Jubilife Village, built under the leadership of the Galaxy Team, was the largest settlement in Hisui and was said to be the precursor to the future metropolis of Jubilife City in Sinnoh.
From a distance, tall wooden fences stretched across the hills, enclosing the village. A massive wooden gate stood at its center, flanked by two watchtowers. Normally, only one guard was stationed atop each.
"Caw!"
"Oh? Someone approaching?" The guard on watch turned to the Murkrow perched on his shoulder. The Pokémon had sharp eyes, always spotting visitors before he did—a highly reliable companion.
That said, Murkrow had a small quirk—it loved shiny objects. Whenever villagers lost their trinkets, they would first come to him, and nine times out of ten, Murkrow was the culprit.
Some in the village even disliked it for its dark feathers and eerie cries, but once the guard read about Murkrow in the Pokédex, he learned that its behavior was actually a sign of trust.
That also explained something that had puzzled him for a long time—why Murkrow always seemed reluctant to return the stolen jewelry.
"...Hmm, isn't that Rei? And someone else… Well, if it's him, it's probably fine." The guard nodded to himself and decided not to sound the alarm bell.
Before long, Summer and Rei arrived at the village gates. Since Irida was still busy handling the aftermath of the Regigigas incident, she had entrusted Rei with bringing Summer to see Ingo.
After all, no one knew Jubilife Village better than Rei.
"Rei! Welcome back. And this is?" The gate guard, a man wearing a straw hat, greeted them with a cheerful smile. Beside him stood a Buizel, noticeably larger than usual.
"This is Summer, a traveler from another region. He's interested in the Way of the Lone Warrior, so I brought him here to meet Ingo." Rei introduced him with a gesture.
"A pleasure. I'm Summer."
"Heh, with a backpack that big, I thought you were a merchant from the Ginkgo Guild!" The guard chuckled. "But to be interested in the Way of the Lone Warrior… man, I got absolutely schooled by Ingo."
"Bui!"
Suddenly, the Buizel let out an eager cry.
The guard blinked, then sighed in realization. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. After my shift, we'll go battle that Octillery again! This time, we'll win for sure!"
As Summer observed Jubilife Village, he noticed how deeply Pokémon had integrated into daily life. It was hard to believe this was the same village that once feared and rejected Pokémon.
He also wasn't questioned by the guards—thanks to his attire. Now that he had left the Alabaster Icelands, he no longer needed modern winter gear, so he had switched to era-appropriate clothing, provided by the Pearl Clan.
Irida had also secretly stuffed a few valuable items into his bag—a Pearl Clan emblem, evolution stones, and actual pearls—likely as a thank-you for his help.
"Alright, let's head in."
Rei walked ahead, but as Summer stepped forward, the guard suddenly blocked his path with a grin.
"Since you're interested, that means you want to challenge Ingo, right? Well, let's see if you're worthy!"
Rei sighed. "Seriously, Jiken? Summer is stronger than me."
Jiken's smile froze. He slowly turned back. "...Stronger than you?"
"Yup."
"...Buizel!"
Buizel let out an excited cheer, as if egging him on.
Jiken clenched his fists. No, I can't back down now! If I could challenge Ingo, then as a member of the Security Corps, I should be prepared to challenge anyone!
"Summer! Battle me!"
Summer nodded and casually reached for his Poké Ball. "Let's end this quickly. Rillaboom."
Moments Later…
"...I knew Jiken would lose badly, but I didn't expect him to go down in one hit." Rei chuckled as they walked.
"Mm."
Summer responded absently, his attention focused on observing Jubilife Village.
While the houses remained mostly unchanged, their numbers had increased. But more importantly, Pokémon were now deeply intertwined with everyday life.
Chingling hung from eaves, their gentle chimes bringing peace to the elderly resting below. Bibarel played joyfully with children, running around the village square. Geodude were used as weights to press pickles, while Onix tilled the fields. Psyduck, confused as always, tilted its head while spraying water over crops.
In the forge, a Magmar breathed flames to heat the metal, while a Chansey cheerfully welcomed customers at the general store. Machoke worked alongside villagers, helping carry timber and construct new houses.
It was no longer the fearful, skeptical village of the past. Jubilife had changed.
"What do you think?" Rei asked suddenly. "How does today's Jubilife Village compare to the future?"
Summer thought for a moment before answering.
"...From my perspective, there's no difference."
Rei grinned, rubbing his nose in satisfaction. "Heh. That's right."
"It was because we completed the Pokédex that people began to understand Pokémon. And because of Akari, who showed them the bonds that could form between Pokémon and humans."
"Through every crisis, she shattered their prejudices—until everyone realized: Humans and Pokémon can live together."
"If it weren't for her… we wouldn't have survived that disaster. And we wouldn't be living in this future."
Rei paused, then smiled nostalgically.
"And man… Akari was strong. I never won against her. Not even once. But hey… she faced actual gods and won. So what chance did I have?"
At that moment, Rei stopped in front of a training hall.
"Alright. If Ingo's here, we should find him inside. If not… well, then we have to climb Mt. Coronet."
Summer nodded. "Let's check inside first."
They stepped into the training grounds. The central battlefield was mid-sized, resembling modern arenas—only with cruder materials. Behind it stood a striking two-story dojo, a scarlet banner waving at its entrance.
The doors suddenly swung open.
Out strode a tall woman with fiery red hair tied into a high ponytail, exuding an aura of confidence and strength.
Summer recognized her instantly—Zisu, the leader of the Security Corps. Her wild, curled hair might have been genetic, considering the modern Sinnoh Elite Four member with a very similar style.
Behind her, an older man followed, his tattered conductor's hat and patched-up high-collared coat giving him a weathered, weary look.
Even the metal buttons of his coat were rusted, yet he continued to wear it—perhaps because it was his only remaining link to his past.
There was no mistaking him.
Ingo.
This man had lost his memories and had lived in Hisui for years.
And yet… despite everything… he still carried himself like a station master, lost on the wrong train, waiting for a ride home.
(End of Chapter.)