Kai spent the next few hours tending to his home. He walked along the rows of his Berry Orchard, checking each tree carefully. The Sitrus Berries were coming in well this season, their vibrant yellow fruits peeking out from thick green leaves. He plucked a few ripe ones, storing them carefully in woven baskets to later use for Pokéblocks and medicine.
From there, he moved to the Miltank pastures. The sturdy, dependable Pokémon mooed happily at his approach, trotting over for head pats and feed. Kai checked each one carefully — inspecting coats, checking milk quality, ensuring no signs of illness or injury.
It was quiet, simple work — but Kai loved it. The ranch had always been his grounding place, far from the titles, strength, and responsibilities that the outside world demanded.
As the sun climbed higher, Kai returned to the training fields, only to find Chimchar and the two Charcadet waiting for him, their small faces set with determination.
Chimchar hopped forward first, puffing out his chest and making wild gestures, trying to mimic strong, heroic poses. The Charcadet eagerly followed, flames sparking at their arms as they nodded in energetic agreement.
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"You want to train?" he asked, amused.
Chimchar gave an enthusiastic cry, while the Charcadet practically bounced in place, fire crackling around them.
Kai crossed his arms, studying the three little Pokémon thoughtfully. They were small — young — but their hearts were huge. He saw the spark in their eyes: a hunger to grow stronger, to become something great, like the powerful paradox Pokémon that roamed the ranch.
He crouched down to their level, a rare warm smile crossing his face.
"Alright," Kai said softly. "If you're serious about this... I'll help you. We'll train, but it'll be hard. No shortcuts."
Chimchar thumped his chest proudly, and the Charcadet nodded so fast they nearly toppled over.
Kai chuckled. "Good. We'll start tomorrow. For today — we prepare."
He stood, looking out at the training grounds. Already, ideas were forming in his mind — strength training, endurance, technique. It wouldn't be easy, but under his guidance, Chimchar and the Charcadet would become stronger than they ever imagined.
Kai looked down at his eager students, his own heart warming quietly at their unshakable determination.
The path of strength was long and difficult — but they would walk it together.