Naoki accepted the precious gift from Steven.
It's just a pity that there are no Pokemon in the ranch that can use this stone currently, although there is a Mareep by the World Tree, it still has a long way to go before evolving into an Ampharos.
Moreover, to enable a Pokemon to undergo Mega Evolution, relying on the power of a Mega Stone is not enough.
A trainer also needs to wear a Key Stone, but Naoki currently does not have a Key Stone and does not have a trainer-Pokemon relationship with the Mareep by the World Tree.
Therefore, this stone can only be used for collection for now, or kept for future exchanges with other trainers once Mega Evolution becomes available.
"..."
The only problem is that there are no Pokemon on the ranch that can undergo Mega Evolution.
Every time he thinks of this, Naoki can't help but feel a pang of regret.
If only Dragonite, Koraidon, and Pawmot had their respective Mega Stones.
However, the imagination is beautiful, but reality is harsh.
Such things simply don't exist in this world.
Fine!
Since Steven gave him a stone, he should also give Steven some specialties from the ranch!
Thinking of this, Naoki asked, "By the way, how is Metagross doing now?"
He previously noted that Steven's Metagross is a Pokemon that challenges both Groudon and Kyogre, the two Legendary Beasts, at the same time.
Regarding Naoki's inquiry about Metagross's situation, Steven was a bit surprised but still replied:
"That battle left it with severe injuries, but fortunately, it was treated promptly, and Metagross has now recovered."
"I see!" Naoki got up, moved a box of Life Sheep Milk from the warehouse, and placed it in front of Steven.
Steven looked bewildered: "This is..."
Naoki introduced, "This is a specialty from my ranch. It can instantly restore a severely injured Pokemon to health, no matter how serious the injury. Given that you're a trainer, you must be engaged in Pokemon battles every day, right?"
"Yes, yes." Hearing this, Steven opened his mouth incredulously.
Naoki did not elaborate further, he merely smiled and said, "Take it! Maybe one day you will find it useful."
With Naoki's sincere offer hard to refuse, Steven had no choice but to accept the box of sheep milk.
Because there were still some finishing touches to attend to in the Hoenn Region, Steven did not stay there long.
After delivering the gift, he embarked on his journey back, carrying the box of sheep milk.
Meanwhile, back at Naoki Ranch.
Looking at the two suitcases full of banknotes, for a moment Naoki didn't know what to say.
Mr. Stone's gift was truly straightforward...
*
On Steven's private plane.
Steven opened the packaging and saw the chibi version of a Skiddo printed on the glass jar, with a line of small text below.
"Life Sheep Milk..." Steven muttered its name.
He suddenly found the name somewhat familiar, so he took out his Rotom Phone to search it.
Soon, many news articles related to this sheep milk popped up in the search engine.
[Shocking! 70-year-old drinks Life Sheep Milk and...]
[Unbelievable! The effects of Life Sheep Milk are so exaggerated, it's comparable to a Resurrection Potion in games!]
[Highly recommended Life Sheep Milk! My Pokemon was badly injured in a battle, there wasn't enough time to get to a Pokemon Center while in the wild, but thanks to Life Sheep Milk, my Pokemon wasn't in danger!]
At the end, Steven even saw an interview video.
And the person being interviewed was someone he was very familiar with.
Fiery red hair, an unruly outfit, a tall man.
Is that... Alder from the Unova Region?
Steven was a bit surprised that Alder had a connection with Life Sheep Milk?
He clicked on the video.
A female reporter was interviewing Alder.
[Female Reporter: Wow! Mr. Alder, this is truly astonishing, your Volcarona has actually recovered to its peak form. As far as I know, it previously had an incurable disease! How did you do it?!]
[Alder: Haha! It's all thanks to Naoki Ranch's Life Sheep Milk. Volcarona's life was on the brink of ending. Fortunately, Naoki from Naoki Ranch offered us a Helping Hand, and after drinking the Life Sheep Milk, Volcarona's body recovered!]
[Female Reporter: Naoki Ranch's Life Sheep Milk? Wow, it sounds like it has extraordinary effects!]
[Alder: That's right! Naoki Ranch's specialty Life Sheep Milk, if you want some, just order from their little shop!]
Steven: "..."
What's with this strong advertising vibe?!
Steven had previously heard some rumors about Alder's Volcarona.
It was said that the Volcarona was badly injured, and there was no way to cure it using modern medical technology.
And now, not only has it recovered its strength to peak form, but there's even been some breakthroughs.
Thinking of this, Steven looked at the box of Life Sheep Milk in front of him, suddenly realizing how precious this sheep milk was.
He opened an online shopping app, searched for Naoki Ranch's shop, and went in, only to find that the Life Sheep Milk there was marked as sold out.
"Because it's too popular, sales have been limited?" Steven murmured.
He went to place an order, only to find out the shop currently does not support cross-regional delivery.
Steven: "..."
However, the next second, the page refreshed automatically, surprising Steven with the appearance of the Hoenn Region on the list of delivery areas!
Steven paused slightly.
Is this....
At the same time, an announcement was also posted in Naoki Ranch's little shop.
[Naoki Ranch's Little Shop: Good afternoon, dear customers! Starting today, our shop will officially lift the ban on delivery routes to the Hoenn Region! If you have any items you wish to purchase, you can start ordering now!]
This message caused quite a stir.
Some other regional internet users suddenly found out that Dragonite Delivery surprisingly began supporting delivery services to the Hoenn Region!
What does this mean?
Discrimination, outright discrimination!
Some people went into the shop's message board, demanding the owner open delivery routes to other regions, wanting to experience the convenience of Dragonite Delivery as well!
However, they received a response from the shop owner:
[Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. However, for the safety of the delivery Dragonite, the shop temporarily does not support delivery services to other regions!]
This reply was quickly picked up by some people.
Did Naoki Ranch's shop observe the eradication of evil in the Hoenn Region, hence opening delivery routes there?
But the regions where they live clearly have no bad guys, so why hasn't Naoki lifted their region's ban?
This is what some Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos regions' users thought.
Users from the Kanto Region and Johto Region are well aware of the situation.
Because many living in those two regions have heard of the rumors about Team Rocket.
The members of that organization are particularly fond of stealing or snatching the Pokemon of traveling trainers.
Hence, users from Kanto and Johto resolutely shut their mouths.