Naoki gazed in amazement at Latias, who was following Zapdos.

  What's going on? Is this Latias a new friend brought back by the Hero Expedition Team?

  As we know, legendary Pokémon like Latias and Latios ofte in small groups. They aren't the only ones of their kind—some are known to reside in the Johtion, while others are native to Hoenn.

  But this Latias… where exactly is it from?

  While Naoki observed Latias with curiosity, Latias was also studying Naoki. Could this be the human Mew and Baby Bear mentiohe one called Naoki?

  At that moment, Zapdos nded in the pasture. Carefully, it removed a photo from its bag with its beak and ha to Naoki.

  Naoki accepted the photo, gnced down, and instantly realized where this Latias was from.

  It's the Latias from the movie Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias!

  "Are Baby Bear aill traveling through the Johtion?" Naoki wondered aloud. After all, the events of that movie take p a water city called Alto Mare, located in the Johtion.

  Naoki vividly recalled the plot of that story. Two female thieves had captured Latios in their attempt to steal the treasure, a treasure that safeguarded the city. Their as corrupted the pure energy of the treasure with their selfish iions, nearly causing a flood that would have submerged the eown.

  At the critical moment, Latios—Latias' elder brother—sacrificed himself to save the city, merging with the treasure to purify its energy aore bance.

  Naoki studied the photo in his hand. The background was a lush secret garden filled with vibrant trees, soft grass, and a sparkling fountain.

  In the photo's ter stood Mew and Baby Bear, with Zapdos t protectively behind them. Latias and Latios poked their heads out pyfully from either side of the group.

  It seemed the Hero Expedition Team had taken part in that story, but what role did they py? Could they have altered the oute, preventing the tragic sacrifice of Latios?

  Curiosity filled Naoki as he invited Zapdos and Latias inside. He offered them juid snacks, ensuring they felt at home while he munched on a piece of seed crisp.

  As Latias curiously ied Naoki, he asked, "How is your brother, Latios? Is he doing well?"

  Latias blinked, startled by the question. A look of surprise spread across its face. "Latia?" (How do you know about my brother?)

  Naoki smiled knowingly. "Not only do I know about him, but I also know that you and Latios are the guardians of Alto Mare. You've been proteg the Soul Dew in your secret garden."

  Latias couldn't hide its astonishment. "Latia!" (That's incredible!)

  It was true—Naoki seemed to know araordinary amount. Latias started to see why Mew and Baby Bear spoke so highly of him.

  "Is Latios okay?" Naoki asked again, his voice warm.

  Latias tilted its head in fusion, unsure of what he meant, but eventually answered, "Latia? Latia!" (Of course, my brother is fine! He's probably resting on the big tree in the secret garden right now!)

  Naoki felt a wave of relief. He wao firm whether the story had unfolded as he remembered. "And the bad guys? Were they caught?"

  Latias immediately thought of the two thieves who had tried to steal the Soul Dew. It nodded enthusiastically. "Latia! Latias!" (We caught them! Lorenzo hahem over to Officer Jenny. But… how do you know this, Naoki?)

  "That's my secret," Naoki replied with a mysterious smile.

  Latias' admiration for Naoki grew. This human was truly remarkable!

  Looking back at the photo, Naoki realized the Hero Expedition Team must have altered the course of the story. Latios, who was supposed to have sacrificed himself, was still alive and well.

  "You really are heroes," Naoki thought with pride. He turo Latias, who was now watg him with curiosity.

  Latias, mistaking Naoki's for admiration, said happily, "Latias!" (My brother is proteg the city! He 't leave right now. If you want to see him, Naoki, you should e to Alto Mare!)

  Naoki shook his head, smiling. "No need. Knowing he's safe is enough for me. You and your brother are truly worthy guardians."

  Latias blinked in fusion but felt touched by his words.

  After pg the photo in a frame, Naoki turo Zapdos. "The World Tree has grown a lot. Do you want to check it out?"

  Zapdos nodded. "Zap!" (I already saw it from the sky!)

  "Do you want to stay there now?" Naoki asked.

  Zapdos shook its head. "Zap!" (Not yet. I want to keep traveling with Baby Bear and Mew!)

  "Fair enough." Naoki respected its decision.

  Latias, however, seemed intrigued by the mention of the World Tree. Naoki noticed its i and decided to show it the magnifit tree.

  "This is the World Tree," he expined, gesturing proudly at the t giant. "Just a few months ago, it was a small sapling. Thanks to Calyrex and the Gogoats, it has grown to this size."

  Latias stared i had heard about the World Tree from Mew and Baby Bear but hadn't expected it to be this magnifit.

  Someday, the Hero Expedition Team's secret base would flourish here, weling all the friends they'd made on their journey.

  'We all live iree, so we don't have to worry about being separated forever after parting ways... Latias recalled Teddiursa's words, her heart rag with wonder.

  "Latias?" Latias asked eagerly. ( my brother and I e to py at the World Tree too?)

  Naoki paused briefly, then smiled warmly. "Of course."

