The Snorlax Solution[555]

"But if this goes on, your café won't be able to stay open," Naoki said with concern.

Oranguru fanned himself with a sigh. "Oooh oooh…" (That's still better than the other Pokémon in the forest going hungry.)

Naoki: "…"

All right then.

So his task was clear: help Oranguru resolve the issue caused by the Snorlax, and get the Forest Café back in business. That was the trial Kahuna Hala had given him.

Naoki met Oranguru's gaze, and the wise Normal/Psychic-type returned the look calmly.

"Oooh?" (Any bright ideas?) Oranguru asked.

"Let me think," Naoki murmured, already falling into deep thought.

He remembered that the events of Pokémon Sun and Moon were still a few years away. When Ash had traveled through Alola in the anime, this café was already back in operation. Which meant that somehow, during this time, Oranguru had figured out how to handle the troublesome Snorlax.

But… judging by the fact that the café had temporarily closed, it didn't seem like "driving Snorlax away" was part of the original plan. If it were that simple, the problem would've been solved already.

Naoki reviewed everything he knew.

Oranguru was an incredibly intelligent Pokémon. He ran a full-on café for Pokémon, brewed fresh juice, cooked meals with Torkoal's help, and even cultivated his own berry orchard. His IQ might very well surpass that of most humans.

Humans…

Suddenly, an idea struck Naoki like a Thunderbolt.

If Oranguru could mix juice and prepare food like a professional barista, then surely he could be taught how to make Poké Blocks.

And Naoki just happened to have a recipe for a specialized Poké Block formula designed for Snorlax.

A single cube could leave a Snorlax completely full and satisfied!

Which meant, all he had to do… was teach Oranguru how to prepare this treat, and the café could reopen.

Oranguru studied Naoki's expression closely and nodded as if reading his mind.

"Oooh?" (Did you come up with something?)

Naoki nodded confidently. "I did. I've got a recipe for Poké Blocks that's made especially for Snorlax. One cube is enough to leave it feeling stuffed. Once we give it a proper supply, it won't need to raid the orchard anymore."

Oranguru tilted his head. "Ooh?" (Poké Blocks?)

"They're special snacks for Pokémon," Naoki explained. "The ingredients are just regular Berries. You only need the right formula and a mixer to create them."

Then he paused.

Right… Oranguru might not have a Poké Block machine on hand.

Naoki thought for a moment, then added, "I'll take care of the machine!"

With that, he turned and hopped onto Koraidon's back. "Hang in there, Oranguru, we'll be back soon!"

"Agah!" Koraidon roared, wings flexing.

The two of them took off toward Hau'oli City, leaving the forest behind as they set out to purchase a Poké Block Kit.

Back at the café, Oranguru watched the flying duo disappear into the canopy, then let out a slow sigh.

"Huuuuh…"

He glanced back at the snoozing Snorlax, still curled up in the orchard like a king in his own personal buffet.

Then, with a shake of his head, Oranguru turned back toward the café.

As he neared the front door, he saw a group of familiar faces waiting outside.

Caterpie, Cutiefly, Beautifly, Trumbeak, and Heracross—all past customers of the café—stood just beyond the wooden patio, peeking inside with hopeful eyes.

When they saw Oranguru approaching, their eyes lit up.

"Hera?" Heracross chirped curiously.

Oranguru sighed again and shook his head. "Oooh oooh." (Sorry… no juice today.)

Beautifly flitted closer, eyes wide with concern. "Buuuuu?" (But what about the sweet treats?)

Oranguru shook his head again, looking slightly helpless. "Ooh, ooh…" (No… without berries, the Bewear won't trade Sweetie with me for juice. I think he'll only come around again once the orchard's been restored.)

"Buu…" Beautifly drooped its wings in disappointment.

No juice, no Sweetie to the café's regulars, that was practically the end of the world.

The other Pokémon hanging around the entrance lowered their heads one by one, all visibly downcast.

Just as Oranguru was about to explain further, a voice suddenly echoed from above.

"We're back!"

Everyone looked up toward the treetops.

Naoki and Koraidon swooped down, landing in the forest clearing with a small machine carried between them.

Naoki placed it down with a clank. "This is the machine I mentioned!"

