A few days ter, a rge truck slowly drove into Natsume’s farm.

  It had been several days sihe battle with Ting-Lu.

  In that time, quite a few ges had taken p the farm.

  The most noticeable ge was the expansion of its territory—it had grown siderably, practically extending its borders by a full circle. Even the cave where Ogerpon had been living was now within the farm’s grounds.

  On another note, Natsume had once again gone viral online.

  After all, he was someone who had taken down a Legendary Pokémon head-on.

  When Ting-Lu had been on the move, the emergency alerts practically leaped out of people’s phones, desperate to sp them in the face with warnings.

  There was an intense online discussion about this disaster-bringing Legendary Pokémon.

  And just when the hype ig up—wheer’s ever-resourceful izens had finally pieced together the details of Ting-Lu’s identity—bam.

  It got defeated.

  ly.

  Decisively.

  Dude, e on. This is kind of awkward for everyone.

  One sed, the i was debating the sheer power of the Treasures of Ruin and the devastation they could bring.

  The sed, before Ting-Lu even got close to a town, it was already taken down.

  What was this, "The emperor had barely begun his quest before the treasury ran dry"?

  Soon, the discussion shifted from Ting-Lu to the person who had defeated it.

  And just yesterday, when the League officially released the battle details, everyone finally found out who was responsible.

  They even included a short video clip from the tter part of the battle.

  Though recorded from afar, the footage still veyed Ting-Lu’s overwhelming power.

  Many online enters were left in awe.

  Aeen-year-old—barely two or three months away from turning een—had taken down a Legendary Pokémon to protect his farm, rallying his Pokémon panions to victory.

  Was this the legendary hidden masters among on folk?

  It was like winning a world championship in table tennis, only to return home aterly schooled by the elderly man at the neighborhood ping-pong table.

  You never know what kind of hidden talents an ordinary-looking person might have.

  In no time, Natsume had bee the hottest topi the i.

  Young, aplished, wealthy, and handsome.

  Holy, this was the kind of thing that could make people jealous.

  And that face of his—wasn’t there supposed to be a rule that when God opens a window for you, He closes a door?

  So what dot closed for him, exactly?

  The door to hardship?

  While simultaneously flinging open a massive window of success?

  As mentioned before, in this world, whether you’re a celebrity, an idol, or an i personality, you still have to take a step back when standing before a truly powerful Pokémon Trainer.

  If you're a strong Pokémon Trainer and good-looking, your popurity doesn't just add up—it multiplies.

  Humans are visual creatures, after all. Attractive people always seem to get some extra perks.

  It's like the cssic wuxia trope of the hero saving the damsel in distress.

  If the hero is handsome, the girl will usually say, "I have nothing to repay you with, so I only offer myself to you."

  But if the hero isly easy on the eyes, then she might say, "I have nothing to repay you with, so I will serve you in my life—as an ox or a horse."

  The same logic applies here.

  It wasn't just Natsume himself who attracted attention. His Pokémon also became a hot topic.

  Many people were eager to copy his homework—analyzing his team to build their own sed or third squads.

  After all, the Pokémon used by the Elite Four and Champions are always closely studied, influeng battle strategies for many Trainers.

  Adjusting an already powerful Trainer’s lio suit one's own needs was a on shortcut in the petitive world of Pokémon training.

  After all, the Elite Four only o build their own teams once. But for those copying them? There was a lot more to sider.

  Back to the main point.

  When people looking to copy his team—or those with ulterior motives—opehe relevant data, they fell silent.

  Persian—nothing special, a on Pokémon, ofte as a pet.

  Corviknight—a flying taxi servion, plenty of those around.

  Slowking—a bit rare, but not too unon.

  Gardevoir—now that’s a different story. A highly sought-after Psychic Queen.

  Galde—an even rarer dual-bde Psychic warrior.

  And then… that green one.

  What the hell was that?

  A Legendary Pokémon?!

  — "Sir, are you the Legendary Pokémon guy?"

  — "He's younger, stronger, aer-looking than me. My existence is meaningless. Goodbye, world."

