Chapter 177:Kiko Stays at the Farm, Springy Mushroom Shed Renovation Plan

At the end of the month, summer vacation was almost over.

However, the farm gym still had many tourists.

The happiness index of ordinary people in the Japan league was quite high.

Most people worked four days and had three days off.

The weekly working hours didn't exceed 30 hours.

With various holidays, everyone had time to enjoy life and cultivate their hobbies.

After all, this world didn't lack energy.

For instance, a powerful Heliolisk could supply the electricity needed for a town.

Would this world ever face an energy crisis?

Natsume thought it seemed unlikely.

Just like Heliolisk's electricity source, which was the sun in the sky.

The Millennial Comet, after making a round in outer space, would return to deliver millennia's worth of stored energy to the earth.

Various Pokémon could draw energy from the universe and apply it to this planet.

However, perhaps because material comforts were abundant, many sought spiritual fulfillment.

For example, world domination, or even world destruction.

“Muahahaha~”

“Come forth, Kyogre!”

On the TV screen, an obvious villain floated above the sea, holding a deep blue orb high.

The waves surged~

Kyogre appeared on the ocean's surface.

“Lopunny~”

Lopunny, sitting on the carpet, gasped at the sight of Kyogre on TV.

Even through the screen, and despite the post-production, the Kyogre on TV exuded an intense pressure.

Natsume lay on the sofa, legs crossed, browsing through ancient texts he had recovered.

Reading aloud from the text, Natsume said, “Kyogre embodies the ocean, representing its power.”

“Possessing the blue orb grants one the power to control Kyogre and wield the power of the sea.”

Bam~

The TV's light was a bit dazzling.

Natsume placed the book on his chest and looked toward the TV.

“Lugia, lend me your power!”

On TV, the hero was riding Lugia, charging towards Kyogre amidst turbulent seas.

“Roar~”

This was the clash between waves and storm.

The scenes depicted onscreen were apocalyptic.

In the end, naturally, the protagonist's team, with Lugia's help, defeated the villain and reclaimed the blue orb.

The villain was captured, and Lugia and Kyogre returned to the sea.

The world was saved from the brink of destruction.

A happy ending!

Natsume continued to read his ancient texts.

“But the power of gods is wild and uncontrollable.”

“Those filled with ambition will become mere vessels for the ocean’s rage, and when that time comes, the world will face destruction.”

Upon reading this, Natsume couldn’t help but sigh and think, this world is quite dangerous in a way.

It seems like destruction is always on the horizon.

Crossing his legs the other way, Natsume turned the page: “Only with the appearance of Manaphy can the ocean’s anger be soothed.”

“Manaphy will be lifted by the Temple of the Sea on the night of a full moon.”

The book was quite old, with some parts damaged.

Fortunately, it didn’t hinder the reading much.

Rustle~

Amid the sound of turning pages, a folded manuscript slipped out.

It was a piece of sheet music.

Natsume didn't pay much attention to it and tucked it back inside.

Ding dong~

The phone alert went off.

Kiko sent a photo.

The photo showed a scene from the farm.

On a field ridge, a group of children were sitting on small stools, setting up easels, sketching the fields.

They were drawing the Sandslash and Sandshrew in the fields.

“Indeed, the farm is truly comforting,” Kiko said, putting down the phone and looking at Jigglypuff beside her. “Isn’t that right?”

“Jigglypuff~”

Jigglypuff nodded happily.

Kiko walked towards the group of children.

She stood behind a Smeargle, watching it paint.

Smeargle, using its tail like a paintbrush, dipped in nutrients, was creating a picture of the farm.

Blue skies, white clouds, and growing Hearty Grains.

In the background were Sandslash and tourists wearing various outfits, experiencing farm life.

The composition was harmonious, and the colors were rich.

It was a painting full of life force.

“Keep it up!” a little girl encouraged herself before running towards Sandslash in the fields with her completed painting.

“Sandslash?”

Sandslash looked at her with curiosity.

“This is for you, Teacher Sandslash!”

The girl, slightly nervous, handed her painting to Sandslash.

Sandslash reached out to take it.

Looking at its painted likeness, Sandslash’s eyes lit up slightly, showing a happy expression.

“Sandslash~”

The little child who gave the painting also smiled.

She bowed to Sandslash and scampered back to her easel.

Kiko thought this scene was incredibly heartwarming.

Kiko continued to walk forward.

On an empty plot of land ahead, some people were having a picnic.

They spread out a blanket on the ground, enjoying their meal.

The farm's Piloswine was joining in for a bite.

“It’s amazing how Gym Leader Natsume’s Serperior took out Elite Tohn’s six Pokémon all by itself.”

“Darn, if I’d known, I would’ve come that day.”

They were discussing the battle at the farm gym.

“But come to think of it, Elite Tohn is quite unfortunate, getting completely wiped out.”

