After the opening ceremony of the Research Institute, Naoki, Elara, and Koraidon turned to leave.
Before departing, Naoki glanced back and caught sight of Professors Sada and Turo walking into the institute with Arevn.
They looked like any ordinary family now, caring parents, a sensible child, returning home together to share dinner after a long day of work.
Naoki couldn't help but smile to himself. 'How wonderful,' he thought. 'At least some things never change.'
Time passed quickly, and before long the calendar rolled over to 210.
Naoki was now thirty-two. Elara had turned eight. And Sorin, his youngest, was already three.
"Big sis, wait for me!"
In the pasture, a little boy with messy black hair and dark eyes clutched a small Terapagos as he clumsily chased after his older sister.
"You're too slow, Sorin!" Elara called back with a laugh. "At this rate, you'll never catch up!"
But then, thud!
Sorin tripped over a rock and went tumbling to the ground, scraping his knee. His eyes welled with tears as he stared at the red mark.
"Bago…"
The little Terapagos beside him looked equally worried, nudging him softly.
Hearing the noise, Elara turned back and gasped. She sprinted over.
Sorin sniffled, pouting through his tears. "Sister… you're so mean!"
Elara rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Ah, sorry! That's my fault. Don't cry, I'll fix it right away!"
She dug into her pocket and pulled out an Oran Berry, squeezing the juice onto her brother's knee.
In moments, the wound knitted itself closed, the skin mending before their eyes.
"There, all better!" Elara grinned down at him. "Come on, I'll keep teaching you Pokémon battles!"
The thought of battling instantly brightened Sorin's mood. Ignoring the sting still lingering in his leg, he nodded eagerly.
"Yeah!"
From the shade of a nearby tree, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune watched the siblings with soft, almost parental eyes.
Even after centuries of existence, the three Legendary Beasts couldn't help but sigh quietly. 'Time flies so fast…'
In the blink of an eye, Elara and Sorin had grown so much. And what a bond they shared, siblings who played, argued, and supported each other in perfect harmony.
Meanwhile, in the living room of the farmhouse, Naoki and Iono sat across from Elara's kindergarten teacher, who had come for a home visit.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Naoki," the teacher greeted politely. "I'm here to discuss your daughter's progress in school."
Naoki blinked, bracing himself. "She didn't… make another classmate cry, did she?"
The teacher paused, then chuckled. "Of course not. Elara is a very well-behaved child."
She adjusted her glasses and continued more seriously. "The real reason I came today is to talk about her current situation."
"Frankly, Elara is the most talented child we've had since the kindergarten was established. To be honest, our program can no longer offer her much. She's already mastered the full curriculum."
Naoki: "…"
The teacher pressed on. "As of last week, she had already completed all of her lessons and has made remarkable progress with her Pokémon training as well."
"I'm sure you're aware, Elara has managed to evolve her Dratini into Dragonite entirely through her own effort. And her Larvesta has grown astonishingly strong since she first enrolled."
The teacher leaned forward, her tone reverent. "At this point, the only thing holding her back from becoming an official Trainer is her age. In every other way, she's already an elite-level Trainer."
Naoki: "…"
Naoki couldn't help but let out a long sigh. His daughter really made this old father proud.
Everything the teacher had said, Naoki already knew deep down.
Elara wasn't just gifted; she was extraordinary. Whether it was in day-to-day life or in raising Pokémon, her natural talent shone through. Not long ago, she had evolved her Dratini into a full-grown Dragonite entirely on her own, a feat that even many official Trainers would envy.
At this pace, her strength would continue to soar. The path ahead of her was already clear.
"So, what you're saying is…" Naoki prompted, sensing the teacher had saved the real news for last.
"That's right." The teacher's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Paldea Academy has already taken notice of Elara's ability. Principal Clavell himself has said he's willing to make an exception; he'll allow her to enroll early for advanced studies."
"Principal Clavell?" Naoki blinked in surprise.
"Yes," the teacher confirmed. "He asked me to pass along the invitation. If you agree, he'll personally welcome her."
Naoki sat back, conflicted.
Elara was only eight years old, still two years away from the age most children officially became Trainers.
If she entered Paldea Academy now, then… as parents, they would lose the little time they still had with her each day.
Naoki knew better than anyone: the older children grew, the further they drifted from their parents. Time together became less and less, until one day they were traveling the world, returning only for short visits.
Out of selfishness, Naoki wanted to hold her close a little longer. Out of worry, he feared letting her go off to school so young.
But…
She was so talented. Could he really clip her wings just to keep her at home?
Naoki exchanged a glance with Iono, then sighed. "We'll ask Elara for her opinion first. After that, we'll give you our answer."