It was a blender—a compact but sturdy one that was perfectly sized for Oranguru café.

The wise Oranguru peered down at it, curious and contemplative.

Five minutes later, Naoki, Oranguru, and the other Pokémon had gathered inside the Forest Café.

Naoki opened his space backpack and poured a small mountain of berries onto the table.

Oran, Pecha, Sitrus, and Mago Berries rolled across the wooden surface. Caterpie, Beautifly, and Trumbeak leaned forward with sparkling eyes.

Were they finally going to get juice again? Could the café reopen?

"These berries are the ingredients used to make Poké Blocks," Naoki explained to Oranguru. "I'll teach you a special formula designed just for Snorlax. One block should be enough to satisfy it."

He reached into his bag again. "And I also brought extra berry seeds for you."

He handed the bundle of seeds to the Normal/Psychic-type.

"If you plant these, you can grow new types of berries and expand your café's menu."

Oranguru blinked in surprise.

"Ooh, ooh…" (But… from what I know, berries take a long time to grow.)

Naoki chuckled. "Worried they won't grow fast enough?"

Oranguru nodded honestly.

Naoki smiled mysteriously. "Don't worry. I've got that part covered. Leave the growing to me."

Then he began walking Oranguru through the process, carefully explaining the step-by-step formula for Snorlax-specific Poké Blocks and how to operate the blender.

Oranguru listened intently, feather fan in hand. After a moment's silence, he nodded, comprehension dawning in his eyes.

He began gathering the required berries, referring back to Naoki's instructions. Then, with a soft hum, he lifted the berries into the blender using psychic energy, wrapping the entire machine in a telekinetic field.

The blender whirred to life.

Time ticked by as Oranguru patiently watched the process, adjusting the speed and temperature with finesse beyond most humans. At last, a soft ding rang out.

The front panel of the mixer popped open.

With a soft rustle, several Poké Blocks tumbled out—crystal-clear cubes in a pale blue hue, their glossy surfaces glimmering like candy.

They gave off a surprisingly unique scent.

The Pokémon in the room perked up, sniffing the air.

Some quickly scrunched their noses and covered their faces with tiny paws or wings, their expressions scrunched in distaste. It was clearly a smell meant for a very specific kind of tastebud.

But other pokemon couldn't help but lean forward, entranced.

Their stomachs growled.

"Ah? Ah, ah?" Oranguru murmured, holding up one of the cubes with his large hand and inspecting it curiously. "Is this really an Poke Block cube? It looks… kind of magical."

Naoki blinked in disbelief. Oranguru had made a Poke block cube on his first try?

"Seriously?" he muttered, stunned. "You got it right on your first attempt? That's incredible!"

Oranguru turned to him, raising the cube thoughtfully. "Ooh, ooh?" (You're telling me… this tiny thing can fill up a big guy like Snorlax?)

Naoki grinned. "Absolutely. Why don't we test it out?"

"Ooh." (Alright.)

With that, the two made their way back toward the orchard.

The massive Snorlax, still sprawled out in the middle of the field, suddenly twitched its nose. It sniffed again—this time more eagerly. Then, with surprising speed for its size, it stood up and lumbered toward them, drawn by the rich aroma wafting from the cube.

Oranguru stepped forward and held the cube out to Snorlax.

Snorlax didn't hesitate. It took the poke block cube in one big paw and popped it into its mouth.

A warm, soothing sensation immediately spread through its body. Its stomach, once insatiable, felt full and completely satisfied. With a deep, contented sigh, Snorlax gave a mighty burp, then flopped over right where it stood and drifted peacefully into sleep.

"Ohho" "It actually worked," Oranguru whispered in awe, eyes wide.

Naoki chuckled. "Told you."

A smile of pure relief spread across Oranguru's face. "Ooh~ ooh." (This is great.)

Finally, with Snorlax's appetite sated, the café could resume operations.

Once the orchard recovered, the fruit could be harvested again. Then Oranguru would be able to make juices for his beloved customers, and perhaps even trade for Sweetie with Bewear again.

Everything was back on track.

Just as Oranguru turned to return to the café, he paused, his gaze drawn to Naoki and Koraidon in the distance.

