It was just a blur—but Hayashi Kaede definitely caught a glimpse of it.
He narrowed his eyes. A small, green figure darted past the edge of the berry grove and disappeared behind a tree.
"Was that a...?"
He activated the Eye of Exploration.
[Pokémon: Snivy]
[Gender: Female]
[Ability: Contrary]
[Aptitude: Red]
[Individual Values: HP (23), Attack (21), Special Attack (24), Defense (25), Special Defense (24), Speed (31)]
[Strength: Level 12–18]
[Skills: Leaf Blade, Leaf Tornado, Glare, Vine Whip, Leech Seed]
[Description: A Snivy that seems to love Pecha berries?]
[Affection: 5]
[Happiness: 10]
A Snivy?
A Red Aptitude Snivy?
And with Contrary?
Hayashi Kaede's eyes widened.
Even though Pokémon had endless potential, most were still bound by their natural aptitude—the invisible ceiling that determined how far they could go.
As the Eye of Exploration explained, those aptitudes were typically ranked: White, Green, Blue, Purple, Red, and Gold.
The higher the aptitude, the higher a Pokémon's potential ceiling.
But of course, that didn't mean a White-level Pokémon couldn't become top-tier. It just needed something special—a defining moment, exceptional training, or a powerful emotional bond.
Still...
This was a Red-aptitude Snivy with Contrary.
A prize among Pokémon.
"You stole my berries and now you're hiding? Are you a thief?" Hayashi Kaede called out, though his voice held no anger—just amusement.
He didn't drag it out from behind the Pecha tree. Instead, he used the Everstone Power to project his intent.
As a Breeder, he understood Snivy's temperament well.
Proud, intelligent, selective when choosing who to trust.
The Snivy behind the tree blinked in confusion for a moment… then turned bright red.
Clearly, it had assumed this berry grove was abandoned.
Now, realizing someone owned it, the little grass-type hesitated… and then stepped out slowly.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, catching the sheen of her jade-like skin. Her sleek green body shimmered with a healthy glow, and the cream-colored scales on her underside reflected the light like polished stone.
Her amber eyes avoided his as she toyed with her tiny hands.
"Snivy...?" (This is your berry grove?)
With Everstone Power, Hayashi Kaede could understand her words perfectly.
"Naturally," he replied with a soft smile, glancing down at the berry pits littering the ground. "Looks like you've eaten quite a few of my Pecha berries."
"Stealing other people's things isn't a good habit."
"Snivy..." (I didn't know it belonged to someone...)
The Snivy fidgeted, clearly embarrassed.
The Pecha berries here were much tastier than the ones in the Wilderness Area.
"Snivy..." (I can go pick some berries outside to pay you back!)
Hayashi Kaede shook his head. "The berries outside don't compare to the ones I've cultivated."
He paused, then smiled. "How about this—you help me out with cleaning up the Plantation for the next few days. In return, I'll feed you."
"Snivy?" (Help out?)
Snivy tilted her head.
"Like this." Hayashi Kaede knelt down, pulled a weed from the soil, and tossed it into a pile near the fence. "Just help me clear the field."
"Snivy..." (Alright.)
The little grass-type nodded, relieved.
She didn't like stealing—and now she had a way to make it right.
"Of course," Hayashi Kaede added, "meals are included."
Snivy's eyes lit up.
This was more than ideal. Having a helper during the early restoration of the Plantation was a huge bonus.
Pulling weeds alone would've taken him two or three days at least. And even after replanting, the crops would need protection from Rattata, Spearow, and all sorts of other nuisances.
If Snivy accepted this first "labor contract," it wouldn't be hard to get her to agree to the next one.
After all, as a God-tier Breeder…
Hayashi Kaze was confident in winning her over completely.
"You handle the weeding," he said, brushing off his hands. "I'll go make some energy cubes for you."
"Snivy~" (Leave it to me~)
Snivy nodded seriously and got to work.
She had no idea Hayashi Kaede was already plotting how to keep her here for good.
Back in the house, Hayashi Kaede set to work in the kitchen.
The process was familiar—crushing, mixing, heating, solidifying. As someone who'd already reached the level of an intermediate Breeder before the system ever arrived, his home was equipped with all the tools: mixers, freeze-dryers, specialized molds...
Within an hour, a fresh batch of energy cubes was ready.
Pinkish-white, with the unmistakable sweet scent of ripe Pecha berries.
[B-Rank Energy Cube – Primary Ingredient: Pecha Berry]
[Crafted by: Hayashi Kaze]
[Unique Trait: A hint of yogurt has been added, enhancing flavor but reducing detoxification. Immunity to Poison-type moves from Overlord-tier Pokémon increased by 10% for 30 minutes.]
[Cooking Effect: Mild sweet-and-sour flavor improves taste and digestion.]
Hayashi Kaede raised an eyebrow.
Not bad.
Before the system, his energy cubes were average at best. A B-Rank cube like this—with both detoxifying effects and a flavor profile—was something only elite Breeders could produce.
Was this the bonus from being a God-tier Breeder?
He felt even more confident now.
Back at the farm, Snivy was hard at work. In just one hour, she had already cleared half of the field at the entrance.
The Plantation was vast. Aside from the central reservoir, it was surrounded by wooden fences, with the deepest section bordering the Wilderness Area just outside Aogiri Town. A large paddy field stretched across the middle.
At the far edge of the fence, a towering pine tree swayed gently in the breeze.
"Great job," Hayashi Kaede said, walking over with a smile. "Come on, have a bite."
"Snivy?"
Snivy turned, wiping sweat from her brow.
She hadn't actually expected food. She thought "covering meals" was just a figure of speech.
But here he was—offering her a fragrant pinkish cube that smelled just like the berries she loved.
She sniffed the cube cautiously, then looked up at Hayashi Kaze for confirmation.
He nodded.
Then, without hesitation, she popped it into her mouth.
"...!!"
Her eyes shot wide open.
A wave of warmth washed over her entire body, like sunlight and spring rain combined. Her tail quivered.
Then she began chewing frantically.
It was... delicious.
Unbelievably delicious.
How could something this good exist?