At this, a girl said, “If it were me, I probably would’ve cried on the spot.”

The boy next to her laughed, “Elite Tohn isn’t unlucky; after all, he has four wives.”

“I can’t even imagine how wild he must be.”

“Coward, I can imagine it.”

Due to differing national circumstances and beliefs, laws and regulations vary from country to country.

In ASEAN, particularly in Malaysia, it is indeed permissible to have four wives.

In this world, society is quite open-minded, and such matters aren't viewed with any particular scrutiny.

Kiko continued to walk forward.

Ahead, inside the gym battle arena, a gym battle was taking place.

On the field was a pink Hakamo-o!

Thud thud!

Hakamo-o pounded its body heavily.

“Hakamo-o~”

With a resounding Noble Roar, Hakamo-o leaped forward.

“Diggersby!”

Dragon Claw!

Hakamo-o's opponent was a Diggersby.

Diggersby looked bulky, but it moved quite nimbly.

Double Kick!

Hakamo-o didn’t evade!

It took Diggersby’s attack head-on and countered with a swipe at Diggersby.

“Hakamo-o.”

Kiko murmured, “Jangmo-o has evolved, hasn’t it?”

“Over these days on the farm, there must be many new Pokémon. It’s exciting.”

As Kiko watched Hakamo-o battling, Natsume suddenly appeared beside her.

“Hakamo-o's scale defense is very high, so it doesn’t focus much on defense.”

“But, because of this, their scales often fall off during battles.”

“However, since they grow back quickly, there's no issue.”

Kiko smiled at Natsume beside her, “Thank you for the lesson, Teacher Natsume~”

“You’re welcome.”

“Sandslash~”

At that moment, Sandslash excitedly ran toward Natsume with its drawing.

Natsume took it.

In the drawing, Sandslash squatted down, weeding the field.

The Hearty Grains in the field swayed gently in the breeze.

“Sandslash~”

Sandslash happily explained the picture to Natsume.

“It’s a great drawing.”

“How about we frame it and hang it up?”

“Sandslash~”

Sandslash nodded.

Suddenly, a fresh milk ice cream appeared in Natsume’s hand.

“Leave it to me.”

“Also, here’s a little something in return.”

“Sandslash~”

Sandslash accepted it and enthusiastically ran back to the group of children drawing.

Natsume smiled as he watched this scene.

It’s for people like them that Natsume built this farm gym.

Bam~

On the gym battle field, with a booming sound, Diggersby fell to the ground.

“Hakamo-o!”

Hakamo-o let out an excited roar.

“What an impressive Hakamo-o.”

Hakamo-o, with its pink scales and wild battle style, is further revered as a near-legendary Pokémon.

The stark contrast attracted a large fanbase for Hakamo-o.

“Well done, Hakamo-o.”

Natsume waved at Hakamo-o as it celebrated its victory.

“Hakamo-o~”

Natsume turned to Kiko beside him and said, “Let’s go.”

“Sure~”

Natsume led Kiko toward the mountain.

“Victreebel~”

Halfway up the mountain, a Victreebel came running excitedly.

Kiko rushed forward and hugged Victreebel, saying happily, “Long time no see, Victreebel.”

“Victreebel~”

At first, Kiko was quite scared of Victreebel.

However, now Kiko and Victreebel had become the best of friends.

“Victreebel~”

Victreebel pointed to the backpack on Kiko's back.

“Do you want to help me carry it?”

Victreebel nodded.

“Thank you!”

Kiko planned to stay at the farm until school started.

So, this time, Kiko brought quite a lot of things.

As Natsume led Kiko into the farm cabin, he said, “There are two guest rooms.”

“One with a view of the garden and another facing the bamboo grove. Which one do you want to sleep in?”

Kiko thought for a moment and then tentatively looked at Natsume and asked, “Can I sleep in the garden room today and the bamboo grove room tomorrow?”

“Of course! I’ll make sure everything is tidy!”

Natsume shrugged and replied, “Sounds good.”

“Yay~ Then I’ll sort out my luggage first~”

“Go ahead.”

The window in the room was open.

Kiko could see the vegetable garden and land in the backyard, along with the Squirtles playing in the river water.

“Squirtle~”

When Squirtle saw Kiko, it waved its little hand at her.

“Hello, Squirtle.”

Kiko smiled in response.

Ding dong~

Kiko checked her phone.

A friend she met at college had sent her a message.

Mikoharu: Have you arrived at Natsume's farm?

Kiko sat on the bed and took a picture from the window: I’m all settled in!

Mikoharu: Get out of my house quickly!

Mikoharu: I can tell at a glance that this is my house.

Kiko replied with a “not going” emoji, then introduced Victreebel, who was with her, to Mikoharu.

After chatting for a while, Kiko started packing her things.

Most of it was clothing.

Once she finished, Kiko took Jigglypuff and Victreebel and went outside.

