"Hoothoot~"
A Hoothoot standing atop the treehouse let out a call while watching the distant sky.
Under Oranguru's treehouse, two tents were set up.
Natsume and Yuki spent the night here.
Inside the tent.
Natsume was awakened by Hoothoot's sound.
Natsume opened eyes and checked the time; it was exactly six o'clock.
Hoothoot possesses an organ that perceives Earth's rotation, so Hoothoot calls out at the same time every day.
Because it can accurately tell time, people of the past greatly valued Hoothoot, considering Hoothoot as the divine emissary of time.
"Good morning, Natsume~"
Jirachi crawled up from beside Natsume, rubbing eyes.
"Morning, Jirachi."
"Kirlia~"
Kirlia stood up to help Natsume unzip the sleeping bag.
Natsume got out and looked outside.
The forest morning is always so wonderful.
Morning sunlight filtered through the light mist.
Everything around was enveloped in the gentle Morning Sun.
A breeze swept through, and the trees in the mountains, the grass by the roadside, and the Hoppip flying up from the woods all stretched their bodies.
Natsume stretched body while observing the scene: "Today is going to be good weather too."
"Morning, Natsume."
Yuki woke up earlier than Natsume.
Attending to a Sawsbuck by trimming the leaves on its head.
"Sawsbuck~"
Sawsbuck greeted Natsume.
"Hello, Sawsbuck."
Sawsbuck is a very interesting Pokémon.
The antlers on Sawsbuck's head look like tree branches with flowers and grass growing on them.
In spring, flowers bloom on the antlers.
In summer, they turn into lush green leaves.
In autumn, downward-arching red leaves appear.
In winter, those leaves fall off, and the antlers and some body fur turn white, akin to being covered in snow.
It's summer now, so Yuki's Sawsbuck has green leaves on its antlers.
"We'll head to the ranger base directly in a bit."
Yuki said to Natsume, "But Golduck's strength is quite formidable."
"Is Sirfetch'd really okay?"
Natsume watched Sirfetch'd practicing battle with Arcanine and said, "This child has prepared for everything."
Natsume seriously remarked about Sirfetch'd: "It will win."
After breakfast, Natsume packed everything there.
If all goes well, after finishing matters with Sirfetch'd, Natsume and her group will directly leave Towada Lake and head to Miltank's Ranch.
Natsume planned to temporarily set aside the task of the ruler of the water.
After all, Towada Lake is very large, with rivers everywhere.
Finding a Wishiwashi in such waters is not an easy task.
Natsume did not intend to waste the upcoming time here.
Before leaving, Natsume brought Lilligant into Oranguru's treehouse.
Last night, Lilligant had brought its entire tribe here.
As Natsume guessed, Lilligant was indeed the strongest among them.
Natsume used over twenty Poké Balls to catch them.
Natsume said to Oranguru, who was organizing things at the bar in the treehouse, "Oranguru sir, we're leaving now."
"The next time I come, I will bring more crops."
"Lilligant~"
Lilligant slightly bowed to Oranguru.
Lilligant thanked Oranguru for the care during this time.
Oranguru looked at Natsume with a smile and said, "Humans, you have taken away our most excellent musician."
"However, you are always welcome to return."
"Goodbye, Humans, and Jirachi."
Jirachi waved to Oranguru, saying, "Goodbye~"
Below the treehouse,
Yuki got onto her Sawsbuck: "Natsume, we are setting off now."
"Okay."
Natsume responded and then took out a Poké Ball to recall Lilligant.
"Goodbye, Oranguru."
Natsume descended from the treehouse and sat on Arcanine's back.
"Arcanine, let's follow Sawsbuck."
"Awooo~"
Arcanine nodded slightly.
Yuki smiled and said, "Sawsbuck, let's go!"
"Sawsbuck!"
Towada Lake, ranger base.
This base, located deep in the mountains, looked highly technological.
The base covered a large area and was surrounded by an energy barrier.
"This is the place."
Yuki jumped down from Sawsbuck and walked to the monitoring station at the entrance.
"Rotom, good morning."
Yuki waved at the monitor: "The person beside me is Morimachi's Gym Leader Natsume; I have already submitted my application."
A cheerful voice came from the speaker: "Good morning, Yuki."
"And also to Morimachi's Natsume Gym Leader."
"The Towada Lake base wishes you a pleasant day~"
Click~
The main gate opened.
Yuki introduced, "Rotom manages the operational facilities of our base."
"In a way, it is also my superior."
"Come this way."
Natsume followed Yuki into the base park.
"Emolga~"
An Emolga suddenly flew over at that moment.
Its body seemed a bit unsteady, and it barely landed on Yuki's shoulder.
