Pokémon Farming Story

A couple of minutes later, another pair of eyes joined the rooftop spectators.

Except for Minccino, who was snoozing in its cozy bed, oblivious to Buneary's attempts to rouse it, and the Pokémon who had their own territories outside.

All of Natsume's household members gathered on the second-floor rooftop to watch this dynamic display of performing arts.

Each had their unique take on the scene unfolding below.

Buneary: It looks like it's trying really hard.

Persian: Zero points, already discovered long ago.

Butterfree: Five points, commendable bravery.

Corvisquire: Not as good as me.

The Pokémon below, still arduously progressing forward, could never have imagined that its supposedly secret infiltration had long been noticed.

Incidentally, such secret infiltrations often end up becoming group events (cross out).

"Umm."

After a prolonged "stealth mission," the tiny figure finally reached the pile of clutter, gazing at the glass marbles with anticipation.

With the moon obscured by clouds, the glass marbles no longer glimmered like precious treasures.

They were simply ordinary toys, akin to those found by the roadside.

In comparison to exquisite toys, they were quite cheap.

Yet, the figure stared at the glass marbles with shining eyes, as if gazing upon a great treasure.

"Umm!"

With the treasures within reach, the small figure extended a trembling hand.

For a moment, time seemed to stretch endlessly.

Even Natsume found himself holding his breath.

Finally—

"Umm!"

Cradling a few glass marbles, the tiny figure looked as if it was holding the world's most precious treasure.

Its eyes sparkled more brilliantly than the treasure itself.

"Umm umm~"

Holding the "hard-earned" glass marbles, the figure twirled in place.

A joyful tune seemed to float on the breeze.

A clear indicator of its elated mood.

Even the moon, hidden behind clouds, peeked out.

Its radiant light spilled generously across the earth.

Seeing the treasures once again gleam in the moonlight, the small figure leapt up with joy.

Like a little girl cherishing a beloved doll.

However, joyous moments are fleeting.

For both humans and Pokémon alike.

It's not that the glass marbles were lost or anything.

It's just that the Pokémon, clad in its makeshift "ghillie suit," finally realized it had been spotted.

As moonlight flooded the earth, large shadows cast upon the ground.

At this moment, everything gained a defined outline.

Including Natsume and his companions.

The small figure, suddenly engulfed by an expanse of shadow, froze, turning jerkily as if it were a rusted machine.

Refusing to accept reality or perhaps having abandoned thought altogether.

A few seconds later, the rooftop view came into focus.

In the soft glow of the moonlight, several indistinct figures watched silently.

The "piercing gaze" seemed to bore holes into it, with a hint of crimson visible within the shadow.

A formidable presence seemed to warp the air around it.

This was all an embellishment from Corvisquire's imagination.

In truth, upon seeing Natsume, the Pokémon's mind went blank.

Any Plan B or survival instincts for wild Pokémon were forgotten utterly.

Only one thought remained in its mind.

Uh-oh, busted.

At that moment, it was like a computer crashing.

Body: Do something, brain!

Brain: ...Program not responding.

Simply put, it had stopped thinking.

A few seconds later, the small figure seemed to realize it had been discovered.

With a shout, it made a hasty retreat.

Beneath the tattered garment, two little legs could be seen scurrying away, bearing an unexpected mirthful charm.

"Hey!"

Watching the small figure flee, Natsume instinctively reached out to say something.

But it was unbelievably quick, darting to the edge of the woods in the blink of an eye.

Just a couple more steps and it would disappear into the forest.

"Ka ka!"

Do you want me to chase it? I can catch up.

Corvisquire, snapping out of its fantasy, looked towards Natsume.

Although the battle hadn't started yet, Corvisquire had imagined the scenes of battle hundreds of times in its mind.

After cleanly defeating the opponent, it would toss out a line like, "You still have a long way to go," then elegantly turn and soar into the sky.

Following an intense struggle, if it gained the upper hand, it would express, "You are a worthy opponent," leaving behind a cool silhouette.

In a scenario where it was outmaneuvered and lost, it would rally its allies, shouting, "Don't underestimate our bond!" and unleash an all-out effort like a protagonist, defeating its enemies in a flurry of action.

But being crushed... 

Ah, that didn't really need to be imagined.

In any case, Corvisquire had envisioned many heroic scenes from its battles in its mind.

At that moment, it felt immensely strong!

I can't wait to battle!

Corvisquire was eager to take the field!

However...

"No need."

Natsume waved his hand, once again rejecting Corvisquire's request to battle.

Gah— 

At that instant, there seemed to be a sound of something shattering in the air.

"I wasn't planning to keep those toys to give to the kids in town later."

"If it likes them, then just take them."

They were merely childhood toys after all.

Perhaps in childhood, one might end friendships over such toys.

But now, it didn't matter much.

Suddenly, Natsume understood the mentality of those who had feuded over treasures in their youth but later reconciled in their later years.

"Umm?"

The small figure that had dashed to the edge of the woods seemed to realize that Natsume wasn't pursuing it.

After hesitating for a moment, it slowed its pace, stopping at the edge of the woods.

At this distance, just one more step would completely hide its figure in the bushes, providing a sense of safety.

Turning around with a hint of nervousness and expectation, the mysterious Pokémon saw Natsume waving at it.

There was no disgust or greed on that person's face.

Just a calm smile, as if he had encountered something amusing.

"Umm..."

After two seconds of hesitation, the Pokémon that had first appeared when Natsume arrived at the farm took a step forward.

Half of its body entered the bushes, ready to disappear from Natsume's view.

But before vanishing, it responded to Natsume.

"Umm!"

Turning around, the small Pokémon waved energetically at Natsume.

Then it quickly disappeared into the jungle.

It seemed to leave something behind on the ground.

But at that moment, Natsume wasn't focused on the item left behind.

"Ogerpon?!"

Though it was only for a brief moment, Natsume clearly saw the true form of the figure beneath the cloak.