its eyes.

Previously, Eevee had envied Budew for being able to stay by Yuga's side all day long. Now, it finally had the chance, and its mood couldn't be any better.

Observing the adorable scene, Yuga suddenly thought that one day he might be seen as eccentric for completing this friendship task.

He used carrying Budew, and now Budew has evolved into Roselia, he change to an Eevee, it was a streak of switching cute pets consecutively. If not eccentric, what else could people call it?

With these thoughts in mind, Yuga carried the Eevee and stepped into the shop. He cast a glance at Suzuki Koen and Arata Sena as if to check for any strange looks, and only then did he let out a sigh of relief. This was probably what they called "a guilty conscience."

Approaching Arata Sena, who was counting the number of Pokéblocks at the counter, Yuga asked, "Little Sena, how have these few days of training been?"

At first, Arata Sena didn't realize that "Little Sena" was his name being used. It was only when he saw Yuga staring at him that he realized he was being addressed as "Little Sena."

Being earnestly called "Little Sena" by someone just a bit older than him made Arata Sena feel a bit embarrassed.

"Pr-pr-pretty good."

Arata Sena stumbled over his words, flustered by Yuga's sudden question. Was Yuga here to inform him that he didn't need to come tomorrow?

"Pretty good, that's great. I wanted to tell you that you've been officially hired."

"Really?"

Hearing from Yuga that he was officially hired rather than being told not to come, Arata Sena asked in delight.

"Of course it's true. Why would I lie to you?"

"But I've only been interning for a few days."

As he spoke, Arata Sena felt somewhat embarrassed. He had only interned for a few days and was already hired. Although he was happy about it, something didn't feel right.

"What does that matter?" Yuga waved his hand dismissively. "If it doesn't work out, you can quit, and we can find someone else, right?"

Just as Arata Sena's joy was starting to rise from Yuga's earlier words, his enthusiasm was quickly dampened by the latter part of the sentence. Yuga, couldn't you let me be happy for three seconds?

"Hehe, hehe…"

Seeing Arata Sena's awkward laughter, Yuga burst into laughter. "Hahaha, I'm just teasing you. As long as you perform well, I won't fire you. Don't worry." With that, Yuga patted Arata Sena's shoulder.

"Thank you, Boss."

Just then, Yuga heard someone calling him from behind.

"Mr. Shimizu!"

Turning around, Yuga saw two familiar faces at the entrance of the shop, looking at him with smiles of joy.

"Well, if it isn't Gabby and Ty? What brings you here?" Yuga asked in surprise. "Are you here for an interview or to gather information?"

The two approached Yuga with happiness in their eyes and said, "We came to find you specifically."

"To find me?" Yuga looked puzzled. "Did I forget to pay back the money I owed you in Lilycove City?"

Gabby playfully gave Yuga a pat. "Mr. Shimizu, you're quite the joker. We came to tell you some good news."

"Good news? Is it that you forgot to ask me for money owed?" Yuga feigned astonishment.

"Mr. Shimizu, we're here to talk about something important!" Gabby pretended to be annoyed.

"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. We've finally met, let's liven up the atmosphere. So, what's the good news you have for me?" Yuga said with a smile.

Gabby cleared her throat and said, "Well, here's the thing. Our television station wants to conduct interviews with some of the Day Cares in the Hoenn region. We recommended your YoYo Day Care to our superiors."

"Exactly, our television station is the largest in the entire Hoenn region. If we can feature your Day Care in our interviews and reports, we believe your business will definitely flourish even more," Ty chimed in.

"Oh, so there's such a good opportunity!" Yuga exclaimed in surprise. "Are you saying you pulled some strings for me?"

Yuga was well aware of the current status of his Day Care. It would be impossible for his YoYo Day Care to be interviewed by the largest television station in the Hoenn region without some connections.

Upon hearing Yuga's question, Gabby and Ty both awkwardly smiled and said, "We just opened a small convenient door, but you and Mr. Norman saved our entire television station. We're all very grateful to you and wanted to repay you. Besides, it was our station director who finally approved this."

"So that's how it is. It seems my efforts in saving that person weren't in vain," Yuga thought to himself. It was just as he suspected; without a little help, there was no way such a good opportunity would have come to YoYo Day Care.

"Would you consider it? This is a rare opportunity."

Just as Gabby was about to say, "Even if you have a noble character and don't want to take shortcuts," she heard Yuga say, "Not agree? Why not? Of course, I agree! If there's a shortcut to take, why wouldn't I take it? I'm not an idiot."

Gabby's intended words got stuck in her throat. Yuga's statement was true, but hearing it in this context didn't feel quite right.

"That's right, you're absolutely right," Gabby said awkwardly.

While feeling that Gabby's tone was a bit odd, Ty continued, "Exactly, that's how you should think. Moreover, it's not just your Day Care being interviewed. Who knows if other Day Cares also have some connections?"

Yuga nodded in agreement and said, "You're absolutely right. Regardless, I want to thank you for this opportunity. Please convey my thanks to your station director as well."

"Don't worry, we will."

"By the way, when is this interview expected to start? I'd like to prepare myself mentally."

Ty answered, "The interviews with the other Day Cares have already started. It will be YoYo Day Care's turn in about a week."

Yuga nodded and replied, "I'll be ready. I look forward to your arrival."