Yuki petted Emolga's small head and said, "Emolga, your membrane wings haven't fully developed yet."
"It's best not to move around too much during this time."
"Emolga~"
Emolga looked a bit downcast.
Yuki introduced to Natsume, "This Emolga, I found a few days ago by the riverbank."
"I don't know why its membrane wing was torn, causing it to be unable to fly."
"So I brought it back to the park."
Natsume looked at Emolga's wings and noticed a visible tear.
However, it seemed to be healing quickly.
Natsume waved her hand: "Come here, Emolga."
"Emolga?"
Emolga looked at Natsume in confusion and sniffed the air.
There was a soothing energy coming from Natsume.
Emolga then jumped onto Natsume's outstretched palm.
Natsume placed her other hand over Emolga's membrane wings.
The power of Eternity began to heal its body.
Soon, the marks on the membrane gradually disappeared.
Natsume said to Emolga, "Let's try flying again."
Emolga looked at its wings, then looked at Natsume, and nodded excitedly.
"Go for it!"
Natsume tossed Emolga upward, and it immediately spread its membrane wings and glided smoothly through the air.
"Emolga~"
Emolga called out happily.
"Wow, that's amazing."
Yuki looked at Natsume's displayed ability and exclaimed, "It's rare to see someone with special abilities."
"Natsume, are you interested in learning about being a ranger?"
"I think you would really enjoy this work."
Natsume watched Emolga flying in the air and replied, "Speaking of which, a ranger I knew before also asked me this question."
Yuki continued walking forward with Natsume: "I see, so it seems you turned it down."
Natsume nodded slightly: "For me, taking good care of my farm is enough."
Yuki brought Natsume to a man-made lake in the park.
"Farfetch'd~"
Several Farfetch'd were practicing battle by swinging their leeks.
One Farfetch'd was feeding the Pokémon in the artificial lake alongside a Golduck, following a middle-aged man.
"Good morning, Sugimoto Ken."
Yuki walked over and greeted him.
Sugimoto Ken stood up and replied, "Morning."
He then looked toward Natsume beside Yuki: "So this is Morimachi's Natsume Gym Leader, right?"
Natsume nodded slightly: "Hello."
Sugimoto Ken remarked, "Natsume Gym Leader looks really young."
"May I ask which college Natsume Gym Leader graduated from?"
Natsume replied, "I just graduated from high school, so I haven't gone to college yet."
"Ah?"
Sugimoto Ken was taken aback.
Yuki laughed and said, "Natsume Gym Leader isn't just looking young; he is really a young person."
After a moment of silence, Sugimoto Ken looked at Natsume and said, "Alright, today's young people are truly impressive."
"I already know your goal."
"However, Golduck and I won't hold back."
Golduck's gaze also turned towards Natsume.
Natsume took out Sirfetch'd's Poké Ball: "This is only right."
"After all, this is a go-all-out battle for Sirfetch'd."
"Come out, Sirfetch'd!"
"Sirfetch'd!"
Seeing Sirfetch'd, the nearby Farfetch'd that were exercising all showed looks of surprise.
Sirfetch'd completely ignored them.
All of Sirfetch'd's attention was focused on Golduck.
"Golduck~"
This Golduck was at Level 46, which was one level lower than Sirfetch'd.
The difference in levels was not significant.
Golduck's type is Water, while Sirfetch'd is a Fighting type Pokémon.
There was also no type advantage between them.
Yuki looked at Natsume's Sirfetch'd and said, "This child is ready for battle."
Sugimoto Ken said, "Follow me; let's go to the battle arena."
There was a dedicated battle arena in the park.
Natsume said to Sirfetch'd, "Win this battle and show your former companions your current strength!"
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd stepped onto the field.
Sugimoto Ken stretched his wrist: "It's been a while since I've battled for such an exciting reason."
"Golduck, let's put on a good show together."
"Golduck~"
Golduck took the stage.
Yuki said, "Then I will be the referee."
After saying this, Yuki looked at Golduck and then at Sirfetch'd.
"Battle, start!"
"Sirfetch'd!"
At the moment the battle began, Sirfetch'd immediately swung its "long sword" and charged toward Golduck.
First Impression!
"Golduck, Double Team!"
"Golduck!"
Golduck ran forward to meet Sirfetch'd.
At the same time, as Golduck moved, duplicates of itself continuously appeared around its body.
Suddenly, dozens of Golduck appeared around the venue.
Natsume commanded, "Sirfetch'd, Defog!"
The essence of Double Team is essentially energy manipulation.
When facing such a move, if you can't quickly distinguish which one is the real body, the simplest method is to attack them all!
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd swung its "long sword" forward.
A strong wind, formed from Flying type energy, instantly swept around.
Bam~Bam~Bam~
Golduck's Double Team exploded one by one!
