Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 347: Nemona is here to challenge



Naoki greeted the three people before him with polite confidence. "Hello."

Shauntal, holding a book in her arms and wearing black-framed glasses, smiled softly in return.

Caitlin, hailing from a wealthy family and naturally proud, had no intention of making friends. However, hearing that this man was Alder's friend, she couldn't help but glance at him with mild curiosity.

Standing slightly apart, Cynthia nodded politely with a warm smile that softened her cold and regal appearance. "Hello," she said.

Naoki found himself mentally noting: 'Cynthia doesn't seem as cold as she looks!' Then again, he recalled how Cynthia had been portrayed in the anime—a dignified, gentle personality beneath the aura of an icy beauty. She had always been approachable and humble, with no trace of arrogance despite her incredible strength.

"Alright, alright, we won't bother you anymore," Alder said, grinning. "See you all later!" The three nodded and turned to leave. Shauntal led Caitlin to a quieter corner, likely to discuss story details, while Cynthia walked gracefully alongside them.

Before departing, Cynthia glanced back at Koraidon, the unusual red Pokémon happily munching on its meal. Her expression betrayed a hint of surprise before she resumed walking. As the three disappeared into the crowd, Alder leaned toward Naoki and remarked, "That Shauntal isn't just a Ghost-type master; she's also an excellent novelist. She often visits Cynthia with Caitlin to discuss writing projects."

Naoki tilted his head, intrigued. "Isn't the salary from the League high enough? I've noticed that many champions and elites have part-time pursuits."

Alder chuckled. "It's not about money. It's about passion. Life is long, and you can't just be a trainer forever. You need other interests to keep it meaningful."

Naoki nodded. "Makes sense."

The sky gradually darkened, and the banquet became livelier as guests poured in.

The attendees naturally divided into two groups: one comprised wealthy entrepreneurs from various regions, who gathered to discuss business matters; the other consisted of trainers from all over the world, each showcasing their talents and strength.

To foster camaraderie among the trainers, the banquet organizers had prepared a large battlefield in the sprawling courtyard.

Even before the banquet officially began, several trainers had gathered at the field, engaging in friendly battles.

Naoki, Alder, Koraidon, and Volcarona made their way to the sidelines, enjoying the spectacle while sampling the banquet's delicacies.

Initially, Naoki felt hesitant. 'Would it seem rude to focus too much on the food?' He worried he might come off as someone attending the banquet just for the meal.

However, those fears quickly evaporated. Many trainers and their Pokémon were happily feasting, and even Alder had no reservations as he gleefully tore into a steak.

Reassured, Naoki let himself relax and enjoy the spread. After all, both he and Alder had skipped lunch in anticipation of the banquet.

Once they were full, Naoki noticed that the entrepreneurs were beginning to move into the grand banquet hall within the manor.

Inside the hall, Clay stood at the center of the stage, addressing the attendees with a hearty smile.

"Welcome, everyone, to my annual banquet! We've prepared a feast for you and your Pokémon. Now that the time has come, please enjoy yourselves!"

Naoki and Alder remained in an inconspicuous corner, quietly observing the scene.

Clay looked just as Naoki remembered him from the games-rugged, confident, and unmistakable.

However, Naoki's attention was drawn to the girl standing beside Clay. She had pink hair and wore a soft pink sweater, her expression radiating a sense of youthful energy.

Naoki leaned toward Alder. "Is that girl Clay's daughter?"

Alder nodded. "That's right. Her name is Lacey."

"Lacey," Naoki murmured, repeating the name.

His gaze swept across the banquet hall, searching for other familiar figures. Before long, he spotted a few notable attendees amidst the crowd.

Not far away, a young man with striking red hair stood tall, his cloak flowing behind him. His expression was stern, his stance commanding, and his aura exuded a sense of justice. Arms folded, he gazed ahead with unshakable resolve.

"Lance," Naoki murmured to himself, recognizing the man instantly.

Nearby, Professor Oak, clad in his signature white lab coat, stood with a welcoming smile, engaging warmly with others. His demeanor was as approachable and charismatic as ever.

On another side of the room, Kalos Champion Diantha shone like a star. Her elegant white evening dress accentuated her refined beauty, and she moved with the poise of a true performer, as if the world itself was her stage.

And then, there was Giovanni.

