Hokkaido, Green Vine City.
"Mr. Natsume, Leader Fujiwara is in the middle of a Gym Battle. Please come with me."
Natsume followed the staff member inside the Gym.
Green Vine Gym was a landmark building in Green Vine City.
The inside of Green Vine Gym looked like a bigger version of a basketball arena.
The difference was that the arena in the center of the Gym was a standard Pokémon battle field.
There were quite a few spectators sitting in the stands around it.
They were all tourists who had bought tickets to get in.
Many Gyms in different places sold Gym Battle tickets to increase their income.
That was perfectly normal.
Natsume and Dragonite went up to the upper level of the stands.
Pidgeotto folded its wings and stood on the railing.
Natsume leaned over the guardrail and watched the battle below.
"Darmanitan, Fire Punch!"
On the battle field, a Darmanitan rushed quickly toward Shiftry.
"Shiftry, Brick Break!"
"Shiftry!"
Shiftry calmly watched Darmanitan's attack, its body nimbly dodging Darmanitan's Fire Punch.
"Shiftry!"
Shiftry seized the opening and quickly raised its clover-like hand, slashing down at Darmanitan's head.
Bang!
With a dull thud, Darmanitan collapsed onto the ground.
Fujiwara planned to end the match right there, so he kept ordering, "Shiftry, Air Cutter!"
Shiftry waved its hand, and several blades of wind slammed mercilessly into Darmanitan's body, leaving it no chance to catch its breath.
"The match is over."
The Gym referee looked at the Darmanitan lying on the ground and raised the flag in his hand. "Darmanitan is unable to battle."
"So the winner is Shiftry."
The challenger withdrew his Darmanitan with a troubled look and said to Leader Fujiwara, "That was amazing."
"Even with the type advantage, I still got completely crushed."
Fujiwara smiled. "In Pokémon battles, it's not enough to train the power of your moves. The Pokémon's own battle skills need to be honed too."
"Yes, thank you for teaching me."
After recalling his Pokémon, the challenger turned and left.
Fujiwara said a few things to the staff beside him, then brought Shiftry over to Natsume.
"That was a great battle."
Natsume looked at Fujiwara and Shiftry and praised them. "This kid seems stronger than he was in the mountain district."
"Shiftry~"
Fujiwara laughed. "Thank you for the praise, Leader Natsume."
"By the way, is Leader Natsume's Serperior here today?"
Natsume shook his head slightly. "Serperior is at home."
"These are the Springy Mushrooms you wanted. They're all in this Storage Ball."
Fujiwara took it. "Actually, I could've come get them myself."
"Leader Natsume must be pretty busy right now."
Natsume smiled. "Not too bad."
"Also, today I mainly brought this kid along so it could get familiar with the route."
"Pidgeotto~"
Pidgeotto greeted them.
Fujiwara looked at Pidgeotto curiously. "So Pidgeotto will be the one delivering things for us from now on?"
"Yes."
Natsume said, "So I'll have to ask Leader Fujiwara to take good care of it."
Fujiwara quickly said, "Not at all. I'm the one who should be getting on good terms with it."
"Pidgeotto, please take care of me from now on."
"Pidgeotto~"
Fujiwara looked at Natsume and invited him, "If you don't mind, how about coming to take a look at my botanical garden?"
"Sure."
Fujiwara led Natsume toward the botanical garden behind the Gym.
Fujiwara's botanical garden was a lot like the Farm under Natsume's mountain.
They were both Gym-owned businesses, and both were supported by the Green Vine City Trainer Association.
Natsume and Fujiwara chatted as they walked out through a side door in the Gym.
"Oddish~"
As soon as Natsume stepped out of the Gym, he saw a line of Oddish slowly walking by.
Natsume's gaze passed over the Oddish and looked ahead.
A neatly trimmed lawn, flower beds along the road, and many different kinds of woody plants.
Natsume saw a few Budew resting under a tree.
A group of Ledyba slowly flew past.
Natsume took a deep breath.
A faint fragrance drifted into his nose.
Fujiwara looked at Natsume's expression and smiled. "How is it?"
"Pretty fragrant, right?"
Natsume nodded slightly. "Yeah."
"It smells really good."
As Natsume spoke, he noticed a few Shroomish and Cherubi hiding in the bushes.
"Is that their scent?"
"That's right."
Fujiwara said, "Since it's already night, their petals have all closed up."
"If you come back during the day, it'll smell even better."
As Fujiwara was chatting with Natsume, the bushes rustled.
"Meganium~"
Meganium ran out excitedly.
"Meganium~"
Meganium greeted Natsume warmly.
Natsume smiled. "Long time no see, Meganium."
"Meganium~"
This botanical garden was home to many Grass-type and Bug-type Pokémon.
Fujiwara led Natsume deeper into the botanical garden.
A few Capsakid hid behind trees and peeked at Natsume.