"Golduck!"
The real Golduck circled around to Sirfetch'd's side.
"Now, Aqua Jet!"
"Sirfetch'd, Iron Defense!"
Golduck's body was immediately covered in water and charged fiercely toward Sirfetch'd.
Sirfetch'd raised its shield in front, and Steel type energy spread out from the shield.
Bang!
A loud crash echoed.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd did not take a step back and blocked Golduck's charge.
"Go for it, Sirfetch'd!"
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd swung its "long sword" straight down at Golduck!
"Golduck!"
Golduck swung its claws toward Sirfetch'd's leek!
In close combat, the battle quality of the Pokémon comes into play!
And in close quarters, the Pokémon best suited for grappling is undoubtedly Fighting type!
The leek swung down by Farfetch'd was blocked by Golduck's two hands!
"Sirfetch'd!"
Farfetch'd lifted its shield.
Golduck immediately retracted its claws, wanting to pull back, however, Sirfetch'd's shield was already descending toward Golduck's body.
Bang!
Sirfetch'd's shield slammed heavily into Golduck.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd, looking at Golduck, swung its leek once again!
Brutal Swing!
"Golduck, Disable!"
Sugimoto Ken quickly shouted upon seeing this scene.
"Golduck!"
A strange energy enveloped Sirfetch'd's body, freezing it in place.
At that moment, Sirfetch'd felt something peculiar.
It realized that the Dark type energy that had been condensing inside itself suddenly dissipated.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd rotated its "long sword" and slashed at Golduck once more.
Fury Cutter!
Golduck quickly jumped back, dodging this attack.
Natsume, seeing Golduck choose to retreat, said directly, "Sirfetch'd, Swords Dance!"
"Sirfetch'd!"
A powerful energy rapidly began to condense around Sirfetch'd!
"Oh no."
Sugimoto Ken's expression changed slightly: "Golduck, Water Pulse!"
A water ball rapidly condensed in front of Golduck.
"Golduck!"
Golduck waved its hand, sending the Water Pulse flying toward Sirfetch'd.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd raised its shield in front.
Bam~
The water ball exploded.
Sirfetch'd succeeded in Swords Dance!
Natsume quietly said upon witnessing this scene, "The battle is over."
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd used Quick Attack and swiftly pounced toward Golduck.
Sugimoto Ken gritted his teeth and commanded, "Golduck, Aqua Tail!"
Golduck spun its body, and water gathered on its blue tail.
Boom~
Sirfetch'd swung its sword down against the Aqua Tail coming toward it!
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd let out a low growl, pushing down forcefully with the hand gripping the long sword!
The water flow was slashed!
Farfetch'd's long sword struck Golduck.
Boom~Bang!
Accompanied by a violent explosion, Sirfetch'd jumped back.
Golduck's body rolled and was knocked away by the energy impact.
"Match ends!"
Yuki immediately announced as she looked at the fallen Golduck, "The winner is Sirfetch'd!"
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd shouted excitedly, then looked at the group of Farfetch'd.
"Sirfetch'd!"
The Farfetch'd, seeing Golduck lying on the ground, showed worried expressions and rushed over.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd was stunned.
It was a thunderbolt in broad daylight.
This was completely different from the scene Sirfetch'd had imagined.
Natsume looked at this scene and was not very surprised.
Natsume glanced with some concern at Sirfetch'd.
But as Sirfetch'd regained its composure, it looked at the Farfetch'd lifting Golduck up, and its expression changed to something strange.
Having won the battle, Sirfetch'd was very happy.
However, seeing Golduck surrounded by others, Sirfetch'd felt very dejected.
What left Sirfetch'd confused was that it didn't seem to feel as much pain as it had imagined.
The body that had been energized by the battle was still filled with excitement.
Sirfetch'd was having trouble understanding its emotions at that moment.
"Kirlia~"
Kirlia tugged at Natsume, conveying Sirfetch'd's current feelings.
Natsume observed the scene in front of her, thoughtfully looking at the conflicted expression on Sirfetch'd's face.
Natsume walked toward Sirfetch'd.
"Sirfetch'd."
Sirfetch'd turned to look at Natsume.
"Sirfetch'd, do you think what you can't forget is that Farfetch'd, or your weaker self from back then?"
Natsume crouched down to look at Sirfetch'd and continued asking, "Are you sad because you believe that Farfetch'd has taken a liking to Golduck?"
"Or are you sad because you were too weak to defeat the enemy back then?"
Sirfetch'd stood frozen in place, listening to these words.
Natsume smiled at Sirfetch'd's expression: "Sirfetch'd, let's go home."
"There are more and more challengers at the gym, and Monferno and the others are about to wear themselves out."
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