After a brief self-introdu, the Pokémon's perception of Natsume improved signifitly.

  Especially the Yamper, which wagged its tail incessantly at Natsume’s feet, barking “Woof, woof!”

  Roughly transted, it seemed to be saying:

  “Father! I’m your long-lost son, Father!”

  For wild Pokémon, the allure of guaranteed food, shelter, and leisure without the burden of battling was irresistible.

  Few wild Pokémon could refuse su offer, particurly an affeate species like Yamper.

  If the situation had allowed, Yamper would probably have taken up the role of Natsume’s spokesperson, early persuading the others to join.

  The Galvantu gnced back at its offspring, then at Natsume, before resolutely nodding.

  If you’re willing to take us in…

  Never mind. Let’s skip the formalities.

  “Boss Natsume, our family will follow you from now on!”

  The two Charjabug made the same decision.

  After all, wild Electric-type Pokémon didn’t have many choices.

  Most would eventually partner with trainers—only with a trainer could they feed oricity openly.

  The alternative? Sneaking power and risking a beating, followed by capture or abando.

  Better to find a reliable trainer sooner rather than endure hardship.

  The only holdout was Emolga.

  Not that it wasn’t tempted—it found Natsume’s farm quite appealing.

  However, this was a matter of lifelong itment, and such decisions required caution.

  In its city days, Emolga had learned a lot by eavesdropping oy courses and lifestyle tips.

  It scrutinized Natsume closely, weighing its options.

  Hmm, he looks pretty handsome. His outfit’s a bit pin, g style, but that’s not a big deal. That be improved ter.

  For Emolga, things like bad fashion sense weren’t deal-breakers—they could be corrected over time.

  What mattered more were the ungeable “hardware” factors, like height.

  A bad haircut could be fixed, and poor taste in clothes could be learned.

  But short stature? That erma.

  Judging by what it saw, Natsume passed the test. His face was definitely within Emolga’s “acceptable range.”

  Shifting its gaze from Natsume to his Pokémon, Emolga evaluated his care.

  The bird flying nearby looked eid well-maintained.

  The pink, long-bodied Pokémon beside him had sleek, glossy fur—a clear sign of good grooming.

  And the fox cradled in his arms was no exception.

  All things sidered, following Natsume seemed like an excellent choice.

  “Yimo!”

  Pushing past the other Pokémon, Emolga stepped forward, raising its tiny hand.

  From now on, I’ll be in your care, Natsume.

  “You too, Emolga,” Natsume said, croug to gently tap its paw with his finger in a mock high-five.

  As Emolga had been assessing him, Natsume had been Emolga iurn.

  Though he often appeared easygoing and patient with Pokémon who wished to join his farm, this wasn’t always the case.

  His kindness extended only to pure-hearted Pokémon without malicious iions.

  For those with disruptive tendencies ant attitudes, Natsume had no qualms about rejeg them ht.

  Case in point: the Spearow he once had to pin down and discipline.

  (Spearow: Why me again?!)

  If Emolga had shown an excessively rebellious demeanor, Natsume might have politely asked it to leave.

  Fortunately, things ended on a positive note.

  “All done,” Natsume said, pleting the process.

  After formally capturing eaon, he released them again, his thoughts wandering to the growing popution on his farm.

  I’ll o find proper aodations for all these Pokémon…

  Clearly, the farm needed an expansion.

  With this in mind, Natsume took out his phone and messaged a familiar tact.

  [Why Doesn’t Ultraman Seven Have Ears?]: Are you there? Are you there?

  [Machamp stru and Renovation Team]: I’m here, boss! What do you need?

  [Machamp stru and Renovation Team]: (Serious cat face emoji)

  [Why Doesn’t Ultraman Seven Have Ears?]: The farm needs expanding. Let’s build a bigger house and renovate those old warehouses.

  [Machamp stru and Renovation Team]: Got it! On my way!

  [Machamp stru and Renovation Team]: (Saluting cat emoji)

  [Why Doesn’t Ultraman Seven Have Ears?]: (Handshake) (Handshake)

  Meanwhile, in town, a muscur girl lounging under an air ditioner sprang off her bed.

  Kig open the back door, she shouted, “Work’s here, everyone! Get moving!”

  “Finish this job, and we’ll upgrade the gym equipment! Maybe buy ools too!”

  In the backyard, Machamp and Foreman Pokémon keldurr turheir heads toward her in unison.

  The girl felt like dozens of spotlights were gring at her.

  “Let’s go, let’s go!”

  Watg her enthusiastion, she nodded in satisfa.

  Exactly—work hard so I buy new bags…

  Err, I meaer gym equipment for you all.

  Looking at her phone’s chat log, she smiled, her heart brimming with joy.

  Life was tough these past months, but thanks to that young farm owner, everything’s turning around.

  “Still, Natsume sure has a mature taste in emojis,” she murmured, scrolling through his messages.

  The handshake and flower emojis stood out among his replies, occasionally apanied by an “OK” gesture.

  Such refiastes!

  “Alright, time to head out!”

  Standing at her shop’s entrahe girl prepared to leave, only to hear a crisp voice behind her.

  “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to Sunnyhill Farm?”

  Gcell