Capsakid may look a little ugly, but they're deeply prized for their spiciness.
That's because Capsakid can produce a spicy flavor.
The chili powder made from crushing the teeth they shed is an especially fine seasoning.
"Does Leader Natsume like spicy food?"
Fujiwara noticed Natsume observing the Capsakid.
"It's okay."
Natsume said, "I like trying different foods from different regions."
"Then I'll get you some Capsakid chili powder in a bit."
Fujiwara said, "But if Leader Natsume likes spicy food, I'd really recommend trying spicy cuisine."
"I think it'll definitely be an unforgettable experience."
Natsume kept walking with Fujiwara. "Once I'm done being busy for this stretch, I should go traveling around."
"Experience the customs and culture of different regions."
A house came into view ahead of them.
"Usually, I often stay here overnight."
Fujiwara invited Natsume inside to sit for a while.
Inside the cottage, a Shiinotic was cleaning the room.
"Shiinotic, help make a cup of tea."
"And bring a bag of Capsakid chili powder too."
"Shiinotic."
Shiinotic answered and started working.
Shiinotic was a mysterious Pokémon with a huge mushroom on its head.
If you come across a wild Shiinotic, it's best to stay away from its habitat.
Because it may very well drain your vitality.
However, if it's facing someone it likes, Shiinotic will instead share its energy.
"Shiinotic~"
Shiinotic brought over a cup of hot tea.
Fujiwara said, "Try it."
"The tea made by Shiinotic has a really good sleep-inducing effect, so it's fine to drink at night too."
Natsume picked up the cup and took a sip.
The tea had a light, refreshing aroma.
Natsume looked at Shiinotic and said, "It's really good, Shiinotic."
"Shiinotic~"
"Leader Natsume, may I ask you something?"
Fujiwara looked at Natsume curiously.
Natsume set down the teacup.
"Looks like a lot of people want to ask me questions."
Fujiwara spread his hands. "Well, you are a legend."
"Even though the League is trying to block the news, I'm the Gym Leader of Hokkaido, so I still know a bit about the rumors."
Natsume asked, "Is that so? Then what kind of rumors have you heard?"
Fujiwara thought for a moment, then said, "Everyone's saying that Leader Natsume is someone blessed by Jirachi."
"Leader Natsume's Farm is basically a divine sanctuary."
Natsume laughed at Fujiwara's comparison. "A divine sanctuary, huh? Not a bad name."
"So... it's true?"
Natsume said directly, "It's true."
"Just as I thought."
Fujiwara looked at Natsume enviously. "Honestly, the first time I met you, I already felt like you weren't an ordinary person."
Natsume smiled. "That's a bit exaggerated. We're all basically the same."
"Hoppip."
A Hoppip flew over to the window.
Hoppip looked at Fujiwara anxiously.
"What's wrong, Hoppip?"
Fujiwara looked at it in confusion.
Natsume helped translate: "It says your Morelull and Paras are fighting again."
Morelull and Paras like these Pokémon often argue over habitat when they're in the wild.
"Hoppip."
Hoppip nodded repeatedly.
Fujiwara said with a headache, "They're fighting again?"
"Leader Natsume, um..."
Natsume stood up. "The time's about right too."
"I still have to go somewhere else, so I won't keep bothering you today."
Fujiwara said apologetically, "Alright. Next time, I'll visit Leader Natsume's Gym."
After saying goodbye to Fujiwara, Natsume rode Dragonite up into the sky.
In the night sky, Natsume looked at the city below him.
Natsume thought to himself, "Everyone's got their own pace of life."
"Dragonite~"
Dragonite sped up.
Chiba Prefecture - Minato-machi - Water Tribe Pokémon Breeding Center.
Since Minato-machi was by the sea, the Water Tribe Pokémon Breeding Center was built around the coastline.
"Dragonite, that glowing sign down there is it."
Natsume said to the Dragonite beneath him.
"Dragonite~"
Dragonite flapped its wings and slowly descended.
At the entrance to the base.
A beautiful woman in a coat was standing beside Primarina, looking up at the sky.
Natsume had seen her before.
Onami, the Hokkaido Pokémon Contests champion.
At the Pokémon Contests in Sakura City, she was one of the three judges.
"Leader Natsume, my name is Onami."
Looking at Natsume as he jumped down from Dragonite, Onami introduced herself proactively. "My uncle went out fishing, so he asked me to come and receive you."
Natsume said, "Got it."
"Come to think of it, the last time I ran into him, he was fishing too."
Onami smiled. "My uncle doesn't have many hobbies. He just likes fishing all over the place and making friends."
Natsume nodded slightly, then took out the small box holding the Storage Balls from the little backpack hanging around Dragonite's neck.
"Here are the Plump Beans Mr. Watanabe ordered. Do you need to check them?"
Onami shook her head slightly. "No need."
"Since they were personally delivered by Leader Natsume, there definitely won't be a problem."
