Chapter 313: Hiro's Big Adventure (Part 1)

Seeing how stubborn the little chubby kid was, Rex wasn't sure if he should bring him along. He decided to talk to Nurse Joy about it.

"Hiro, don't cause trouble for others. Just stay here and play with your classmates. Bagon and the others will be back soon."

After hearing Rex's explanation, Nurse Joy spoke firmly to the boy.

"But... but... I really want to play with Bagon and Chimchar!"

Tears welled up in Hiro's eyes as he protested. He stood his ground, even though his voice wavered with emotion.

Nurse Joy sighed. She wasn't the type to scold children harshly—whether kids or Pokémon. Her sternness was mostly for show.

"How about letting Hiro come with me?" Rex offered, seeing her hesitation. "We'll stay within the farm's boundaries, and I'll keep a close eye on him."

Rex didn't really mind having Hiro tag along. His only concern was whether Remi or Nurse Joy would approve.

"In that case, I'll leave him in your care, Rex," Nurse Joy said, visibly relieved. She turned to Hiro and added, "But listen—stay close to Rex, don't run off, and no mischief, okay?"

"I promise I'll be good!" Hiro nodded eagerly, eyes shining with joy at this unexpected turn of events.

So Rex set off toward the orchard, with Chimchar and Bagon trailing beside him and Hiro happily trotting alongside.

"Whoa! Look at all those Mareep! And are those Miltank?!"

As they passed the pasture, Hiro gasped in wonder at the sight of dozens of Pokémon grazing peacefully or playing together.

Having grown up in town, Hiro had seen Pokémon before—but never this many, all together and so relaxed.

"You've never visited a countryside farm before?" Rex asked curiously.

"Nope. My mom and dad aren't really into Pokémon, and I'm not allowed to keep any at home. But I really love them! When I grow up, I want to be a great trainer!"

Hiro's face drooped for a second, but as he spoke of his dream, his spirits lifted again.

Now Rex understood why Hiro was so drawn to Chimchar and Bagon. This was probably his first real chance to interact closely with Pokémon—and he was absolutely cherishing it.

"Hiro, wanna pet a Mareep?"

Rex asked with a mischievous grin.

"Really?! Of course I do!"

Hiro missed the smirk entirely and eagerly nodded.

Rex led him to a nearby Mareep. Hiro reached out and gently stroked its back.

"Ow—it's so tingly! But I don't care! I'm so happy! I finally touched a Pokémon!"

The static shock made Hiro's hair stand on end, and his body twitch slightly—but the grin never left his face. He was thrilled.

Seeing his reaction, Rex's earlier prankish intent melted away. Hiro clearly wasn't just playing around—he truly loved Pokémon.

After that little experience, even Chimchar and Bagon started to warm up to Hiro. They no longer avoided him and even began to play with him a little. Hiro was overjoyed, convinced he'd won their friendship.

A bit later, they arrived at the edge of the man-made lake. In the water, groups of Poliwag splashed and swam happily. There was no sign of Politoed—likely off patrolling the rare berry grove.

"Hi everyone! I'm Hiro Nagata! I hope we can be friends!"

Hiro dashed to the water's edge, waving at the Poliwag with excitement.

Startled by the sudden shout—and seeing an unfamiliar face—one of the Poliwag reflexively squirted a Water Gun at Hiro's face.

Luckily, the Poliwag was still young, so the blast was weak and only gave Hiro a surprise splash—like washing his face.

Rex let out a small breath of relief. The last thing he needed was to bring Hiro back injured.

Noticing Rex nearby, the Poliwag quickly realized it had messed up. It hopped to shore, looking guilty, and timidly approached Rex like a child who knew it had done wrong.

"It's okay, just don't attack people without a reason next time. Go on—apologize to Hiro."

Rex gently patted the Poliwag's head before sending it over.

The Poliwag perked up and bounced toward Hiro, letting out a few awkward chirps in apology.

"I forgive you, Poliwag! It's my fault too—I shouldn't have startled you."

Hiro accepted the apology graciously and even took responsibility.

Poliwag chirped happily and gave Hiro a friendly nudge before hopping back into the lake to rejoin its friends.

"Here, dry your face. You don't want to catch a cold."

Rex handed Hiro a towel from his backpack.

Hiro took it with a smile and wiped off the water. Despite the splash, he was in a great mood thanks to the Poliwag's friendly gesture.

Not lingering too long at the lake, Rex led the group toward the orchard—Chimchar and Bagon tagging along, and Hiro bouncing behind them.

The orchard had grown larger recently, thanks to fallen berries taking root and sprouting into seedlings.

However, many of those seedlings struggled for sunlight beneath the thick canopy. In his spare time, Rex would dig them up and replant them around the orchard's edges, where they could get more sun and grow properly.

For rarer berry types, he would still need to purchase saplings from specialty suppliers—but for now, there was no pressing need.

Hiro wandered through the orchard wide-eyed, marveling at everything. What especially caught his attention were the many Taillow perched among the trees.

Though still young, he had learned from Principal Remi that wild Taillow could be dangerous and should be avoided if encountered alone.

(End of Chapter)