Perched on the tree, Ryo watched as Akio turned and walked away in disappointment, frowning slightly and shaking his head.
Although he didn't look down on him as much as before, he still couldn't help but feel a tinge of disdain in his heart.
"Forget it. There's still one day left. Without knowing everything he's been through, I don't have the right to judge him."
Muttering to himself, Ryo once again vanished on the spot and returned to the impoverished village.
Before long, night fell. The villagers brought out the wild boars they had hunted over the past few days and began roasting them over a fire.
"Big brother, big brother, come quick! We're having roast meat tonight!"
"Yeah! Big brother, hurry up, I haven't had roast meat in ages!"
Ryo, who had been wandering outside with a few Pokémon, had just returned to the village when several children came running up to him, eyes sparkling with joy.
As he looked at the excited children, Ryo crouched down and gently patted their heads. "What's the matter? Do you guys not get to eat roast meat often?"
The children all nodded.
"Yeah, yeah! It's been a really long time since we last had roast meat!"
"I remember the last time was when Akio came back to the village. That was ages ago!"
"No, that's wrong! It was when Akio first hunted a beast, not when he came back."
"Really? I don't remember anymore. It's been so long."
Ryo chuckled and asked, "If that's the case, why are we having roast meat today?"
"I know! I overheard Grandpa Village Chief say it's because of big brother—you helped us out, so now we're not struggling so much anymore. That's why we're celebrating!"
"That's right! I heard it too. We're supposed to thank you!"
Ryo's expression trembled slightly, his heart touched by their words.
He nodded and ruffled their heads again. "Then I thank you too. Come on, let's go eat some roast meat."
"Yay! Roast meat! I'm going to eat a ton!"
"No, I'm going to eat more than you! I'll be the champion!"
"Nuh-uh! I'm the real champion!"
Listening to their chatter, Ryo smiled and followed them to the village square.
There, he once again saw the strange yet familiar pile of stones. This time, however, he recognized what it was.
Back then, he hadn't noticed—but now it was obvious.
It was shaped like Bellsprout, the pre-evolved form of Weepinbell.
Although... the sculpture wasn't very well made.
"You're here? Then let's begin," the village chief called out upon seeing Ryo arrive.
Ryo nodded, thanked him, and took a seat to wait.
Looking around, he didn't see Akio. A bit confused, Ryo turned to the village chief. "Chief, where's Akio? I don't see him."
The chief replied, "At this time every day, Akio says he's training his Pokémon, so he might be a bit late. He should be back soon."
Ryo nodded, not suspecting anything. After all, he had seen earlier that Weepinbell was already close to level thirty.
That kind of progress clearly showed serious dedication to training. Otherwise, there's no way it'd be that strong.
Before long, the wild boar was fully roasted.
Even without a variety of seasonings, the scent of the meat was mouthwatering.
"I'm back, everyone!"
A familiar voice rang out. Akio arrived with Weepinbell in his arms.
The children who had been playing nearby instantly rushed over.
"Akio! Akio! I want to play with Weepinbell!"
"No way! I get to go first—yesterday you already played with it!"
"No! We agreed yesterday I'd go first today!"
Seeing them running over, Akio looked worried. "Slow down, slow down! Don't trip!"
Even the Weepinbell in his arms looked over with concern.
It was obvious that the Pokémon treated these children like family.
But neither Akio nor Weepinbell's concern slowed the children down in the slightest.
They quickly gathered in front of Akio, staring up at him with wide, expectant eyes.
Sighing helplessly, Akio patted their heads and handed Weepinbell over.
"Alright, but don't be too rough. It worked hard today and needs to rest."
The children nodded enthusiastically.
"Okay, Akio! I'll give Weepinbell a massage!"
"Yeah! Let's all massage it—Mama says that makes it feel good!"
Akio chuckled and made his way over to the roasting pit.
The kids gently cradled Weepinbell and skipped away, laughing cheerfully.
Watching the scene unfold, Ryo couldn't help but smile.
This... this was the bond he hoped to see between people and Pokémon.
Sure, the other Trainers he'd encountered had also treated their Pokémon well.
But none of them had ever shown something quite this warm.
In this village, they truly treated Weepinbell like family.
That kind of connection—this was the first time he'd ever seen it in this world.
Honestly, Ryo had to admit—even he fell short of the standard set by this little village.
"Boss."
Akio had quietly approached, looking a little nervous as he stood beside Ryo.
Ryo gently shook his head. "I owe you an apology for what happened earlier."
"Huh?" Akio blinked in surprise, then quickly waved his hands. "No, no, you don't need to apologize."
Ryo continued, "I said some things without knowing the full story. I'm sorry for that."
Akio shook his head again. "It's alright. It's all in the past."
After a brief pause, Ryo added, "Still, I hope you'll think about making a change. I know things are complicated, but this issue won't go away. You can't keep running from it."
Akio nodded. "I know... but I really don't know what to do."
He looked lost, his face clouded with confusion and pain.
It was clear this issue had weighed on him for a long time.
"Ahh..." Ryo sighed and patted him on the shoulder. "I can't make the choice for you, and neither can anyone else. But I hope you'll try looking at it from another angle. Think of the people those bandits have hurt."
Akio fell silent, deep in thought.
Ryo didn't press him further and instead looked toward Weepinbell.
At that moment, the Pokémon looked completely content—like an old man basking in luxury—as the kids took turns massaging it.
A look of bliss was plastered across its face.
Ryo wasn't sure if he was imagining things, but he could've sworn even Hoopa, Diancie, and Solgaleo looked a little jealous as they watched from afar.
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