New Year’s Eve feast

"It's incredible! Absolutely incredible!"

Holding the leaf that glowed with a soft green light, Naoki was filled with awe.

A mythical item—on par with the likes of Dialga's Adamant Orb and Palkia's Lustrous Orb!

He gazed at the leaf in his hand, realizing what this meant: the World Tree was giving back to them!

Nearby, the three Gogoats were chewing their leaves contentedly. They glanced at the snowy landscape and then at the vibrant green circle of life that surrounded the tree, filled with lush, soft grass as if spring had arrived.

The Gogoats' eyes sparkled with delight before they settled down around the World Tree, basking in its life-giving energy.

Naoki couldn't help but watch the Gogoats. They were clearly the first Pokémon to receive the World Tree's nurturing energy.

His mind drifted to the guardians of the Tree of Beginning: Regice, Regirock, and Registeel.

'Could his Gogoats one day reach that level of power?'

For now, it was a mystery without an answer.

After lingering by the World Tree, Naoki headed to the glass greenhouse, carrying the snacks and the precious leaf he'd brought for Calyrex.

He placed the treats on the wrought iron tea table and presented the leaf to Calyrex.

"Calyrex, can you sense anything unique about this leaf?" Naoki asked.

Calyrex leaned closer, eyes widening in surprise. "Such potent natural energy! Where did you find this?"

The moment he asked, a look of realization dawned on his face. "Wait, this aura… it's the World Tree!"

Naoki nodded. "Yes. Just as I was passing by, the World Tree dropped this leaf for me. It even used its leaves to feed the Gogoats."

Hearing this, a thought sparked in Calyrex's mind: "A gesture of gratitude?"

"Exactly!" Naoki confirmed.

"No wonder…" Calyrex murmured, lost in thought.

Naoki's curiosity grew. "Did you sense something as well?"

Calyrex nodded thoughtfully. "When I infused my energy to help the tree grow, I felt a natural essence flowing back into me."

"At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but over time, I noticed my power had strengthened. Now, I see why!"

Naoki's eyes widened in amazement. "So it wasn't just an illusion?"

"Not at all," Calyrex affirmed.

"I see…" Naoki murmured to himself.

He thought back to when the Gogoats had first tended to the World Tree. 'Could it be that the World Tree had been giving back to them ever since?'

'Incredible.'

Who would have thought that Naoki, who originally brought the Gogoats from Casseroya Lake to serve as dairy Pokémon, would end up witnessing something much greater? He could hardly imagine how much these Gogoats might evolve alongside the World Tree in the years to come!

Stunned, Naoki looked at Calyrex and murmured, "What will this World Tree become in the future?"

Calyrex shared Naoki's curiosity. In response, he once again summoned his power to foresee the future, pouring every ounce of his energy into the vision.

In an instant, Calyrex's gaze spanned thousands of years, witnessing a world transformed. He saw the World Tree rise majestically, floating above the ground, casting its influence over a world full of life. The earth below was a lush, vibrant paradise, teeming with Pokémon running freely across fertile fields and valleys filled with bountiful fruit.

Slowly opening his eyes, Calyrex shared his vision with Naoki. "I saw the World Tree becoming the heart of this world. Its power will extend across the planet, giving rise to more Pokémon and enriching nature. The land will flourish like never before."

'Did that mean the World Tree would elevate life on this planet to new heights?'

Naoki envisioned this future. At the current rate, it would take another four years for the World Tree to fully mature.

Four years… he was lucky to witness its growth firsthand.

However, as a transmigrator, Naoki knew that the universe held countless worlds, other realms, and even parallel dimensions. Outside this world, there were other universes, each with its own mysteries. And then, there was Arceus, the Creator, who existed beyond these worlds, silently watching the lives of humans and Pokémon unfold.

This raised a question in Naoki's mind: 'Could their actions draw the attention of Arceus itself?'

After pondering, he concluded that such matters were beyond him. The thoughts of the Creator were too vast for an ordinary human to understand.

Right now, Naoki was more curious about what effects food made with a World Tree leaf might have.

With a plan forming, he thanked Calyrex and quickly returned to the kitchen.

"Dishes made from World Tree leaf…"

Perhaps scrambled eggs with World Tree leaf, or a special leaf cake, similar to grass cakes?

After a bit of deliberation, Naoki decided on the leaf cake.

Excited, Naoki called over Alcremie, his trusted kitchen helper, and together they headed to the baking workshop to bring this recipe to life.

Naoki carefully blended the leaf of the World Tree into a fine paste, then added eggs, Moo Moo Milk, and other ingredients. After mixing thoroughly, he poured the batter into a mold and placed it in the oven to bake.

