Morning, Hiyori Town Farm.
"Looks like Miltank and the others really like it here, so Clefable and I will head off first~"
Whitney smiled, though her tone carried a hint of reluctance.
Seeing that the herd had already adapted to their new surroundings, she felt reassured—but also a little wistful.
She glanced at the clock on the cabin wall, her eyes softening. "I wish I could stay longer, but my Gym leave is almost over. I need to get back to Goldenrod soon."
"I see. Well, you're always welcome here," Marzillo replied warmly, standing up to see her off.
He could more or less guess her thoughts.
As a Gym Leader, Whitney's job was vital. Trainers across the region relied on her to earn badges for the Pokémon League challenge. And although some Gyms were... unconventional—one even handed out badges to anyone who asked—Whitney clearly wasn't one of those. She carried pride in her position.
"Ah! Wait!"
Just as she reached the road, Whitney suddenly turned back, running toward him again. Her short pink hair fluttered in the sunlight, and the playful smile on her face shone even brighter than before.
"Next time I come by, you have to tell me how you train your Pokémon, okay, Marzillo?"
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke. Whether it was from running or embarrassment, Marzillo couldn't tell.
He blinked, chuckled softly, and nodded. "Sure. I'll be waiting."
Whitney grinned brightly, waved, and left with her Clefable at her side, the morning breeze carrying her laughter away down the dirt road.
After seeing her off, Marzillo turned back to the fields, where two dozen baby Miltank were curiously exploring the grass.
"Looks like they're happy already," he said with a small smile.
The vast meadow stretched to the horizon, covered in fresh green. For the young Miltank, it was paradise—soft grass to graze, sunshine to bask in, and all the open space they could ever need.
"Still, I'll have to build them a new shelter soon."
He glanced toward an old shed nearby, its wooden beams worn and faded. It had been his grandfather's handiwork long ago, but it wouldn't fit the growing herd for much longer.
There was so much to do—repairs, planting, tending the fields—but Marzillo didn't feel overwhelmed. In fact, he felt alive.
"Alright. Before all that, let's get the crops in the ground first."
He turned to his partners with a smile.
"Gardevoir, Lopunny—let's begin."
"Sha~"
"Lopun~"
The two Pokémon called out cheerfully, following him toward the newly tilled farmland.
[System Message]
Farm Upgrade Mission II: You've reclaimed the abandoned land. Congratulations! Now, with fertile soil and ready seeds, it's time to begin true cultivation!
Reward: Healing Herbs ×50, Anti-Bug Herbs ×30
The familiar voice of the farm system chimed in his head just as they arrived. Marzillo nodded with satisfaction.
"Guess we're on the right track."
By his estimate, he'd need to complete at least five missions to upgrade the farm again.
Gardevoir tugged lightly at his sleeve.
"Shaaa~"
She looked eager, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Marzillo chuckled. "Alright then… let's begin the planting operation!"
"Lopun~!"
Because the farm lacked heavy machinery, they would have to rely on traditional hand-farming techniques—plowing and sowing by row.
He began by marking the field with stones to determine spacing and alignment. Proper row width would help water drainage and ensure healthy soil.
Once the measurements were set, Marzillo pointed forward. "Lopunny, start here. Use Dig to open up the soil, then spread it evenly to both sides. After that, use your tail to pack it down firmly."
"Lopun!"
Lopunny saluted playfully before diving underground.
However, she quickly realized that maintaining perfect balance between both sides was harder than it looked. Sometimes the soil piled too much on one side; other times, her tail pressed too hard and flattened the ridge.
Watching from nearby, Marzillo smiled instead of correcting her.
"This is good practice," he said softly. "Farming and training at the same time."
After several attempts, Lopunny began to find her rhythm. Her movements became smooth and precise—digging trenches, distributing soil, and pressing down the ridges with measured strength.
In just a short while, the first section of the field was beautifully shaped.
"Lopun~!" she cried happily, proud of her work.
[Ding!]
Your Lopunny has learned Iron Tail!
Iron Tail – Strikes the opponent with a hardened tail. May lower the target's defense.
"Well done, Lopunny!" Marzillo praised, gently rubbing her head. "You've outdone yourself again."
The bunny Pokémon closed her eyes, smiling sweetly at the praise.
Once the ridges were complete, it was Gardevoir's turn.
"Gardevoir, plant the seeds."
"Sha~"
With a graceful wave of her hand, a faint psychic glow surrounded the sacks of seeds. One by one, the grains floated through the air, landing neatly into each pit that Lopunny had dug.
When the last seed settled into the earth, the field looked alive again—rows of newly planted soil glowing under the morning light.
Marzillo stood silently for a moment, gazing at their handiwork.
"All done," he murmured. "Now all we have to do is take care of them… and wait for the harvest."
The gentle breeze swept through the fields, carrying with it the scent of fresh soil and new beginnings.
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