Chapter 276: Preparing for the Autumn Harvest

"Ponyta~"

This Ponyta had a rather pleasant temperament. After coming out of the Poké Ball, it didn’t make a fuss but instead curiously observed its surroundings.

"Ponyta?"

Ponyta's gaze was quickly drawn to the massive Hearty Grains in the farm's backyard, which looked more like trees than crops.

Misaki gently stroked Ponyta's back. "Ponyta, you’ll be living here from now on. Oh, and this is Natsume, the Gym Leader I told you about. Pretty cool, right?"

"Ponyta~"

Ponyta turned its attention to Natsume.

Natsume reached out and patted Ponyta's cheek. "Welcome to the farm, Ponyta."

"Ponyta~"

Natsume waved his hand, and a grain detached itself from the stalk, floating over to Ponyta's mouth.

"Go ahead, try it," Natsume invited.

Ponyta glanced at Natsume, then opened its mouth and bit into the large Hearty Grain, chewing thoughtfully.

"How does it taste?"

"Ponyta~"

Ponyta lifted its leg excitedly, clearly enjoying the Hearty Grain.

Natsume smiled. "Glad you like it."

Misaki looked up at the golden leaves. "These Hearty Grains are huge. They look like trees!"

Natsume nodded with a grin. "Right? And they’ll be part of our lunch today."

Indeedee stepped out of the house at that moment, taking Misaki's luggage. She glanced at the Hearty Grains with a slightly worried expression.

"Indeedee?"

Natsume reassured her, "Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll make something delicious with them."

"Indeedee."

"Alright, let’s head inside."

Natsume paused, then waved over Cyclizar, who was lounging by the door.

"Cyclizar."

Cyclizar trotted over to Natsume.

"Cyclizar, could you show Ponyta around the farm and help it get familiar with the place?"

"Cyclizar~"

Cyclizar nodded and gestured for Ponyta to follow.

"Ponyta~"

Ponyta responded and began its tour of the farm with Cyclizar.

Natsume led Misaki back into the house.

"Zacian~"

Zacian, who had been lying on the carpet, yawned and looked up at Misaki.

"Hello," Misaki greeted nervously.

Zacian nodded slightly, then stretched and leisurely walked outside.

"Don’t be nervous. Just think of it as an Arcanine," Natsume said with a smile. "There’s no need for that legendary Pokémon awe."

At first, Natsume had also been in awe of legendary Pokémon like Zacian. After all, they were living legends. But over time, he realized that legendary Pokémon weren’t all that different from domesticated ones. When Zacian wasn’t battling, it acted like an old dog, spending its days eating, strolling around the farm, and watching gym battles. Its life was even more relaxed than Natsume’s.

After helping Misaki settle in, Natsume suggested, "Take a rest for now. I’ll make you some tea."

Misaki shook her head and quickly changed into work clothes. "No need. I’ll go check on the Miltank and help with the milking."

"That’s not necessary," Natsume said. "You just got back."

Misaki pushed Natsume toward the door. "It’s fine. Today’s the harvest, right? You should focus on the fields. I saw Sandslash and the others waiting for you earlier."

Misaki was the type who couldn’t sit still when it came to farm work involving Pokémon.

Natsume sighed. "Alright then. I’ll send the Meltan to help you."

"Great~"

Natsume called over Dragonite. "Dragonite, could you go to Morimachi and pick up some cakes? Also, swing by and pick up Aiko and her friend on the way."

"Dragonite~"

The rural area below the mountain was now accessible by road. Along Peach Blossom Road, besides buses, there were also hikers with their Pokémon, heading toward the farm.

Ryosuke was one such hiker. Hiker Trainers were those who traveled and adventured on foot, believing that only by traversing mountains and rivers with their Pokémon could they receive nature’s blessings. Ryosuke was accompanied by a Gogoat, which carried a tent, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear on its back.

As they crested a hill, the view opened up before them. Ahead lay a golden ocean, vibrant and bountiful!

Ryosuke stared in awe. "It’s beautiful, like a painting."

"Baa~"

Gogoat agreed with a nod.

Ryosuke smiled. "Alright, let’s go. I hope we get a chance to challenge Natsume, the Gym Leader, today."

He quickened his pace, heading toward the golden ocean.

A bus stopped ahead, and tourists began disembarking.

"Wow, so many Scyther!" someone exclaimed, noticing the Scyther gathering by the fields. "Are they here to harvest the Hearty Grains?"

"Scyther!"

The Scyther stood at the edge of the golden fields, waving their scythe-like arms. They were ready for the harvest.

Splash~

In the pond, a fish leaped out of the water before diving back in. The three ponds on the farm looked serene, like jewels embedded in the丰收 fields. Sunlight reflected off the water’s surface, shimmering softly.

The trees planted by the pond had also donned their autumn colors. Ryosuke crouched by the pond, washing his face. Gogoat joined him, drinking from the water. Their reflections were captured in the pond’s surface.

"Kabutops~"

A Kabutops slowly emerged from the water.

"Wow, a Kabutops!" Ryosuke exclaimed in surprise.

Behind it, several more Kabutops climbed onto the shore.

But it wasn’t just Kabutops.

"Dratini~"

A Dratini surfaced as well.

"Look, it’s a Dratini!" the tourists by the pond gasped.

"See? Natsume, the Gym Leader, really does oversee the legendary Dragon Island."

Click~ Click~

People with cameras snapped photos of the Dratini. The Dratini didn’t seem bothered, lifting its head to gaze at the sky. Several Dragonite and Dragonair flew overhead.

"Dratini~"