After concluding his journey in Kitakami, Summer and his Pokémon returned to the familiar Sunset Forest.
The moment Summer released his Pokémon at the entrance, Hatterene's expression suddenly changed. It had sensed an intruder at Misty Lake, and Milotic was already engaged in battle!
Hatterene immediately alerted Summer, who was stunned.
"How is that possible? How did an intruder bypass the illusions of the Enchanted Forest? No time to think—we need to assist Milotic. Everyone, let's move!"
Thick fog covered the lake's surroundings. A cloaked man stood at the water's edge, a rare smile forming on his face.
What a powerful wild Pokémon…
If I can capture it, perhaps I can reach even greater heights.
"You're just as excited as I am, right, Charizard?" The man reached for a Poké Ball.
"However, this time, you'll have to sit it out. Using a Pokémon with a type advantage is the greatest form of respect."
The flames inside Charizard's mouth crackled, but before it could reply, the atmosphere suddenly shifted.
A crimson moon glowed ominously in the mist.
Glowing red eyes flickered in the darkness.
Heavy footsteps approached from all directions.
From the treetops, countless hostile gazes peered down at them.
From the sky, a pair of sharp, unblinking eyes locked onto Charizard.
A deep, rumbling growl rumbled from Charizard's throat.
The man sighed but remained completely calm.
"Surrounded on all sides… Looks like we've offended the residents of this forest."
"What a predicament."
Despite his words, he exuded absolute confidence.
Suddenly, Charizard stepped forward, standing protectively in front of its trainer.
It snapped its jaws shut with brutal force, shattering an unseen psychic force mid-air.
"Thanks, Charizard," the man said, eyes glinting with excitement.
"But if even you had to exert yourself, then this new arrival must be quite the strong Pokémon."
He grinned, eyes burning with anticipation.
It's been a while since I felt a real challenge… this time, let me—
"Wait—stop attacking, Hatterene!"
A voice cut through the mist, instantly quelling the brewing battle.
The man's excitement vanished in an instant.
Had he accidentally stumbled into someone's private territory?
If that were the case… how embarrassing.
The fog shifted, revealing a young man standing amidst the mist.
"…Are you Champion Leon?"
Leon turned, slightly caught off guard. "That's right. I'm the current Champion of Galar. And you are…?"
Summer fell silent. The iconic cape. The trademark hat. That confident expression.
It really was Leon.
How did he even get here?
Was his sense of direction so bad that it somehow negated the illusions of the forest?!
"Stand down, everyone. He's not an intruder."
The Pokémon hesitated but ultimately obeyed Summer's command.
The mist slowly receded, and the Pokémon who had come to support Milotic returned to their original locations.
Leon finally got a clear look at Summer and his expression lit up in recognition.
"Summer! So you're the one who drove out Team Rocket… and Hop's mentor!"
Leon laughed, shaking his head.
"I was trying to find my way back… and instead, I ended up at the very place I wanted to visit from the start. What an unexpected encounter!"
"So," Summer crossed his arms, "you were trying to catch Milotic?"
Leon rubbed the back of his head, then glanced at Milotic, who was still watching him warily from the lake.
"Well… yeah. It's an incredibly strong Milotic. I figured if I could catch it, it'd be a great addition to my team."
He then noticed how Milotic's gaze softened when it looked at Summer.
Leon sighed. "I see now… this Milotic belongs to you, doesn't it?"
He shook his head with a self-deprecating chuckle.
"Then I should be the one apologizing. Trying to catch someone's treasured partner is inexcusable."
Summer waved a hand dismissively. "No harm done. To be fair, Milotic is an incredibly alluring Pokémon."
At those words, Milotic—who had originally been annoyed at having its nap interrupted—suddenly became flustered, lowering its head toward the still water, as if trying to compose itself.
Ogerpon and the other Pokémon all had the same thought at that moment.
The Queen of the Lake… is unexpectedly shy.
"By the way, Leon… you originally intended to come here, right? Did you have business in Sunset Forest?"
Leon blinked in surprise. "Huh? I thought you already knew.
"I came to see you."
Summer raised an eyebrow.
Leon pointed at Hatterene and Milotic.
"Just from looking at those two alone, I can tell you're an incredible trainer. And judging by the rest of your Pokémon, you're also an exceptional Pokémon caretaker."
"Not only that, but you've united an entire forest of Pokémon to stand together against intruders. That's proof that you're a trainer with incredible presence."
Summer scratched his cheek. "Uh… Leon, I'm a ranger, not a trainer."
Leon laughed. "That's just a title! A trainer can have other jobs, just like a farmer, a model, a martial artist, or a singer. I've seen it all."
He spread his arms wide, then suddenly clapped his hands together.
"What truly defines a trainer isn't their profession. It's the ability to intertwine their life with their Pokémon. To form an unbreakable bond.
"That's what makes a real trainer."
His eyes shone with passion.
"My dream is to make Galar's trainers stronger—to turn Galar into the strongest region in the world. And Summer, this forest holds that kind of potential."
"…Let me guess—you're talking about the Battle Frontier?"
Leon's eyes lit up. "Oh? So you already know about it?"
Summer shook his head. "If you're suggesting I turn Sunset Forest into a training facility, you're out of luck.
"This place is a home for Pokémon, not an arena.
"They don't fight for competition—they fight to protect their home."
Leon sighed, then smiled wryly. "Fair enough. It was just a suggestion."
He flicked his cape back. "Well then, I should head back. Galar's trainers are always improving—I can't let them surpass me!"
He turned to leave, flashing a grin over his shoulder. "See you around, Ranger of Sunset Forest. If we ever meet in a tournament, that'd be even better!"
Summer smirked. "Hold on, Champion."
Leon turned back, eyes glinting with excitement.
"…Let me guide you out. I don't think you'll find the exit on your own."
Leon coughed. "O-Oh. Right. Yeah… That might be for the best."
(End of Chapter)