Pasio's New Hot Springs Are Open!

We've opened a new hot-springs resort here on Pasio.

Unfortunately, I'm no hot-springs expert.

That is why I am asking you, the Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town, famous for its hot springs, to manage it!

Uh... Sure, I can do that! L-leave it to me!

As long as I'm in charge, I'll get the job done!

I'll take your word for it.

Here, we've prepared a uniform for you. We appreciate the help.

O-OK! I guess I'll start by spreading the word, then!

(Finally done with today's work...)

Hello! Please, take a flyer!

We opened a new hot-springs resort here on Pasio!

Sure...

Thank you!

Ah, hello! Please help yourself to a flyer!

(Hot springs, huh?)

(The ultimate spot for a weary working man to relax.)

(I suppose I could scrounge up a little vacation time.)

(I could use some rest and relaxation.)

My hometown, Lavaridge, is famous for its hot springs.

They're especially popular with older folks!

The elderly must adore them, huh?

Uh-huh! It's a spot I'm really proud of!

These new Pasio hot springs are a tourist attraction, so I want them to appeal to everyone, no matter their age.

After all, we have people of all ages and regions here!

That's a lovely goal.

I wanted to ask you two for help, actually.

Part of hot springs' charm is they do wonders for one's appearance! And for that, I'd like you two to be my spokespeople!

Good for one's appearance?

Yup! I've always had clear skin. I guess it's because I visit the hot springs every day!

You might have a point there... Your skin is so soft and smooth.

I wish my skin was like yours!

Aw, you're embarrassing me!

Um...anyway, that's the plan! Now, why don't you go for a dip in the hot springs?

(The atmosphere here is nice...)

(If the hot springs and food's good too, this place will be almost perfect.)

Oh? If it isn't Larry!

You came!

Yeah. I saw a flyer advertising the grand opening.

I didn't think I'd run into you here, Kabu.

Aren't hot springs great? They remind me of Hoenn's Lavaridge Town!

Agreed. Even the atmosphere is relaxing.

I was just about to take a dip.

What a coincidence! So was I!

I just went for a long jog to make the most of my post-training soak!

After all that hard work, that does sound nice.

It'd be great to wash away my fatigue.

Looks like Komala's a better rester than we are!

I wish I could live like that...

Since we're both here, want to try the hot springs together?

Sure. I'd like that.

Phew... The water was lovely...

Is it just me, or does my skin look dazzling?

It's not just you! Both of you look even better than before!

Why, thank you!

I suppose these springs really DO have an effect, huh?

I'm thinking of visiting regularly.

I'm sure everyone will like it here.

Really?! I'm so glad!

OK. The hot springs are perfect, so all I need now are souvenirs...

They'll definitely help build our customer base!

Oh, thinking of offering souvenirs?

Yeah! My hometown's famous Lava Cookies, for starters.

Did someone say Lava Cookies? That sure takes me back!

Oh! Kabu!

I recognize you, too! Didn't you take one of my flyers?

Allow me to introduce you. This is Larry!

He's a Gym Leader in Paldea.

Nice to make your acquaintance.

I'm Flannery! Thanks for coming, Larry!

Did you two already try the hot springs?

Yup! We just came back from a nice soak.

I think I'll be a regular here.

As someone from Hoenn, I'll also be showing my support!

Seems the hot springs got the guys' seal of approval, too!

They're bound to be popular!

Heheheh! I'll do my best!

Oh, hang on. Could I ask you something?

I'm trying to build this place a wide customer base. Any ideas?

I'm afraid that's beyond my expertise.

I'd like to help however I can...but I'm no expert, either.

Sorry I couldn't be any help.

No worries!

It would be great to have something eye-catching, like those Lava Cookies you mentioned.

You'd probably reach more customers that way.

Hmm. Something eye-catching...

Um...

I also think too much popularity could be detrimental.

Huh? Why?

Your customers visit hot springs to relax.

When a place is moderately popular, it's perfect.

But these days, word travels fast.

It's rare to find somewhere quiet and relaxing.

Hahaha! Times sure have changed.

Maybe we could spread the word online.

Oh! I've got an idea!

