Chapter 131: Summer's Return
Chapter 131: Summer's Return
League Calendar Year 198, April 1st, Summer.
Early in the morning, the ranch was bustling with activity.
Frosty the Miltank led a few Sableyes, piling on top of an evolved Sableye, running around on the grass.
The Ice Eevee lay on the grass, quietly watching them.
Beedrill and three Combees buzzed among the blooming flower fields, diligently collecting nectar.
The large Chansey enjoyed the morning dew on the fertile grass, leisurely sunbathing.
A Diglett, cloaked in a red cape, floated above the chicken coop, keeping an eye on the chickens below.
The riding goats crowded around the feed trough, munching on mouthfuls of grass dumplings.
Not far behind them, on the grass, Mini-Fungus stretched its green leaves, as if to let the strong sunlight reach every corner.
Not far from the fields, Naoki was directing several Pokemon to help with the work.
"Golem, go get the seeds from the storeroom. Yes, the big box on the left as you enter!"
"Dragonite, hold on with the rain dance for now. Oh, and have you delivered the milk today? Good, then please wait a moment while Axew and I plant the seeds."
"Axew, did Golem teach you Dragon Claw earlier?"
"Ga-oh!" Axew nodded happily.
Naoki nodded in satisfaction. "Good, let's practice that move here! Use Dragon Claw on the ground!"
"Ga-oh!"
Axew let out a cry and extended its claws, enveloped in a dense white light that formed a pair of white, sharp claws.
Axew dug its claws into the slightly soft ground, leaving traces that resembled plow marks.
"It looks like you've almost mastered this move." Naoki nodded approvingly. "Well done!"
"Ga-oh~" Axew seemed a little embarrassed.
"Alright, let's continue!"
Naoki picked up a hoe and looked at the vast land before him. Together with Axew, they began a new round of planting.
The hoe and dragon claws danced in unison as their combined efforts quickly completed the tilling work.
Naoki took the seeds from Golem and called a few Pokemon to his side, distributing the seeds among them.
"You've all seen how I sow seeds, right?" Naoki asked.
Golem, Dragonite, and Axew stood in a row, each holding a packet of seeds. Hearing this, they nodded simultaneously.
"Aga-sss!"
"Roar~"
"Ga-oh!"
"Good." But to ensure they didn't mix up the instructions, Naoki demonstrated the process once more.
He took out some seeds from his bag and placed them in the dug-out pits. "Just like this, take out the seeds and put them in the holes, then cover them with soil. But remember, don't sow too many seeds in one spot; otherwise, they'll absorb each other's nutrients, and none will grow."
The three Pokemon listened, only partially understanding.
Noticing their confusion, Naoki gave them an example. "Take the riding goats, for instance. I only give them a certain amount of grass dumplings each day."
"The current amount is just enough for them to share, but if we add ten more riding goats, it won't be sufficient. They won't be able to fill their stomachs, and eventually, they'll become weaker, malnourished, and fall sick."
This time, the Pokemon seemed to grasp the concept.
"Then let's begin!" Naoki checked the types of seeds they had and directed them. "Axew, you have wheat seeds. Go and plant them in that field over there!"
"Golem, you have watermelon seeds. Hmm, go and plant them in that field over there."
Naoki, meanwhile, took a packet of hops seeds and made his way to the plot of land where he had previously set up a trellis. He carefully planted each seed.
Over the past few days, Naoki had cleared a large area of land, dividing it into four sections. One section was planted with corn, another with pumpkins, the third with pineapples, and the last with sunflowers.
Naoki intended to create a stunning field of sunflowers, a crop that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. The sunflower seeds could be used for oil extraction or roasted as a tasty snack.
This way, during the cold winter months, he could stay indoors, watch television, and enjoy his roasted seeds.
Frostina could produce caramel cream, and using that to roast the seeds would result in a delicious batch of caramel-flavored treats.
It was a shame that Mini-Fungus had not evolved yet; otherwise, he wouldn't need to buy oil from town. The amount of oil Mini-Fungus could produce would be more than enough for the ranch's daily needs.
Time ticked by, and it was soon midday when the work in the fields was finally completed.
As the temperature rose, Naoki felt the intense heat of the sun and the dry climate, a true sign of summer's arrival.
Mini-Fungus loved this kind of weather as it could convert all the abundant sunshine into nourishment.
During their break, Naoki turned his head and, as expected, saw Mini-Fungus lying contentedly on the grass, soaking in the sun.
The Pokemon were exhausted from their work in the fields, panting from the exertion.
Naoki used a hose to rinse the sweat off their bodies.
"Good job, everyone!"
Dragonite took a more direct approach and used Rain Dance, summoning a cloud that drifted over the grassy area where they stood, blocking the sun and bringing a gentle shower.
Soon, the sun was obscured, and a light drizzle fell.
Dragonite shook its head vigorously in the refreshing rain.
Outside of that area, however, it remained a bright and sunny day.
Naoki couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated as he gazed at the contrasting weather conditions.
At that moment, a few wild Slowpoke from across the ranch were drawn to the unusual sight and stared curiously.
They propped their heads up with their palms, looking silly as they hopped around on the grass, seemingly eager to join in the fun and play in the water.
Naoki noticed their interest.
From time to time, wild Pokemon would pass through the ranch and briefly linger.
There were bird Pokemon that flew overhead or bug Pokemon that accidentally wandered into the ranch.
The Slowpoke, on the other hand, had drifted downstream from upstream a few days ago, perhaps due to the gentle current that allowed them to return to shore.
Since then, this group of wild Slowpoke had made their home on the grassy area across from the ranch.
Naoki shook his head, refocusing his attention on the task at hand.
Seeing that Motostoke and Golurk were mostly cleaned up, he returned to his room to retrieve a dry towel and thoroughly wiped them down.
As he did so, he contemplated what to prepare for lunch, considering the slightly warm weather.
Observing the Pokemon playing in the ranch under the warm sun, a sudden idea for a new dessert popped into Naoki's mind.
He had it!
(End of Chapter)
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