Dressed in a sleek black suit, his hair meticulously combed back, Giovanni stood amidst a group of wealthy elites. His eagle-sharp eyes carried an intensity that could pierce through any façade, while a faint, enigmatic smile played on his lips. He graciously accepted toasts, exuding an aura of authority and calculated charm.

Naoki felt a chill run down his spine. Giovanni is really here.

Even though he had anticipated this, seeing Giovanni in person with his commanding presence-was a completely different experience. Naoki's astonishment was evident as he struggled to reconcile Giovanni's poised exterior with the ruthless boss of Team Rocket he had read about.

As if sensing the weight of Naoki's gaze, Giovanni casually turned his head. Their eyes met briefly across the room.

That fleeting moment felt like an eternity. Giovanni's subtle smile didn't falter, but his piercing gaze lingered for a fraction longer than casual observation might allow before he

looked away.

"Something wrong?" one of the businessmen chatting with Giovanni asked, noticing his momentary distraction.

"Nothing," Giovanni replied smoothly, his tone calm and measured. "Just an insignificant face in the crowd. Let's continue."

The conversation between them resumed seamlessly, as if the moment hadn't happened.

Naoki replayed the interaction in his mind, his heart racing. "That gaze was so sharp... As expected of Giovanni, the infamous boss of Team Rocket!'

Meanwhile, Alder had spotted the person they were looking for-the head of Rotom Technologies-among the other wealthy entrepreneurs. Gesturing discreetly, Alder said, "There he is. The man in the gray suit. I saw you brought your proposal. Want me to hand it

over for you?"

Naoki nodded. "Yes, please."

Before Alder could move, a sharp and determined voice cut through the hum of conversation.

"Mr. Clay, I challenge you!"

The room turned toward the source of the voice. Standing with her Poké Ball in hand was Nemona, her expression fiery and confident. Her bright energy and small skirt added to her unmistakable presence as she faced Clay with unwavering determination.

Clay burst into hearty laughter. "That's the spirit, Nemona! Well, if you insist, let's have ourselves a battle!"

With an approving grin, he turned to address the other guests. "Carry on, folks! Don't let us

distract you."

The surrounding elites chuckled and offered playful comments to the exuberant Nemona. Her father, a well-dressed man in glasses, sighed helplessly. His demeanor revealed a mix of

pride and exasperation as he watched his daughter's antics.

He had two daughters. His eldest had been raised under strict discipline, mastering the arts of etiquette and diplomacy. As a result, she had grown into a picture-perfect socialite-a true

model of refinement.

Nemona's father sighed inwardly. He and his wife had always taken a hands-off approach with their second daughter. Unlike their older child, who adhered to etiquette and became the picture-perfect socialite, Nemona had been allowed to pursue her own interests freely. The result was a spirited, carefree child with a tendency to act on impulse-a stark contrast to the refined behavior expected of someone from their family.

But what could they do? She was their precious daughter, and as long as she was happy, that was all that mattered.

Accepting his daughter's determination, he followed her and Clay to the battle area set up in

the courtyard.

Nemona was already clutching a Poké Ball, her face full of excitement as she stood opposite

Clay.

Her Pokémon emerged first—a small, dragon-like creature with four legs and scales of varying sizes covering its body. Most striking was the heart-shaped scale on its forehead. "That's Jangmo-o," Naoki thought, recognizing the Pokémon instantly.

Jangmo-o, known for its powerful evolutionary line, would one day become the mighty

Kommo-o.

Impressive for someone so young. Nemo, not yet ten years old, already had a pseudo- legendary Pokémon in her care. Naoki couldn't help but compare her to the bug-catching kids The often saw in the streets-her starting point was worlds apart.

Clay sent out his Pokémon-an Excadrill, a seasoned battler from his gym team.

One was a novice Pokémon at the beginning of its journey, while the other was a well-trained

veteran with years of experience. The result seemed predetermined.

But Clay had his own plans.

With a subtle nod, Excadrill caught on to his trainer's intent. The battle began, and the mole Pokémon put on an exaggerated show, allowing itself to be hit by Jangmo-o's moves before dramatically falling to the ground.

Excadrill lay motionless, "defeated."

The referee—a waiter moonlighting for the occasion-stepped forward, examined the

fainted Pokémon, and declared, "Excadrill is unable to battle! Miss Nemona is the winner!"

Clay recalled Excadrill, shaking his head in mock dismay. "Ah, you've got me beat, Miss Nemona! Your strength is something else!"

Nemona puffed her cheeks. "You're faking it, Uncle Clay! That wasn't real!"

