Pokémon Farming Story

In Natsume's memory, Ogerpon seemed to be a Grass-type legendary Pokémon that could change its attributes and battle style by wearing different masks.

It appeared to belong to the mythical category, didn't it?

Although he couldn't recall the specifics clearly, he thought it should be considered mythical because of how cute it looked.

In a certain region, referred to by players as Northern Township, known for unruly individuals, it was called a "ghost."

But in reality, it was simply a poor child whose mask had been stolen.

Having its mask taken by three Pokémon, Ogerpon was merely trying to reclaim it but ended up being disliked, viewed as an evil Pokémon.

Meanwhile, those thieves were regarded as kind protectors of the village, referred to by the locals as treasures.

That was Natsume's impression of Ogerpon.

Aside from that, Natsume had another question.

The story mentioned that Ogerpon took down all three Pokémon that stole its mask by itself.

So how had it been bullied in the beginning?

However, upon further reflection, it seemed many times the outcome of a battle was determined not just by battle power but also by mindset and environmental factors.

Even a strong Pokémon could be outperformed by those less skilled if they utilized better techniques.

It felt similar to a new player using Kizaru in their first arena battle, only to be overwhelmed by an experienced player using Sarutobi Hiruzen to execute a flurry of moves, complete with a pat on the head.

Getting knocked out in such a scenario would be quite normal.

Ogerpon was likely in a similar situation.

Because it initially didn't want to battle, it was bullied, but once its emotions surged, it managed to take down those who tormented it.

Of course, that was the original story.

What the current situation with Ogerpon was remained uncertain.

"It left me one after all."

Looking at the glass marbles in his hand, Natsume felt a strange sense of amusement.

Perhaps that child, upon seeing him, felt a mix of 'let's turn this misfortune into something good' or 'here's one for you, just don't hurt me' in mind.

Before leaving, it had nicely left Natsume one glass marble.

For Natsume, it wasn't exactly an important item.

Even if it were all taken away, he wouldn't mind.

But since it was left by Ogerpon, he thought he might as well keep it safe.

This could be considered a farewell gift?

"It's clearly my own stuff."

With a smile and a shake of his head, Natsume looked back at his partner following him.

"Alright, alright, let's hurry back and get some sleep."

"We have things to do tomorrow morning!"

Clapping his hands, Natsume beckoned his partners to head home.

Although being interrupted made him feel a bit less sleepy, he knew he still needed to maintain the necessary amount of sleep.

Even if he couldn't fall asleep, it was important to lie in bed, close his eyes, and rest.

This had always been Natsume's principle.

"Oh, and Corvisquire."

"Ka?"

"I'm glad you didn't chase after it earlier."

As a legendary Pokémon, even if Ogerpon had no intention to battle and only wanted to escape, if it felt cornered, it could unleash a swift Ivy Cudgel.

In that case, Corvisquire might have ended up dramatically performing a faint right there!

Young people sure can just fall asleep. jpg

"Ka?"

Tilting its head, Corvisquire didn't quite understand Natsume's meaning.

What do you mean you're glad I didn't chase it?

Are you worried that I might be too strong and scare that Pokémon?

Now it made sense.

It seemed that Corvisquire would need to pay attention to restraining its power in the future.

After all, the protagonists in novels are often like that.

While superficially agreeing with Natsume, Corvisquire's thoughts had already drifted far away.

It was contemplating how it could achieve a perfect ending if it crossed over into anime.

It seemed that those who enjoy reading novels and watching anime all possess the ability to simultaneously respond to others while reflecting on the plots they'd seen.

What kind of universal move is this?

Under Natsume's guidance, the Pokémon returned to their respective rooms.

After placing the glass marbles into a drawer for safekeeping, Natsume prepared to get back into bed and sleep.

"Buneary."

Buneary climbed naturally onto the nearby lazy sofa.

It seemed that she intended to sleep there from now on.

Persian also brought its own cushion into Natsume's room.

It found a corner, set down the cushion, and then lay down on it.

Fortunately, Natsume's room was relatively spacious. 

Even with two more Persians, there would still be enough space.

'It feels like there will be more and more Pokémon in this room in the future.'

Lying on the bed, Natsume reached out and rubbed Persian's head, unable to hold back that thought.

At that moment, he was a bit grateful that he was the type to sleep quietly.

He didn't sleepwalk or snore, and while the Pokémon might not care, Natsume was still conscious of his image.

Meanwhile, Ogerpon, who had been running with tonight's "treasure," dashed into a wild area overgrown with weeds and found a spot to burrow into.

The hidden cave seemed naturally formed, with no signs of human craftsmanship.

In the deepest part of the cave, Ogerpon finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Then, looking at the glass marbles in its hand with joy.

Even in the dark, Ogerpon's eyes sparkled brightly.

"Umm."

As it played with the glass marbles, Ogerpon couldn't help but make a delighted sound.

Carefully storing the glass marbles alongside its other cherished items, it recalled how much effort it had taken to collect them.

Of course, they were all unwanted items; if someone desired them, Ogerpon would never have taken them.

Ogerpon insisted that it had always been a good child.

It lay down on the "little bed" made of grass and scraps.

Although it told itself it was time to sleep, its mind couldn't help but wander.

It thought about the person it had seen earlier.

"Umm."

Before I left, I did leave one for that person.

They shouldn't be too angry, right?

What if they are angry? Should I go back and return it?

But I don't want to—besides, that person didn't chase after me.

They must not be angry.

Right, right, it seems like that person didn't dislike me.

Did I misinterpret their intentions?

Everyone has always disliked me.

But I shouldn't have misjudged; they probably don't dislike me!

But what if I really did misinterpret?

It was clearly the first time that someone didn't dislike me and didn't look at me with a strange expression.

Tossing and turning on the bed, Ogerpon finally drifted off to sleep with a sense of unease.

At the same time, it made a decision.

The day after tomorrow? No, let's check tomorrow instead.

Tomorrow, I'll see that person again.

They shouldn't dislike me, right?

Shouldn't they...

The next morning—

"Buneary~"

Good morning~

"Mi?!!"

Upon seeing Buneary, who was groggy and disheveled after just coming out of Natsume's room, Minccino was completely thrown off.

Did something extraordinary happen last night?

So when Natsume got up to wash up, he found Minccino clutching Buneary, its face wary as it looked at him.

What happened?