The light rain drizzled continuously from the sky, slowly nourishing the crops in the soil with nutrients.
It seemed to be done watering, so the Dragonite stopped, sat down on the grass, and began to rest.
Suddenly, the dark clouds above slowly dispersed, revealing a clear and bright sky.
The golden sunlight shone down, forming a stunning rainbow above the farmland area.
Muping gazed blankly at this scene.
A Dragonite! That's a Pokémon a hundred times rarer than a Fletchling!
Why is there a Dragonite here? Is it being raised here?
If that's the case, who could it belong to?
The Rancher of this farm?
Muping didn't think an ordinary countryside farmer could capture such a strong and rare Pokémon like Dragonite.
Could it be that the farmer's son or daughter caught it from elsewhere?
Plus, look at that Dragonite, it's actually watering the fields!
What a waste! Using such a rare Pokémon like Dragonite just for watering fields, isn't that too overqualified?!
Muping inwardly criticized furiously.
But he didn't forget his real purpose for coming here.
Muping looked up at the roof; the Fletchling hadn't left yet and was standing there grooming its feathers with its beak.
Muping really wanted to go over and capture it, but his good manners told him not to intrude on someone else's private territory.
At this moment, a Butterfree noticed the young human outside from under the eaves.
"Buuu?"
Butterfree was first a bit puzzled, then it flapped its wings and flew to the boy, inquiring, "Buuu?"
Seeing the Butterfree in front of him, Muping realized it might also be a Pokémon living on this farm.
So he asked, "Excuse me, I'm a Trainer. Is the owner of this farm at home?"
"Buuu..." Butterfree shook its head gently, looked towards the direction of the town, and said to the boy, "Buuu!"
Muping turned to look in that direction, guessing, "Are you saying the Rancher went to town and will be back in a while?"
Butterfree nodded, "Buuu!"
"Okay." Since they went to town, they should be back soon. The Fletchling hasn't left, so he might as well wait here for a while! Muping thought.
...
Meanwhile, in Porto Marinada Town, in front of Keri's carpentry shop.
Today, Keri wore a lightweight pale green shirt and work shorts, complemented by her pink long hair, making her look very refreshing.
She looked at Naoki in front of her and said, "An automatic milk machine?"
Naoki nodded expectantly, "Yes, do you sell them here?"
"I'm sorry, no." Keri shook her head and said, "Perhaps you can check the shop in town that sells various equipment and tools."
"Alright then."
So Naoki bid farewell to Keri and headed to town.
After strolling around, he finally found the shop in a secluded alley.
The shop owner was a middle-aged man sitting in a wheelchair, with a Pokémon floating beside him that looked like a large bell with a bronze-colored body.
When Naoki stated his purpose, the old man pointed to a shelf and said, "There it is, Bronzong, can you get it for the customer?"
The Bronzong emitted a slightly dull hum, and a blue glow emerged from it. Using telekinesis, it retrieved the box and brought it to Naoki.
Naoki opened the box and looked inside to find a very uniquely designed device quietly lying there.
Its shape was somewhat like a hula hoop, with a tubular component at the front and four suction cup-like things inside.
The man said, "This is it. It's very easy to use. Put it around the Miltank's waist, and the machine in front will automatically milk, collecting it inside."
It indeed looked very convenient. Naoki asked, "What's the price?"
The man replied, "4000 League Coins."
"Alright." Naoki had a rough idea: "I'll come back to buy it in a few days."
Having just bought a Miltank, money was a bit tight.
The man nodded and then asked, "Are you the local Rancher? Haven't seen you before!"
Naoki grinned, "I just moved here not long ago."
At this point, the man suddenly thought of something and quickly asked, "Naoki Ranch?"
"Huh? How did you know?" Naoki felt a bit surprised.
Seeing his guess confirmed, the man's attitude became much friendlier. He smiled and said, "I've bought goat milk from your farm!"
"My Bronzong was severely injured in battles before and never fully recovered. After drinking your goat milk for a few days, it told me its old injuries gradually healed, and its spirit improved a lot."
"I asked Zack, and he said the goat milk was sourced from your farm. It's all thanks to your goat milk! Oh right, this automatic milk machine, I'll give it to you for free!"
"Huh?" Naoki blinked, "That's not appropriate, is it?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" The man sincerely expressed his gratitude: "Bronzong has been my old friend since I was ten years old. Nothing is more important than its health. You must accept it!"
Hearing this, the nearby Bronzong also made a slightly clearer humming sound.
Seeing this, Naoki was slightly taken aback, then smiled relievedly, "Thank you then."
Hugging the large box, Naoki mounted Koraidon.
The shop owner and Bronzong also came outside to see him off.
"By the way, besides the milk machine, I also sell cheese processors, jam makers, wood processors, stone cutters, and such machines. If you ever need them, you can come here, and I'll give you a discount!"
Naoki smiled and nodded, "I will."
The shop owner smiled, waving goodbye to Naoki, "Goodbye!"
Naoki also said, "Goodbye!"
"It's great!" Watching Naoki and Koraidon's departing figures, the shop owner let out a slow, heavy breath.
Years ago, Bronzong was injured for him, and it was for this reason he stopped being a Trainer and returned to his hometown with a sense of guilt.
Decades ago, medical technology was not advanced, and Bronzong's injuries couldn't be treated in time, gradually becoming the current state.
For him, indeed, nothing was more important than Bronzong's health.
The shop owner looked at Bronzong beside him, and Bronzong was looking at him too.
On the secluded, worn-out street, the man furrowed his brows, reaching out to touch Bronzong's body, apologizing to it, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, old friend."
"Hmm~"
Bronzong gently shook its body, seemingly indicating it didn't mind.
It had never blamed its Trainer.
————
Koraidon's speed was fast, and soon, it returned to the ranch.
Seeing the boy in an Orange Academy uniform standing in front of the ranch gate, with a look of shock as he peered inside, Naoki raised his brow slightly.
Huh? Treasure hunting led him here to his home?