Pokémon Farming Story

"Li~"

With small paws anxiously pressed against its chest, the shiny Furret kept its head lowered, occasionally glancing at Natsume.

It seemed to be studying Natsume's expression.

If Natsume showed any sign of dissatisfaction or frowned, this little one might just leave on its own.

However, what reassured the shiny Furret somewhat was that Natsume's expression remained calm throughout.

He did not reveal any signs of being unhappy.

"I see, I understand now."

"Thank you for your effort, Sandshrew."

After hearing Sandshrew's explanation, Natsume began to grasp the situation.

In simple terms, similar to the experiences of most shiny Pokémon, this shiny Furret faced rejection and bullying due to its different coloration from its kin.

While to humans, a pink plush creature seemed exceedingly cute.

Its appearance was on par with the blue weasel from next door.

Yet, within its group, being shiny represented an anomaly.

Being ostracized was entirely to be expected.

Thus, the young Sentret set off on a lonely journey, leaving its home behind.

Not knowing how far it traveled, it eventually evolved into a Furret.

In the end, it found a place to settle down at Natsume's farm.

Yes, it arrived on the very first night after Natsume came to the farm.

This was the first "junior" that Natsume encountered on the farm.

To be honest, it was a bit of a surprise.

Looking at the nervously expressive Furret, Natsume spoke softly:

"Hello, Furret, I am the owner of this farm."

"Sandshrew should have introduced me to you, right?"

Upon hearing this, Furret quickly nodded to confirm that it recognized Natsume.

The Furret nodded eagerly, indicating that it knew Natsume.

The kind person who would offer good things to eat.

Sandshrew had described Natsume like this earlier.

Due to its limited vocabulary and expression, Sandshrew had struggled to find the right words to introduce Natsume.

In the end, it managed to sketch an image of a very nice person who provides good food.

Though this image was somewhat vague, the few characteristics perfectly hit Furret's sweet spot.

For a wild Pokémon, being well-fed was the most important thing.

Whether a person is good or not, or if a battle was necessary, are thoughts that come only after having a full stomach.

As the ancients said, "When the granary is full, one can know etiquette."

First, one must have a full granary before qualifying to understand etiquette.

Just providing food was enough for Furret to want to join the farm.

Not to mention that Sandshrew also mentioned that Natsume was a good person who wouldn't force it into battles.

Furret immediately declared that it wanted to join Natsume's farm.

"I won't say much more."

"Would you like to be my partner?"

"I'm not a Trainer, so you won't need to battle, but you'll have to help out on the farm."

Before Natsume even finished speaking, Furret nodded vigorously like a metronome.

If there had been a Poké Ball right in front of it, Furret would have wanted nothing more than to slap it down onto itself and offer to Natsume.

With meals and accommodation covered, and no need to battle, what kind of enlightened Trainer is this?

To put it differently, it's like your boss telling you that from now on, your work is at the same level as the general manager.

Just come to work, and the company will arrange housing for you under your name, give you a car also under your name.

With meals and housing included, plus five insurances, and if you're feeling bored, you could even clean the office or take a walk around the office.

Such things were unimaginable for Natsume in his past life.

And now, Furret could proudly declare:

What you could only dream of, I have achieved!

"Here we go."

Natsume took out a Poké Ball and held it out in front of Furret.

"Li!"

As Natsume presented the Poké Ball, Furret's eyes lit up.

Eagerly, it slapped the button.

A red light flashed, and Furret was drawn into the Poké Ball.

After shaking a couple of times, it quieted down.

"Come on out, Furret."

Once the capture was complete, Natsume opened the Poké Ball and let Furret out.

At the same time, he carefully attached a label to the Poké Ball.

He planned to set this Poké Ball on a shelf later.

Natsume had originally intended to create a dedicated room for storing Poké Balls.

After all, he anticipated that he would be capturing many Pokémon in the future.

But then he thought that for now, a simple shelf would suffice.

A special room could wait for later.

Just like how marriage comes after dating.

Everything should progress step by step.

"Li~"

Once released, Furret shook its head and looked at Natsume with sparkling eyes.

Its little paws were clasped together at its chest.

Seeing the intention of the little one, Natsume smiled warmly and opened his arms.

Excited by Natsume's gesture, Furret leaped into Natsume's embrace, rubbing its soft pink head against his chin.

It looked just like a cuddly puppy seeking affection.

"Good, good."

Rubbing Furret's head, Natsume couldn't help but smile.

Being with Pokémon truly does lift the spirits.

By the way, Furret felt wonderfully cozy.

If it were used as a pillow, it would be quite nice.

Long and plush, it was basically a natural pillow.

And it was very warm, indeed.

But this pillow might not be usable in summer.

Standing nearby, Sandshrew crossed its arms, wearing a look of satisfaction.

As a veteran, Sandshrew felt quite pleased.

Well, although it was just a day or two ahead, a senior is still a senior.

While you're still cuddling with Natsume, I've already helped him capture Pokémon.

That's the strength of experience!

Watching Natsume's joyful expression, he freed one hand to ruffle Sandshrew's head several times and casually stuffed two Ground-type-specific Pokéblocks into Sandshrew's mouth.

The "mature and composed senior" facade Sandshrew put on was instantly shattered.

Despite being a child itself, it pretended to be so grown-up.

Do you know how many adults wish they could return to their younger days?

The famous philosopher Sakata Gintoki once said: "Kids who act like adults are the most immature."

Well, Natsume wasn't sure if Gintoki actually said that.

But since he had so many quotes, let's say he did.

Meanwhile, hiding in a corner, Buneary tugged at a handkerchief that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, her face full of envy.

It was quite a comedic scene, just shy of cartoonish tears.

For the first time, she had a Trainer she liked, the first time she had a place she wanted to stay.

But why did it have to be like this?

I was here first!

I haven't even hugged Natsume yet!

Buneary expressed her envy openly.

Minccino gently patted Buneary's back.

Though unsure of what was happening, it decided to smile for now.