League Year 200, December 15th, Winter.
On this morning, the Heroic Expedition Team that had been traveling for a year returned to the ranch.
Along with their return came Jirachi, the Seven-Night Wishing Star.
Accompanied by Zapdos landing in the ranch, Jirachi happily dove into Naoki's arms.
This Pokemon's tone was filled with joy: "Naoki! We're back!"
Mew and Teddiursa also ran over, and Naoki cuddled the three Pokemon in his arms playfully, until their fur was all ruffled before letting go.
"Was the journey enjoyable?" Naoki asked with a smile.
Mew and Teddiursa shook their bodies, trying to smooth down their raised fur.
Without fur, Jirachi replied: "It was fun! I saw so many things and made lots of friends!"
"That's good." Naoki looked at them covered in snow, then called the few Pokemon into the living room to prepare some snacks for them.
The four Pokemon immediately feasted, their cheeks stuffed with food.
Naoki watched this scene with a smile.
"Oh, by the way, while you were away, the World Tree has grown, and with the help of Giratina's power, it has already flown into the sky!"
"What?!"
"miu?"
Upon hearing this, Mew and Teddiursa showed expressions of surprise on their faces.
Naoki nodded: "You'll be able to go over and take a look later."
The few Pokemon happily agreed.
And off to the side, Zapdos also looked eager.
It originally came to this place for the World Tree, and now, has that tree finally grown?
Zapdos trembled with excitement.
A yellow feather slowly floated down naturally from its body.
Indeedee, standing beside, noticed the feather.
Cleaning was its job, so Indeedee immediately picked up a broom and swept the feather into the trash can.
Naoki, sitting on the sofa, keenly saw this scene.
With just a glance, the feather's information appeared in his mind.
[Feather of Zapdos: A feather of Zapdos, containing formidable Thunder Power, perhaps it can be used to make dishes, effect unknown.]
Zapdos dropped a feather?
"Wait!" Naoki quickly called out to stop.
Indeedee's actions paused, standing beside the trash can with the feather, looking over in confusion.
And off to the side, Zapdos, Mew, and Teddiursa all turned their heads to look at the feather.
Zapdos immediately recognized it, wasn't that its feather?
Shedding feathers was not a surprising thing for it, as every year, many feathers naturally shed from its body.
"That feather is not trash, don't throw it away, hand it to me!" Naoki said to Indeedee.
Though puzzled, Indeedee still handed over the feather.
As Naoki looked up, he saw Zapdos staring at him with sharp eyes.
Naoki: "..."
Zapdos: ?
What does Naoki want with its dropped feather? Does he want to keep it as a collection?
But it's just a common feather with no value, isn't it?
Zapdos looked puzzled.
Naoki thought about it and realized that instead of awkwardly making the Lightning Steamed Bun and being caught by the owner later, it would be better to frankly tell Zapdos his plan.
So, he began explaining: "This isn't just a normal feather; with my ability, I can turn it into a dish with magical effect. Once a Pokemon eats it, it can become stronger."
Upon hearing this, Zapdos felt slightly speechless, full of disbelief.
...To eat a feather that fell off its body?
Ugh! Just thinking about it feels a bit nauseating!
Is that really something that can be eaten?
Naoki quickly sensed Zapdos's thoughts. If it were to be described in human terms, this action might be like making cuisine using human sweat or hair?
Ew... That's indeed quite disgusting.
Naoki awkwardly explained to Zapdos: "Although it sounds a bit awful, the final product is quite good; Pawmot has eaten Lightning Steamed Bun before, which is why he has grown into what he is today."
Pawmot... Zapdos knows that Pokemon.
The other possesses powerful electric energy, not less than Zapdos.
But Naoki says this Pawmot also ate Lightning Steamed Bun... when was that?
"Chirp?"
Naoki cheerfully replied: "It was when the Heroic Expedition Team first encountered you, Teddiursa found one of your feathers and gave it to me."
After Naoki's mention, Mew and Teddiursa also remembered.
"What..." It seems that did happen!
Zapdos: "..."
Whatever, as long as I'm not the one eating it, let Naoki do whatever he wants!
After traveling outside for a year, not feeling tired out there, now back in the familiar ranch, within this safe environment, the few Pokemon felt exhausted, tired and powerless.
Naoki noticed their condition and said: "If you're tired, just go and have a good sleep!"
The few Pokemon obediently went to sleep.
They did not go to the World Tree and stayed directly at home.
Zapdos started sleeping standing on the floor, while Mew, Teddiursa, and Jirachi ran to Naoki's bed.
The three Pokemon nestled together and started dreaming.