  He remembered Latias and Latios as two incredibly fast Pokémon, capable of reag Mach 4 speeds—faster than a jet. It would be easy for them to travel bad forth between Alto Mare and the World Tree. However, as guardians of the Water City, he doubted they would move their home to the World Tree like Zapdos had.

  Hearing Naoki's approval, Latias cheered happily, eager to share the news with her brother as soon as possible.

  Zapdos, whose energy had recovered, was also ready to rejoin Baby Bear and Mew on their journey.

  Naoki, uanding their iions, didn't hold them back. After replenishing their supplies, he bid the pair farewell. "Travel safely, and take care of each other!"

  "Zap!" Zapdos nodded firmly.

  "Latias!" Latias responded cheerfully. (Naoki, we'll meet again!)

  "I'm looking forward to it," Naoki replied with a smile, watg as the two Pokémon disappeared into the horizon.

  As he returo the ranaoki reflected oerected events that had unfolded. From Baby Bear meeting Mew and f the Hero Expeditioo their influence spreading as far as altering the fate of Latios—Naoki was in awe of how far their journey had reached.

  Who would've thought that the little Pokémon who once sged for food would bee part of something so signifit?

  Naoki's thoughts turo Pawmot, whose transformation had been just as remarkable. After receiving the King's Power, Pawmot had grown mature and responsible, taking on the role of managing the ranch's Pokémon.

  Bring them to py together, and recile the retionship between Psydud the flict over tree fruits with the same calm authority as Ash's Bulbasaur had done in the past.

  Koraidon wouldn't take on these responsibilities, nor would the Cyclizar. Dragonite and the others spent their days in a cycle of eating, w, and sleeping. Responsibilities like managing the ranch's harmony and anizing others were far from their is.

  Even though Ogerpon was incredibly strong, its personality wasn't much different from that of the Alcremie. It spent its time pying and frolig around the ranch, enjoying its days like a carefree child.

  Naoki smiled fondly, realizing how much the Pokémon around him had grown.

  That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a visitor arrived. Zack had e to pick up his goods, but his attention was immediately drawn to the t tree dominating the ranch's skyline.

  "When did that appear?" Zack asked in shock, staring at the enormous tree. "It wasn't here yesterday!"

  Naoki scratched his head sheepishly. "It's... a long story. Let's just say it's thanks to Pokémon power."

  Zack, knowing Naoki had befriended Calyrex, immediately caught on. "Wait, is this the work of Calyrex?"

  Naoki nodded. "Exactly. I wao create a giant treehouse for Pokémon to live and py in, so I asked Calyrex to help nurture this tree."

  Zack whistled in amazement. "I see... But it's huge! Won't it outgrow the ranch? You might run out of space for pnting."

  "Well, this is certainly a problem," Naoki murmured as he thought of the agreement he had with Giratina.

  'But I'll figure out a way to relocate it wheime es.'

  However, the question of where to move it remained.

  And what about the Gogoat and Arboliva that spent their days uhe shade of the tree? Would they adjust to a new enviro?

  For a fleeting moment, Naoki wished he could borrow Doraemon's Shrinking Lamp—shrink the World Tree for safe transport and theore it to its full size o reached its new location.

  "Alright," Zack said, still looking a bit bewildered. He muttered about the tree being "too massive" while loading Moomoo Milk into his truck.

  But it wasn't just Zack who was captivated by the colossal tree. Trainers passing by were drawn to it, their curiosity pulling them to the ranch like a mag.

  Naoki had just mao send off a group of trainers when, to his dismay, he saw a busload of students from Naranja Academy arriving for what seemed like a field trip.

  He massaged his temples, envisioning an endless stream of visitors turning his peaceful ranto a bustling tourist attra. The World Tree at the ter of it all, like a natural theme park wonder.

  No. This couldn't tinue.

  That afternoon, Naoki approached Giratina with an idea: relog the World Tree to the Reverse World temporarily.

  Giratina blinked, perplexed. "The World Tree?" It had no idea what Naoki was referring to.

  So, Naoki led the massive Pokémon to the rand poi the t tree. "See that? That's the World Tree."

  The moment Giratina id eyes on it, it froze.

  From the tree emanated an overwhelming natural energy—a vibrant, life-giving force as boundless as the o. The sheer magnitude of its presence made Giratina pause.

  "What... is that?" Giratina's deep, resonating voice carried an edge of disbelief.

  "The World Tree," Naoki replied straightforwardly. "I wao ask if you could help me get it into the sky."

  Giratina said nothing, its gaze fixed oree. It could almost envision the profound impact this tree would have on the bance of the world once fully grown.

  No—not just this world. Giratina could feel that even its own Reverse World would undergo a beneficial transformation if the tree reached its prime.

  For a rare moment, Giratina fell into silehe imposing stillness adding to its already intimidating presence.

  Naoki tilted his head. "Um... are you okay?"

  After what felt like ay, Giratina finally spoke: "I don't know where this tree inated, but I tell you this—it will ge the rules of this world. And when that happens, He will take notice."

  Naoki furrowed his brow. "He? Who's 'He'?"

  He was just growing a tree. Who could possibly take issue with that?

