October 1st, Year 2—A date that only Dak truly understands.
On Pokémon Island, this day holds no particular significance. However, Dak designated it as a grand festival akin to May Day, calling it the "Alliance Celebration Festival," granting a seven-day holiday.
During festival periods, the most bustling place is undoubtedly Alliance City at the World Center of Pokémon Island.
This city serves as the first entry point for visitors from other worlds. With the combined influx from the Shinobi World and the Sea World, the number of arrivals reaches the hundreds of thousands.
From there, visitors spread out to the three other major cities.
Meanwhile, the residents of these three cities, already accustomed to their own urban landscapes, prefer to travel outward—perhaps to the recently established Yggdrasil or even to other worlds for sightseeing.
However, when large crowds gather—especially outsiders—issues inevitably arise.
Particularly from those who think they can get away with misbehavior.
...
Yggdrasil City
Today, Otohime was furious!
As the Guardian of the World Tree, she possessed the Power of Verdant Eternity, allowing her to sense changes in the natural environment surrounding Yggdrasil.
With the sudden influx of so many people into the city, she could distinctly feel the pain and sorrow of its flora.
Without hesitation, Otohime stormed out of her home and rushed onto Yggdrasil's streets to investigate the situation.
And what she saw left her utterly shocked.
People spitting on the ground, tossing cigarette butts, littering indiscriminately—who knew what else might be happening in places she hadn't checked yet? There might even be those relieving themselves in the open.
Otohime immediately felt her blood boil. She was about to grab these offenders by the collar and give them a stern lecture when she was stopped by Primarina.
It wasn't because Primarina feared for Otohime's safety.
Though few knew of Otohime's identity as the Guardian of the World Tree, many recognized her as the First Lady of Fishman City.
That title now carried as much prestige as the bounty of an infamous pirate worth over a hundred million berries—just slightly below the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Thus, there was no real danger of Otohime being attacked. Moreover, with Primarina by her side, no one could possibly harm her.
Instead, Primarina was worried about Otohime hurting others, which could land her in jail or get herself injured in the process.
"I see what's happening now."
After a moment of contemplation, Otohime placed her hands on her hips and analyzed the situation.
"This place is too far from Alliance City. These people think that because 'the mountain is high and the emperor is far away,' the Alliance won't enforce rules as strictly here—so they start acting recklessly."
In Alliance City, littering was strictly prohibited.
Violators were fined on the spot, and being publicly penalized in a crowded city was an embarrassing ordeal.
But Yggdrasil was a completely different case.
The city's structure was unique—higher in the center and descending outward in tiers. Due to its uneven terrain, wide roads were impractical, and vehicles simply couldn't function efficiently.
As a result, people relied on walking. The dense vegetation and vast city layout meant pedestrians were dispersed, sometimes walking dozens of steps before encountering another person.
With fewer eyes watching, many developed the mindset that "if no one sees me littering, it's not a problem" or "it won't cause any significant impact."
Such attitudes were all too common in Dak's past life.
Let alone in this world, where education on civic responsibility had yet to be widely implemented.
"Miluuu~"
Primarina offered a suggestion, worried that Otohime's frustration might take a toll on her health.
"You're right! I should report this to the Alliance Leader!"
Otohime nodded and immediately returned to her room, using her Pokédex to initiate a video call with Dak.
...
Alliance Headquarters
At that moment, Dak was in his office, handling National Day applications.
Most were requests from various cities for additional security personnel—a straightforward approval across the board.
The Security Department was the second-largest of the major departments, only slightly smaller than the Inspection Department. Most of the year, security officers barely had work to do—so during festivals, they had to earn their keep.
Just then, his Pokédex rang. Without checking the caller ID, Dak answered.
The screen lit up, revealing both Otohime and Dak on each other's displays.
"Otohime? This is the first time you've contacted me directly. Must be something urgent?"
Dak took one look at her and resisted the urge to chuckle.
Her hair was standing on end—a clear sign that she had just been fuming. Beside her, Primarina wore a helpless expression.
"That's right! Alliance Leader, the World Tree is crying!"
"…Huh?"
Dak's eyes widened. That phrase sounded far too serious.
"No way, right?"
"…Okay, maybe not literally."
Otohime's face turned red, and she admitted the truth.
"It's just that the plants in Yggdrasil are crying."
Her Power of Verdant Eternity had only recently awakened—it wasn't strong enough to sense the emotions of the massive World Tree itself.
However, the flora surrounding her were indeed calling out for help.
"Explain the situation."
"It's the National Day celebrations. Many people have come to Yggdrasil…"
Otohime detailed her observations and deductions.
"Oh, I see. That was expected. I'll have the Environmental Department handle it—that falls under their jurisdiction."
Hearing her report, Dak relaxed.
For a moment, he had feared something catastrophic had happened—but this was just about littering.
Wherever humans exist, garbage is inevitable.
The key was ensuring that humans took responsibility for cleaning up their mess.
On Earth, eliminating waste completely was difficult. But on Pokémon Island, it was much easier.
After hanging up, Dak immediately messaged the Environmental Department Director, Kuma.
Within a second, Kuma responded: "Understood."
Since the Environmental Department was constantly planting vegetation, its personnel were spread across every city and village.
Kuma didn't need to travel to Yggdrasil—he could simply issue remote orders to the local department.
Additionally, Dak instructed Sato to assign Security Department officers to assist the Environmental Department.
Any visitors who refused to cooperate or behaved unreasonably would receive a proper lesson in discipline.
Soon, Alliance members in Yggdrasil mobilized en masse.
Signs with messages such as "Protect the Greenery," "No Littering," "Designated Smoking Areas," and "Public Restrooms" were placed throughout the city.
Meanwhile, patrol squads from both the Security Department and Environmental Department appeared in the streets, leading to immediate improvements.
During this effort, security officers apprehended a few troublesome individuals—people attempting to fly to the top of the World Tree to pluck its fruits.
These trespassers were swiftly intercepted by Braviary and Mandibuzz flocks, who escorted them straight to security personnel.
The World Tree's fruits were readily available for purchase at local fruit shops. They merely helped juvenile Pokémon grow—offering no real benefits to adult Pokémon or humans, despite widespread superstitions.
Though this was the city's specialty produce, it wasn't worth breaking rules over.
Some, however, used "fruit-picking" as an excuse to ascend the tree and search for Mew and Celebi, the gods said to reside there.
But the World Tree was off-limits to civilians.
As warnings were clearly posted, security officers let first-time offenders off with a fine and verbal education—but any repeat offenders would face seven days of detention, including three days in solitary confinement, three days of labor, and a final day of education.
Thus, the Alliance Celebration Festival continued in full swing—both on Pokémon Island and in SAO, where a seven-day in-game event offered double rewards…
(End of Chapter)
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