Clay raised his hands innocently. "No tricks here, just acknowledging your incredible skill!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Aaaah!"

Nemona huffed, stomping her foot. She was frustrated but couldn't do much about it. Finally, she declared, "I'm not talking to you anymore!"

Her outburst drew laughter from the onlookers, including her father, who shook his head with

a smile.

Nemona scanned the crowd, her eyes landing on someone familiar. "Mr. Naoki! You're here too!" she exclaimed, waving enthusiastically. Naoki froze. Every pair of eyes in the courtyard turned toward him.

'Oh no', thought Naoki. 'Please don't come over!!

But it was too late. Nemona was already rushing toward him.

"Ah! And Koraidon is here too!"

"Raao!" Koraidon blinked in surprise as Nemona greeted it.

"Mr. Naoki, I challenge you to a battle!" she declared with a grin, holding up her Poké Ball.

Naoki was about to answer when Clay and the head of Rotom Technologies joined them.

Spotting Alder, Clay and the other man approached, surprised by the young trainer beside

him.

"Who's this?" they asked, curious.

Alder smiled. "This is my friend, Naoki, a champion trainer from the Paldea region. Long time

no see, Clay, Nikar!"

Clay's eyes widened as recognition dawned. Remembering his earlier conversations with Alder, he quickly pieced it together.

'So this was the trainer who had saved Alder's Volcarona'.

Clay observed Naoki curiously, his brows slightly furrowed. 'How could this young trainer

manage to heal Alder's Volcarona when even modern medical technology failed to fully repair injuries of such severity?'

Meanwhile, Nikar, the head of Rotom Technologies, studied Naoki with growing interest. How did Nemona, his carefree daughter, become acquainted with such a remarkable individual?

Though Nikar wielded significant influence, he understood that champion trainers held a

level of respect that even the wealthiest individuals could rarely attain. However, Nemona seemed oblivious to these subtle dynamics. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked up at Naoki.

"Mr. Naoki, please have a Pokémon battle with me!" she exclaimed eagerly. Naoki sighed, realizing that he couldn't refuse. Alder, overhearing their exchange, burst into

hearty laughter. "In that case, Naoki, go and entertain little Nemona for a while! I'll catch up with these old friends," Alder said, gesturing toward Clay and Nikar. "Alright," Naoki replied with a wry smile. He let Nemo pull him toward the battlefield. As

they reached the arena, he turned to her and said, "Koraidon can't participate in this battle."

Nemona pouted for a moment but quickly regained her enthusiasm. "Then what Pokémon did you bring, Mr. Naoki?" she asked, bouncing on her toes. Naoki had already decided which Pokémon to use. Alcremie. Among his team, Alcremie was the least trained, often spending its days enjoying treats and

playtime. Its strength was modest, which meant it could likely match Nemona's Pokémon in a

fair fight.

"Let's begin," Naoki said as he prepared Alcremie's Poké Ball. "Alright!" Nemona dashed to her side of the field, clutching her own Poké Ball tightly.

Several trainers gathered around the battlefield, their interest piqued. Alder's earlier

introduction of Naoki as a champion trainer from Paldea had drawn attention, and many were eager to see him in action, even if it was against a young challenger.

With a flick of his wrist, Naoki released Alcremie onto the field. The fairy-type Pokémon materialized in a burst of white light, its frosting-like body exuding a delightful aroma that drifted through the air.

The crowd murmured in surprise.

"Is that an Alcremie?"

"It looks so soft and adorable! I didn't expect a champion to use such a Pokémon."

"Well, his opponent is a little girl. It makes sense."

Nemona's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Wow! Alcremie! I've never battled against one before. Let's have a great match, Mr. Naoki!"

With that, she tossed her Poké Ball. In a flash of light, a small, gooey Pokémon appeared. Its gelatinous body shimmered under the lights, and its innocent eyes focused on Alcremie. Naoki instantly recognized the Pokémon. Goomy, a dragon-type from the Kalos region and a

pre-evolution of the powerful Goodra.

Another pseudo-legendary, he thought with a wry grin. "Alright, Nemona, you can take the

first move," he offered.

But Nemona shook her head firmly. "No way! I want to see your Alcremie in action first. Come

on, Mr. Naoki!"

Naoki chuckled. "Alright, if you insist. Alcremie, let's start with Metronome!"

At the same time, Nemona issued her command. "Goomy, use Bubble!"