Larry! Could I ask you a favor?

Ooooooh, you've got a question for me?! Do tell!

I've been trying to promote these hot springs...

and since you have tons of viewers, I was hoping you'd have some ideas!

I'm pickin' up what you're puttin' down, friendo! Was wondering what was up, since Larry rang!

I heard Elesa's a superfan of these hot springs too, so they were on my radar!

So you'll help me?

Indeedy-doo! Glad to be of service!

Awesome! Thanks a bunch!

Now... Let's get this show on the road! Time to kick off a special feature, a li'l somethin' I call..."I'unno, ask Iono!"

If you wanna get the interweb's attention, you need somethin' that's gonna shock their socks off!

You know what people like? A challenge! And if it's unique, you bet your butt it'll go viral!

A challenge?

Hmm... What challenge could we do with hot springs?

Is that Magcargo your partner Pokémon, Flannery?

Yup. We've been together since Hoenn.

Lavaridge's hot springs are heated by magma.

Magcargo's made of similar stuff, so with him around, it feels like home!

Ohoooo. Hmm...

I've got an idea!

A few hours later...

Phew...

We completely overheated, didn't we.

At our age, I suppose it's our fault we tried to see who could last the longest.

Really? I thought it was good training.

(Everyone hates to lose.)

But I don't think it was just the contest that made us overheat.

Wasn't that hot spring...unusually hot?

Hm... The water temperature WAS high... almost as if challenging us.

Come to think of it, I think I saw a Pokémon nearby.

If I'm not mistaken, it was Flannery's...

Oh my gosh! Are you all OK?!

I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to involve you all in my hot-spring challenge!

Huh? Challenge?

Er...yeah...

Folks see how long they can last in a hot spring Magcargo's heated.

We were just about to start!

The hot springs were only going to be open to folks who signed up for the challenge, but we made a mistake!

This is my fault... I'll fan you all to help cool you down!

Ahaha! Thank you, Seel. You too, Flannery.

Don't fret! It was perfect for testing my grit.

Indeed. I think my blood circulation has improved, too.

Still...I'm so sorry!

*sigh* Finding a unique way to advertise sure is hard.

What about food?

I get unusually hungry after a hot-spring soak. What if you provided meals, too?

Oh!

That's it!

All right, it's go time! Ready, Larry?

Yes. I'm...not quite sure I understand, though.

Who would want to watch an average working adult eat a meal?

You just don't get it! People love this stuff!

Watchin' a guy like you eat with gusto'll make folks hungry!

Then, they'll wanna eat what you're eating!

Hoenn has a lot of great dishes!

Please, dig in!

OK...

I can't get used to being watched while eating...

C'mon, Larry! This whole food thing was YOUR idea!

I suppose adults must take responsibility for what we say...

There's no escape.

Larrrrryyyy! Less talkin', more eatin'!

Understood. Then here I go...

Wow! He makes it look so yummy!

Just watching him's making ME hungry!

Iono, I think I understand now!

Yeah! This one's goin' viral! I can TASTE it!

Days later...

Whoa! Look at all these customers!

It's all thanks to you, Larry!

Not at all.

No need to be so humble!

Check it out! That video of you eating went viral!

It's so odd, watching myself eat...

You eating was great, but Komala's the star!

Look at it sleeping so peacefully as you eat all that food.

Lots of folks are saying it's comforting, and that's what made the video go viral!

It seems the comments are mostly about Komala.

I'm...glad I'm not the one standing out.

All right! I've gotta work hard to keep this place busy!

Larry, I hope you enjoy the hot springs!

Staying busy... Welcoming it... That's the opposite of me.

But since I'm here, I may as well have a soak.

La Primera?

Yes, Larry speaking.

I heard all about it, Larry!

You met with Flannery, a Hoenn Gym Leader, and took the initiative...

and helped her promote a hot-spring resort! Is that right?

Well... I suppose it did turn out that way.

Your work ethic is commendable, considering it was your day off.

... ... ...

Now that you've had a chance to rest...

I expect you'll put your all into work tomorrow.

I'll see you then. I expect great things from you.

... ... ... *sigh*

Just thinking about work makes my body feel heavy...