“It’s okay. When you get a little older, I’ll make a detailed special training plan for you. By then, we’ll defeat everyone.”

“Bui~” Ethan nodded expectantly this time, then continued watching the battle arena.

Ryan Ford glanced at the sky, then also started watching. It looked like they’d be spending the whole afternoon here.

However, he couldn’t really compliment the skills of these rookie trainers.

They didn’t even know to say things like “Dodge quickly!” “I believe in you!” “Don’t give up!” “Get up!” “Hang in there!”

Those commands are all god-tier skills...

Ryan Ford chuckled inwardly. Of course, those commands also have to be built on the Pokémon’s own qualities and the bond between the Pokémon and the trainer.

As he watched, Ryan Ford started thinking about how he should make a special training plan for little Ethan...

Since he was able to come up with a training plan for Grass-type Pokémon, there was no reason a special training plan should stump him.

Chapter 11: Interest Cultivation Plan

The whole afternoon, Ryan Ford and Ethan watched the battles with great interest.

After returning home, Ethan was still thinking about it, but having Ethan battle now would really be too much.

Growl, Tackle, Tail Whip... those are all the moves Ethan currently knows.

Ethan really isn’t suited for battle. For example, that Nidoran they saw earlier had a body covered in poison—Ethan, who only knows Tackle, wouldn’t stand a chance and would just put itself in danger.

Gentle-natured Ethan did make things easier for Ryan Ford in terms of raising it, but if he wanted Ethan to have outstanding strength without evolving, it wouldn’t be easy. This was a real challenge for Ryan Ford.

That evening, Dad and Mom Fang got off work. By then, Ethan had already finished its last serving of milk for the day and absorbed enough nutrients. Since it had napped again after coming home, Ethan was still fairly energetic.

As soon as Mom Fang came in, she immediately scooped up Ethan, affectionately looking it over and calling it “good baby” and “sweetie,” leaving Ryan Ford with a face full of black lines.

Faced with his parents “stealing his love,” Ryan Ford felt... completely helpless.

Still, it was a good thing that his parents liked Ethan. After learning they were Ryan Ford’s family, Ethan also behaved very obediently.

Seeing how well-behaved Ethan was, Ryan Ford finally figured out what to do next.

As the saying goes, interest is the best teacher. Although Ethan wasn’t as hot-tempered and combative as Spearow or Beedrill, if he could cultivate the right interests, maybe he could achieve the same effect!

Judging from the afternoon’s experience, little Ethan wasn’t averse to battles—in fact, it was very curious about them. That might be the breakthrough point.

The next day.

Ryan Ford decisively chose to stay home, hanging out with Ethan... drinking milk and binge-watching shows!

Now this was the life.

But it wasn’t just about killing time.

The movies Ryan Ford picked were all carefully chosen. The first one they watched together was a film called “Eevee’s Adventure.”

With the arrival of Pokémon, movie genres around the world had changed a lot. This film was a typical example—a very famous adventure movie about a stray Ethan who meets a passionate trainer. The two become partners and accidentally stumble into a secret realm. In the story, Ethan and the trainer face all kinds of dangers, but thanks to Ethan’s cleverness and courage against fierce Pokémon, the two protagonists escape unscathed and form a deep friendship.

Since it was a film, this Ethan showed impressive battle skills, playfully outmaneuvering countless powerful Pokémon and looking incredibly cool. While watching, Ryan Ford noticed that his own Ethan was totally drawn in, showing a look of longing.

Just like this: ㄟ(≧◇≦)ㄏ

Seeing Ethan’s expression, Ryan Ford knew he’d made the right call. Jumping straight into training—while Ethan wouldn’t refuse—would be very inefficient. It was better to cultivate Ethan’s interest first and let it develop its own desire to become stronger.

From “Eevee’s Adventure” and “Mystery Dungeon: Pikachu Rescue Team,” which are introductory films for human children, to replays of the World Pokémon League Tournament, the two of them tried all sorts of genres in a single day.

Compared to the initial “Eevee’s Adventure,” the League Tournament battles were more intense, higher-level, and more realistic. Even Ryan Ford himself felt fired up watching those classic matches, let alone Ethan, who had just been inspired by the movies.

“Bui~ Bui~”

Ryan Ford lounged on the sofa. Sometimes Ethan would watch while lying in his arms, sometimes curled up on its silk scarf. Just like that, another day passed...

Another new day. After a simple morning run, Ryan Ford and Ethan once again chose to stay home.

There are so many movies and shows in the world that it’s impossible to watch them all.

Although Ryan Ford actively filtered for suitable ones, there was still a sea of films to choose from.

Ding...

While watching, a notification sound came from his phone. Ryan Ford glanced at it—it was Senior Grace Carter.

Senior: Still watching movies with Ethan, huh?