Chapter 203:Addictive Strength! The Power Boost of Fighting Pokémon!

At this moment, the temple began to slowly sink.

The Temple of the Sea was protected by an invisible barrier, so the seawater wouldn’t flood the interior.

It could freely drift to any place in the ocean.

Natsume asked, "Manaphy, do you want to stay here?"

"Manaphy."

Manaphy nodded.

"Then I will keep this teleport portal open here."

"Manaphy~"

Thanks to the teleport portal, Natsume and the others could return to the temple at any time.

Manaphy would also be able to travel freely between the temple and the farm.

Natsume stood beside the teleport portal, turning back to take one last look at Manaphy.

At that moment, the temple had completely submerged beneath the surface of the sea.

And at the sea floor, a massive Pokémon was slowly swimming toward them.

It gazed quietly at Natsume.

"Kyogre."

Natsume stared at the Pokémon in surprise and then waved his hand in a friendly manner.

"Let’s go, Manaphy."

"Manaphy~"

Manaphy looked very relaxed at that moment.

Because Manaphy knew it now had two homes.

Two places it could return to at any time.

At the farm.

"Natsume, I’m leaving first."

Watanabe packed up his things and sat on Pelipper to bid farewell to Natsume.

"Leaving so soon?"

Watanabe chuckled, "There’s still a lot to handle at the Breeding Center, so I need to get back quickly."

Natsume nodded slightly, "Alright then."

"Goodbye."

Watanabe waved and then rode Pelipper away from the farm.

Watanabe gradually faded into the distance.

He turned back to look at the shrinking farm and sighed, "What an experience, it's like a dream."

On the empty plot of land in front of the farm cabin, Silvally stared expressionlessly at Natsume.

It seemed to hold no deep resentment toward Natsume and had no particular thoughts about the surrounding changes.

Natsume looked at it and asked, "Silvally, can you tell me about your experiences?"

Silvally gazed at Natsume without responding.

"If you don't want to talk, that's okay."

Natsume didn't push it and simply said, "This is my farm; you can take a look around."

"You can eat any food here if you want."

Silvally still said nothing.

Natsume scratched his head and then walked over to Lugia.

Lugia was staring intently at the ground of the farm.

"What's wrong, Lugia?"

Lugia pointed at the ground.

"Here, there’s a very strong Pokémon sleeping. I can sense its Inner Focus."

"It's quite scary."

Natsume looked at Lugia and smiled, "You're talking about Jirachi, right?"

"This guy has indeed been sleeping for quite some time."

Jirachi's level was higher than that of this Lugia.

That's why Lugia would describe it as scary, especially considering the millennium of energy Jirachi had accumulated.

Lugia gazed deeply at Natsume and said no more.

"I'm going to rest in your ocean for now."

"I'll temporarily leave my child in your care for these few days."

After saying that, Lugia entered the ocean's secret realm within the farm.

Natsume watched Lugia's disappearing figure and took out the Silver Wing that Lugia had given him.

"Wow, I didn't expect to have Lugia staying for a while."

Natsume couldn't help but think, "I wonder if anyone will come to challenge me."

With that thought, he cheerfully walked toward the cabin.

Little Lugia was currently exploring Natsume's farm cabin.

It excitedly looked around and slid down the slide from upstairs.

Everything here was new and fascinating for this future storm god of the ocean.

Little Lugia was experiencing life on land for the first time.

"Indeedee~"

Indeedee emerged from the kitchen carrying a prepared breakfast.

"Wow, you finished it that quickly?"

Natsume was a bit surprised as he sat down at the dining table.

Onami chimed in, "Indeedee seems to have come to the farm yesterday to prepare the dishes in advance."

"Is that so?"

"Indeedee~"

Indeedee replied that as a Qualified butler, one must always be prepared ahead of time.

"I see, then I won't hesitate to enjoy it."

Even though it was his first day back at the farm, Natsume had many tasks to tackle.

He received so many gifts yesterday but hadn’t sent any thank-you gifts in return, so he needed to make up for that today.

The Dynamax Gym also needed to be prepared for construction.

Natsume planned to ask Yamada Kaichou to find a construction team for it.

Additionally, Natsume promised to plant Cornn Berries that resemble grapes for Indeedee.

However, the first thing on his agenda was to draw the rewards for the Temple of the Sea Quest.

Natsume took out his phone and clicked to draw.

Notice: You have obtained treasure Protective Pads.

Notice: You have obtained treasure Focus Sash.

Notice: You have obtained treasure Black Belt.