The teacher smiled, bowing politely. "That's more than fair. I'll await your reply at the kindergarten."
After she left, Naoki and Iono walked out to the pasture, where Elara was chasing Sorin and their Pokémon.
"Elara, come here!" Naoki called.
"What's wrong, Dad?" she said, running over with Sorin, Dragonite, and Larvesta tumbling after her.
Naoki crouched down with a smile. "How's school been lately?"
"Perfect!" Elara said proudly, puffing her chest.
"So confident, huh?" Naoki chuckled. "Well… your teacher came by today. She said Paldea Academy heard about how well you're doing. They want to accept you early. If you'd like, you could start studying there as soon as tomorrow."
Elara's eyes went wide. "Paldea Academy? The one with all the amazing Trainers?!"
Naoki nodded. "Yes. Nemona, Juliana, Arven… even your mother all studied there."
"Wow!" Elara's eyes sparkled. She didn't hesitate. "I want to go!"
Naoki: "…"
This kid really didn't hesitate at all. Not even a second thought for the ranch!
"But if you go, you won't be able to come home every day," Naoki warned gently. "You won't see Mom and Dad as much as you do now."
"Why not?" Elara tilted her head.
"Because Paldea Academy isn't like kindergarten," Naoki explained. "They teach with a different style. You'll have normal classes, yes, but you'll also have to travel, explore, and battle. Sometimes even collect Gym Badges."
Elara's jaw dropped, and her little fists clenched with excitement. "That sounds amazing! I definitely want to go!"
Naoki pressed a hand over his face. "This girl…"
"I can use my Rotom Phone to call Mom and Dad every day!" Elara announced proudly, her eyes sparkling as if she had solved the biggest problem in the world.
Naoki: "…"
He sighed, shaking his head helplessly. "Alright, alright. If that's the case, Daddy promises, we'll contact Paldea Academy, and someone will come to pick you up in a few days."
"Great!" Elara cheered, practically bouncing with joy.
"Great!" Sorin echoed beside her, clapping his little hands, though he had no idea why his sister was so excited.
Elara ruffled his hair, grinning. "Sorin, I'm going to battle strong Trainers now! You just eat well at home, okay?"
Sorin didn't quite understand, but hugged his sister tightly anyway.
That afternoon, Naoki informed the kindergarten teacher of Elara's choice.
Three days later, Principal Clavell himself arrived at the ranch.
"It's you!"
Clavell's eyes widened in surprise the moment he saw Naoki.
He never imagined that Elara would turn out to be Naoki's daughter.
Naoki smiled faintly. "Yes. I'll be leaving Elara in your care."
"No wonder… no wonder…" Clavell muttered, adjusting his glasses as he regained his composure. Finally, he nodded firmly. "I understand. In that case, I'll take good care of her."
Naoki gently pushed Elara forward. "Elara, this is Principal Clavell, the one I told you about before."
"Hello, Principal Clavell! I'm Elara!" she said brightly.
"Hello, Elara. I'm Principal Clavell, and I'm here to bring you to Paldea Academy," Clavell replied warmly. Behind the glint of his glasses, his eyes carried a look of satisfaction.
"Oh, and since you already have your own partner Pokémon, the Academy won't be assigning you a starter just yet," he explained.
That was the tradition, when new Trainers turned ten, they were offered one of Paldea's starter Pokémon. But Elara was only eight, and with Dragonite and Larvesta already at her side, a third partner might overwhelm her.
"Of course, when you do turn ten, if you'd like to receive a starter Pokémon, you can apply through the Academy," Clavell added.
Naoki nodded in agreement.
Elara also accepted it without fuss, her focus now was on raising Dragonite, Larvesta, and Terapagos, not to mention the three Legendary Beasts who never left her side. Another Pokémon would only stretch her too thin.
"I understand!" she nodded firmly.
The night before, Naoki and Iono had already discussed which Pokémon Elara should take with her.
First were Dragonite and Larvesta, her earliest partners, who she had trained with the most.
Second was three Terapagos, who she had yet to formally capture but who had chosen to follow her.
And finally, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, her guardian companions, who had sworn to protect her wherever she went.
With eight Pokémon by her side, Elara set off on her new journey to Paldea Academy.
Back at the ranch, Naoki, Iono, Sorin, and the rest of their Pokémon couldn't help feeling the absence.
Sorin cried for days, wandering the pasture searching for his sister, until nightly video calls from Elara soothed him to sleep.
Life on the ranch felt strangely quiet, every day a little longer without her laughter echoing through the fields.
Naoki and Iono couldn't help worrying about their daughter. Though they longed for updates, the teachers and staff at Paldea Academy said nothing; this was Elara's test to face on her own.
