The negotiations with the other farm owner had gone smoothly. The owner was quite satisfied with the environment on Natsume's side.
If all went as planned, the Mareep and Wooloo herds would be delivered in three or four days—along with seven or eight Gogoat.
This conveniently solved Natsume's previous transportation dilemma.
After all, the farm was a short distance from the town.
Walking there for supplies wasn't a big issue on leisurely days, where he could stroll along with Persian and the others. But when something urgent arose, having a rideable Pokémon became essential.
As for other means of transportation?
There was a tricycle in the farm's storage shed, but Natsume couldn't ride it.
Yes, Natsume couldn't ride a tricycle.
He was skilled with both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles, even earning his driver's license recently.
But for some inexplicable reason, he just couldn't get the hang of a tricycle.
Every time he got on it, his body seemed to lose control.
If he wanted to turn left, his body tilted left, but his hands stayed frozen.
Initially, Natsume was determined to conquer it.
After repeated practice, however…
Natsume learned to give up.
If he couldn't learn it, so be it.
At the edge of the farm, two humanoid Pokémon appeared in the forest, their crimson eyes scanning the area.
"This place seems decent."
"Still, we need to observe more."
"Our previous home is no longer an option."
"Yes, we need to find a new one quickly."
"Should we seek refuge with this human?"
"For now, he seems promising, but let's keep watching."
"Hurry back; the others are waiting for us."
"Understood."
With their silent conversation concluded, the two Pokémon disappeared into the woods. Clearly, they were Psychic-types.
---
"Persian, Butterfree, you're coming with me today," Natsume said, slinging a small bag over his shoulder.
Last night, Ribombee mentioned that a group of Combee had appeared near the Berry Grove, seemingly led by a Vespiquen.
Given that bee Pokémon are highly territorial and can attack unprovoked, Ribombee asked Natsume to help drive them away—or perhaps capture them.
Normally, Combee are gentle Pokémon that focus solely on gathering pollen.
Even when disturbed by other Pokémon, they tend to relocate to a new flower patch rather than retaliate.
However, Vespiquen, as their queen, was a different story.
A leader. A bee. Commanding other bees.
Combine those traits, and it was easy to imagine a Vespiquen orchestrating an attack with her Combee against intruders.
In certain regions, Vespiquen have even been known to control Beedrill to seize territory, using the aggressive Beedrill to fight while the obedient Combee gather honey for her.
"Briii~"
Butterfree fluttered down from upstairs, its wings buzzing lightly.
Recently, Butterfree had been busy learning new moves from Zorua.
It turned out that Zorua was an exceptional teacher.
Thanks to its guidance, Butterfree's skill set had expanded considerably.
It was now better equipped to delightfully torment opponents (cough).
Or rather, to fight more effectively.
Meanwhile, Persian hadn't been focusing on learning new moves lately.
Most of the time, Persian quietly stayed in a corner, sharpening its skills.
A few days ago, Persian reached Level 55, standing on the cusp of becoming Elite-level.
Having been fed countless Pokéblocks since it was young, Persian's growth was backed by ample resources.
Now, it was simply preparing to step onto the next stage in the best possible condition.
Persian had no intention of stopping here.
"Let's go!"
After double-checking his gear and confirming he had everything he needed, Natsume set out with Persian and Butterfree.
Since the opponents were just Vespiquen and Combee, he brought only these two Pokémon.
As long as Persian dealt with Vespiquen quickly, the rest would be straightforward.
Bringing Butterfree was just a precaution.
If it had been a swarm of Beedrill, Natsume would have brought more Pokémon.
Speaking of which, he thought, maybe he should recruit more Pokémon to protect himself.
The farm didn't seem to have any Pokémon specialized in defense or protection.
When it came to safeguarding their trainers, Psychic-types were hard to beat.
Whether it was a Gardevoir, ranked first on fan-favorite lists, or a mature and reliable Slowking, both were exceptional guardians.
Psychic-types were a dream for any trainer: versatile, mysterious, and resourceful.
Only Dragon-types could rival them in desirability.
Psychic-types embodied versatility and mystique, while Dragon-types were the epitome of raw power.
---
By the Berry Grove, a honeycomb-shaped hive was taking shape.
It seemed the Combee—and by extension, Vespiquen—intended to settle here permanently.
"Lately, there's been quite a surge in migrating Pokémon," Natsume mused.
This was undoubtedly unusual.
Though Pokémon possessed extraordinary powers, their behaviors generally adhered to natural laws.
For territorial species like Vespiquen, migrating or relocating was nearly unheard of.
Most Vespiquen rarely even left their hive, spending their days producing honey.
Yet here was one, leading her Combee to the edge of Natsume's farm.
"Well, it's not my problem for now."
Shaking his head, Natsume decided not to dwell on it.
Whatever the cause—be it Legendary Pokémon or an evil organization—it wasn't his concern.
Legendary Pokémon could handle themselves, and evil organizations were just career opportunities for law enforcement.
Evil organizations?
Performance bonuses!
In a country as safe as Jadeleaf Region, such antics were nothing more than fodder for the search officers' performance reviews.
Or perhaps an extra income source for enthusiastic neighborhood volunteers.
"Buzz, buzz, buzz—"
Even from a distance, the distinct droning of bee Pokémon filled the air.
It was loud and grating.
"Time for negotiations," Natsume said.
"Meow."
You mean time to fight?
"Diplomacy first, then force."
"Meow."
Whatever makes you happy.
We're going to fight anyway.
Persian silently resigned itself to the inevitable.
On a distant hill, a humanoid Pokémon observed Natsume quietly, as though lost in thought.
**********************************************
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