  Then it dawned on him. Of course. The He Giratina was referring to could only be Arceus, the God of Creation.

  Giratina firmed it with a low growl. "This world, and even us... all of it was created by Him."

  Though its tone carried a hint of reluce, the truth was undeniable.

  Time, space, emotion, wisdom, willpower, and the antimatter that supports the real world…

  All of it inates from that oence.

  Naoki stood there, stunned. It was almost too much to believe. "Arceus wouldn't punish me just for pnting a tree, right?"

  The thought of such a gray beiy made Naoki mutter under his breath, "That God of Creation must be stingy…"

  But from what Giratina had said, the growth of the World Tree wouldn't just be an ordinary event. It had the potential to reshape the entire p.

  The creation of new natural resources, the emergenore Pokémon species… this tree could briraordinary ges to the world.

  Giratina, however, had no way of predig how Arceus might react. It did know ohing: causing a little trouble for Arceus would bring it immeisfa.

  With that mischievous thought in mind, Giratina transformed into a dark shadow, flowing across the ground toward the World Tree.

  As Naoki and his Pokémon watched, an awe-inspiring se began to unfold.

  The shadow expanded, shimmering like a dark ke, and the massive World Tree started sinking into it, disappearing inch by inch.

  The Gogoat, who had been tending to the tree, were armed. They stamped their hooves nervously and bleated in protest, preparing to intervene.

  Naoki quickly stepped ily pulling the Pokémon back. "Calm down! Don't worry, the World Tree hasn't disappeared—it's just being moved to a safer pce."

  Hearing his reassurahe Gogoat hesitated, then finally settled down, though their wary eyes remained fixed on the se.

  It wasn't long before the tree was pletely engulfed by the shadow. Where the massive tree had oood, there was now nothing but ay expanse of grassnd.

  Naoki blinked, marveling at the sight. "Giratina's power is incredible," he murmured.

  Turning to the Gogoat, he said, "e o's go see where the tree has gone."

  Naoki led his Gogoat into the Reverse World.

  As soon as they arrived, Naoki's eyes widened.

  There, in the distaood the World Tree—more majestic than ever. Its roots dug firmly into the ground of a massive floating isnd, while ahereal waterfall flowed upward, defying gravity, and providing a steady stream of water to nourish the tree.

  The Gogoats rushed ahead, cirg the tree excitedly. They pressed their heads against the trunk, eling Grass-type energy to nurture the tree as they always did.

  Naoki observed the se closely, his heart settling with relief when he saw that the World Tree remained vibrant and free from any signs of withering or decay.

  After some thought, he realized this made perfect sense. Given the immense size of the World Tree, if it relied solely on soil nutrients for its growth, the entire ranch might not be suffit to sustain it.

  The bination of the Gogoat's Grass-type energy and the power of Calyrex seemed to provide the perfect bao meet the tree's extraordinary needs.

  Still, one lingered in Naoki's mind:

  Could the Reverse World's reversal energy, which defied the natural ws of life, alter the World Tree and turn it into a destructive force?

  As though sensing his unease, Giratina, who had been silently from a distance, finally spoke:

  "The life force of this tree is beyond anything I've entered. Even with all my power, I couldn't alter its essence."

  Hearing this, Naoki rexed.

  With a calm smile, he turo Giratina and said, "In that case, I'll leave the World Tree here under your care for up to two years. Please keep the portal between the worlds open so the Gogoat and Calyrex regurly visit to help nurture it."

  In the Reverse World, the basics for the World Tree's survival—soil and water—were already present. Additionally, a special Sunflower provided sunlight. This mutated species produced warm, radiant light on a regur schedule, perfectly suited for the tree's needs.

  Giratina's crimson eyes glimmered with a mix of curiosity aance. Despite its temperamental nature, it was bound by its word and nodded in agreement.

  Naoki, however, remained cautious.

  Ba the ranch, he gathered the Dugtrio, tasking them with improving the arable nd on the floating isnd where the World Tree had taken root. This would ehe tree's growth remaieady.

  He also transported over a dozen Sunflowers to the floating isnd ahe Gogoat a Lucky Pudding, a special dish desigo boost their luck.

  Naoki cpped his hands and decred, "Alright, now use yrass energy to cultivate these Sunflowers. Let's see if we turn them all into the special Sunflowers!"

  The Gogoat, fully uanding the importance of their task, braced themselves with determination.

  "Mea!" they cried eically.

  Releasing their signature Grassy Terrain, a dazzling emerald glow spread across the isnd, enveloping both the World Tree and the surrounding Sunflowers.

  Uhis radiant light, somethiraordinary happened.

  One Sunflan to transform, its petals gleaming with a warm, golden hue as it emitted a soft, f glow.

  Naoki's face lit up with satisfa as he examihe transformed pnt.

  [Sunflower Bloom]: A special crop that inated as an ordinary Sunflower. After being nurtured by Gogoat, it underwent a miraculous evolution. The Sunflower Bloom emits regur sunlight, illuminating its surroundings and providing warmth. When its fruits are used in cooking, they imbue dishes with the effects of a 'Sun Stone.]