Morning sunlight fell across the grass and onto Snorlax's broad back.
Eevee suddenly pounced at the patch of light on Snorlax's back, only to catch nothing at all.
After Snorlax hugged its spicy soup bowl and drained it in one gulp, it contentedly took a tissue from Lu Ze and wiped its mouth.
"The sun's already out. Time to head to the Bird's Nest."
Looking at the sunlight filtering through the leaves, Lu Ze smiled and spoke to his Pokémon.
They were currently beneath a tree in the Breeding Garden.
Crobat, Snorlax, Charizard, Electivire, Crawdaunt, and Sirfetch'd.
Dratini, Shuckle, Zorua, Victini, and Hoopa.
Team Two's Whimsicott, Ceruledge, Iron Valiant, Lucario, Metagross, Gengar, Hydreigon, and Porygon.
There were also some other Pokémon.
For example, Torterra and Empoleon, whom Lu Ze often used in Gym Challenges.
And adorable Pokémon like Eevee and Pikachu.
Even Little Red and Little Blue were sleepily holding bowls of spicy soup, drinking spoonful by spoonful.
"So, are you ready?"
Seeing how full of energy his Sirfetch'd was, Lu Ze's face lit up with a heartfelt smile.
Sirfetch'd was finally ready.
"Quack!"
Sirfetch'd nodded, its expression brimming with confidence.
It really was ready!
It could take the field at any time!
"Still, you can battle, but if the situation doesn't suit you, I won't send you out either. Is that okay?"
"Quack!"
Sirfetch'd nodded without hesitation.
Of course it was okay.
After all, obeying its Trainer's commands was only natural.
Seeing Sirfetch'd's response, Lu Ze smiled.
Crobat and Snorlax also wore faint smiles.
Charizard gave Sirfetch'd a thumbs-up, Electivire grinned, and Crawdaunt thumped its chest with one of its claws.
Seeing its companions like this, Sirfetch'd also smiled.
"Alright, then let's get ready to go."
As Lu Ze spoke, he took out each Pokémon's Poké Ball.
After recalling