Chapter 21: Rancher? Capitalist!
Chapter 21: Rancher? Capitalist!
Naoki and Cri arrived at the farmlands, where Cri crouched down to examine the soil. "The soil here is excellent for crops," she remarked.
Naoki, recalling the ranch games he had played in the past, asked, "Miss Cri, do you have any automatic watering machines? The kind you can just stick into the ground and it waters the plants automatically."
With thoughts of the ranch expanding and more crops being planted, he alone might not be able to manage it all. In times like these, an automatic sprinkler system would be a godsend, saving him time and effort in watering the fields every morning.
However, reality often falls short of our ideals.
Cri sighed, "Where would we find such a thing?"
Naoki fell silent. Games were indeed just games.
"But there is another type of automation we can use," Cri offered.
"Oh?"
"We can install underground pipes and set up faucets. Then, using precise timing instruments, at designated times, it will automatically spray water for irrigation in all directions," Cri explained. "As for the device you mentioned that can be stuck into the ground to produce water out of thin air, well, that doesn't exist in our world, at least not yet."
Intrigued, Naoki asked, "Can your store make it?"
"Of course," Cri replied, raising an eyebrow. "But it's quite expensive. A set of machines to cover this entire farm will cost around 30,000 to 40,000 Pokedollars. The underground pipes, water pumps, and timers aren't too pricey individually, but if you need a large quantity..."
Naoki understood the implication.
30 to 40 thousand Pokedollars wasn't a small sum, and it was clear he couldn't afford it in his current situation. Sensing his dilemma, Cri continued, "Of course, there's another way to water the crops."
"What?" Naoki asked, slightly taken aback.
A smile spread across Cri's face as she said, "Water-type Pokemon. They can use their Water-type moves to help with irrigation."
"In cities, some wild Pokemon cooperate with humans and are employed to perform tasks like delivering mail—Pelipper, or construction work—Golem, or even moving services—Machamp. I'm sure you've seen them before?"
Naoki hadn't, but his original body had.
He nodded.
Cri went on, "Pokemon have simple needs. As long as we provide them with enough food and treats, they'll happily work for us. This is why the relationship between humans and Pokemon has become so harmonious over the years."
No more foraging for food in the wild, no more fighting with other Pokemon for Berries, and a cozy place to call home—what more could a Pokemon desire? As the saying goes, a beast shall never be enslaved, unless you provide room and board.
Compared to the automated system, this method was significantly more affordable.
All he had to do was offer a Berry, a bottle of milk, or a small snack, and in return, he'd gain a free and obedient workforce...
Naoki's heart raced at the prospect.
Did that mean he could hire hundreds of Pokemon to tend to the ranch while he relaxed on the sofa, watching money roll in? Holy moly, he'd be a full-blown capitalist!
Naoki shook his head vigorously, dispelling the tantalizing thought.
He couldn't help but ask, "Won't there be people who force Pokemon to work against their will?"
"That depends on the person employing the Pokemon," Cri replied. "If they view the Pokemon as mere tools, the Pokemon will sense it and become angry and distressed. They may attack the employer or refuse to work and return to the wild."
"If an employer forcefully uses violence to suppress these Pokemon and forces them to work—well, such actions are strictly prohibited by the Pokemon League. If such a situation arises, Miss Junesha will rush to the scene and arrest the perpetrator immediately.
Seeing this, Kishu smiled and continued touring the ranch.
At present, the ranch was empty aside from the fields. Oh, that wasn't quite right.
Behind the wooden house was a small cave.
The cave wasn't large, and its interior was dim, damp, and pleasantly cool—an excellent spot to escape the summer heat.
Kishu stepped into the cave and, taking in the surroundings, spoke up: "This would be a great place to grow mushrooms!"
Naoki agreed; great minds thought alike.
Kishu: "In that case, I have some mushroom spawn. Place it in this damp and dark environment, and you'll be able to harvest fresh, edible mushrooms every day. Are you interested? It's not expensive at all, just 5,000 Pokedollars."
5,000...
That price was indeed reasonable.
If he could grow his own mushrooms, he wouldn't need to buy them in town anymore.
Naoki nodded, indicating his decision to purchase.
Seeing this, a smile spread across Kishu's face. "Alright, then. I'll bring the mushroom spawn along when I come by with the construction team tomorrow."
"I'll be waiting!" Naoki replied.
Kishu nodded gently. Noting the late hour, she didn't linger and instead mounted her Lizardon, speeding back to town.
The next morning, as Naoki was preparing breakfast, he heard the sound of a truck outside.
Stepping out, he saw a truck loaded with tools parked in the ranch.
Kishu, accompanied by several Machamp and skilled builders, emerged from the vehicle.
Spotting Naoki, Kishu greeted him. "Good morning, Naoki!"
Naoki nodded in reply. "Good morning, Miss Kishu."
Kishu smiled. "Construction will begin today. It'll likely take about three days to complete, so you don't need to worry about us until then."
"Alright."
Despite his words, Naoki couldn't contain his curiosity.
With a sandwich in hand, he sat under the eaves with Golton and Lizardon, watching the construction team at work.
Under Kishu's direction, the Machamp and builders carried the wood and stones Naoki had prepared to the back of the house.
Meanwhile, Kishu carried several wooden boxes filled with soil into the cave behind the wooden house. "This is the mushroom spawn. If we place it in the cave, mushrooms will naturally grow. I'll go ahead and set it up!"
"Alright, thank you for your help!" Naoki said.
Kishu smiled, and after moving all the boxes into the cave, she joined the Machamp and builders in their work.
Some used saws and pickaxes to shape the wood and stones, while others mixed a substance resembling cement.
Kishu took out measuring tools and a white powder, using them to mark out the area for the chicken coop on the ground.
With the crops growing well and little else to tend to on the ranch, Naoki had ample free time. He grabbed a small stool and headed to the riverbank, fishing rod in hand, to watch the construction team work as he idly passed the time.
Seeing him fishing, Golton wanted to help by using Take Down, but Naoki stopped him.
Golton looked on, puzzled.
"No rush," Naoki said casually. "I'm just killing time."
Once the chicken coop was built, he'd have something new to tend to.
(End of Chapter)
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