  — "At eighteeook down a Legendary. At eighteen, I ighe risks of staying in bed all day."

  — "Hey, uh… I have a friend…"

  — "I am that friend. Send it to me directly. (Serious)"

  Seeing the online discussions, Natsume rubbed Ogerpon’s head.

  "Just wait a little longer. Soon, we’ll clear your name."

  "Umah?"

  Ogerpon, gnawing on a berry rger than its own head, looked up in fusion.

  Clear its name? What name?

  Even now, Ogerpon still didn’t quite uand why so many people used to hate it.

  But at this point, it didn’t really care anymore.

  "Umah."

  Nuzzling against Natsume’s hand, Ogerpon tis battle with the berry.

  This particur berry was actually an experiment of Natsume’s.

  Si was just a sapling, he had been nourishing it daily with the Viridian Force.

  He wasn’t f it to grow faster—just watering it with energy.

  And somehow, the tree started developing in the dire of a mystical spirit tree.

  Simply standing near it made one feel an incredible sense of rexation.

  Its berries were noticeably rger than normal.

  Although they hadn't been officially tested, based on his Pokémon’s reas, their nutritional value and taste were top-tier—not any worse than the energy cubes on the market.

  Ially, for some reason, when Natsume casually called it a "spirit tree," it seemed to awaken Corviknight’s ibyou soul.

  For the past few days, Corviknight had been stayihe tree, no matter whether it was eating or sleeping.

  As if it were cospying as its guardia.

  Well, sort of.

  What kind of guardia watches over something while big dramas, pletely ign the thing it's supposed to guard?

  "Pi!"

  In the distahe cry of a Shiny Pidgeott out.

  Previously, Corviknight had been the one responsible for reying messages around the farm.

  But tely, si had been enjoying its rolepying sessions, it temporarily handed over the job to its "little bro."

  Yes, all the birds on the farm were now Corviknight’s little bros.

  Just like how all the Se and Furret on the farm were uhe rule of the Shiny Furret.

  Corviknight figured that it deserved some followers, too.

  After all, it had now officially been part of a battle that took down a Legendary Pokémon.

  Sure, it wasn’t the main fighter this time.

  But someday, it would defeat a Legendary with its own strength.

  Natsume had said so.

  And Corviknight fully trusted Natsume’s words.

  To be fair, Natsume wasn’t lying.

  With its current strength, Corviknight could definitely beat something like a og or a Meltan.

  Natsume never lied—he just withheld some details.

  "Pi-Pi!"

  Natsume boss! There’s a big truck at the farm’s entrance!

  The Shiny Pidgeotto nded, looking at Natsume expetly.

  "Got it."

  Seeing its eager gaze, Natsume reached into his pocket and pulled out a few pokéblocks, stuffing them into its beak.

  As the fvors exploded on its tohe Shiny Pidgeotto’s eyes narrowed in bliss.

  As expected—Natsume always rewarded any Pokémon that helped out.

  Brushing some crumbs off his hands, Natsume called out into the air.

  "Gardevoir."

  "Ogerpon."

  In the instant, Gardevoir appeared beside him.

  Her eyes glowed as she teleported Natsume and Ogerpon to the farm entrance.

  "Thanks."

  For Natsume, it was just a blink of an eye before he arrived at the gate.

  "Mr. Natsume."

  A man in a suit stepped out from the truck’s passenger seat, nodding slightly when he saw Natsume.

  There was a hint of respe his eyes.

  Because, in the end, power was the ultimate truth.

  Only fools would act arrogant in front of a true powerhouse.

  Even so-called prodigies were nothing until they had grown strong enough to prove themselves.

  High EQ: You have a bright future ahead.

  Low EQ: Right now, you're nothing.

  It might sound like something a vilin would say, but iy, only those who survive long enough be called geniuses.

  The ones who get crushed? Just unlucky.

  "Hello."

  After a brief exge of pleasantries, Natsume turned his attention to the back of the truck.

  Two Machamp, wearing yellow safety helmets, were unloading cargo.

