https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-371-The-Leek-Duck-and-the-Leek-Garden-Sky-Scale/12537533/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-373-Salamence-s-Call-and-Rayquaza-s-Visit-/12537535/
Chapter 372: Hakuryu's Resolve to Get Stronger and Help Out on the Ranch!
Chapter 372: Hakuryu's Resolve to Get Stronger and Help Out on the Ranch!
"Alright, go have fun!" Naoki waved to the group of Pokemon before heading towards a patch of land with his onion seeds, accompanied by the Leek Duck.
This plot of land previously grew spinach, which Naoki had recently harvested, leaving it ready for a new crop.
It was perfect timing to transform it into a garden for the Leek Duck.
He called over Sandshrew and asked it to help plow the field.
Sandshrew squeaked in response and quickly got to work.
It tilled the soil, while Naoki followed behind, planting the leeks.
In no time, the entire field was filled with neatly planted rows of leek sprouts.
Naoki dusted off his hands, turned to the Leek Duck, and asked, "Are you eager to get a new weapon?"
The Leek Duck looked down at the leek it was holding and shook its head, "Ga!"
Its current leek weapon still had some use left in it.
"Then let's leave it at that for now," Naoki nodded. "From now on, we'll water and fertilize these leeks regularly, and before you know it, they'll be fully grown."
The Leek Duck's eyes sparkled with anticipation, "Ga!"
Naoki smiled at its enthusiasm and called over the Riding Goats, asking them to assist in nurturing the leeks with their Grass-type energy.
The Riding Goats readily agreed and surrounded the leek garden, releasing their green, grassy energy to enhance the growth of the leeks buried in the soil.
The Leek Duck was now wholly focused on its leeks and decided to take a break from practicing its leek techniques.
The idea of growing its own food was a novel concept to it.
In the forest where the Leek Duck used to live, there had once been a food crisis.
To survive, it had eaten its emergency leek and traveled far and wide to find another one.
Wild Leek Ducks were like that; they would only search for a new leek when their current one was no longer usable, never considering growing their own.
But now, the Leek Duck had the opportunity to witness the growth of numerous leeks, and once they matured, it could select the strongest and most robust one to serve as its new weapon.
Just thinking about it filled the Leek Duck with happiness.
"Ga!"
It had made up its mind! It wanted to learn from Naoki how to grow leeks and tend to this garden personally!
And so, as soon as Naoki returned to the house, the Leek Duck approached him with its request.
After hearing its idea, Naoki pondered for a moment and replied, "Watering will be Quick Dragon's job, and the Riding Goats will also help nurture the leeks."
The Leek Duck looked a little disappointed, "Ga?" Was there nothing it could do to help?
"Hmm..." Naoki thought carefully before suggesting, "You can use your leek techniques to guard the leek garden and prevent any wild Pokemon from causing trouble."
There had been incidents where wild bird Pokemon from the ranch sneaked into the fields to eat corn and wheat.
Initially, Naoki had set up a scarecrow in the fields, but it proved ineffective against these intelligent birds.
Eventually, the task of keeping unwanted Pokemon at bay fell to Golduck.
It didn't even need to lift a webbed foot; it would simply lie on the grass near the fields, exuding the aura of a Dragon-type Pokemon, which was enough to keep the birds at a distance.
For Golduck, it was also a pleasant opportunity to sunbathe.
Upon hearing that it could be of use, the Leek Duck eagerly patted its feathery chest and assured, "Ga!"
It was determined to take on this responsibility and guard the fields!
Out of gratitude for Naoki's help, the Leek Duck also included the other fields in its patrol route.
"Then I'll leave it to you!" Naoki said with a smile.
The Leek Duck marched off, its leek held high.
From that day on, the Leek Duck took on the role of guardian of the fields, diligently patrolling from morning to night, its leek always at the ready.
Life on the ranch continued.
With the Leek Duck's issue resolved, the group of Hakuryu, who spent their days playing on the ranch, approached Naoki with a request for assistance.
"Huh?" Naoki was taken aback by their request.
The weather was a bit warm, and as he drank some iced water, he asked, "What's this about? You guys seem to be enjoying your lives here, so why the sudden interest in special training? That's going to be tough!"
The Hakuryu shook their heads in unison, their faces filled with determination.
One of them said, "Wurmple!" (We're not afraid!)
Another nodded and added, "Wurmple!" (That's right! We want to evolve into Dragonite and grow arms so we can help you out, Naoki!)
"Puh—" Naoki barely managed to hold back from spitting out the water in his mouth.
He stared at the group of Hakuryu in disbelief.
While he had indeed been considering letting the Hakuryu evolve and join the group of Dragonite in making deliveries, he never expected that they would be the ones to bring it up.
What was going on? Were the Hakuryu suddenly enlightened?
The Hakuryu glanced at each other, seemingly confused by Naoki's reaction.
Naoki wiped his mouth, put down his water bottle, and asked in surprise, "Why do you suddenly want to help me with work?"
The Hakuryu blinked their eyes innocently and replied enthusiastically, "Wormadam!" (It's because you make delicious Pokeblocks and snacks for us every day, Naoki. You're so kind, and we want to help you too!)
Naoki understood—the Hakuryu were expressing their gratitude.
Hearing such sincere words, Naoki's heart was deeply touched.
Pokemon... that's what Pokemon were all about!
They were inherently pure-hearted and grateful, and if you treated them well, they would reciprocate with kindness.
Naoki took a deep breath, reached out to pat each of the Hakuryu on their heads, and said, touched, "Good kids, I understand, and I accept your heartfelt offer."
"Wurmple~"
The Hakuryu nuzzled him affectionately with their heads.
A smile spread across Naoki's face.
Decision made! From that day on, the Hakuryu family would be his favorite quasi-legendary Pokemon!
To reciprocate the sentiments of these five Hakuryu, Naoki immediately enrolled them in Golduck's tutoring sessions with Motostoke.
"Golduck, I'm entrusting these Hakuryu to you. Teach them some Dragon-type moves and help them grow stronger!"
"Motostoke, from now on, these Hakuryu will be your classmates. Golduck is far stronger than you, so you can spar with them and gain experience through battles."
"I'll also be dropping by to check on your progress regularly!"
Golduck looked helpless, "Agastoy..."
Motostoke, on the other hand, was delighted and welcomed the Hakuryu with an enthusiastic, "Gatr!"
Meanwhile, across the river, in the Snorlax Park...
Dragonite, Honchkrow, Butterfree, Glaceon, Eevee, Burmy, and Froslass, among other Pokemon, had gathered.
They stood next to the sleeping Snorlax, forming a circle around Dragonite's claw, which bore a pitch-black scale.
"Babymother...?"
Burmy's face scrunched up in confusion. Could this scale truly summon the legendary Pokemon that had saved the world?
The afternoon before, Dragonite and Honchkrow had recounted their extraordinary encounter and the tale of the heroic Rayquaza to Burmy and Glaceon.
Intrigued, Burmy and Glaceon wanted proof.
So, after finishing their task of watering the fields, Dragonite had brought the group to Snorlax Park to demonstrate.
Dragonite intended to summon Rayquaza, inviting the legendary Pokemon to visit the ranch and rekindle their connection.
(End of Chapter)
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