Konikoni City, Aina's Kitchen.
A long line had formed outside Aina's Kitchen. Voices filled the air, and more diners kept arriving.
It was all thanks to Cynthia and Li Wei's recommendations on social media the night before-a testament to their influence.
The huge influx of customers kept Mallow's father run off his feet. Even with temporary help and customers volunteering to lend a hand, he still couldn't keep up.
"Is the Berry platter for table three ready?"
"We're almost out of Moomoo Milk in the kitchen!"
"The Berry salad for table six is ready!"
The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity.
Just then, reinforcements arrived!
"We're here to help!"
With a hearty smile, Professor Kukui led Mallow, Kiawe, Sophocles, Lillie, and Lana in to lend a hand.
"I'm all fired up!"
Kiawe was brimming with enthusiasm.
Lillie wasn't good at cooking, but she greeted every customer with a gentle smile.
"Please bear with us. Your food will be ready soon."
Lana helped wash the mountain of ingredients in the kitchen.
Sophocles and Togedemaru weren't idle either.
Professor Kukui even rolled up his sleeves to carry plates and wash dishes.
With fresh reinforcements, the restaurant remained busy, but everything ran smoothly, filled with laughter and cheerful chatter.
Meanwhile, deep within the desolate, majestic Poni Canyon, fierce currents of air whipped up clouds of dust.
"Lucario, Aura Sphere!"
Li Wei's voice echoed through the canyon.
Aura surged around Lucario.
A brilliant blue Aura Sphere shot toward the regal, imposing totem at the center of the battlefield-Kommo-o!
Bang!
Totem Kommo-o's massive body displayed astonishing agility as its battering-ram tail swept across.
It shattered the Aura Sphere outright!
"What incredible strength!"
Watching beside Li Wei, Cynthia couldn't help praising it. Totem Kommo-o had grown stronger than it had been two years ago.
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