Rick, a first-year student at Orange Academy, began his Pokémon journey with Litleo, a Fire Type and Normal Type Pokémon.
Not long ago, he left the school to travel across the expansive Paldea Region, visiting major cities and collecting Gym Badges along the way.
When passing through Porto Marinada Town, he heard about an event called the "Sakura Blossom Wine Party" and decided to bring Litleo to participate.
After walking for a while, both he and Litleo felt a bit hungry when they suddenly caught a whiff of an incredibly enticing aroma.
Following the scent, they eventually arrived at a food stall.
It was a very peculiar stall.
The stall owner was a young man wearing a brown denim jacket.
He was surrounded by various Pokémon.
On either side were a Cyclizar and an unfamiliar Pokémon, and on the stall sat a row of small Nacli. Behind the Nacli were an Alcremie and a gently swaying Smoliv, and further back, a Dragonite was resting under a tree.
As Rick approached, a Butterfree perched at the top of the stall also bowed its head to gaze downward.
"So many rare Pokémon!"
Rick was amazed and couldn't help but ask, "Are all these Pokémon yours?"
Naoki nodded with a smile, "That's right."
Rick's eyes immediately showed a look of envy; he has a dream of capturing various rare and powerful Pokémon.
Just then, he heard a growl from Litleo's belly, which he was holding in his arms.
Rick remembered why he came here.
Naoki chuckled, "Take a look and see if there's anything you'd like! For Litleo, I personally recommend getting it some Boiled Pork Slices!"
"Boiled Pork Slices..." Rick muttered as he looked at the sign displaying prices, "Boiled Pork Slices, 800 League currency, Berry Juice 200 League currency, Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes 500 League currency, Steamed Egg 300 League currency. I'll take a Boiled Pork Slices and a Steamed Egg!"
"Got it!"
Naoki took out the pre-prepared dishes, packed in portable boxes with disposable cutlery for convenience.
Rick also took out money and handed it over.
The two engaged in a quick exchange of money and food.
As Rick opened the lid, a spicy aroma wafted up to him.
Staring at the meat slices covered in red oil, he couldn't help but swallow.
He picked up a slice with chopsticks, put it in his mouth, chewed a few times, and his eyes widened suddenly.
Delicious!
Spicy, savory, tender! Aside from being a bit spicy, it had no flaws!
"Litleo, you try some too!" Rick set Litleo down on the ground, and the two sat on the grass, enjoying the two dishes together.
Besides the Boiled Pork Slices, Rick also opened the Steamed Egg.
The steamed egg was smooth and tender, as tempting as jelly.
Just as he was about to scoop a piece to taste, Litleo beside him acted strangely.
Suddenly, its face turned red, its cheeks puffed up, and it opened its mouth wide, releasing an intense burst of flame.
What's going on?
Rick was slightly taken aback and looked down at the red oil-covered meat slices in front of Litleo, a bizarre thought flashed in his mind — could it be so spicy that it's breathing fire?
But how? It wasn't that spicy when I ate it?
Litleo spat fire once, then stopped, licked its mouth with its tongue, and continued eating the meat.
But after just a few bites, it raised its head and spat fire again.
Rick: !!!
Rick was stunned and, still in disbelief, rushed over to the stall and asked, "Why does this dish cause fire-breathing?"
Naoki: "It's because there's a special Secret Spice in this dish. After eating, the Fire Type Pokémon's Fire Type energy surges, but don't worry, it won't affect the Pokémon's health."
Rick looked puzzled.
Just then, a spark ignited on Litleo's body beside him.
The flame grew increasingly intense, eventually engulfing Litleo's whole body.
After a moment of confusion, Litleo sensed this new power within and let out an excited, enthusiastic roar, aiming forward, speeding up, running around the stall faster and faster.
"That, that is!" Rick's mouth dropped open.
If he wasn't mistaken, that move was Flame Charge!
"Looks like your Litleo got lucky!" Naoki said.
Rick turned his head and asked, "What do you mean?"
Naoki, half-joking, said, "This is the special effect of the dish. The spiciness enhances the Fire Type energy inside Pokémon."
"When their internal Fire Type energy reaches a peak, their brains enter a unique state. Sometimes, in this state, they can learn new Fire Type moves."
This explanation was too complex for Rick to grasp.
Naoki explained, "It's like some Trainers let their Pokémon train in ocean whirlpools, where Water Type energy is abundant, helping them learn moves like Whirlpool."
Rick understood now, and shocked, he exclaimed, "So, this dish can help Pokémon train?! How did you do it?!"
Naoki smiled, "Secret formula, won't be shared! If you want more, come back next year around this time!"
Getting no further answers, Rick focused back on the remaining dishes.
He felt his pocket and then asked, "Can I buy some extra to take away?"
"No, each person can only buy two servings." Naoki shook his head.
"Alright." So he could buy one more.
Rick eagerly took out his money and purchased a second serving.
"Do the other dishes also help my Litleo train?" he asked.
"I'm afraid not, these are just ordinary dishes."
"I see."
Rick felt a bit disappointed, secretly deciding in his heart to return next year.
Just as he was about to turn and leave, he noticed something.
Hold on! Aren't the stalls here supposed to be run by local farmers? How does this man know so much about Pokémon?
Who exactly is this stall owner?
Thinking about it, Rick directly asked him.
Naoki helplessly shrugged: "As you can see, I'm just an ordinary farmer running a ranch nearby."
Meanwhile, another new customer was drawn by the aroma.
A girl with a Sprigatito approached.
She looked at the menu and then said, "Boss, I'd like two Berry Juices and two Steamed Eggs!"