Natsume and Takashi waited outside the cabin for what felt like forever.
"Coach, you said the Pokémon at Tokyo Metropolitan University's Pokémon Day Care... are they strong?" Natsume asked, feeling uneasy.
"It's not about whether they're strong or not," Takashi mused.
"Some studies have shown that different Pokémon Day Cares and regional environments breed Pokémon with distinct personalities, often with specific tendencies."
"Combined with unique breeding techniques... that's why some Pokémon Day Cares have built such a strong reputation."
Natsume was slightly taken aback. "So, what's the characteristic of Tokyo Metropolitan University's Pokémon Day Care Pokémon?"
Takashi's tone suddenly became proud. "Infernape, Swellow, Houndoom... the Pokémon from Tokyo Metropolitan University's Day Care are renowned throughout Touran!"
Natsume wanted to grab Takashi by the neck and demand why he hadn't mentioned this earlier.
If you'd told me sooner, I would've turned around and left, instead of standing here like an idiot for half an hour!
Just as Natsume was staring blankly at the sky, Granny Chihiro came out, leaning on her cane, and said with a smile:
"Natsume, I've got permission. Come and pick your Pokémon!"
The former principal of Tokyo Metropolitan University trusted Granny Chihiro's judgment.
If she saw potential in a Trainer, giving away one of the Starter Pokémon trio as a future investment wasn't out of the question.
Young Natsume-sensei, unaware of this, still naively hoped to pick a Slowpoke.
Following Granny Chihiro, Natsume walked to a smaller garden where the scent of Berries was even more intense, clearly home to many rare fruit trees.
"Sitrus Berry, Lum Berry, Razz Berry..."
Natsume named the Berries as they passed by, then suddenly widened his eyes. "Even Ganlon Berries?!"
Seeing the abundance of fruit, Natsume's eyes sparkled with visions of money.
Granny Chihiro looked at Natsume in surprise and smiled. "I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable about Berries."
Natsume: "Just a little, just a little."
Berry Masters are drawn to each other.
With his [Pokéblock Crafting Lv5] mastery of Berry knowledge, Natsume only strengthened Granny Chihiro's resolve.
Arriving at a rocky area, Granny Chihiro pointed to a Tepig headbutting a boulder.
"This Tepig has a fiery temper, but it's also the strongest, even inheriting its parent Darmanitan's 'Sheer Force.'"
Before she could finish, the Tepig smashed the boulder with a loud thud and let out a gruff roar!
Natsume's expression changed. "Granny Chihiro... I don't think this one's for me..."
Granny Chihiro nodded and pointed to a battered Cyndaquil nearby.
"Then how about this one? It's not as strong yet, but it's determined and has the Flash Fire Ability."
"When it evolves into Typhlosion, its Drought Ability will be a core part of any sunny-day team!"
Natsume imagined the Cyndaquil setting his house on fire and sighed, shaking his head helplessly.
Granny Chihiro also frowned and sighed. "You're a bit late... If you'd come earlier, I could've introduced you to a Chimchar."
Natsume's expression shifted.
Fire types are all explosive powerhouses. If it ends up like Ash Ketchum's Infernape, how am I supposed to be a slacker?!
Natsume coughed lightly. "Granny Chihiro, I don't think Fire types... suit me."
The sneaky Natsume-sensei and Fire types just didn't mix.
Granny Chihiro nodded and led Natsume to a lush Berry forest.
A Turtwig with bloodshot eyes roared, stomping the ground and sending shockwaves rippling outward.
The Chespin cursed under its breath, leaped into the air, and fired a barrage of Pin Missiles at the Turtwig!
Natsume's expression was complicated.
Why are all the Pokémon at Tokyo Metropolitan University's Day Care ?
How am I supposed to pick a Pokémon in peace?!
And why are they all Starter Pokémon trios? Isn't there a normal slacker among them?!
Granny Chihiro laughed heartily. "These little ones are just like me when I was young!"