  There was a lot of stuff this time—rge and small crates, all essential for the farm’s development.

  Some advanced maes were included, too.

  The suited man lifted a briefcase aured towards Natsume.

  "Here are the Pokémon and valuables you applied for."

  As he spoke, he hahe case over.

  Before doing so, he had already performed a series of verifications in front of Natsume.

  This wasn’t just a security measure—it was also a way of proving that the items inside hadn’t been tampered with.

  Essentially, it was a seal of authenticity.

  "Got it. Thanks."

  Taking the case, Natsume began the final unlog process.

  He had already received the necessary passcodes earlier.

  Holy, with how plicated this case was, it felt more like a safe than a briefcase.

  As he looked at the sleek, bck, undecorated box in his hands, he couldn't help but think that it might be useful iure.

  Ever siaking over the farm, Natsume had developed a habit of keeping anything that might e in handy ter.

  Because you never know.

  "Umah…"

  Ogerpon, still holding its half-eaten berry, g the suited man, then at Natsume.

  And ultimately decided—this berry was more important.

  Click.

  With a final unlock, the case's hydraulic arms opened automatically.

  Inside, led in bck velvet—

  Five Poké Balls on the left.

  Three shimmering stones on the right.

  "The left side tains the Pokémon you requested," the suited man expined.

  "The right side holds a Key Stone and Mega Stones—rewards for your efforts iering the migrating Pokémon on your farm."

  Natsume hadn't asked fa Evolution items.

  Yet, here they were.

  "I see."

  Staring at the radiant Mega Stones for a few seds, Natsume calmly closed the case.

  Seeing his rea, the suited man exhaled slightly in relief.

  This was a very generous gesture.

  Thinking about it carefully, having the strength to defeat a legendary Pokémon head-on and successfully capturing it…

  Regardless of whether Natsume make Ting-Lu submit iure, the fact remains—he is a man with legendary-level bat power.

  At the very least, dealing with the remaining three Treasures of Ruin shouldn’t be an issue.

  Even if he’s at a disadvantage due to type matchups or battle styles, he should still be able to hold his ground for a while.

  Young, powerful, a instead of joining the League, he chose to live as an indepe farm owner.

  Given these circumstances, it makes seo offer him some goodwill now to facilitate future cooperation—even if it means going the extra mile.

  Still… it's hard not to feel envious.

  Casting an inspicuous g the briefcase, the well-dressed man quickly adjusted his mi.

  Someone like him, with her power nor influence, had climbed up the ranks step by step using his ability to read people and swiftly adapt.

  “My name is Fu Gakuji. If you ever have any questions, Mr. Natsume, feel free to tact me.”

  With a warm smile, Fu Gakuji naturally exged taformation with Natsume.

  Another e secured.

  Gakuji ched his fist in his heart.

  More friends, more opportunities. More powerful es, even bigger opportunities.

  This is one e I’m definitely holding onto.

  After all, who wouldn’t want to stay close to someone like Natsume? Young, capable, and with a surprisingly good personality.

  No one would let go of such a valuable e—certainly not Fu Gakuji.

  Right now, he was a secretary, but soon he would be assigo a township post.

  If he happeo be sent to Lianshan Town, then Natsume would bee a person he must maintain a good retionship with.

  “Heave-ho! Heave-ho!”

  Two Machamp effitly unloaded the cargo from the truck, arranging everythily before silently getting ba board.

  The entire process was smooth—no unnecessary movements, no exaggerated poses.

  For a species like Machamp, this was quite rare.

  After all, evehey eat, they strike bodybuilding poses.

  Flexing is practically ingrained in their very bones.

  For them to restrain themselves like this—it’s about as difficult as getting a Sking to willingly do two push-ups.

  “Well then, I won’t disturb you any longer, Mr. Natsume.”

  After bidding Natsume farewell, Fu Gakuji took the passenger seat in the cargo trud left.

  It wasn’t that the department cked official vehicles.

  He simply felt that this way, he could get closer to Natsume more naturally.

