The mountain mist swirled, carrying the scent of fresh grass.
Shiroishi moved lightly along the slippery mountain path with a bamboo basket on his back.
Eevee leaped beside him, its soft fur slightly damp yet still full of energy.
Not far away, Konan walked through the emerald forest carrying a small bamboo basket containing Squirtle, while Nagato followed holding Bulbasaur.
"Shiroishi, can you really find medicinal herbs among these weeds?"
Konan half-crouched, holding a dew-covered wildflower in her hand, her eyes sparkling with doubt.
Meanwhile, Squirtle secretly sniffed the air before hiding back in the basket.
Shiroishi smiled softly and called out to Eevee: "Go ahead, Eevee."
Eevee responded cheerfully before lowering its head and weaving through the forest.
Its sense of smell was extremely sharp - with just a slight twitch of its nose, it could distinguish the scents of medicinal herbs in the air.
Before long, it stopped and tapped its tail against some leaves hidden deep within a rock crevice.
Shiroishi approached, bent down to pick the plant, and examined it carefully.
"This is Mountain Spirit Leaf. It can regulate the flow of Chakra. Yahiko's Dragon Breath Technique is too intense for his body to handle, so this will be perfect to assist him."
"I see."
Konan murmured in admiration, then turned her gaze to the tail-wagging Eevee.
"So... you're actually relying on it to find medicine?"
Shiroishi reached out to stroke Eevee's fur, and the creature closed its eyes in contentment.
"That's right. Eevee's sense of smell is incredibly sharp - it can detect even the subtlest changes in plant scents. It tells me which plants can be used as medicine and which are poisonous."
"Amazing."
Konan smiled, crouched down, and looked tenderly at the small creature.
Eevee lifted its head, blinked, and actually took the initiative to nuzzle the back of her hand.
Bulbasaur lay at Nagato's feet, releasing faint pollen from the bud on its back.
Pale purple powder spread through the air, transforming into a gentle fragrance when touched by the breeze.
Shiroishi glanced over, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
"Bulbasaur's pollen can regulate medicinal properties and extend the potency of herbs - it's very effective. This little one has been experimenting with new blending methods lately, quite the natural Apothecary Assistant."
Nagato hugged Bulbasaur tighter and gently stroked its head.
"It helps me regulate my Chakra and replenish my energy every day."
Watching their interaction, Shiroishi felt a wave of tenderness in his heart.
The rain had stopped, and soft light filtered through the forest, the thin mist cut into dappled fragments by sunlight.
Shiroishi took out paper and pen, recording today's collected herbs on a rock.
Konan crouched beside him, chin in hand, watching his meticulous manner with curiosity.
"You're always so serious."
"It's a habit."
"What are you researching?"
"I'm organizing the fusion reactions of medicinal herbs. Different herbs mixed with pollen produce different effects. Besides Yahiko's Dragon Release Technique, I want to develop balancing formulas for all of you."
Hearing this, Konan paused slightly.
"Yahiko... he's always like that."
She spoke softly, as if talking to herself.
"He always wants to change something, always wants to make sure no one sheds tears anymore."
Shiroishi looked up, the breeze brushing through the hair on his forehead.
"Hmm."
"Some people are born to burn themselves to light the way for others."
"What about you?"
Konan suddenly asked.
"Me?" Shiroishi smiled calmly.
"I'm just someone who nurtures life. Seeing them grow up is the greatest meaning."
Konan fell silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled softly.
Her smile was like the purest sunlight in these mountain forests - gentle and bright.
"Actually, I'm very happy."
As the breeze blew, Konan spoke softly: "Happy that you understand Yahiko's ideals."
"I thought... you were just a cold person."
Shiroishi stopped what he was doing and turned to look at her.
The girl's face was tinged with a faint blush, her fingers lightly playing with her sleeve.
"You might not think so, but in our eyes, you're already a companion."
She said quietly, "You help us train, help us find medicinal herbs, and teach us how to care for Ninja Beasts. Yahiko said you're the one who can help us achieve our ideals."
Shiroishi was taken aback.
After a moment, he smiled faintly but didn't respond further.
At that moment, the gentle breeze rustled the leaves in the mountain forest.
Shiroishi's gaze turned to the distant mist.
Companion.
This word felt somewhat unfamiliar to him.
He was just someone chosen by the World Tree, a stranger thrown into this land by fate.
But as he looked at the pure smile on Konan's face,
"I've found new medicinal herbs."
He suddenly felt that the cold, lonely place in his chest seemed to be melting with a bit of warmth.
Eevee ran to his feet and looked up, calling out.
Shiroishi bent down and gently stroked its head.
"Let's go, time to head back."
"Mm."
Konan picked up the basket.
"Squirtle—!"
Suddenly, a clear cry broke the tranquility of the mountain forest.
Konan, who was squatting to organize the herbs, paused slightly and turned to look.
She saw Squirtle jump down from her arms, its short feet kicking up a spray of water droplets on the slippery stones, excitedly running toward the other side of the mountain wilderness.
"Eh? Squirtle, where are you going?"
Konan quickly gave chase.
But the little creature was surprisingly fast, hopping along the winding stream,
each step on the water surface creating a sparkling splash.
Shiroishi's eyes flickered slightly as he looked up toward Squirtle's direction.
"...It must have found something."
He gently patted Eevee's back, then followed with Konan and Nagato.
Along the way, the stream babbled, and the mountain breeze carried a moist, fresh fragrance.
Squirtle stopped ahead, looking up at something with excited eyes.
Following its gaze, a hint of surprise appeared in Shiroishi's eyes.
At the edge of the stream on one side of the mountain peak, a peculiar small tree was quietly growing.
The tree trunk glowed with a pale blue luster, its leaves crystalline as if formed from flowing water.
Several fruits hung from the branches, their surfaces shimmering with a soft blue light, surrounded by swirling mist that carried a refreshing coolness.
"This is..."
Konan murmured softly, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Shiroishi stepped forward and lightly touched the fruit's surface, feeling a gentle flow of Chakra.
"Some special fruits that I can use to cultivate other fruits."
His tone carried a note of unexpected admiration.
As he spoke, he looked down at Squirtle, who was gazing up at him.
"It seems you specifically brought us here."
Squirtle proudly shook its tail and let out a clear cry.
Shiroishi smiled and crouched down, gently rubbing its head.
[Analyzing... Should it be modified for Berry Cultivation debugging?]
The wild fruit discovered by Squirtle is highly suitable for cultivation to develop new varieties. These new varieties can be used to formulate diets for these little creatures and provide temporary additional effect buffs during battles.