[Natsume’s Notebook]

  October 24th

  "It’s been a week sihe two groups moved into the farm.""They’ve more or less gotteo it.""The egg that Zorua picked up hasn’t shown any ges. Still the same.""Spent the afternoon sunbathing with Furret. It was very warm."October 25th

  "This m, Ogerpon stopped by to borrow a bottle of glue and some card stock.""It looked very secretive. Didn’t say what it was doing, no matter how much I asked.""Spent the afternoon sunbathing with Togepi. Still very warm."October 26th

  "The garden is in shambles. Should I try to get a Roselia or Fles to help out?""Although I make flowers bloom myself, I’m hopeless at maintaining a garden.""Spent the afternoon sunbathing with Persian. Today wasn’t as warm."October 27th

  "Nothing happeoday. Spent time fishing by the ke with Lopunny using a homemade fishing rod.""We didn’t catch much, but Air Cutter scooped up a Mudkip before leaving, so at least that ts as a catch.""Clearly, fishing requires professional gear.""But the gifts I’ve prepared for everyone on the farm are already on their way."Closing the notebook, Natsume g the budding garden, feeling a little flicted.

  Teically, the farm didn’t need a garden. But Natsume insisted on building oaking care of most of it personally. Psychic powers made things much easier—occasionally using Verdant Forsured the flowers bloomed brilliantly.

  Even without tending to it, the garden easily surpassed what most people could achieve in years.

  But that would be b.

  It had beehan half a year sisume took over the farm, but he already felt that the initial excitement was fading.

  At first, there were so many things to do—fixing the house, tilling the fields, and tless other tasks that had to be done.

  Now, there didn’t seem to be any pressing matters left, and life was slowing down.

  If things tinued like this, he felt he might age prematurely.

  And that was absolutely uable. He was barely 20!

  Natsume refused to bee someone who aged before their time.

  “Mudkip.”

  Mudkip, trotting along by Natsume’s feet, let out a little croak.

  For the past few days, Mudkip had been stig close to Natsume—not just to bond with him, but also to get extra snacks.

  To the Pokémon on the farm, Natsume was like that kiive you’d visit during the holidays, always ready to hand out dies and treats without you even asking.

  If Slowpoke weren’t so zy, Mudkip would have dragged it along too. Unfortunately, Slowpoke preferred lying by the keside, seemingly pting life.

  Uher Slowpoke, this one had a very peculiar air.

  In human terms… was it “wise in foolishness” or “foolish in wisdom”?

  Mudkip didn’t quite uand. It was just a simple Mudkip, after all, and such profound cepts went over its head.

  “Oh, the gift I promised you is on its way, so look forward to it,” Natsume said, patting Mudkip’s smooth head.

  A while ago, Natsume ducted a small survey among the farm’s residents, asking what kind of gifts they’d like.

  The responses varied widely.

  Persian wanted a rger, sturdier scratg post.

  Butterfree wanted a forced training device.

  Natsume readily agreed to most of their requests. Even for Slowpoke, who couldn’t think of anything, Natsume prepared what he deemed fitting.

  Of course, not all requests were accepted.

  For example, Shiny Furret’s desire freen bodysuit was immediately vetoed.

  And then there was Corvisquire, who asked for a 1:1 replica of Frostmourne.

  What was it pnning, a coup?

  Natsume gave them both a stern "fatherly gre."

  In the end, under his watchful gaze, the two revised their choices to something more reasohough the gifts were still unmistakably their style.

  The exaature of their gifts? That would remain a surprise for now.

  “Mudkip!”

  Hearing that the gifts were arriving soon, Mudkip nuzzled against Natsume’s pant leg, expressing its affe and joy.

  It wasn’t just the gifts—it was also because Natsume had promised to one day take Mudkip and its fellees back to their homend if the ce arose.

  That promise meant a lot to them.

  Just like humans, Pokémon carried a deep attat to their homes, no matter where they went.

  ---

  Meanwhile, deep in the forest where Mudkip once lived, a massive creature was moving with heavy steps, eae shaking the ground.

  The ohriving forest was now a desote wastend. Most of the Pokémon had fled, leaving behind only a few who refused to abandon their "home."

  If this ruined nd could still be called a home.

  Fallen trees, dried-up water sources, and cracks etched across the ground.

  A low, guttural roar echoed, like a procmation of its presence—or a call to something.

  The air trembled with the sound.

  Through the gaps in the remaining trees, a faint glimmer of bronze could be seen—a massive cauldron inscribed with mysterious symbols.

  It carried a weight of history, but also an uling aura that sent chills down one’s spine.

  Normally, a relics like this would evoke awe or admiration for the craftsmanship and stories they held.

  But this bronze cauldron only inspired revulsion, a primal urge to flee.

  It was the kind of dread one might feel when entering statues in the wilderness—where reverence gave way to fear.

  “Roar…”

  Amid the ruins, a pristine white figure gred at the colossus with eyes full of hatred.

  Its crimson gaze reflected the image of the cauldron.

  After a moment’s hesitation, the figure turned a without hesitation, as if making a resolute decision.

  It would return.

  No matter what, it would return.

  Gcell