In front of the forest cabin, the entire Nuzleaf tribe had gathered, perching on the canopy of nearby trees. Some stood with arms crossed, others sat swinging their legs, while a few hung effortlessly from branches with one arm.
Today, Summer was set to fulfill a long-standing promise—to award a Leaf Stone to the most outstanding Nuzleaf. It was no surprise that they had all assembled so neatly.
Clearing his throat, Summer addressed the group.
"A few days ago, Sunset Forest was invaded by bad people. I saw everything you did, and I know how hard you all fought. To honor our agreement, I will now grant the Leaf Stone to one of you."
Beside him, Rillaboom lifted a small wooden box and opened it, revealing a green-hued stone with a vivid leaf pattern embedded at its core.
All the Nuzleaf locked their eyes on the stone, feeling the stirring in their bloodline—there was no mistaking it. This stone would allow them to evolve.
Apart from the Nuzleaf, two key figures from the battle, Oranguru and Okidogi, were also present. One sat lazily on a branch, idly waving its fan, while the other stood with arms crossed, watching intently.
Oranguru glanced at Okidogi.
"Who do you think Summer will pick?"
Okidogi grinned, pointing at one particular Nuzleaf. It had sharp eyes and a jagged cut on its head-leaf, a mark of its bravery.
"It has to be that one! It fought the hardest!"
Oranguru pondered for a moment, then gestured to another Nuzleaf—the one with the largest head-leaf, known for its intelligence and role as a messenger.
"It's contributed the most by gathering intel. That's the one Summer remembers best."
Summer then spoke, confirming Oranguru's guess.
"The Leaf Stone will go to you," he said, pointing at the large-leafed Nuzleaf. "From the first time you relayed Farfetch'd's movements to the latest intel on Celebi, you've played an important role every time."
The other Nuzleaf clapped and cheered, acknowledging that its efforts deserved to be rewarded.
Oranguru smirked in satisfaction—it had been right.
The chosen Nuzleaf widened its eyes in shock, but soon smiled, grateful. Then, after a moment of contemplation, it shook its head and instead gestured toward the scarred Nuzleaf.
It knew how rare this chance was, so it should be given to the strongest candidate.
This Nuzleaf was the most diligent, training in secret while others rested. It had left its own scar as a reminder of its weakness after failing to stop the Ultra Beast attack.
If it evolved, the forest's defense would grow even stronger.
The scarred Nuzleaf was startled, shaking its head fiercely. Summer had made his choice—how could it refuse?
Summer smiled. "Actually… I had a surprise prepared. **Ogerpon, reveal it."
"Bonii~!"
Ogerpon raised her hand, holding another Leaf Stone.
Yes, apart from the one he had obtained from the Time-Space Distortions, Summer had received a full set of evolution stones from Galar's League—including two Leaf Stones.
"You don't have to refuse each other anymore," Summer chuckled. "I've been watching you too. The one who's always perched outside my cabin, training. I assume you earned your comrade's approval?"
The scarred Nuzleaf looked stunned. He remembered me…?
The surrounding Nuzleaf began cheering, urging them both to step forward and accept their reward.
Even Okidogi and Oranguru joined in. The former, proud that it had also guessed correctly, and the latter smugly waving its fan—content that it had beaten Corviknight in their little mental contest.
The two Nuzleaf leapt down from the treetops, approaching Summer.
"Here," Summer knelt down, holding the Leaf Stones toward them. "This is the reward you both earned."
They exchanged one last glance, then simultaneously reached out.
A brilliant light engulfed them.
Their hair grew long and white like a waterfall, wooden geta sandals formed at their feet, and their hands became three-leafed fans. As the cold wind howled, the light faded—revealing two newly evolved Shiftry.
One still had its oversized leaf fan, while the other retained its jagged cut—each carrying traces of their past selves.
"Shakō!"
"Shakō!"
The two Shiftry roared, feeling their newfound strength surge. The other Nuzleaf cheered wildly in response.
Summer nodded in satisfaction. "Well done. You are no longer just Nuzleaf—you're now Shiftry. Let's continue to protect the forest together!"
The two Shiftry grinned, their expressions now resembling wise old sages.
Oranguru, meanwhile, adjusted its fan and nodded approvingly—any Pokémon that used a fan was clearly sophisticated.
Meanwhile, far away in Northwind Town, a lone convenience store clerk named Ping shivered.
A growing number of tourists had been visiting recently, and he was exhausted from working at his grandmother's small shop.
Yawning, he waved goodbye to a customer—then suddenly felt an eerie chill behind him.
His eyes darted toward the dusty storage area, but all he saw was a pile of old plush dolls.
Still, something felt… wrong.
"Wait… when did we even start selling these? And why do I feel like one of them just moved…?"
A single glint of light flickered among the plushies.
Ping took an uneasy step back.
"...I should ask Grandma about this," he muttered, rubbing his arms against the unexpected cold.
"I swear, the sooner this summer job ends, the better."
(End of Chapter)