Scenes of his past moments with Sprigatito floated into his mind.
At their first meeting, he immediately chose the adorable Sprigatito over Fuecoco and Quaxly.
They attended classes together at Paldea Academy, ran on the playground until they were exhausted, and then headed to the cafeteria to enjoy meals together. At night, Sprigatito would even accompany him to sleep in the dormitory.
Naoki had noticed the curious Pokemon outside the door and knew well that Sprigatito must be eavesdropping there right now.
He exchanged a glance with Koraidon outside, then turned to the boy in front of him, who seemed downcast, and asked:
"Is that Sprigatito very important to you?"
"Of course, it's very important!" Xiaodong answered without hesitation.
Outside, Sprigatito's heart suddenly trembled upon hearing this.
"Meow-ha..."
"If you saw Sprigatito again, what would you like to say to it?" Naoki asked again.
Guided by Naoki, Xiaodong continued:
"I would apologize. I've been neglecting it lately, and from now on, I promise to care more about Sprigatito's feelings, never letting it feel sad again!"
Naoki smiled and nodded, looking towards the door, he said, "Did you hear that, Sprigatito."
"Eh?!" Xiaodong was stunned, he looked at Naoki, then quickly turned his head in the direction of Naoki's gaze.
Then, he saw his Sprigatito awkwardly walk in from outside.
"Sprigatito!" Seeing Sprigatito, Xiaodong was thrilled. He stood up and ran to Sprigatito, then hugged it tightly, "I'm sorry, I've been neglecting you all this while! I won't do that again!"
Seeing its Trainer apologizing, Sprigatito looked at him blankly, then responded, "Meow-ha!"
*
"In short, that's what happened."
Naoki briefly explained to the now calm Xiaodong everything that happened after Sprigatito ran to the ranch.
"So that's how it is..." Xiaodong murmured, then earnestly thanked Naoki, "Thank you very much for taking care of Sprigatito, Mr. Naoki!"
"No need to thank me." Naoki waved his hand dismissively, he looked at Sprigatito, and then said to Xiaodong, "Sprigatito has something to say to you, do you need me to help translate?"
"What?"
Naoki smiled and said, "It says it really likes you and wants to stay with you always."
Upon hearing this, Xiaodong was stunned on the spot.
"So, don't ever neglect Sprigatito's thoughts again."
Naoki turned around, waved his hand, and said, "Goodbye, and have a great journey!"
On the small country road outside the ranch, Xiaodong and Sprigatito stood there, staring at the gradually receding figure.
Only after a long time did they avert their gaze.
"Sprigatito, let's continue our journey too!" Xiaodong said.
Sprigatito happily nodded, "Meow-ha!"
The silhouette of the boy and his cat gradually disappeared at the end of the road.
Meanwhile, Naoki glanced at the rounded object Koraidon handed him, slightly taken aback.
"What is this?"
"Ah-gah-ss." (It's something Sprigatito left behind.) Koraidon answered.
Upon hearing this, Naoki immediately recalled the treasure Sprigatito had mentioned earlier.
He focused his gaze, and detailed information about the rounded object emerged from his mind.
[Miracle Seeds: A special gift from Sprigatito filled with its gratitude, sure to grow into a unique crop if planted.]