January 1, New Year's Day.
After returning to Celestic Town from Kitakami and resting for the night, Qingyu got up bright and early.
The reason was simple-
Although Qingyu thought of New Year as a holiday based on the lunar calendar, most regions in the Pokémon world did indeed celebrate it on January 1.
The Sinnoh Region was no exception.
According to local custom, they were supposed to visit the shrine in the center of town that morning to ring the bell and make a wish.
That was why Qingyu had gotten up so early.
When he emerged after washing up, Cynthia, once again dressed in a kimono, happened to come out at the same time.
They exchanged smiles, then left the historical research institute side by side.
"A lot happened last year."
As they walked down the street, Cynthia suddenly grew reflective and looked at Qingyu with a smile.
Qingyu nodded.
"It certainly did, but it's all behind us now."
Before he knew it, two months had passed since he had crossed over into the Pokémon world.
From the bewilderment of inheriting a gym on the brink of closure-a disastrous starting point-to awakening his system and throwing himself into his work as though grasping at a lifeline...
Looking back now, he had been rather immature when he first arrived.
Fortunately, although he hadn't grown all that quickly, he had still managed to complete his "main quest" for the year fairly well-
He had saved the Sunshine Gym, met his companions with their varied personalities, and made something of a name for himself in the Pokémon world.
He had even exceeded his goal and would become a Victory Road examiner in the Paldea Region in the coming year.
Of course, more importantly...
He had gradually forged his own bonds in