Chapter 46:
After returning to Magnolia Village, Hayashi Kaede's goals were crystal clear: challenge the Grass Gym and buy two Miltank.
But before he even reached the gym, he spotted Kusano Genmu standing at the edge of the pasture, which caught him off guard. This was peak season for new trainers beginning their journeys—shouldn't a city-level Gym Leader be busy?
He found out the reason soon enough.
As the only Grass-type gym in the Aogiri region, Kusano Genmu's facility didn't get many challengers—at least, not locals. Especially when it came to standard matches.
His ace Pokémon, a Bulbasaur nicknamed Leafy, could instantly set up a Grassy Terrain the moment a battle started. Combined with Leech Seed, Protect, and toxic stall tactics, non-counter Pokémon barely stood a chance.
It was the infamous substitute-poison combo—now with home-field advantage.
"You showed up faster than I expected."
Kusano Genmu grinned under the blazing afternoon sun as Hayashi Kaede approached.
"I'd like to know what kind of challenge format I should prepare for," Kaede replied, not bothering to mince words. He was eager to wrap this up and take his Miltank home.
Genmu shook his head. "Follow me first."
Slightly puzzled, Hayashi Kaede followed. Before long, he understood where they were headed—
the shed.
It was simple in design, built from rough wooden fencing, with a ring of plastic tarps around the perimeter and a low canopy overhead to block out the heat. Inside, each Miltank had its own pen, lying comfortably on dry straw and occasionally nibbling at tufts of hay.
The moment Kaede stepped in, he felt a refreshing coolness.
An air conditioner?
He blinked. Sure enough, a compact cooling unit hummed quietly in the corner. At 2 p.m, even the famously hardy Miltank didn't care to linger outdoors in the summer sun.
They looked different in person than in Pokédex entries. Their pink hides had a softness reminiscent of dairy cows, with smooth black hooves and markings that resembled a black headscarf. Large white udders, glistening noses, and bright, curious eyes watched the newcomers from within their stalls.
Kaede tilted his head. It wasn't feeding time… so why the stares?
"They're sensitive creatures," Genmu explained. "Milk output is tied directly to their strength and diet—but mood and season play a role in quality too."
He pointed at a nearby Miltank. "In spring, the milk is sweeter. Summer gives it more richness. Autumn turns it a bit tangier, and winter milk has this subtle warmth to it."
"If their mood dips, production drops fast. If you're serious about raising Miltank, you'll have to pay close attention to their emotional health."
Kaede immediately pulled out his phone and began recording.
So that was it.
Genmu had already decided to sell him some Miltank, even if he insisted on that gym challenge. He might act blunt, but the man had clearly put a lot of thought into this.
"With the forage grass you grow, I'm not too worried about feeding issues," Genmu added. "But don't push them too hard for milk—only happy Miltank give willingly."
Kaede nodded and gave a thumbs-up to show he'd recorded everything.
"All right then. 300,000 PokéDollars per Miltank. How many are you taking?"
"I'd like three, if that's okay."
He could've asked for more, honestly. But he only had around 800,000 PokéDollars on hand—revenue from the last three days at the Breeding House—and the plantation wasn't fully developed yet. A cowshed had to be built too. Managing everything at once would be a stretch.
"Three should be your limit anyway," Genmu said. "Come on."
Kaede sighed with relief. He'd been worried he might go home empty-handed.
They passed through to a deeper section of the shed, where a smaller group of Miltank stood. These ones were leaner, more alert. When they saw Kaede, they all rose to their feet, eyes full of curiosity.
"These are just over a year old," Genmu said. "They've started producing milk, but it hasn't matured yet. Raise them well, and they'll give you fresh MooMoo Milk in no time."
"Go ahead—pick three."
Kaede grinned. This was the fun part.
"Moo?"
As he moved along the pens, the Miltank followed him with their eyes.
ヾ(•ω•`)o:Hehe,
This human seems pretty fun.
He selected three of the most promising ones.
[Pokémon: Miltank (x3)]
[Gender: Female]
[Abilities: Thick Fat / Thick Fat / Sap Sipper]
[Aptitude: Blue / Purple / Purple]
[Level: 21–24 / 22–24 / 25–27]
[Skills: Tackle, Growl, Defense Curl, Rollout, Milk Drink...]
[Bond: 15 / 20 / 30]
[Happiness: 30 / 30 / 40]
"Good instincts… Just like your old man," Genmu muttered, clearly impressed.
These three had the best potential in the whole batch. One of them had even been born from his own top Miltank. And now, Hayashi Kaede was walking off with them?
"Ahem…"
Kaede looked slightly embarrassed.
But hey—the man said to choose freely. Of course he was going to take the best.
Sometimes, boldness was rewarded. Hesitation only led to regrets.
"Now you just need to earn their trust," Genmu added with a grin.
"…Figures."
Kaede didn't waste any more words. From his storage ball, he retrieved a bundle of forage grass—the latest crop from his second plantation.