Hearing Steven's words, Naoki quickly understood his meaning.
He looked at the two Treasure Pearls and, after a moment, smiled and said, "Alright."
"However, there is something I would like to ask of you." Naoki said.
"Go ahead."
Naoki turned to look at the Pokémon beside him and continued:
"We don't want our peaceful life to be disturbed by others, so please do not reveal my identity information."
Upon hearing this, Steven was slightly taken aback, then solemnly promised, "I understand."
"Then there's no problem." Naoki smiled.
"Additionally..." Steven hesitated.
Noticing his expression, Naoki asked, "What's wrong?"
Steven asked the question on his mind, "Naoki, are you from the Draconid people?"
"Draconid people?" Naoki was somewhat surprised.
The Draconid people are an ancient tribe in the Hoenn Region, and the Sky Pillar where Rayquaza resides was built by them.
Steven must have thought that since he could summon Rayquaza, he might be one of the Draconid people.
Looking at Steven, who seemed puzzled, Naoki shook his head and said:
"No, I have no relation to the Draconid people. The reason I can call upon Rayquaza is due to some past events."
Dragonite had heard of Rayquaza's heroic legend and specifically went out to find Rayquaza to hear about its past heroics.
Perhaps Rayquaza found Dragonite likable, so it gave Dragonite one of its scales.
Afterwards, Rayquaza would accept Dragonite's invitation to visit the ranch...
"I see." Steven now knew the answer he was seeking.
It seems Rayquaza doesn't operate solely in the Hoenn Region.
Beyond Hoenn, there exists a broader world.
With the crisis over the Hoenn Region now averted, Steven suddenly felt the urge to see the outside world.
Surely, there are many fascinating stones waiting for him in those places.
Speaking of stones, Steven then took a specially made box out of his pocket.
The money in those two briefcases were gifts prepared by his father, Joseph Stone.
But the item inside this box was a gift he personally prepared for Naoki.
Inside is one of his most precious collections, which Steven intended to give to Naoki.
He pushed the box in front of Naoki, "Naoki, this is a personal gift I've prepared for you, to thank you for the help you've provided to the Hoenn Region during this time."
Naoki was taken aback, another gift?
He looked at the two briefcases by the sofa.
Steven appeared helpless and couldn't help but explain, "That is the thanks my father asked me to bring you."
Upon hearing this, Naoki immediately understood.
Mr. Stone was thanking him for saving his son; the items in those two briefcases were a father's gifts.
And the items in this box were Steven's own gifts for him.
Naoki reached out to take it. He had intended to wait until Steven left to look, but accidentally touched the clasp on the box.
The next moment, the lid of the wooden box loosened and then popped open, revealing a stone inside that looked like a glass marble with peculiar patterns.
When Naoki's gaze landed on the stone, the information about the stone fully appeared in his view.
[Ampharosite: A stone with extraordinary power that allows Ampharos to mega evolve into Mega Ampharos when used with a Key Stone.]
Naoki was slightly stunned.
Across from him, Steven observed Naoki's expression.
Seeing Naoki's shock, Steven felt a little regretful.
He suddenly realized not everyone shares his interest in stones.
He had instinctively gifted what he considered his most precious possession to Naoki, without considering whether Naoki would appreciate it.
Seeing Naoki's stunned look, he must have been expecting the box to contain an ordinary stone, right?
Steven carefully chose his words and said, "Sorry, I might have been in too much of a hurry when I left, accidentally bringing the wrong box."
Naoki was puzzled, "Huh?"
Steven was also taken aback, observing Naoki's expression, which seemed to show a hint of reluctance.
Steven's heart skipped a beat, then he tentatively asked, "Naoki, do you also like stones?"
"This stone is beautiful," Naoki sincerely praised.
Sparkling glass marbles are the most treasured possessions for young boys; no boy could resist them.
Hearing this, Steven felt a sense of relief.
"In that case, I'll give it to you. To be honest, I really like stones; I am interested in all kinds of stones and have many such stones at home."
Naoki: "..." That's so Steven.
Speaking of which, Steven seemed unaware of the stone's value.
The Ampharosite, also known as a Mega Stone, when paired with a Trainer carrying a Key Stone, allows Ampharos to surpass its limits and mega evolve.
However, at this moment in time, the research on [Mega Evolution] has not been discovered yet, and Professor Augustine Sycamore is still studying Mega Evolution and has not yet achieved further breakthroughs.
This is also the reason Steven did not have Metagross mega evolve in the recent divine battle.