The next morning, after finishing his work at the ranch, Naoki decided to take a walk in the back mountain to see if he could find anything worth collecting.
Most of the Pokemon in the ranch had their own tasks to do.
Koraidon was teaching Cyclizar some moves, Gogoat was taking care of the crops, Combee were collecting honey, Dragonite had gone to town to deliver milk, and Pawmo was managing the chickens…
So for this trip, Naoki specifically called upon Butterfree, who was familiar with the back mountain, to join him.
Before setting out, he advised Cyclizar, "I'm heading out for a bit. Remember to learn well from Koraidon. Have you learned Dragon Pulse from last time?"
"Gaow~"
Cyclizar nodded and then ran over to affectionately hug Naoki.
Since what happened yesterday, Cyclizar realized Naoki wouldn't get angry or scold him, and it gradually became more courageous.
Seeing this, Naoki felt a bit helpless.
He patted Cyclizar's head and said, "Since you've learned Dragon Pulse, you can practice the next move."
Saying so, Naoki turned his head to look at Koraidon, noticing its envious expression, and gave it a hug as well.
Only then was Koraidon satisfied.
Naoki didn't forget to add, "One more thing, don't teach Cyclizar how to use Draco Meteor just yet."
"Ahh gaa?"
Naoki glanced at it and then at Cyclizar, explaining, "That move has too much power and coverage area. A little accident and it might destroy the ranch."
Hearing this, the two Pokemon indicated that they understood.
Seeing this, Naoki smiled and said, "Then I'll be off!"
He picked up his Vine Whip Backpack, which contained some food to lure Pokemon, and said to Butterfree beside him, "Let's go!"
"Mwee~"
In the midst of summer, the trees in the back mountain were growing taller and denser.
The dark green foliage blocked out the sun, casting mottled shadows on the ground, while the distant chirping of bugs was occasionally joined by the loud cries of cicadas.
Everything seemed to confirm that this was a vibrant and lively forest.
Upon entering, Naoki encountered many familiar Pokemon.
The common Caterpie, Tarountula hanging upside down in trees, and Nymble hiding in the grass.
Naoki wasn't very interested in them, and given the small size of these Bug Type Pokemon, they wouldn't actively attack humans either.
The summer forest also concealed many treasures.
After walking for a short distance, Naoki discovered a cluster of wild ginger in a patch of grass.
He knew a bit about such goods but not much, only aware that it could be used to make soup.
"Just right, I can go back and buy a sand pot to make soup,"
he thought, pulling up the wild ginger by the roots and putting it into his backpack.
Butterfree curiously watched this scene: "Mwee?"
Naoki explained the use of these mountain goods and then asked with a laugh, "Butterfree, do you know where else there are edible things growing nearby?"
Butterfree blinked, thought carefully, and then nodded repeatedly: "Mwee!"
Oh, it really does know?
Butterfree led the way, and Naoki quickly followed.
After passing through a dense thicket, they arrived in front of a large tree.
Sure enough, the tree was laden with many green-skinned, very unripe fruits.
Butterfree gently plucked one and placed it in Naoki's palm.
At first, Naoki didn't recognize it, but soon he realized what it was.
Unripened mountain almonds!
"Mwee~" Butterfree said, some Pokemon come here to eat these when they can't find food.
Naoki didn't quite understand, but he nodded, then shook his head: "No, you can't eat this now. It isn't ripe yet."
"Mwee?"
Naoki thought for a moment: "It probably needs another month or two to mature! This is also delicious when ready, with a crunchy and refreshing taste, it's a very nutritious fruit."
"Mwee!"
Butterfree had already started drooling.
Naoki laughed: "I'll bring you back here when they're ripe."
Butterfree nodded eagerly.
Naoki asked again: "Besides these, what did you eat when you were living in the wild?"
"Mwee..."
Butterfree thought carefully.
When it was still a Caterpie, its food was mostly leaves from trees, and occasionally it was lucky enough to find a Berry.
Most of the time, they stayed hidden in dense foliage and grass to avoid being eaten by predatory Bird-type Pokemon.
Though the chances were slim, they had observed the eating habits of many other Pokemon.
Butterfree sniffed the air and then led Naoki further into the forest.
Soon, they arrived under an ancient towering tree.
Naoki peered past the trunk and spotted a hive of wild Combee ahead.
Combee were constantly flying in and out of the hive to collect nectar while their leader, Vespiquen, patrolled the area, guarding the honey painstakingly made by the Combee.
"Wild honey, huh…" Naoki was a bit surprised and softly asked, "Have you ever come here to steal honey before?"
Butterfree shook its head and whispered back, "Mwee!"
It never dared to come!
Those Combee were fierce, and Vespiquen was terrifying, not friendly like the Combee on the ranch.
But other Pokemon would come, like Ursaring and Teddiursa, and Mothim would sneak over at night while the Combee were asleep to steal honey.