When the cake was nearly done, he took it out, spread a layer of butter over the top, and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.

With that, the leaf cake was ready.

Eager to know more, Naoki examined the cake's information.

[Leaf Cake (Incomplete Version) (S-): A cake crafted from the leaf of the World Tree, blended with eggs, Moo Moo Milk, and other ingredients. If you listen closely, you can feel the subtle breath of nature emanating from it.

Cooking Effect: Breath of Nature

1. Permanently boosts the power of Grass-type moves by 20%. This effect is exclusive to Grass-type Pokémon and cannot be stacked.

2. Allows Grass-type Pokémon to connect with nature's rhythm. When using grass energy to cultivate crops, the growth time for those crops is slightly reduced. This effect is limited to Grass-type Pokémon and cannot be stacked.

Additional Effect: Lord of the World Tree. Naoki, as the caretaker of the Gogoats who have nurtured the World Tree, has been granted access to all areas within the World Tree in the future. This effect applies only to Naoki.

Comment: Listen to the breath of nature! When the World Tree matures, recipes crafted with its leaves may yield even more remarkable effects.

Naoki stared at the description, stunned.

"Wait… does this additional effect mean only I can access all areas within the World Tree?" he muttered, trying to process what it meant.

Reflecting on the journey of his Gogoats, Naoki realized he'd assumed they were simply helping to cultivate the World Tree. But the effects of the leaf cake hinted at something more.

'Could it be that the World Tree viewed his Gogoats as parental figures?'

And since the Gogoats poured their grass energy into nurturing the World Tree, wasn't that akin to "feeding" it?

"So… is it possible that thanks to the Gogoats, the World Tree sees me as its guardian?" Naoki pondered. Or, perhaps, it's "grandfather"? 

The more Naoki thought about it, the more absurd it all seemed.

If this is true, then wasn't he, along with his Gogoats, essentially benefiting from the "nurturing" of their "child," the World Tree? It felt like a bizarre reversal of roles, like parents relying on their own child's support.

Naoki quickly shook his head, dismissing the strange notion. After all, the World Tree represented the pure essence of nature. Surely, it wasn't anything quite that fantastical.

Of course, all of this was just speculation, and who could say what the World Tree's intentions truly were?

Pushing aside the odd thought, Naoki refocused on the two specific benefits of the leaf cake.

The first effect boosted the power of Grass-type moves by 20%.

"A 20% boost… that's comparable to some of the held items Pokémon can carry," Naoki mused.

And this was only from the immature leaves of the World Tree. Once the tree fully matured, the enhancement would likely be even more potent.

The second effect, which allowed Grass-type Pokémon to reduce crop growth time, was particularly valuable for the ranch's needs.

Whether it was vegetables and fruits for daily consumption, carrots for his Pokémon like Glastrier and Spectrier, or even the World Tree itself, this ability would be incredibly useful.

In Naoki's eyes, the second effect might actually be more important than the first. In the future, the ranch couldn't always depend on the Calyrex's powers. With this ability to hasten crop growth, they could rely on Pokémon like the Gogoats and Dolliv to maintain the ranch's productivity—much like how Shaymin could make flowers bloom with its abilities.

If Calyrex ate the leaf cake, it could likely accelerate the growth of the World Tree even further.

"When the World Tree is fully grown, it'll probably improve crop growth even more, increasing from a minor boost to a significant one," Naoki thought.

All in all, the benefits of the leaf cake far exceeded his expectations.

He decided to taste a piece himself first, savoring the subtle, natural flavor. Then he placed the remaining five pieces on a plate and headed to the pasture to offer them to his three Gogoats, Dolliv, and the Calyrex. 

After eating the leaf cake, the Pokémon didn't show any immediate or dramatic changes—no glowing auras or sudden bursts of energy. They carried on as usual, playing and resting just like any other day.

Only Calyrex seemed to sense something different.

After eating the leaf cake, he immediately felt a subtle shift within himself.

"Is this another one of your magical dishes?" Calyrex asked, intrigued.

Naoki grinned, "Yes, it's a leaf cake made from the leaf of the World Tree. It enhances the power of moves used by Grass-type Pokémon and can even help reduce crop growth time when they cultivate plants."

"To think such a dish exists…" Calyrex murmured, clearly moved. With a warm smile, he added, "Thanks to you, my strength has grown yet again."