  After all, many young people tend to keep their distance from gover officials.

  Fortunately, it seemed like his approach was w.

  And their versation had been smooth, without any hint ance from Natsume.

  Not an easy thing to find these days.

  Fu Gakuji had a gut feeling—Natsume was going to go far.

  His job wasn’t to fawn over him but simply to do his work properly.

  Switg his phone back from silent mode to vibrate, Fu Gakuji tinued handling his tasks.

  ...

  “Alright, everyone, eet your new panions.”

  Back at home, Natsume gathered his Pokémon, as he always did whenever a new member joihe farm.

  A small wele ceremony helped new Pokémon ie into the group more easily.

  “Lopunny!”

  “Emolga?”

  Lopunny and Emolga reacted in stark trast.

  Lopunny was always full of warmth and kioward new arrivals.

  Sihe farm beloo Natsume, Lopunny was naturally happy to see it grow and thrive.

  Emolga, oher hand, remained indifferent.

  At most, it was mildly curious.

  Lately, Emolga had been busy establishing its own Emolga fan club.

  Not for some grand rebellion against Natsume or anything.

  It was just that if that dumb Corviknight could have followers, then of course Emolga couldn’t fall behind.

  Putting aside battle prowess, Corviknight was basically at the bottom of the farm’s social hierarchy.

  Many Pokémon found its relentless preag habits quite annoying.

  Seriously, what kind of normal Pokémon actually listens to that stuff?!

  By the way, sitting at the top of the farm’s hierarchy was Slowking.

  This guy had already reached the stage where he looked down on everyone's intelligence equally.

  He always kept his shell filled with brain-boosting supplements—walnuts, memory enhancers, that kind of thing.

  And whenever he entered someone he deemed both stubborn and foolish, Slowking wouldn’t buing.

  Instead, he’d silently hand them a bag of walnuts.

  Some people just need a little extra help ielligence department.

  Uhe watchful eyes of the other Pokémon, Natsume tossed five Poké Balls into the air.

  “Audino.”

  “Indeedee.”

  “sey~”

  “You must be Natsume, Roto!”

  As the white light faded, five unfamiliar Pokémon appeared before Natsume.

  The previously calm and quiet living room instantly became lively.

  Some Pokémoed the newers enthusiastically. Others whispered amongst themselves, sharing their thoughts.

  “Alright, settle down, everyone.”

  Holy, Natsume was starting tret his decision.

  Maybe he should have introduced them in a quieter enviro.

  Fortunately, the newers didn’t seem to be overwhelmed, which reassured him a little.

  He made a mental note—first impressions were important.

  For a Trainer and a Pokémon, their first meeting was akin to a newborn seeing its caretaker for the first time.

  “Hello, everyone.”

  Natsume stepped freeting the five Pokémon who, despite the noise, remained posed.

  As he spoke, he studied them carefully.

  From left tht: two Indeedee, a male and a female.

  The Indeedee species were the very definition of butler-type Pokémoiculous, effit, and highly capable.

  Rumor had it that even the daily operations of the British royal family were handled by a pair of Indeedee.

  With two psychic-type Pokémon of this caliber, they could easily repce a whole team of maids.

  If not for the o maintain royal traditions, all the human staff might have been dismissed already.

  were two pink cuties—Audino and sey.

  Both were officially reized Pokémoer medical assistants.

  They had excellent healing abilities, geemperaments…

  And, well, they were surprisingly good fighters.

  sey, in particur, was notorious.

  The “Pink Demon.”

  With moves like Toxic, Substitute, Protect, Minimize, Soft-Boiled, and Charm, it had a well-earned reputation in both singles and doubles battles.

  Most oppos ended up pletely mentally shattered by the end of a fight.

  Audino, as sey’s successor, wasn’t much better.

  Toxic, Double Team, Thunder Wave, Substitute, Rest, Amnesia, Grass Knot…

  Just looking at its movepool was enough to make a Trainer lose their posure.

  These two would probably get along very well with Butterfree.

  Finally, there was Rotom.