Finally, a month after she had left home, Naoki's Rotom Phone chimed with a new message.
On the screen was a cheerful selfie of Elara, Larvesta, and Dragonite. In her hand, she proudly held a round badge decorated with a leaf pattern.
[Elara: Dad! Dragonite and I defeated Gym Leader Brassius and earned the Grass Badge!]
Naoki froze.
Elara had already earned her first Gym Badge? So soon?
And the Paldea League had actually allowed a child under ten to begin collecting badges?
The thought reminded him of Poppy, the young Trainer who had entered the ranks of the Elite Four at only nine years old.
Naoki: "…"
Well, if Poppy could do it, then it wasn't impossible. With Geeta watching over things at the League, exceptions could certainly be made.
What truly shocked him was what happened next.
In just ten more days, Elara sent another message.
[Elara: I passed the Artazon-style Gym test and received the Bug Badge from Gym Leader Katy! And Dad, I met a new friend! From now on, it'll be traveling with us!]
Attached was a picture of her new partner: a Charcadet, gazing up at the camera with fiery determination.
Naoki's eyes softened, filled with relief and pride.
"She's truly remarkable," he murmured, showing the picture to Iono.
Iono studied the badge route carefully and gave a knowing smile. "If she keeps this pace, I suspect Elara will be in Levincia soon."
Naoki chuckled. "Want to switch shifts with me? I'd love to test her myself."
Iono waved him off. "No need! I'll battle her personally. Even if she's our daughter, I won't hold back."
Naoki: "…"
Half a month later, Elara finally arrived in Levincia City.
There, mother and daughter stood across from one another on the battlefield.
Since Elara had only earned two Gym Badges, Iono chose not to unleash her full strength. Even so, the battle proved more than enough of a challenge for Elara.
Naoki, back at the ranch, tuned in through Iono's live-streamed feed, his heart pounding with anticipation.
The match was set as a 3-on-3 battle.
Iono sent out Kilowattrel, Bellibolt, and her trusted Luxray.
Elara responded with Larvesta, Dragonite, and her new partner, Charcadet.
The clash began at once.
Charcadet, brimming with enthusiasm, charged boldly at Kilowattrel, but the veteran bird danced through the skies with practiced grace. With a crackling discharge of electricity, Kilowattrel struck, knocking Charcadet out despite its fiery spirit.
Elara gritted her teeth, recalling her partner with gentle encouragement. "You did great, Charcadet. Rest for now."
Dragonite entered next, wings slicing through the air. With incredible speed, it darted in and struck Kilowattrel with a decisive Dragon Claw, finally toppling the Electric-type.
But Dragonite's victory was short-lived. Iono sent in Bellibolt, whose sturdy frame and charged orbs absorbed hit after hit. When it released a surge of stored electricity, Dragonite was overwhelmed, crashing to the floor in defeat.
Elara was left with her final Pokémon, Larvest.
The fiery Bug-type landed on the battlefield, its blazing body flaring with determination as it faced Iono.
Faced with this overwhelming crisis, Elara and Larvesta seemed to connect on a deeper level.
The tiny Bug-and-Fire type let out a cry, its body flaring brighter than ever before. Sparks of molten light burst from its fur, swirling into a fiery cocoon that blazed with radiant energy.
Then, in the middle of the battlefield, before the stunned gaze of Iono, Naoki, and the entire audience watching the livestream, Larvesta began to evolve.
Its blazing light engulfed the arena, illuminating every corner with an intensity like the rising sun. When the brilliance finally faded, the small larva was gone.
Hovering in its place, wings ablaze like burning petals, was Volcarona, the "Sun Pokémon."
"Volcarona…" Elara whispered, awe in her voice.
Her newly evolved partner let out a piercing cry, flames dancing across its majestic wings. The sheer heat distorted the air around it, red-hot embers scattering like meteors.
Under Elara's brilliant command, the Volcarona fought one against two, defeating both Bellibolt and Luxray, turning the tide and successfully seizing the Lightning Badge from Iono's hand.
Naoki, Koraidon, and the others, watching Elara's impressive performance from the livestream, couldn't help but applaud her in celebration.
Eight years of pent-up fire power, fueled by the notes left by Red, Alder's training, and Naoki's assistance, finally unleashed its immense power, surging forth at this moment, transforming its life form into something unprecedented.
Naoki, with a single glance, recognized the Volcarona's extraordinary power.
The visible swells of heat, the fiery red particles swirling around it, the near-distortion of space due to the intense heat, everything confirmed that this Volcarona was no ordinary Volcarona!
The temperature and intensity of its flames reached the pinnacle for a Pokémon like Volcarona.
Its every performance truly lived up to its title, "Incarnation of the Sun"!