"Primarina, put these Storage Balls in the warehouse."
"Primarina~"
Primarina answered, then took the Storage Balls Natsume handed over and walked into the base.
"Leader Natsume, want to take a look around our Breeding Center?"
Onami invited Natsume.
Natsume nodded slightly. "Sure."
"Please follow me."
Onami led Natsume inside.
Inside the Breeding Center, there were artificial waterways carved out.
They were connected to the seawater outside.
In the pools, many schools of fish Pokémon were active.
Schools of Carvanha, schools of Chinchou, schools of Goldeen, and so on.
They wandered around here leisurely.
"Dragonite?"
Dragonite pointed at the pool, asking if it could go down and play for a bit.
Natsume looked at Onami.
Onami smiled. "Of course you can."
"Dragonite~"
Dragonite then dove into the pool.
Natsume followed Onami and kept wandering deeper inside.
"Come to think of it, this probably isn't the first time we've met, right?"
Onami said as she walked beside Natsume.
When Natsume had shown up so conspicuously in Sakura City with Dragonite, Onami had naturally noticed him.
"Yeah."
Natsume looked at the Water-type Pokémon around them and said, "When I went to watch a friend's match, you were the judge."
Onami said, "Your friend was Miss Aiko, right?"
"I still remember her performance vividly."
Natsume thought of the Feebas at his place, then shifted his gaze back to Onami. "Come to think of it, I'm also planning to bring my Feebas to compete in Pokémon Contests."
"Miss Onami, do you have any advice for me?"
"Huh?"
For a moment, Onami realized what Natsume was saying and stared at him blankly.
Natsume said, "What's wrong?"
Onami looked at Natsume with a strange expression. "Leader Natsume is planning to challenge Pokémon Contests?"
Natsume nodded slightly.
"My Feebas watched the last Pokémon Contests, and now it wants to take part in a match like that too."
"So I'm planning to take it and give it a shot."
"I see."
Onami said, "Pokémon Contests are mainly about showing off a Pokémon's charm and strength."
"So as long as you can bring out those two things, it can be called a gorgeous performance."
After saying that, Onami looked at Natsume and asked, "Has Leader Natsume signed up yet?"
Natsume shook his head. "Not yet, actually."
"Then Leader Natsume can consider the Pokémon Contests being held in Cloudtop City on August 10."
"Cloudtop City, huh."
Natsume was already planning to find some time to go to the Cloudtop Prison in Cloudtop City.
"I see. Thanks."
As Natsume was chatting with Onami, he noticed a crowd gathered around an open area up ahead.
Onami introduced it. "That's the battle field."
"If a guest has a Pokémon they're interested in, they can apply for a battle practice match."
Natsume immediately became interested, so he walked over there.
In the crowd, a young man was directing a Squirtle to battle a staff member's Poliwag.
He shouted loudly, "Squirtle, use Water Gun!"
"Squirtle~"
Squirtle turned around and waved its little arms at him.
Squirtle said it couldn't use Water Gun to hit Poliwag, because that would make it sad.
Natsume watched this Squirtle with great interest.
[Name:Squirtle]
[Type:Water]
[Level:lv5]
[Ability: Rain Dish]
[Individual Values:hp28,Attack 29,Defense31,pecial Attack31,Special Defense31,peed28]
[Move: Tackle , Tail Whip , Water Gun ]
[Egg Move:Aqua Ring]
[ Potential : Near Elite Four ]
The young man looked at Squirtle in confusion. "Squirtle, what are you doing? Hurry up and use Water Gun!"
"Squirtle."
Squirtle sighed, then sat down on the ground.
He immediately complained to the nearby staff member, "Hey, what's wrong with this Squirtle?"
"It doesn't listen to commands at all."
The staff member said awkwardly, "This kid has a pretty laid-back personality."
"So he probably doesn't like battling much."
The young man said speechlessly, "Then what am I supposed to do with it?"
"Forget it, give me another one."
"Squirtle!"
Squirtle glared at him angrily, then folded its arms and was about to leave.
"Wait, Squirtle."
Natsume stopped Squirtle, then said to Onami beside him, "Can I try battling it?"
Onami nodded slightly. "Of course."
Natsume smiled at Squirtle. "Nice to meet you, Squirtle."
"Squirtle."
Seeing that, the staff member said to Natsume, "Then please let the guest make the first move."
Natsume said directly, "Squirtle, Tackle!"
"Squirtle!"
Squirtle charged straight at Poliwag.
"Poliwag, Water Gun!"
Poliwag took a deep breath and fired Water Gun.
Natsume said, "Dodge it, then keep charging."
"Squirtle!"
Squirtle was very nimble and easily dodged Poliwag's Water Gun.
Bang~
Squirtle's Tackle knocked Poliwag right over onto the ground.
Natsume praised it, "That was great, Squirtle."
"Squirtle~"
Squirtle put its hands on its hips proudly!
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