  One of the most useful Pokémon in the modern era.

  At least in terms of funality, only Pon could really pete with it.

  Rotom could possess appliances and vehicles, ging its form and typing accly.

  And o inhabited a device, its performance would be greatly enhanced.

  In short, with Rotom around, Natsume basically had a fully automated smart home.

  Everything would work seamlessly with just a simple and.

  Pretty ve, holy.

  At the very least, he wouldn’t have to worry about using any of the maes he had just stored away.

  “o meet you all. I’m Natsume, a farm owner.”

  “This first meeting may not be what you expected.”

  “But I hope we get along well from now on.”

  He extended his hand and spoke softly.

  The five Pokémon exged gnces before taking turns giving him a high-five.

  Truth be told, they already knew about Natsume and the farm before ing here.

  And from what they’d heard, it seemed like a pretty good pce.

  After all, this was the kind of life they had been trained for.

  Whether it okémoer or a farm, it didn’t really make much differen the end.

  If the farm owner was reliable, maybe life on the farm would actually be pretty fortable?

  "Alright, alright. If anyone has questions, feel free to ask."

  "But o a time, okay?"

  "Don’t scare our new friends."

  Just as Natsume straightened up, he immediately felt curious gazes ing from all dires.

  Faced with his group of inquisitive Pokémon, he could only step aside ahem have their moment.

  The moment Natsume gave his approval, the Pokémon, led by Lopunny, eagerly swarmed forward.

  They were all filled with curiosity about their new panions.

  Lately, the farm had been in a retively stable state.

  The st time a bunch of new Pokémon arrived at once was when Gardevoir came.

  "Right, Rotom, for now, you use this phone."

  "If I get the ce, I’ll go to the Trainer Association and apply for a Pokédex."

  As if remembering something, Natsume pulled out an old phone from the et.

  Sihere were quite a few i-addicted Pokémon at home, Natsume had stocked up ora phones and puters.

  Now, one of them was finally ing in handy.

  But this was just a temporary solution.

  "Got it, Roto!"

  Grinning mischievously, Rotom transformed into a bolt of electricity aered the phone.

  In an instant, the phone underwent a visible transformation.

  Its outer shell turned Rotom's signature e, and even developed facial features.

  "Looking forward t with you, Natsume!"

  "What should I do ?"

  Rotom grinned, happily zipping around in the air.

  In just this short time, it had already grasped the general yout of the farm.

  The future looked promising—really promising.

  And this time, it was a genuine pliment.

  In Rotom's eyes, Natsume was definitely someone bound freat things.

  And more importantly, the farm had an unlimited supply of ized Pokéblocks!

  To those Rotom w for the League—do you guys get this kind of treatment?!

  Do you?!

  Well, now there was no choice but to work hard.

  Fet about surpassing the veteran Pokémon—

  At the very least, among the ones who arrived today, it had to be Natsume's favorite!

  "Take your time a familiar with the farm over the few days."

  "We talk about work ter."

  Seeing Rotom so eager to start w, Natsume chuckled aly put a hold on the idea.

  It had just arrived—getting used to the pce should e first.

  This wasn’t some exploitative sweatshop, after all.

  Throwing Pokémon into hard bor the moment they arrived? Natsume couldn’t do that.

  (Meanwhile, Slowking, who had barely evolved before being put to work: "??")

  "Suosuo."

  Amidst the lively atmosphere, Zorua quietly approached Natsume and whispered something to him.

  "I see… so that guy is ag up again."

  As he listeo Zorua, the smile on Natsume’s face gradually faded.

  Just as expected, that guy was a huge headache.

  "Persian, keep an eye on things here for me. I’ll be back soon."

  Grabbing a jacket from the couatsume asked o to help brush off any loose fur before throwing it on and heading out.

  "Lead the way, Zorua."

  "Suosuo."

  No problem. Just make sure to give me ara meal whe back.

  Keeping that guy in check is exhausting, you know.

  With an expression that didn't betray a single hint of guilt, Zorua casually made its demand.

  Gcell