After drinking the Life Sheep Milk, the big brother Dragonite slowly stood up from the ground.
Its expression was solemn, and it let out a low growl: "Aowoo."
Its gaze clearly and unmistakably expressed: From now on, you are my Trainer!
The two little Dragonite brothers also came up behind the big brother Dragonite, nodding in agreement: "Aowoo!" Yes, also their Trainer!
Naoki couldn't help but break into a sweat; how come this Dragonite comes with a buy-one-get-two-free deal?
So, when Dragonite finished its work for the day and returned to the ranch from town, this was the scene it saw—
Three wild Dragonites standing in front of Naoki, flashing him a "pleasing" smile.
Dragonite's eyes widened; it immediately landed in front of Naoki, blocking the view of the three wild Dragonites.
Big brother Dragonite also noticed this famously foolish Dragonite on the island.
Its gaze shifted from the human to this Dragonite, sharply sensing the hostility emanating from the latter.
Big brother Dragonite stayed silent.
Dragonite also said nothing.
The two Dragonites stood on the grass, gazing at each other, and their faces showed serious expressions.
"Ahem." Seeing Naoki, Naoki squeezed between the two Dragonites, blocking their view, then said to Dragonite: "Well, these three Dragonites are also here to apply for work at our ranch."
Work application? Dragonite was skeptical.
It knew the big brother Dragonite, understood its strength, and was aware of its unique pride.
Such a Dragonite couldn't be attracted by Poffin, so why would it come to the ranch to work?
"Aowoo?" Dragonite asked uncertainly.
Naoki patted Dragonite on the shoulder: "So, according to procedure, the three of them are yours to handle next. Take them to town, show them around, and arrange some work for them!"
Naoki wasn't wrong; these three Dragonites did come for work, but their goal wasn't Poffin—it was to become stronger.
Naoki planned to pay these three Dragonites by helping them get stronger and informed Dragonite of this arrangement.
Dragonite thought carefully about it; working for Naoki to gain an opportunity to increase strength?
That seemed quite nice, actually, saving a lot of Poffin!
Realizing they weren't here to compete with it for trainers, Dragonite relaxed, happily nodded in agreement: "Aowoo~"
"Go ahead then!" Naoki said with a smile, patting its head.
So, Dragonite took the big brother Dragonite and the others to Porto Marinada Town, introducing them to the delivery process and the areas they would be responsible for.
Early next morning, Naoki Ranch's delivery team gained three more Dragonites.
In the eyes of Porto Marinada Town's residents, the Dragonites from Naoki Ranch were all very gentle and kind-hearted, leading them to subconsciously believe all Dragonite Pokemon were like this.
Yet today, early in the morning, these townspeople realized they were completely wrong.
When they heard the knocking as usual and opened the door to receive deliveries from Dragonite, they were confronted by a Dragonite with a fierce face, a solemn expression, and a long scar on its face.
"Ah!" A white-haired old lady was startled, retreating rapidly.
In an instant, she seemed to return to her youth.
Back then, during an outdoor adventure, she had encountered a grumpy, fierce-looking Ursaring.
That Ursaring grabbed her and beat her up badly, leaving her covered in injuries, and she stayed in the hospital for several weeks to recover.
This incident left a deep impression on her.
Seeing this human's look, big brother Dragonite quickly realized she was afraid of it.
Its brow furrowed slightly, and its expression turned even more serious.
Big brother Dragonite remained silent, placing the milk in its hand on the ground, before turning around and leaving.
Staring at the milk on the ground, the old lady snapped out of her panic.
This Dragonite... came to deliver her milk?
*
While the Dragonites were out delivering, Naoki stayed at the ranch waiting.
Only when all the Dragonites returned safely did he relax.
"Seems like the delivery work of those three newly-joined Dragonites went quite smoothly."
Naoki had worried their appearance would scare the townsfolk because these three Dragonites had expressions like bandits; if encountered on the road, passerby's first thought might be that the Dragonite was going to attack them!
But it seemed everything was fine, and he hadn't received complaints from the townspeople.
Now it was Naoki's turn to fulfill his promise!
Back at the ranch, the Dragonites landed on a patch of grass.
Some were chatting with each other, some were sleeping soundly, and others were happily devouring their food.
Especially the two little Dragonite brothers accompanying the big brother Dragonite.
Big brother Dragonite wasn't very interested in tasty Poffin, but its two brothers were different.
Once they tasted the Poffin's flavor, they simply couldn't resist, fully immersing themselves in the world of Poffin.
But big brother Dragonite was different.
It had excellent self-control and pursued higher-level aims.
Naoki glanced over and then called big brother Dragonite into the living room.