After returning to the farm with his Pokémon companions, Natsume quickly gathered everyone to announce the addition of Ogerpon to the farm.
Hmm, the phrasing felt oddly reminiscent of clickbait headlines like "XXX joins Platform Y!" that frequently trend online. Those are usually a dead giveaway that some platform spent a hefty sum to invite a celebrity or influencer no one has really heard of.
Much like those comments reading "xx, xxxxxxxx," which always mean another top-lane player has lost their cherished account.
The arrival of Ogerpon was warmly welcomed by the farm's residents. After all, they were already quite familiar with one another.
Shiny Furret and Togepi, in particular, had built a good rapport with Ogerpon. Well, at least Togepi thought they had.
The mischievous little Pokémon often tried to drag Ogerpon into its pranks. But despite Togepi's enthusiasm, Ogerpon wasn't particularly fond of mischief—it simply didn't know how to say no, so it kept getting dragged along.
On the other hand, Shiny Furret genuinely shared a great bond with Ogerpon.
Though calling them "two little ones" felt misleading—Shiny Furret was now taller than Natsume when standing upright, starting to resemble a certain blue weasel from next door.
"Brother, you smell amazing."
"Meow~"
As the farm's second-in-command, Persian was the first to welcome Ogerpon.
Being second only to Natsume, Persian was undoubtedly the leader among the Pokémon on the farm.
Partly due to its special place in Natsume's heart, but also because of its strength.
Previously, Persian was unquestionably the strongest on the farm. It could easily handle any challenger lining up for a fight with a single swipe.
However, Ogerpon's arrival had altered that dynamic.
Though they hadn't battled, Ogerpon, being a mythical Grass-type Pokémon, clearly outclassed ordinary Pokémon in stats and raw physical prowess.
Even pseudo-legendary Pokémon would seem frail compared to Ogerpon.
Yet Persian didn't appear to mind at all.
With Persian setting the tone, the other Pokémon naturally had no objections.
"Emolga."
Just then, Emolga returned from an outing, clutching several berries in its paws.
These berries were gifts from its admirers on the farm.
Though there had been many more, Emolga had carefully picked out only a few that suited its taste. Of course, it told its suitors, "These are enough for me. You can keep the rest; no need to go out of your way."
The poor Pokémon were so moved they nearly handed over their entire stockpile, including their last reserves.
To welcome the new addition, Emolga chose its favorite berry and offered it to Ogerpon, signaling for it to have a taste.
Ogerpon accepted the berry and took a tentative bite.
The sweet flavor exploded on its tongue.
Delicious.
Its eyes squinted in delight.
Seeing Ogerpon's reaction, Emolga was pleased as well, and the two quickly became good friends.
Watching the two chat happily on the couch, Natsume turned and began rummaging through the gifts he had tucked away in Persian's den, preparing to hand them out.
"Minccino!"
Holding a smaller gift box, Natsume called out toward the attic.
At this time of day, Minccino was probably upstairs cleaning.
Natsume had even heard the distinct tap-tap-tap of its footsteps earlier.
By now, Natsume could proudly say he could recognize his Pokémon by their footsteps.
Before Lopunny evolved, he could easily distinguish between Minccino and Buneary's footsteps simply from the subtle differences. It wasn't a talent—just something he picked up from listening to them so often.
Thud.
Tap-tap-tap…
"Mi?"
After a heavy object hit the floor with a thud, there was a series of light, rapid steps.
Minccino's little gray head peeked out from the attic entrance.
"This is a little gift for you," Natsume said, holding up the gift box and beckoning Minccino over.
"Mi-mi?"
Another gift? Didn't you already give me one?
Minccino tilted its head in confusion.
Not that it was complaining—it loved the previous gift.
Was this an extra one?
How generous!
"This is a special surprise gift for you," Natsume explained.
"Come check it out."
Hearing this, Minccino's eyes lit up instantly.
It bounded down the stairs, skipping steps as it went.
"Mi!"
As usual, it nuzzled against Natsume's wrist before eagerly accepting the gift box and tearing it open.
Inside, under the wrapping, was a transparent case holding a shimmering "gem."
"This is a Shiny Stone," Natsume explained. "It will allow you to evolve into Cinccino.
"If you want to evolve, just touch it."
He hesitated for a moment before adding, "But…"
Natsume originally wanted to remind Minccino to think carefully before deciding to evolve.
After all, evolution was irreversible.
Many Pokémon chose not to evolve, and while Natsume had subtly confirmed that Minccino wasn't against evolving, it was still better to double-check.
Before he could finish his sentence, however, Minccino had already ripped open the case and slapped its paw on the Shiny Stone without a moment's hesitation.
The next second, a radiant white light enveloped its small frame.
The Shiny Stone gradually shrank, dissolving into energy that fueled Minccino's evolution.
When the light faded, a new Pokémon stood before him.
"So you've been waiting to evolve for a while, huh, Cinccino?"
Natsume chuckled as he observed the newly-evolved Cinccino examining its body with curiosity.
It looked like a taller, more elegant version of Minccino, with longer, more luxurious fur. Its long tail was covered in fine, silky hair, and two tufts of fur draped over its head like a scarf.
It resembled an aristocratic lady, brimming with elegance and charm.
The internet had always said Cinccino's fur felt exceptionally smooth to the touch.
Natsume could now confirm that this was absolutely true.
"Cinno."
Feeling its newly-evolved form, Cinccino was clearly delighted.
This newfound power!
It's intoxicating!
How could anyone not adjust to their evolved form?
Right, Corviknight?
After cuddling with Natsume for a while, Cinccino darted off to share the joy of its evolution with its friends.
Moments like these deserved to be shared immediately!
Once Cinccino left, Natsume dug out another box.
This one contained a gift for Slowpoke.
"All right, time to find Slowpoke," he said.
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