Chapter 50: Steady Progress
Chapter 50: Steady Progress
Naoki was puzzled by the Saltrews' actions and asked, "What are you guys doing?"
"Salt, salt~" the Saltrews replied with happy smiles.
They wanted to share the rock salt from their bodies with him because they liked him so much.
This was the unspoken thought of these Saltrews.
Naoki guessed their intention, recalling that Saltrews were known to share their valuable salt with those they favored, making them highly prized in the past.
So, had these five Saltrews taken it upon themselves to offer him their salt, assuming he loved it since he was collecting salt grains?
Naoki was touched, and at the same time, he found it amusing. "That's enough! A little goes a long way!"
Saltrews experience erosion when they leave salt traces, which, although not mentioned in the records, could potentially cause significant strain on their bodies if it occurred all at once.
Hearing this, the Saltrews blinked in confusion. "Salt, salt?"
"Is this enough?"
Naoki knelt down and patted each of their little heads affectionately. "I understand your gesture, but it's okay. We can take it slow. You're still young and need to take care of yourselves so you can grow up healthy and evolve into formidable Saltrexes."
"Salt, salt..." The Saltrews listened, only partially understanding.
Saltrex... They knew that every Saltrew would eventually evolve into a Saltrex.
At that stage, they could produce rock salt of far superior quality than what they could as Saltrews.
Suddenly, light bulbs seemed to illuminate in the Saltrews' tiny heads as they comprehended.
Evolve into Saltrexes and produce more and better salt for the best Naoki!
"Go for it!"
Naoki was oblivious to the thoughts running through the Saltrews' minds.
He picked them up and returned them to Garchomp's embrace before resuming his salt-collecting task with Motostoke.
Soon enough, they had filled a bag with rock salt.
Naoki replaced the collection membrane, fed the Saltrews, and refilled their water trough before heading back to the wooden house.
He placed the cloth bag on the scale to weigh it, and soon a set of numbers appeared on the screen.
3250 grams—that was the weight of the rock salt.
"Three thousand two hundred and fifty grams..." Naoki calculated silently. "Rock salt sells for 3,000 Pokedollars per 500 grams, so this bag will earn me 19,500 Pokedollars. Wow, that's more than I expected!"
"If this keeps up, I'll be able to expand our home soon, buy a refrigerator and a television, and even build a cellar. During summer, I can grow hops and some fruit to make beer and fruit wine in the cellar."
The beer and fruit wine would also provide a substantial additional income.
Naoki's heart was filled with joy as he happily stored away the rock salt, planning to sell it to Zack when he came by in the evening.
However, before that, he needed to set aside a portion for his own use.
Compared to regular salt, the rock salt produced by Saltrews was even more beneficial for physical development. Consuming it regularly would lead to healthier and stronger bodies not just for him but also for the Pokemon on the ranch.
After storing the rock salt, Naoki made his way to the sheep pen.
It was milking day again.
The three Ride Sheep were already waiting, and when they saw Naoki carrying the milk pail, they lined up obediently.
"Learned any new moves?" Naoki asked casually.
"Baa!" The middle Ride Sheep, the one who had fought with Garchomp before, nodded its head.
Surprised, Naoki squatted down to start milking and asked, "What move is it?"
The Ride Sheep immediately began to demonstrate.
A faint glow appeared on its body, and then... nothing happened.
"That's it?" Naoki was taken aback.
"Mee~" The Ride Sheep nodded happily.
"Show me that move again?" Naoki had barely seen it the first time.
The Ride Sheep happily obliged and used the move once more.
This time, Naoki could see it clearly.
"It's Photosynthesis!"
Photosynthesis: A Grass-type move that restores the user's HP. The amount restored changes with the weather.
"That's a pretty good move," Naoki commented.
"Mee~," the Ride Sheep bleated happily.
"Keep up the good work!" Naoki added casually, not intending to send the Ride Sheep into battle.
However, becoming stronger was in the nature of all Pokemon, and for the Ride Sheep, this lifestyle of getting stronger while lounging around was incredibly pleasant.
Soon, the milk bucket was filled, and Naoki carried it back to the wooden house.
He glanced at the bucket, and information about the sheep's milk appeared in his mind.
[Sheep's Milk (Top-Quality)
: Milk of the finest quality and nutrition, offering tremendous health benefits when consumed, and can also be made into top-quality cheese, butter, and other foods.]
Naoki didn't sell the first batch of milk but kept it for himself to drink.
It wasn't until the second batch that he decided to sell it.
The effects of that porridge were remarkable. When Zack came to collect the milk the day before yesterday, he exclaimed, "Wow, what milk!" as soon as he laid eyes on it.
Usually, the buyers would price the fresh milk based on its quality and nutritional value.
After a series of tests, he offered 600 Pokedollars for this top-quality sheep's milk, three times the previous price of 200.
Naoki was, of course, very satisfied with this.
The spring breeze was warm and gentle.
After finishing his daily chores, Naoki carried a small stool to the fields to check on the crops' growth and weed out some wild grasses.
In just one month, crops with shorter growth cycles, like turnips, potatoes, garlic, and radishes, were almost ready for harvest.
Their roots were laden with plump and hefty produce.
Of course, this was just Naoki's imagination, as the fruits of these crops were hidden underground.
As for the cabbage, cucumbers, and tomatoes, they still needed more time to mature.
The few fruit trees planted at the edge of the field had also started to grow.
However, their growth was slow, and it would probably take until autumn for them to become full-grown trees that could bear fruit.
Just then, the Dragonite that had gone to deliver the milk returned.
Its face was filled with excitement, and after landing, it looked around before finally spotting Naoki in the fields.
The Dragonite dashed over with its two chubby claws outstretched.
Before Naoki could react, he found himself enveloped in a tight embrace.
"Waaah~"
Perhaps due to its strong desire to become stronger, the Dragonite hadn't shown as much affection as Saltrex and Miltank since joining the ranch.
Therefore, Naoki was taken aback by this sudden display of affection from the Dragonite. "What's going on?"
The Dragonite looked delighted. "Roaar!"
Naoki seemed to understand, "Did you learn Dragon Tail?"
"Roaar!"
The Dragonite nodded vigorously.
It had been practicing Dragon Tail diligently using the method Naoki had taught it, even while on its way to deliver goods.
Just now, it had finally succeeded in using the move, which made it even more convinced of what Naoki had told it.
Overcome with excitement, it rushed back to embrace Naoki, who had helped it learn this new move.
"Congratulations!"
Naoki was genuinely happy for the Dragonite, and he thought, perhaps this is what being a Trainer is all about? With that in mind, he took the opportunity to rub the Dragonite's plump belly a few times.
So soft! The texture was amazing! Naoki smiled.
The bond between the man and the Dragonite grew stronger.
(End of Chapter)
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