Eevee stepped on Natsume's face, stretched its tiny paws, and then comfortably burrowed back into the blanket.
Natsume dreamed that he was being trampled by a Dynamaxed Eevee, jolting awake from the nightmare.
Looking around, Haunter was stuck to the ceiling, drooling.
Lifting the blanket, he saw Eevee curled up into a ball, swatting its paw as if annoyed by the sunlight.
Natsume, his hair a mess, sighed deeply. "Having nightmares in the morning... that's not a good sign."
"Today's the day to pick a Pokémon. I hope nothing goes wrong."
Natsume felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, much like Ash Ketchum on his first day as a Trainer.
"I'm not becoming a Trainer, so getting along with the two little ones is what matters most."
Natsume nodded to himself, sighing internally.
I can't afford a third backstabbing Pokémon in this household.
Last night, Eevee and Haunter had been training "Reflect" and "Light Screen" until late.
Though neither had mastered the moves, some of the techniques were similar to "Protect."
Assuming they were just sleeping in, Natsume made breakfast for the two and left a note:
"I'm heading out. I'll be back in the afternoon. Figure out lunch yourselves!"
Haunter could read, and with some cash left behind, it wouldn't be hard for Haunter to take Eevee out to eat.
Natsume even suspected that with Haunter around, Eevee might not even need a Trainer...
"Hmm... all thanks to me training Haunter so well!"
Natsume nodded confidently.
As August approached, the heat was relentless. A few Pidgey lay listlessly on tree branches, the sky devoid of clouds.
Natsume took a taxi to Tokyo Metropolitan University's Pokémon Academy, arriving at a breeding facility at the foot of the Southern Campus.
"You're here," Takashi greeted with a smile, waving at Natsume.
Natsume was wearing the "Black Glasses" he'd won from a raffle, which boosted Dark-type moves, making him look like a villain.
But admittedly, they worked great as sunglasses, and the quality was top-notch.
Natsume asked curiously, "Coach Takashi, is this entire area part of the Pokémon Day Care?"
This was Natsume's first time visiting the Raising Department's campus, and its size far surpassed other departments.
Takashi explained, "Though it's called a Pokémon Day Care, it spans over 3,000 acres. Students from Tokyo Metropolitan University's Raising Department come here for internships every year."
"Many students keep their Pokémon here, and graduates and faculty do too. There's no shortage of powerful Pokémon!"
The cost of breeding Pokémon was no less than training them.
It was said that the Association's "six-Pokémon carry limit" was established because exceeding that number could lead to neglect, potentially harming the Pokémon.
However, Trainers confident in their breeding capabilities (and finances) carrying twelve Poké Balls wasn't uncommon.
For Pokémon beyond the carry limit, paying to keep them at a Pokémon Day Care or entrusting them to a trusted Pokémon Professor were common practices.
"Tokyo Metropolitan University's Pokémon Day Care only has 3,000 acres?" Natsume looked puzzled.
"I saw on Nico Dou that 'Professor Samuel Oak's Backyard' is over 30,000 acres!"
Takashi chuckled. "Professor Samuel Oak is the leading figure in Pokémon studies. His backyard is more like a wilderness."
Natsume followed Coach Takashi as they ventured deeper into the facility.
Forests, sand dunes, rivers, grasslands, and... under girls' skirts (crossed out)...
Various habitats and all kinds of Pokémon left Natsume dazzled.
Nidoran and Nidorina cuddling in the woods, a Silcoon peeking out with its single red eye, a plump Farfetch'd...
Natsume wiped his drool and arrived at a wooden cabin.
An elderly woman with silver hair and a kind face came out to greet them.
Takashi pointed at Natsume and smiled. "This guy just gave Tokyo Metropolitan University a huge win the other day."
"Could you help him pick out a Pokémon?"
"Young man, it's rare to see such drive these days."
Granny Chihiro smiled warmly. "Don't worry, the Pokémon at Tokyo Metropolitan University's Day Care are all hardworking and full of potential!"
Natsume's expression shifted slightly.
"Granny, no need to trouble yourself. I'll handle it!"
If she helped, with her sharp eye, I'd be doomed!
Granny Chihiro looked Natsume up and down, nodding with a smile.
A young man with such strength, good looks, and respect for his elders...
I should recommend one of the offspring from the faculty's Pokémon to him!
Granny Chihiro leaned on her cane and chuckled.
"Wait a moment. I'll prepare something."
Granny Chihiro thought to herself, these Pokémon all have decent potential. Let's see which one he likes best.
Natsume sighed in relief.
He had been worried that the old lady would force a high-potential Pokémon on him.
First, he was afraid he might let the Pokémon down as a Trainer.
Second, if the Pokémon had a combative personality, it might not get along with Eevee and Haunter.
So, Natsume decided to pick a Pokémon that matched his own personality—one that just wanted to laze around.
In short, he wanted a slacker!
Takashi patted Natsume's shoulder.
"Don't worry, Granny Chihiro's judgment is top-notch."
"Though... you'll have to pick from the ones she recommends," Takashi added seriously.
"Some Pokémon are privately owned, so you can't just pick any."
He had thought that if he could pick freely, he'd just grab a Slowpoke from the pond.
On his way over, a dopey Slowpoke had waved at him, which really appealed to Natsume.
"Surely Granny Chihiro won't give me a Starter Pokémon trio, right?"
Natsume laughed. "Those are six-figure Pokémon. Tokyo Metropolitan University isn't that rich, is it?"
Takashi thought for a moment. "There have been precedents in the past. It depends on what Granny Chihiro recommends."
"Overall, with her experience, she'll definitely recommend the one that suits you best!"
Natsume sighed in relief.
The old lady is wise. She'll surely see that I'm just a slacker, right?
Granny Chihiro leaned on her cane and walked over to her husband, giving him a light kick.
"Old man, call the former principal. I'm planning to give away one of the Starter Pokémon trio."
The old man, who had been dozing, woke up in a daze. "Those are the Pokémon left by the Master. You're really giving one away?"
Granny Chihiro snorted.
"This old lady just likes young men. Got a problem with that?"
The old man chuckled. "I'll make the call. It's hot outside. Put on your straw hat."
Granny Chihiro felt a warmth in her heart but simply snorted and muttered, "There's sour plum soup in the fridge. Don't forget to drink it later."
"Got it. I'll go check on that batch of Pokémon," the old man said, rubbing his hands.
"Each one's a fierce fighter... Haha, I wonder which Trainer will be lucky enough to get one!"
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