Chapter 277: The Idea of the Farm Hearty Grains Cup

"Sandslash."

Sandslash waved its claws as Natsume approached.

Natsume looked at Sandslash and the others with a smile. "Everyone’s full of energy, huh?"

"Sandslash!"

The Scyther raised their scythes.

"Kabutops!"

Nearby, the Kabutops glanced sideways at the Scyther and also swung their scythe-like arms.

After Natsume found Dragon Island, the two Kabutops on the farm had returned to their homeland. Under their leadership, the Kabutops from Dragon Island naturally joined life on the farm. However, they mostly lived in the waters near Dragon Island. Only on days like today would the Kabutops come out to participate.

"Natsume, do you need our help?" some of the tourists watching the scene asked with a grin, rolling up their sleeves. "If you feed us, we’re happy to help."

"That’s right. When it comes to cutting wheat, my Pawniard won’t lose to your Scyther or Kabutops," another person said, looking at their Pawniard with a smile. "Right, Pawniard?"

"Pawniard~"

Pawniard looked at the Scyther with a competitive gleam in its eyes.

"And us too!"

"Natsume, let us help as well~"

The tourists on the farm were clearly enthusiastic about joining the autumn harvest. Everyone released their Pokémon, ready to dive into the work.

Natsume looked at the tourists and the farm Pokémon gathered around and smiled. "In that case, I won’t hold back. Of course, lunch today is on me."

"Woohoo~"

The crowd cheered.

"Sandslash."

Sandslash gestured for Natsume to make the first cut of the harvest.

"No problem."

Natsume stepped forward, pressed down the stalk of the Hearty Grains, and condensed his Inner Focus into a blade. With a swift motion, he cut the stalk.

Holding the golden stalk of Hearty Grains above his head, it shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight.

Natsume smiled. "The farm’s autumn harvest has begun."

"Sandslash!"

Sandslash waved its hand, and the Sandshrew and Drilbur happily charged into the Hearty Grains field.

"Scyther group!"

The Scyther and Kabutops transformed into harvesting machines.

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd swung its long sword.

Infernape used Brick Break.

The farm Pokémon all began the harvest in their own unique ways.

"Alright, we can’t fall behind!" one of the eager tourists shouted. "Let’s go~"

Humans and Pokémon alike rushed into the golden ocean together.

Natsume looked at the Hearty Grains in his hand and the vibrant, lively land, smiling. "This scene is truly wonderful. But it feels like something’s missing."

As Natsume pondered, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Natsume, there you are."

Yamada Kaichou, accompanied by her granddaughter Haruharu, was walking toward him.

Natsume turned to Yamada Kaichou. "Yamada Kaichou, what brings you here so early today? And Haruharu, long time no see."

Haruharu clasped her hands behind her back. "Grandpa’s been giving me a lot of work to do."

Yamada Kaichou looked at her granddaughter. "Young people need to exercise more."

Haruharu protested, "Grandpa, I’m not a child anymore."

"Haha, alright, alright."

Yamada Kaichou laughed, then turned to Natsume. "Natsume, the farm’s autumn harvest is a big event. Of course, we had to come and see it."

Natsume smiled at Yamada Kaichou’s expression. "I’m guessing you’re not just here for that, are you?"

"Haha, you’ve got me there, Natsume."

Yamada Kaichou chuckled. "Actually, I’ve been wanting to discuss something with you for a while now, but I never found the right time. Today, though, feels like the perfect opportunity."

Natsume and Yamada Kaichou walked along the field’s edge as they talked.

"Eevee~"

The energetic Eevee had also come down from the mountain, happily darting through the fields.

The Ribombee flew over as well, joining in the joy of the harvest.

Natsume held out his hand, and a Ribombee landed on it. "What’s this about?"

Yamada Kaichou began, "Morimachi has become increasingly prosperous. But we’re still missing one crucial thing."

Natsume let the little Pokémon fly away. "What’s that?"

"A cultural foundation for Pokémon battles."

Natsume paused, then smiled. "You’re right! It would be a shame not to hold a grand Pokémon battle event on a day like this."

Pokémon battles were an integral part of this world, no matter where you went. A big occasion like the farm’s autumn harvest definitely called for such a celebration.

Yamada Kaichou, seeing that Natsume was on the same page, grew excited. "Exactly! My idea is to hold a Hearty Grains Cup during the harvest. The early matches can take place in Morimachi’s arena, while the semifinals and finals will be held in the farm gym’s Dynamax Battle arena. What do you think, Natsume?"

Natsume nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, that sounds great. But if we’re going to do it, let’s make it lively."

Natsume thought for a moment, then waved his hand. A Dynamax Band appeared in his hand.

"What’s this?"

Yamada Kaichou looked at the item Natsume handed his in surprise.

Natsume had three Dynamax Bands. The extra two weren’t particularly useful to him, so he decided to use them as prizes for the tournament champion.

Yamada Kaichou took the Dynamax Band. "I see. Do you have any ideas about the tournament rules?"

Natsume thought for a moment. "The Hearty Grains Cup is meant to celebrate the harvest, but since it’s the first one and we don’t have much time for promotion, it’s best not to make the rules too complicated."

He smiled at Yamada Kaichou. "Let’s keep it simple. Registration starts today. Any Trainer who’s here on the farm and has at least three Gym badges can participate. Also, since it’s a festival, we should have a food street and a fireworks display, right?"