The TV in the living room was still playing, but there were no Pokémon to watch.

The weather was nice today, and the Pokémon had all gone out to play.

“They're all outside, huh.”

Kiko walked to the door.

A Sewaddle slowly crawled by.

Kiko crouched down and asked, “Sewaddle, have you seen Natsume, the Gym Leader?”

“Sewaddle~”

Sewaddle looked at Kiko and nodded, then gestured for her to follow.

Sewaddle led Kiko to the greenhouse filled with Springy Mushrooms.

A Pidgeot wearing a vest with the Farm Gym badge was waiting at the entrance.

“Pidgeot~”

Pidgeot waved its wings at Kiko.

“Hello, Pidgeot.”

After greeting Pidgeot, Kiko followed Sewaddle inside.

“Wow, what a huge mushroom!”

As soon as Kiko entered, she was attracted by a massive, fluffy mushroom.

The mushroom resembled a large sunshade.

Beneath the mushroom, several Morelull were huddled.

Natsume and Dragonite were gathered around this mushroom.

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite wiped its mouth, looking eagerly at Natsume.

Natsume smiled, “It’s ready now.”

“Dragonite!”

Dragonite immediately joyfully broke it off.

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite took a bite.

“How does it taste?”

“Dragonite!”

Dragonite said it was even better.

“Is this a new type of mushroom cultivated by Gym Leader Natsume?”

Kiko walked over, curious.

Natsume replied, “This is a mutated Springy Mushroom.”

“It has matured and is reproducing.”

“In about half a month, many large mutated Springy Mushrooms will sprout here.”

“So it’s fine to eat it.”

“I see.”

Kiko looked at the enormous Springy Mushroom Dragonite was holding and said, “A mushroom this big could make a whole table of dishes.”

“Dragonite~”

Upon hearing this, Dragonite immediately handed the Springy Mushroom to Kiko.

Having tasted Kiko's cooking skills, Dragonite knew her culinary skills were quite impressive.

If she cooked it, the Springy Mushroom would undoubtedly taste even better.

“No problem.”

Kiko smiled and said, “Leave it to me.”

Victreebel looked at Kiko and said, “Victreebel~”

“Victreebel says it will help you.”

Kiko turned to Victreebel with a happy expression and said, “Great!”

“Then you can take care of the chopping.”

Whoosh~

Victreebel waved its sharp leaves.

Kiko noticed that Natsume had a bag of Springy Mushrooms next to him. “Are these for delivery?”

“Yeah.”

Natsume stored them in his Storage Ball.

“These Springy Mushrooms are to be sent to Green Vine City.”

“The Pidgeot outside will handle the delivery.”

It’s worth mentioning that Fujiwara’s friend also wanted to buy Springy Mushrooms from Natsume.

However, Natsume had temporarily declined.

The planting area for Springy Mushrooms hadn’t expanded much, so he couldn’t supply too many people.

Natsume walked out of the Springy Mushroom greenhouse and placed the Storage Ball containing the mushrooms into the small backpack on Pidgeot's back.

“Pidgeot, I’m counting on you.”

“Pidgeot~”

Pidgeot flapped its wings and flew toward Green Vine City.

“Pidgeot, I’m counting on you.”

“Pidgeot~”

Pidgeot flapped its wings and then flew toward Green Vine City.

The farm currently didn’t have too many clients.

There was Fujiwara from Green Vine City.

Minato-machi Watanabe’s Water Tribe Pokémon Breeding Center.

Snorlax Food Company in Kushiro Ranch needed straw.

Additionally, Ohtaka, the Flying type gym leader from Tokyo, had also reserved a batch of Plump Beans from Natsume.

After watching Pidgeot fly away, Natsume said, “Dragonite, do you think we should tear down this greenhouse?”

Natsume planned to convert the area in front of the Takamagahara on the mountain, except for the vegetable garden behind the house, entirely into woods and a garden.

Dragonite: “?!”

Dragonite's expression showed absolute shock at Natsume's words.

Natsume explained, “It’s not that we won't plant Springy Mushrooms anymore.”

“Look, the garden is in front, and the orchard is behind; doesn’t it clash here?”

“And besides, this place can't increase its yield.”

“So I thought, why not find a suitable hill near Miltank Valley specifically for planting Springy Mushrooms?”

Dragonite let out a long breath.

Great, the Springy Mushrooms were safe.

“Dragonite?”

A whole mountain of Springy Mushrooms?

“Exactly, an entire mountain of Springy Mushrooms.”

“We can turn a mountain into a dedicated Springy Mushroom base.”

“But there’s no rush to make the changes right now.”

Dragonite felt that as long as Springy Mushrooms could always be planted, everything would be fine.

“Dragonite~”

Natsume looked at Dragonite and smiled, “You really do love eating Springy Mushrooms, don't you?”

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite patted its belly, because they were indeed very delicious.