Chapter 300: Adopting the Starter Pokémon from the Research Institute

Miss Saoirse is an assistant at the research institute.

Her responsibilities, aside from recording research data, include taking care of the Pokémon here.

After dinner, Natsume had some free time, so he accompanied Miss Saoirse to the Pokémon area of the research institute to help feed the Pokémon.

Orthworm and Greninja carried Pokémon food as they walked ahead.

"Miss Saoirse, you're still studying, right?"

"Yes."

Saoirse walked beside Natsume with her hands behind her back. Her golden hair looked softer under the moonlight.

"I'm studying Pokémon agriculture, and my research topic is the impact of Pokémon on crops."

Natsume looked at Saoirse. "With that major, you could consider working at my farm in the future."

Saoirse smiled slightly. "I'll think about it."

"Greninja."

Greninja carried a bucket of special Pokémon food to the feeding area.

"Scorbunny~"

Five or six Scorbunny quickly ran over.

In the trees, Grookey slid down using vines.

In the nearby pond, ripples formed, and wet footprints appeared on the ground.

A group of Sobble, previously invisible, gradually revealed themselves.

Saoirse watched as Greninja and Orthworm began feeding the Pokémon. "You’ve been a huge help, Greninja and Orthworm."

"Greninja~"

Among the Scorbunny, the one that had initially invited Celebi to play soccer waved enthusiastically at Celebi.

"Celebi~"

Celebi happily flew over and joined them, enjoying the Pokémon food together.

"By the way, Gym Leader Natsume, is there something specific you’re here for?"

Saoirse leaned against the railing, looking at Natsume.

"I’m here to look for information about Zamazenta and also to challenge the local gym."

"Gym challenge? Have you already made an appointment, Gym Leader Natsume?"

"Yes, tomorrow at 10 a.m."

"Oh, then I’ll definitely have to come and watch."

As Natsume and Saoirse chatted, he also finished reviewing the data of these Pokémon.

The one with the highest potential was the lively, even fiery, Scorbunny.

Name: Scorbunny
Type: Fire
Level: 7
Ability: Libero
Individual Values: HP (31), Attack (31), Defense (31), Special Attack (31), Special Defense (30), Speed (31)
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Ember, Quick Attack
Inherited Move: High Jump Kick
Potential: Elite

5V potential, Elite-level talent, and an inherited Fighting-type move like High Jump Kick. What’s even rarer is the Libero Ability.

Thinking about it, Natsume suddenly realized that none of the Fire-type starters on his farm had the Blaze Ability.

Infernape had Iron Fist, and Blaziken had Speed Boost.

Looking at it this way, this Scorbunny was definitely meant to be his.

Saoirse noticed Natsume’s gaze on Scorbunny and asked, "Gym Leader Natsume, do you like this Scorbunny?"

"Scorbunny?"

Hearing its name, Scorbunny immediately looked up at Natsume.

Natsume nodded. "Because this little one looks very strong."

"Scorbunny~"

Scorbunny agreed with that assessment.

Natsume smiled at it, then turned to Saoirse. "Can I adopt Pokémon from here?"

Saoirse hesitated. "These little ones are prepared for new trainers in the area."

"In principle..."

Natsume cut in. "I can donate a piece of research equipment to your institute."

Saoirse blinked. "But then again, if it can follow Gym Leader Natsume, I believe this little one will have a better chance to reach its full potential."

For Natsume, money was truly just a number at this point.

Natsume crouched down and beckoned to Scorbunny.

Scorbunny walked up to Natsume.

Natsume smiled at it. "From now on, you’ll come with me."

Scorbunny glanced at Saoirse.

Saoirse nodded. "Congratulations, Scorbunny. You’ve found your trainer."

Scorbunny immediately jumped for joy.

"Scorbunny~"

"Grookey."

The Sobble that had shared Natsume’s coffee earlier looked up, a bit envious of Scorbunny.

Natsume looked at Sobble and the Grookey, then added, "Also, I’d like to adopt a Sobble and a Grookey."

"As for the choices..."

"Sobble~"

Upon hearing this, Sobble immediately wiped its mouth and squeezed out from the group, looking at Natsume expectantly.

The Grookey that disliked Thievul also stepped forward.

Natsume smiled at the two eager Pokémon. "Then it’s these two."

Saoirse looked at Grookey and Sobble. "Do you two also want to leave with Gym Leader Natsume?"

"Sobble~"

"Grookey~"

Sobble and Grookey nodded simultaneously.

These two Pokémon also had high potential, reaching the Elite Four level.

"Wow, Gym Leader Natsume is really popular with the little Pokémon."

Natsume currently had the highest affinity for Water-type and Grass-type Pokémon.

Therefore, these types of Pokémon naturally felt closer to Natsume.

Those sensitive to energy would instinctively want to stay by Natsume’s side.

Natsume smiled. "Miss Saoirse, could you help me with the application?"

"No problem, leave it to me."

After the feeding was done, Saoirse said, "I’ll take Gym Leader Natsume to where you’ll be staying tonight."

"Alright."

Natsume said to Scorbunny and the other two, "You can come with me directly."

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll take you to see my farm tomorrow."

"Scorbunny~"

If Natsume could directly capture Scorbunny and the others, then after completing the Giant Rock Gym challenge tomorrow, he could set up a teleportation point here.

The task’s completion method was relatively straightforward.

The dormitory of the Hyde Research Institute was located within the ecological park.

Saoirse led Natsume to the room.

Click~

The lights in the room turned on.

Saoirse guided Natsume inside.

The room wasn’t large—just a standard double bed, a shower, a balcony, and nothing else.

"Gym Leader Natsume, you can rest here tonight. I’ll be staying next door."

Saoirse leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, looking at Natsume. "If you need anything else, feel free to come find me."