Pokémon: Farm Story

After a brief self-introduction, the Pokémon's perception of Natsume improved significantly.

Especially the Yamper, which wagged its tail incessantly at Natsume's feet, barking "Woof, woof!"

Roughly translated, it seemed to be saying:

"Father! I'm your long-lost son, Father!"

For wild Pokémon, the allure of guaranteed food, shelter, and leisure without the burden of battling was irresistible.

Few wild Pokémon could refuse such an offer, particularly an affectionate species like Yamper.

If the situation had allowed, Yamper would probably have taken up the role of Natsume's spokesperson, earnestly persuading the others to join.

The Galvantula glanced back at its offspring, then at Natsume, before resolutely nodding.

If you're willing to take us in…

Never mind. Let's skip the formalities.

"Boss Natsume, our family will follow you from now on!"

The two Charjabug made the same decision.

After all, wild Electric-type Pokémon didn't have many choices.

Most would eventually partner with trainers—only with a trainer could they feed on electricity openly.

The alternative? Sneaking power and risking a beating, followed by capture or abandonment.

Better to find a reliable trainer sooner rather than endure hardship.

The only holdout was Emolga.

Not that it wasn't tempted—it found Natsume's farm quite appealing.

However, this was a matter of lifelong commitment, and such decisions required caution.

In its city days, Emolga had learned a lot by eavesdropping on beauty courses and lifestyle tips.

It scrutinized Natsume closely, weighing its options.

Hmm, he looks pretty handsome. His outfit's a bit plain, lacking style, but that's not a big deal. That can be improved later.

For Emolga, things like bad fashion sense weren't deal-breakers—they could be corrected over time.

What mattered more were the unchangeable "hardware" factors, like height.

A bad haircut could be fixed, and poor taste in clothes could be learned.

But short stature? That was permanent.

Judging by what it saw, Natsume passed the test. His face was definitely within Emolga's "acceptable range."

Shifting its gaze from Natsume to his Pokémon, Emolga evaluated his care.

The bird flying nearby looked energetic and well-maintained.

The pink, long-bodied Pokémon beside him had sleek, glossy fur—a clear sign of good grooming.

And the fox cradled in his arms was no exception.

All things considered, following Natsume seemed like an excellent choice.

"Yimo!"

Pushing past the other Pokémon, Emolga stepped forward, raising its tiny hand.

From now on, I'll be in your care, Natsume.

"You too, Emolga," Natsume said, crouching to gently tap its paw with his finger in a mock high-five.

As Emolga had been assessing him, Natsume had been observing Emolga in return.

Though he often appeared easygoing and patient with Pokémon who wished to join his farm, this wasn't always the case.

His kindness extended only to pure-hearted Pokémon without malicious intentions.

For those with disruptive tendencies or arrogant attitudes, Natsume had no qualms about rejecting them outright.

Case in point: the Spearow he once had to pin down and discipline.

(Spearow: Why me again?!)

If Emolga had shown an excessively rebellious demeanor, Natsume might have politely asked it to leave.

Fortunately, things ended on a positive note.

"All done," Natsume said, completing the process.

After formally capturing each Pokémon, he released them again, his thoughts wandering to the growing population on his farm.

I'll need to find proper accommodations for all these Pokémon…

Clearly, the farm needed an expansion.

With this in mind, Natsume took out his phone and messaged a familiar contact.

[Why Doesn't Ultraman Seven Have Ears?]: Are you there? Are you there?

[Machamp Construction and Renovation Team]: I'm here, boss! What do you need?

[Machamp Construction and Renovation Team]: (Serious cat face emoji)

[Why Doesn't Ultraman Seven Have Ears?]: The farm needs expanding. Let's build a bigger house and renovate those old warehouses.

[Machamp Construction and Renovation Team]: Got it! On my way!

[Machamp Construction and Renovation Team]: (Saluting cat emoji)

[Why Doesn't Ultraman Seven Have Ears?]: (Handshake) (Handshake)

Meanwhile, in town, a muscular girl lounging under an air conditioner sprang off her bed.

Kicking open the back door, she shouted, "Work's here, everyone! Get moving!"

"Finish this job, and we'll upgrade the gym equipment! Maybe buy new tools too!"

In the backyard, Machamp and Foreman Pokémon Conkeldurr turned their heads toward her in unison.

The girl felt like dozens of spotlights were glaring at her.

"Let's go, let's go!"

Watching her enthusiastic Pokémon, she nodded in satisfaction.

Exactly—work hard so I can buy new bags…

Err, I mean, better gym equipment for you all.

Looking at her phone's chat log, she smiled, her heart brimming with joy.

Life was tough these past months, but thanks to that young farm owner, everything's turning around.

"Still, Natsume sure has a mature taste in emojis," she murmured, scrolling through his messages.

The handshake and flower emojis stood out among his replies, occasionally accompanied by an "OK" gesture.

Such refined tastes!

"Alright, time to head out!"

Standing at her shop's entrance, the girl prepared to leave, only to hear a crisp voice behind her.

"Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to Sunnyhill Farm?"

***********************************************

Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my Patreon.

p@treon/GodDragcell