Luna's Envy

Since Yuga's return, life at the Day Care had returned to normal, except for some changes with Windy and Audino.

Yuga restricted Windy's computer time to three hours each day, locking it away in his room the rest of the time.

Every morning, Yuga would train while Windy went for a run. The Great Flygon, free from training duties, would fly around the town, becoming a beautiful sight.

In the evenings, Windy also went running, matching Yuga's training schedule perfectly.

As for Audino, Yuga didn't take away its financial control. It still managed the finances, took care of the Pokémon, made Pokéblocks, went shopping, and cooked.

However, the difference was during meals. Previously, everyone would sit at the table—Yuga, Windy, Suzuki Koen, Dian, and Audino—all eating the same food.

Now, they still sat together, but Yuga, Windy, and Suzuki Koen enjoyed Audino's cooking while Audino itself only had a few Pokéblocks in its plate.

Not being able to eat its own creations made Audino quite miserable.

Yuga was practically with Audino 24/7, and it didn't even have a chance to sneak a bite.

Yuga had considered putting Windy, who had turned into a chubby guy, on a diet as well, but he decided against it. Crash diets wouldn't work, and Windy's eating habits would probably return to normal once he resumed his usual diet and exercise.

On the second morning after his return, Yuga finally met the child named Kazuma.

Seeing Kazuma's photo on the information, Yuga had a sense of familiarity. When he saw the real person, he remembered who he was.

Kazuma had participated in a Pokémon competition held by the Devon Corporation's branch in Verdanturf Town. Yuga had also participated, and Kazuma's Camerupt had left an impression.

While Kazuma's Camerupt had average potential, its level was decent—higher than Yuga's current Florges. Its skill usage was adept, making it quite strong.

However, he had bad luck and faced Robert, who was stronger, thus failing to advance.

Kazuma was 14 years old, not very tall but appeared mature for his age. He greeted Suzuki Koen with a smile upon arrival, creating a likable impression.

Seeing Yuga, he felt a sense of recognition and then remembered Yuga as the runner-up from the competition.

After Suzuki Koen introduced them, Kazuma realized Yuga was the owner of the Day Care, earning his admiration.

"I'm Kazuma. It's nice to meet you again," he said, extending his small right hand confidently.

Yuga shook his hand and replied, "I'm Shimizu Yuga, the owner of this place. Nice to meet you again too." He added after retracting his hand, "But we both live in the same town, so saying that feels a bit strange."

After hearing Yuga's words, Kazuma agreed and nodded, saying with a smile, "Indeed, it feels that way."

Just then, Linoone led a Trapinch over. The Trapinch immediately greeted Kazuma enthusiastically, nuzzling against his leg with its large head.

Seems like they're getting along well, Yuga thought. Kazuma must have quite a charismatic personality; after just a few days, the Trapinch was already so attached to him.

"Have you tried our Pokéblocks from the store? I remember you have a Camerupt, which would find our Pokéblocks very suitable," Yuga pointed to the counter, looking at Kazuma while he entertained the Trapinch.

Upon hearing Yuga, Kazuma looked up and said, "I bought some, and my Camerupt really likes them. Its training efficiency has improved quite a bit. I've decided to switch all its Pokéblocks to the ones from your shop."

Hearing Kazuma's words, Yuga gave him a thumbs up and said, "Great choice!"

Kazuma's visits to the store were never very long. He would spend a couple of hours playing with the Trapinch before leaving. Every time they parted, it seemed like a heartfelt farewell, which Yuga found a bit hard to bear.

That day, Yuga was studying breeding knowledge in the store, when Luna burst in energetically.

Seeing Luna, drenched in sweat, Yuga paused what he was doing and sighed, "Miss High and Mighty, could you please make less noise when you come next time? I'm afraid my door will break from your entry one day."

Luna heard Yuga's voice and saw him, rushing over quickly and grabbing the hem of his clothes. She asked, "Big Brother Yuga, I heard you took Rand to Johto. Is it true?"

A bit exasperated by the sweaty Luna, Yuga removed her hand from his clothes and asked, "Didn't you go to your grandfather's place? When did you come back?"

"Returned yesterday," Luna replied impatiently, "Don't bother about when I came back. You haven't answered my question yet!" Saying that, she grabbed Yuga's arm and shook it gently, looking a bit cutesy.

Yuga shivered at her touch, "Could you please speak properly? You seem to have quite a knack for information. You found out I took Rand to Johto just a day after I returned."

"So Rand's words were true!" Luna widened her eyes, somewhat disbelieving.

Surprised, Yuga asked, "Rand told you? When did you two become so close?"

"Whether we're close or not isn't the point. I saw Rand with another yellow duck-like Pokémon. It was so adorable. Did you help him catch it?" When mentioning the yellow duck-like Pokémon, Luna's eyes were full of envy.

Yuga gave her a light smack on the head, saying, "What yellow duck-like Pokémon? It's Psyduck. When you have time, read more books and gain some knowledge. And by the way, Rand caught it himself; it has nothing to do with me." Though I did provide him with the fishing rod to catch it.

Yuga was definitely not going to tell Luna the last part; otherwise, she would make a fuss.

Luna looked puzzled, asking, "Really?"

"Really!"

"But I really want one too."

"If you want it, then train your Swablu well. When your Swablu becomes powerful, you can catch one yourself."

Finally, Yuga managed to talk Luna out of her desire using his persuasive skills.