It only takes two or three days for berries to ripen, but for a berry tree to grow from seed to full size takes several months.
If Grass-type Pokémon nurture them during that time, however, their growth can be greatly accelerated.
With the joint effort of villagers and Pokémon, the Yache seeds were soon planted. Now, all they could do was wait for the orchard to flourish.
Looking at the eager Minccino, Raven told them:
"It'll be a while before these trees grow. Until then, you can continue staying with me."
"Minccino."
The little chinchillas nodded earnestly.
Raven's gaze shifted to Snivy.
"Snivy, I've already designed a special training plan for you. First, you need to master control over your Grass-type energy."
"Snivy." Arms crossed, Snivy listened with calm seriousness.
"So next, I need you to channel your Grass-type energy into the soil, nourishing the buried seeds. That way, you'll practice fine energy control. Think you can manage it?"
Snivy didn't answer with words. Instead, it leapt gracefully to the soil where the seeds lay, raised its hands, and released a soft, vibrant stream of green energy. The power seeped deep into the ground, suffusing the seeds with vitality.
"Yes, just like that." Raven nodded in approval.
Snivy struggled at first—its control was still raw—but soon, it grew smoother, the flow steady and even. Throughout, it remained silent, its focused expression radiating reliability.
So dependable, Raven thought, pleased.
For all its occasional arrogance, Snivy was serious where it mattered most. Raven felt fully satisfied with his second Pokémon.
As he watched, his mind turned to techniques requiring precise energy control:
[Magical Leaf]—condensing Grass energy into homing blades.[Energy Ball]—compressing it into a sphere for a concentrated strike.And most important of all: [Leaf Storm]—whipping up a storm of razor-like leaves, overwhelming everything before it.
Each demanded mastery of energy manipulation. That foundation had to be laid now, before Snivy could wield them.
Dratini, too, needed training. Raven had a wooden stake moved beside the orchard, where Dratini could toughen its tail, claws, and scales in tandem with Snivy's exercises.
Just then, the Minccino pricked up their ears, turning toward the trees.
"Minccino?"
"What is it?" Raven followed their gaze. A figure approached quietly—Anna.
Raven frowned. "Anna? What are you doing here?"
But the girl didn't answer. She simply stood still, staring at him with calm, steady eyes.
Raven's instincts immediately flared. Something's off.
He recalled Zorua's abilities, and Anna's strange performance during their last meeting. His eyes narrowed.
"You've picked up illusions quickly," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He turned slightly—and sure enough, spotted the real Anna peeking from behind a tree.
"Anna."
Caught, she came running out, grinning cheekily as she joined the impostor Zorua.
"Hehe, teacher, you saw through it! Even my mom can't tell the difference between me and Zorua!"
Raven sighed. "That's because Zorua isn't half as excitable as you are."
Zorua: "…"
Anna chuckled awkwardly, then leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "Teacher, can we move on to the next step?"
Raven's expression hardened into seriousness. "Your progress is faster than I expected. Very well. Today I'll teach you the most important skill for a trainer."
Both Anna and Zorua straightened at once.
"Command," Raven said. "Training is important, but commanding Pokémon in battle is just as critical."
"Command?" Anna tilted her head, glancing at Zorua. "You mean… telling it how to fight?"
Raven nodded. "Exactly. Battlefields change in an instant. A trainer, as the one outside the fight, can sometimes see what their Pokémon cannot. That's why you must give precise orders.
For example—if your opponent's attack leaves an opening, issue the command to dodge before the blow lands. Or if you're facing a Ghost-type, direct Zorua to use Dark-type moves to exploit the matchup."
Anna's eyes lit up. She remembered the attribute chart from the manual Raven had written for her. Now, it clicked.
She clenched her fists. "I get it!"
"But," Raven added, his tone sharpening, "never forget your own safety. Not every beast follows the rules. Some may bypass your partner to target you directly."
Anna's eyes widened.
"At times like that," Raven continued, "you'll need another Pokémon to protect you."
"I see…" Anna murmured. Understanding dawned in her expression.
"Good. Find some wild beasts nearby and practice giving commands in real battles. Just remember—always treat your opponents afterward."
"Yes!" Anna said eagerly. She practically bounced on her toes. "Come on, Zorua!"
She dashed off, her partner scampering at her side.
Raven exhaled, rubbing his temples.
I was planning to show her myself with a Snivy-versus-Zorua demonstration… oh well. She'll come running back with questions soon enough.