“Huh? You’re saying Ogerpht a group of Pokémoo seek refuge?”

  By the farmnd, Natsume was standing with arms akimbo, admiring the freshly harvested fields of Yache berries alongside Sandssh.

  Then, Mightyena’s father came rushing over, urgently rep a rge group of Pokémon gathered he farm's edge.

  "Alright, thanks for the heads-up, Mightyena," Natsume said, casually tossing a few specially made energy blocks for e Pokémon into the Mightyena’s mouth.

  g loudly, the father Mightyena’s eyes gleamed with wisdom. Tasks like running bad forth between the farm's outskirts and Natsume’s house were ofteo him.

  Why? Because each trip meant receiving these delicious, teeth-grinding energy treats from Natsume.

  The Mightyena had made it clear—this was noiable, even for his wife and pups.

  His tail wagged furiously behind him, entirely at odds with his aloof and proud facial expression, resembling one of those mischievous dogs known for pointing fingers and causing chaos.

  Led by the Mightyena, Natsume and his panions, including the Persian, Shiny Furret, and the Mightyena family, headed toward the edge of the farm.

  From a distahey could already spot a group of Pokémon gathered by the fence, peering curiously into the farm.

  Among them, Ogerpon stood out like a sore thumb, its face betraying guilt and unease, practically radiating "I want to run, I want to disappear" energy.

  It felt like déjà vu from their first meeting.

  “While I expected to eventually bring in more Pokémon, this lineup is... unique,” Natsume muttered, gng at the odd mix of Pokémon.

  Among them were a small group of Bou, a quartet of Skiploom whispering amongst themselves, a Mudkip hiding nervously behind a Slowpoke, and two Se gazing i Shiny Furret, seemingly envious of its pink-and-white fur.

  “This is... something,” Natsume said, walking closer to the group.

  Although slightly overwhelmed by the sudden influx of Pokémon, he quickly crouched beside Ogerpon.

  “These Pokémohey all here to live on the farm?” he asked gently, signaling his panions to help maintain order in case the tension caused a rea.

  Ogerpoated, turning its head away as though trying to avoid Natsume's gaze. After a long pause, it muttered an expnation.

  At first, it had only inte the Bou group to the farm.

  But as it he area, other Pokémon appeared, expressing a desire to join.

  They cimed to have long admired the farm and hoped to use this opportunity to move in.

  Finishing its story, Ogerpon quickly turs head away, looking flustered aful for not sulting Natsume first.

  Feeling a warm tou its head, Ogerpon looked up to find Natsume smiling.

  “Thanks, Ogerpon,” Natsume said, ruffling its head. “The road here wasn’t too dangerous, was it?”

  “I’ve been meaning t more life to the farm but kept putting it off. You’ve really helped me out.”

  Ogerpon froze, staring at Natsume’s gentle smile. Then, in a flurry of emotion, it rammed into Natsume’s leg and buried its face there.

  Before Natsume could react, Ogerpon abruptly turned auffing its cheeks like an angry puffball.

  Although fused, Natsume could tell it was fine now.

  As Shiny Furret ran to fete Poké Balls, Natsume took the time to talk with the new arrivals.

  Just as Ogerpon had said, most were here because life in the wild was tough—food was scarce, and survival wasn’t easy.

  They even offered to work on the farm, feeling it would be improper to freeload.

  “Alright, everyone, line up fistration!” Natsume announced, rubbing Shiny Furret’s head as it returned with the Poké Balls.

  He expihe process of being “caught” a over a few simple farm rules, like no attag fellow residents.

  After capturing and immediately releasing the Pokémon to officially register them, Natsume began pnning where they would fit into the farm’s ecosystem.

  The Bou could stay he house, providing their sweet sap for colle. The Skiploom could help maintain the berry trees.

  As for the two Sehey would likely bee Shiny Furret’s followers, judging by their eager but nervous attempts to approach it.

  Then there was...

  Natsume’s gaze met the slow, vat eyes of a Slowpoke.

  “Slow?”

  Tilting its head, the Slowpoke let out a zy, sluggish call.

  Gcell