The Protective Pads can protect Pokémon from damage inflicted by contact with others.

The Focus Sash allows a Pokémon to have the ability to counterattack at critical moments.

The Black Belt has a simpler function, which is to increase the abilities of Fighting-type Pokémon.

All three treasures were well-suited for Fighting Pokémon.

"Onami, I'm heading to the gym under the farm."

As Natsume was talking to Onami, he noticed her eyes beginning to droop.

Having not slept at all the previous night, returning to the comfort of the farm today made Onami feel very drowsy.

Right now, all Onami wanted was to get a good sleep.

Natsume smiled slightly at Onami and then stood up to pick her up, saying, “Let’s go. I’ll take you back to your room.”

Onami wrapped her arms around Natsume's neck.

Natsume realized that since their relationship had grown closer, she seemed to have become bolder than him.

Of course, when there were people or Pokémon around, Onami appeared to be quite aloof.

However, at times like now, she would start to lean in for kisses.

Natsume gently placed Onami on the bed.

“Aren’t you tired?”

Onami looked at Natsume with sleepy eyes. “I’m still very tired.”

Her soft voice carried a sense of weakness.

Onami tightened her hold and unconsciously squirmed like a water snake in Natsume's embrace.

Onami was born to be a coordinating Trainer, and she had a solid foundation in dance.

Natsume couldn’t tell if she was still tired, but she was definitely energizing him.

Natsume initially just wanted to take Onami back to her room, but now it seemed he would stay a bit longer.

His hands brushed along Onami's collar.

In the morning, he was always very energetic.

After all, Natsume possessed Champion-level strength, so his stamina was not in question.

He wondered if it was due to the Water Tribe's unique physique.

The once dry sheets felt as though they had been splashed with water.

As Natsume looked at Onami sleeping peacefully on the bed, he thought, “It’s like she could use a Water-type move, Whirlpool.”

The feeling Onami brought Natsume was completely different from that of Misaki and Kiko.

It was truly addictive.

Natsume got up, grabbed his clothing, and walked out of the room.

After leaving Onami's room, it was already the afternoon.

As Natsume stepped out, Indeedee brought him a plate of snacks and a cup of tea.

"Indeedee?"

Indeedee inquired if there was any other food that needed to be prepared.

"No need to go through that trouble."

Natsume sat down on the sofa and said, "Just a Berry will be fine."

Before long, a clean and cut Berry appeared in front of Natsume.

He took it from Indeedee's hand and couldn't help but exclaim, "Is this what life with Indeedee is like?"

"This is so comfortable."

Indeedee smiled happily at the acknowledgment.

"By the way, Indeedee, can you help me prepare some gift boxes?"

"I'm going to send some thank-you gifts to Misaki and the others later."

"Indeedee?"

Indeedee asked what items should be sent.

Natsume thought for a moment and replied, "How about sending each of them a jar of Cinccino oil? I have some stored away, so it should be enough."

Cinccino oil is a top-tier skincare product, and no woman would dislike such a gift.

"And some honey from Combee, that should be good."

Natsume decided on gifts made from farm products.

"Indeedee~"

Indeedee assured him it would take care of the packaging.

"Okay, then I'll leave it to you, Indeedee."

Indeedee nodded slightly.

After entrusting the gifts to Indeedee, Natsume stepped out of the farm cabin.

The sunlight was just right at that moment.

Not too harsh or hot, it was gentle and lazy.

Autumn is a very comfortable season.

Natsume walked along the path down the mountain, stepping on the sunlight scattered on the fallen leaves as he headed toward the farm gym.

At this time, the farm gym was at its busiest.

In the gym's battle arena, a gym battle was taking place.

A crowd of tourists had gathered around.

Today's challenger's strength wasn’t very strong, so only Rockruff and the others were guarding the arena.

It's worth mentioning that Rockruff's level had already reached 24.

It was about to evolve.

In the fields, the Hearty Grains were growing taller.

Some Hearty Grains had even started to sprout ears.

In a little over a month, the Hearty Grains would be ripe.

"Sandslash."

Sandslash appeared from the Hearty Grains field.

Today, Sandslash was also working hard on the arable land.

Natsume looked at Sandslash and said, "You're taking great care of this place, Sandslash."

"I think this year will definitely be a bountiful one."

"Sandslash~"

Sandslash scratched its head a bit shyly.

"Natsume, the gym leader."

At that moment, someone recognized Natsume.

"Natsume, the gym leader! It's been a while since we last saw you."

"Natsume, the gym leader! Will you be battling today?"