Natsume sighed deeply.
Granny, I didn't know you were such a fiery girl back in the day!
Now I understand why all the Pokémon here are so combative.
The real insider here is you, Granny Chihiro!
Natsume forced a smile. "Granny, why are they all Starter Pokémon trios... Are there no other Pokémon?"
Granny Chihiro smiled proudly. "This is a special opportunity I negotiated with the former principal for you."
"I took a liking to you. You've got the makings of a great Trainer. Don't let me down!" Granny Chihiro patted Natsume's shoulder firmly.
Is there something wrong here?
I just wanted to pick a Slowpoke. How did this turn into choosing a Starter Pokémon trio?
If I refuse now, will I be blacklisted by Tokyo Metropolitan University's former principal?
Natsume's expression was odd. "Granny, is there... maybe a weaker Pokémon?"
"Ah, you want to start from scratch!"
Granny Chihiro suddenly understood.
While these Starter Pokémon trios were strong, they carried a bit of Granny Chihiro's breeding style.
If it didn't align with the Trainer's style, it could become a problem.
Granny Chihiro nodded in satisfaction, liking Natsume more and more.
This young man has a keen eye!
In the Grass-type garden, there was no Bulbasaur, which disappointed Natsume.
But then again, Bulbasaur is a Grass/Poison type, with poison glands all over its body.
If it lost control, Natsume might end up in the hospital.
Plus, Natsume was afraid Haunter might drain Bulbasaur dry...
Natsume rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Who would've thought that picking a Pokémon would one day become such a burden?
This is truly a stain on Natsume-sensei's legacy!
"Let me think... There's a suitable Water type too. I'll take you to see it."
Granny Chihiro led Natsume to a stream, where the sound of flowing water brought a sense of coolness.
Natsume looked around.
In front of him was a Froakie training its Bubble move, casting a cold glance in their direction.
To be honest, Natsume had a soft spot for Froakie.
Forming a bond with it might even awaken some kind of "Backstab Bond" in the future.
But Natsume wasn't the protagonist and knew he couldn't compare to Ash.
Plus, its cold personality might not mesh well with Natsume's.
"Granny Chihiro, the Pokémon here are... truly exceptional!"
Granny Chihiro smiled. "You've got a sweet tongue!"
Suddenly, Natsume's gaze was drawn to a turtle shell on a rock in the river.
The brown shell exuded a strong sense of security, something that wouldn't cause trouble even if kept at home.
While other Pokémon were training hard in the summer heat,
it was lazily napping, completely at ease.
Tucked inside its shell, living a carefree life, untouched by the world...
Who wakes from the great dream first? I alone know!
Natsume was moved to tears.
This... this is the hidden gem I've been searching for!
Natsume's hands trembled as he opened the System's Pokédex and scanned it, nearly overwhelmed with joy.
[Squirtle, Water type
Moves: Tackle, Water Gun, Withdraw, Rapid Spin]
Look at these harmless moves!
Look at this slacker with no inherited moves!
No backstabbing, no risk of destroying the house.
This is the Pokémon of my dreams!
Natsume took a deep breath and pointed at the shell, shouting:
"Granny Chihiro, this is the Pokémon I want!"
Granny Chihiro was stunned. Following Natsume's finger, she hesitated.
As if reluctant, Granny Chihiro asked again, "Are you sure... you want this Squirtle?"
"You can choose any of the other Starter Pokémon trios. Think carefully..."
Natsume grinned. "No need. I'll take this Squirtle!"
But slackers are rare.
The hidden gem of Tokyo Metropolitan University's Pokémon Day Care isn't easy to find!
Granny Chihiro looked back and forth between Natsume and Squirtle, then gritted her teeth.
"Alright... it's yours!"
Inside its shell, Squirtle's keen aura senses detected something and it suddenly opened its eyes.
In those calm eyes, a glint of sharpness flashed.
I've hidden myself so well...
And yet, I've been discovered?
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