Pokémon: Farm Story

After a classic Eastern-style tug-of-war over a gift, Mei's compensation was ultimately not accepted.

Accepting compensation for Bounsweet felt uncomfortably similar to selling Pokémon, which wasn't the image Natsume wanted to convey.

In the future, he might open a Day Care or a ranch, selling eggs and Pokémon to trainers. But that was a distant plan. For now, the idea hadn't even crossed his mind.

Although the compensation was rejected, Mei ended up purchasing a large number of Pokéblocks from Natsume instead.

If you won't take compensation, I'll at least buy your goods, right?

---

"Bye-bye, Natsume!" Mei waved enthusiastically at the farm gate.

"I'll visit again sometime!"

At her feet, Bounsweet mimicked Mei's energetic farewells, hopping and calling out to its friends.

Meanwhile, Snivy maintained its aloof demeanor, crossing its arms and tilting its head slightly upward. Yet, when it glanced at Natsume, its gaze softened, hinting at a subtle sense of approval.

Snivy, despite its pride, had acknowledged Natsume's culinary skills, if nothing else.

Earlier, during dinner, it had even reluctantly admitted that Natsume's cooking surpassed Mei's by miles—only to be met with Mei's furious retaliation in the form of a relentless head rub.

"Take care on the road!" Natsume called after her.

"Don't worry!" Mei flexed her arm confidently.

"I've planned my route carefully. Every path is an official, safe trail—nothing dangerous."

Her confident stance didn't match her lighthearted tone, making Natsume almost expect her to exclaim, "We'll win!"

After seeing Mei off, Natsume turned to face the now quieter farm.

"Phew..."

It felt calmer now but also a little too quiet. Perhaps he wasn't used to prolonged interactions anymore.

For someone who hadn't socialized much, having a visitor as lively as Mei was a bit nerve-wracking—especially when she was not just any girl but a bright and cheerful one at that.

Still, Natsume figured he hadn't done too badly. After all, there were plenty of people out there who couldn't even meet a girl's gaze without freezing up.

"It's so quiet on the farm now," Natsume mused.

"Caw?"

Corvisquire tilted its head in confusion.

Quiet? Really?

Looking around, it noticed the chaos: Mightyena being wrestled to the ground by its mate, a swarm of Zigzagoon tearing through the farm, and Shiny Furret leading a squad of recruits in training.

Corvisquire wondered if Natsume was deaf, blind, or perhaps both.

"Don't overthink it. Let's head back."

Natsume ruffled Corvisquire's carefully groomed feathers, leaving the bird with a messy head of plumage.

---

That evening, the farm Pokémon gathered on the rooftop for a barbecue party under the moonlight.

Yes, a full-fledged Pokémon barbecue.

Before anyone panicked, Natsume clarified that while some Pokémon made for excellent ingredients—such as Farfetch'd's leek or Slowpoke's regenerative tails—the feast didn't actually involve cooking Pokémon themselves.

To ensure safety, Mudkip and Slowpoke were on standby to handle potential fire hazards.

In fact, this impromptu barbecue also doubled as a welcome party for the newer additions to the farm.

"Lopunny, you're amazing," Natsume praised, accepting a skewer from the hardworking rabbit, who wore an apron and manned the grill with finesse.

At first, everyone was supposed to cook their own food. However, after assessing the situation, Lopunny took over entirely, unable to bear the sight of others' attempts at grilling.

"Thanks, Lopunny. Your cooking is the best!"

Lopunny gave him a playful side-eye. "You're just being lazy, aren't you?"

"Well... maybe," Natsume admitted, avoiding her gaze. "But your cooking really is amazing!"

At his feet, Persian purred contentedly, nuzzling his hand before pulling away when he tried to pet it.

It was typical cat behavior—affectionate one moment, evasive the next.

"Meow?"

"Oh, you're right," Natsume replied, realizing something.

"Meow!"

"But I don't even know where it is..."

"Meow..."

"Okay, fine. Tomorrow, we'll look for it. If we can't find it, we'll ask Zorua for help."

"Meow?"

"No big deal—just a mischievous kid," Natsume replied, brushing it off.

Finishing his skewer, he handed the stick to Lopunny for another. Can't I just enjoy myself for once?

---

Meanwhile, in a distant cave, Ogerpon wrestled with its own troubles, unaware of the lively party back at Natsume's farm.

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