They were crouched down in the field, carefully planting berry seeds into the soil.

Oranguru tilted his head, puzzled.

And then, with a flash of light, a Poké Ball burst open beside Naoki. "Gogoat, come on out!"

A sturdy Gogoat emerged onto the grass, letting out a firm, "Meah!"

Naoki patted the Gogoat's head warmly. "I'm counting on you. These berry seeds need a little boost."

Naoki had just borrowed the Pokémon Center's teleportation system in Hau'oli City to bring his partner here.

Gogoat trotted toward the orchard and, under the stunned gazes of Oranguru, Toucannon, and the others, radiated a vivid, shimmering green aura.

Nature energy flowed from its body like waves of spring light, enveloping the orchard in a soothing, life-giving glow. Tiny specks of green light danced through the air, sinking into the freshly planted seeds and even the bare branches of existing trees.

Before their eyes, the orchard transformed.

Where there had been only bare limbs, clusters of bright, plump Berries began to sprout, growing and ripening in mere moments. The branches sagged under the weight of the fruit, heavy with color and sweetness.

Oranguru's jaw dropped. Toucannon let out a stunned chirp. Even the Shiinotic and two Morelull peeked out from the café window in disbelief.

Oranguru stared in disbelief at the orchard now bursting with life.

The sight before him far exceeded anything he had expected—or even thought possible.

Eyes wide, he glanced over at the Pokémon Naoki called Gogoat.

This… this Pokémon really possessed such incredible power?

"Alright!" Naoki said with a satisfied smile. "Looks like everything's good now!"

In the Pokémon world, Berries have a uniquely short growth cycle. Once harvested, most trees bear fruit again within a dozen hours or so. It's an entirely different story from normal fruit trees, which can take months—or even an entire year—to ripen.

That's what made Berries such a staple. Despite their strange tastes and niche effects, they were fast-growing and abundant. You could only sell one for 20 Poké Dollars, which made them practically worthless in bulk.

Even so, they were essential. And as Naoki glanced at the Pokémon guests gathered around the café, he turned to Oranguru and asked, "Can the café reopen now?"

Snapping out of his awe, Oranguru tore his gaze away from Gogoat and nodded. "Ooh-ooh." (Yes… we're back in business.)

At those words, a cheer erupted from the waiting Pokémon—Toucannon, Heracross, Caterpie, Beautifly, and more.

Just like that, the Forest Pokémon Café officially resumed operations!

As the saying goes, "After a long drought comes a downpour." And sure enough, the café was soon flooded with guests. Bewear and Pancham showed up together, along with the vibrant green-haired team of six Passimian from Melemele Island, and a whole flock of Toucannon.

Oranguru, mixing drinks behind the bar, and Torkoal, stirring soups and snacks in the kitchen, both looked a little overwhelmed by the sudden rush.

Facing a sea of hungry guests, Oranguru began to panic. "Ooh-ooh-ooh…" (What do we do now?!)

Naoki, meanwhile, was sitting at a wooden table beside Koraidon and Gogoat, sipping on the café's signature pear juice while admiring the warm, lively atmosphere.

He chuckled to himself. Word sure spreads fast among Pokémon.

That's when he noticed Oranguru starting to fluster at the bar.

Raising an eyebrow, Naoki stood up and walked over with a playful grin. "Need a hand?"

"Ooh?" Oranguru blinked in surprise.

"I actually run a Pokémon tavern back at my ranch," Naoki added with a wink. "I've helped out behind the counter more than once."

Oranguru's eyes widened in genuine surprise, but he quickly stepped aside and allowed Naoki to jump in.

Naoki was a natural.

He delivered a platter of crisp bamboo shoots to Bewear and Pancham, who immediately started munching with satisfied grunts.

Next, he gently placed a tray of nectar-sweetened drinks, complete with bendy straws, at a table where three Vivillon waited. They buzzed with joy and began drinking in unison.

He even sliced a Golden Durin Berry clean in half and served it to the visiting Toucannon flock, earning approving chirps all around.

And finally, he delivered a frosty glass of coconut juice to a Heracross couple seated under a lantern, who clinked straws in a toast before sipping contentedly.