"Natsume, the gym leader! When did you return?"

Whether familiar or not, many people were enthusiastically greeting Natsume.

Natsume smiled at everyone and said, "I just got back."

"Also, I probably won't be battling today since there are quite a few things to take care of."

After exchanging simple greetings with everyone, Natsume headed toward the farm's Training Facility.

If the farm’s Fighting-type Pokémon weren't in the battle arena, they were mostly inside the farm's Training Facility.

The farm training area was still very lively today.

Not only were Infernape and Hakamo-o training there, but Frogadier was also present.

"Frogadier!"

Frogadier was training very seriously.

It was practicing its dodging skills in front of a punching machine.

Frogadier was quick on its feet, skillfully evading the attacks from the punching machine.

However, it seemed that because it was distracted by Natsume, Frogadier wasn't able to dodge in time and got hit squarely in the cheek.

Bam~

Frogadier was knocked back.

Frogadier quickly stood up again.

Natsume walked over to Frogadier and said, "Frogadier, you have to stay calm whether it’s a battle or training, okay?"

"Frogadier!"

Frogadier nodded and was ready to resume training.

"There's no need to rush."

"First, take a moment to adjust your breathing and check out everyone else's training."

Natsume smiled at Frogadier and added, "Besides, you just got here to the farm. Shouldn't Wartortle take you around to see the farm?"

Wartortle was resting nearby.

Upon hearing Natsume’s words, it immediately responded, "Wartortle!"

Wartortle had intended to take Frogadier around the farm, but Frogadier wanted to see the training area first.

What Wartortle hadn't anticipated was that they would stay here until now.

Wartortle and Marshtomp felt bad leaving Frogadier alone, so they had no choice but to stay and train together with Frogadier.

After hearing this, Natsume looked at Frogadier and asked, "I see, Frogadier, why are you working so hard?"

"Frogadier!"

Frogadier replied that it didn’t want to just stand on the sidelines during battles anymore.

So, it needed to become stronger!

Frogadier’s words caught the attention of Hakamo-o, who looked at him with admiration.

Hakamo-o felt that the farm's Water-type Pokémon finally had someone with ambition.

"I see."

Natsume considered this and showed a thoughtful expression as he looked at Frogadier.

After a moment, he said to Frogadier, "How about you take it easy today?"

"Tomorrow, I'll create a training plan just for you. How does that sound?"

"Frogadier?"

Frogadier asked if it could really become stronger.

Natsume smiled and replied, "Of course you can."

"Wartortle!"

Wartortle and Marshtomp immediately perked up.

They encouraged Frogadier to trust Natsume, and for now, the three of them should enjoy some time exploring the farm.

Frogadier wanted to say something more, but Wartortle and Marshtomp didn’t give him a chance.

They each took an arm of Frogadier and led him away.

After they left, Natsume murmured to himself, "Now it’s time to distribute the treasures."

Natsume looked at the various Fighting-type Pokémon in the training area.

"Infernape."

Natsume first called Infernape over to him.

Infernape's ability was Iron Fist, and its attacking methods primarily involved its fists.

Thus, the Protective Pads treasure was well-suited for Infernape.

"Infernape, this is for you."

Natsume handed the Protective Pads to Infernape.

This was Infernape's second treasure, following the Punching Glove.

Notice: Infernape absorbed the Protective Pads, increasing Infernape's Individual Values Special Defense by 31 points.

Notice: Infernape's level increased to 53->58.

"Heracross, this is for you."

Natsume gave the Focus Sash to Heracross.

This treasure was quite suitable for Heracross as well.

"Heracross~"

Heracross accepted the treasure and then put it on its head.

The energy within the Focus Sash flowed into Heracross's body.

Notice: Heracross absorbed the Focus Sash, increasing Heracross's Individual Values Defense by 31 points and Special Defense by 31 points.

Notice: Heracross's level increased to 53->55.

Notice: Heracross's potential increased to Champion level.

While Heracross didn't level up as much as Infernape, the increase it received was far more important for Heracross.

Natsume still had a Black Belt in his hand.

"Sirfetch'd."

Finally, Natsume looked at Sirfetch'd and said, "You've been through quite a few battles since coming to the farm, haven't you?"

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd puffed out its chest proudly.

"I’m counting on you to continue battling for the farm, Sirfetch'd. Become even stronger."

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd took the Black Belt from Natsume's hand as if it were a hero receiving its medal.

Notice: Sirfetch'd absorbed the Black Belt, and its level increased to 55->60.

Sirfetch'd learned a new move: Final Gambit.