He had come here from Galar, hoping to explore a new way of life and perhaps support his devoted follower in any way he could. Yet, it seemed that rather than him providing help, his young friend had continuously shared tea, snacks, and countless treats that somehow enhanced his strength in subtle, unexpected ways.

"You've done so much for me," said Calyrex, humbled. "And I've hardly done anything in return. It's a little embarrassing."

Naoki shook his head with a gentle smile. "That's not true at all. You've done plenty for me."

After all, Calyrex had shared the Spectrier and Glastrier, assisted in nurturing the World Tree, and even explored the Reverse World of Giratina alongside him.

But to Calyrex, these contributions felt modest at best.

Sensing his thoughts, Naoki reassured him, "There's no need to feel that way. You've already helped me in so many ways. True friends help each other without keeping score."

Calyrex looked at him in surprise, then his expression softened into a look of calm understanding.

"You're right. We're friends. I understand now, Naoki. No more doubts—I am grateful for our friendship!"

Naoki smiled, touched by his words.

And as they shared that moment, Calyrex looked at his kindhearted young believer with a serene smile, feeling truly grateful for the bond they had formed.

At this moment, Calyrex's favorability towards Naoki increased wildly, and it did not stop until it reached the max.

---

The last day of the year arrived swiftly.

That evening, Naoki started preparing the New Year's Eve feast in the kitchen with sister Indeedee.

He made grass dumplings and grass cakes, the favorite treats of his Gogoats.

For Koraidon and Cyclizar, he whipped up juicy fried steaks.

Dragonite had Poffins and sandwiches ready for it.

For Glaceon, he prepared a creamy smoothie.

Teddiursa's favorites—honey pudding and honey lemonade—were on the list too.

And for the Naclstack, he made pickled salted fish and fried rock chips.

…

Naoki made a little of everything, working steadily until after dark.

The Pokémon Tavern was closed that day, and with the help of Koraidon, Naoki wheeled a cart laden with food around the ranch, sharing dishes with each Pokémon one by one.

"Happy New Year!" he said to the Pokémon on the ranch.

Though the Gogoats didn't quite understand, they felt the warmth and joy in the air and gathered eagerly around the feeding trough, happily munching on their food.

The Miltank, aware it was New Year's, beamed happily.

One Miltank mooed appreciatively at Naoki.

Naoki was surprised, then quickly munched on a handful of translation seed crisps.

He heard the Miltank expressing its gratitude.

The Miltank shared how much they loved living here with Naoki and how happy they were to have found such a caring home. They hoped to stay with him forever.

Naoki's heart swelled with emotion.

Taking a deep breath, he patted each Miltank gently. "Let's make the next year just as wonderful together."

"Moo~"

In the underground cavern, Naoki stacked salted fish into a small mound. These were all prepared by him and were a favorite of the Naclstack.

The pile of salted fish and fried rock chips formed a small hill. Seeing this, the Naclstacks were overjoyed, playfully nudging Naoki with their heads in excitement.

"Easy now!" Naoki chuckled, patting each Naclstack on the head in turn.

The Bellibolt, who lived nearby, looked on enviously.

Hearing the commotion, Diglett also waddled over.

Seeing their eager faces, Naoki stepped out from the group of Naclstack and fetched the food he had prepared for them from the cart.

"Diglett, Bellibolt, these are for you! Happy New Year to you too!"

The Diglett and Bellibolt were surprised and thrilled, their eyes lighting up with joy.

"Enjoy!" Naoki said with a smile. "I still have more food to deliver, so I'll see you later!"

Leaving the underground cavern, Naoki went next to the orchard.

When the little Tinkatuff and Minccino saw Naoki and Koraidon, they came running out of their burrows with delight.

Koraidon carefully handed the food over to them, while Naoki stroked the fluffy tail of Minccino and said, "Spring will be here soon, and I'll be able to help rebuild your homes. Don't worry, the hills will look just like they used to!"

Hearing this, the Pokémon's eyes sparkled with hope.

Naoki smiled softly, then left the orchard and headed to the area where the Psyduck lived.

He shared some fruit with the ever-confused Psyduck before finally turning to head home with Koraidon.

The snowy night was quiet, and a gentle warmth seemed to fill the ranch.

Looking back at the glowing lights of the ranch house nestled in the snow, Naoki felt an overwhelming peace.

He knew that inside, a group of his beloved cute Pokémon were waiting for him to return and share the New Year's Eve dinner together.

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Extra chapter unlocks at 1500 power stones! 🌟 Let's hit that milestone together—because who doesn't love bonus chapter? Drop those stones, and let's make it happen! ⚡📚

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A/N: If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 311 @ patreon.com/Keepsmiling818