"Is that true?" Yuta asked Long-Tailed Excavator. Long-Tailed Excavator nodded, leaving Yuta even more bewildered. He asked why.
"He said that after coming to this forest, he saw you helping other Pokémon and working, and was drawn to you. He often followed behind you, watching you carry mail out of the forest. That's how he managed to find this package. He wants to be your helper."
"So that's how it was. Long-Tailed Excavator, do you want to help me?"
Long-Tailed Excavator nodded, and Yuta held out his hand. Long-Tailed Excavator climbed along his arm onto his shoulder. Both of them were smiling happily.
"All right, case closed. Let's head back," Ash said with a stretch.
"No problem. I'll include you in my report this time."
"I don't mind that. I just thought you weren't going to report this incident to your superiors."
"I don't have a choice either. When Nurse Joy said she wanted to commission you, that meant this incident had to be reported to the League. I'll just have to put up with a few months of reduced pay."
"Well, all I can do is wish you luck."
"I wonder what reward you'll get for this task. I'm kind of excited," Yuta said eagerly.
"The reward is mine, isn't it? What are you so excited about?" Ash asked helplessly.
"I just love surprises."
"Yeah, yeah, sure," Ash said, waving a hand.
The two chatted as they made their way back to the Pokémon Center.
From far away, they spotted a graceful figure in pink at the entrance to the Pokémon Center. It was Nurse Joy.
Seeing them return safely, Nurse Joy smiled and waved to Ash and Yuta. "I'm glad you're both back safe. Let's have dinner."
After dinner, Ash returned to his room and took stock of