Chapter 47:
"Miltank?!"
As soon as the fresh grass was taken out, Hayashi Kaede didn't feed it to the Miltank right away. Instead, he pulled a bottle of pink, fragrant perfume from his storage capsule and sprinkled a few drops over the grass.
In an instant, the grass—originally only rated as E-grade—suddenly transformed:
[Grade: C – Fragrant Grass]
[Description: A few drops of powdery-sweet perfume have been added, intensifying its aroma.]
[Effect: Increases the appeal of herbivorous Pokémon by 30%.]
"Miltank!"
As soon as the scent hit the air, the nearby Miltank immediately perked up, eyes brightening as they let out eager cries.
"Come on, follow me. I've got even better grass where that came from."
Hayashi Kaede looked every bit the mischievous uncle as he smiled at the three Miltank he had selected.
"Miltank! Miltank!" (Walk Walk...)
The Miltank stared at the fragrant grass in his hands, moving forward to nuzzle it expectantly.
Without hesitation, Hayashi Kaede held the grass up for them to eat. When it was gone and the Miltank still looked unsatisfied, he turned toward Kusano Genmu with a helpless shrug.
Genmu chuckled at the sight. "This is probably the simplest deal you've ever made. Alright then, take out the Poké Balls and bring them with you."
"Sweet."
Hayashi Kaede swiftly pulled out three Poké Balls and captured the trio of Miltank he'd chosen.
Then he scratched his head, looking sheepish. "Uncle Genmu, I've only got 850,000 PokéDollars on me right now. Mind if I pay the rest later? I'll deliver another batch of fresh grass in a few days to cover it."
Even if the money wasn't enough, he wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to catch them first.
Genmu couldn't help but laugh, but nodded anyway. "Don't worry about the money. What I really want is the forage grass you've been cultivating. Next time, you can also just bring me some seeds. That's more valuable to me."
"No problem~"
For Hayashi Kaede, that was an easy favor.
After handing over the payment, he sighed inwardly.
He'd thought saving up 800,000 PokéDollars in three days was an impressive feat.
He hadn't expected it to vanish in a single transaction.
So what now…?
His mind drifted to the challenge Uncle Genmu had mentioned that morning. He was still hesitating about whether to bring it up—
But Genmu beat him to it. "Let's have that battle I mentioned. This one's personal. Back in the day, your father's Pokémon training left a deep impression on me. So now, let me test yours. Just send out the strongest one you've raised."
Hayashi Kaede nodded. "Alright."
A trial from the older generation, huh? Then he had to respond with his absolute best.
But since arriving in this world, he'd yet to see what a true gym-level trainer looked like in battle.
"Follow me."
He trailed after Genmu to a nearby grassy area just outside the fence.
"We'll battle here. Go ahead and release your Pokémon."
As he spoke, Genmu tapped a Poké Ball and sent out a Bayleef.
[Pokémon: Bayleef]
[Gender: Male]
[Ability: Overgrow]
[Aptitude: Purple]
[Stats: HP (24), Atk (23), SpA (24), Def (27), SpD (24), Spd (22)]
[Level: 23–26]
[Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leaf Blade, Poison Powder, Vine Whip, Heal Pulse, Magical Leaf, Leech Seed, Reflect]
A mid-elite-level Pokémon. For most rookie trainers, this would be a devastating opponent.
He wasn't holding back—this was clearly a serious test.
Hayashi Kaede responded in kind, releasing Milotic.
"Milotic~?"
Under the sun, Milotic's radiant scales shimmered with a breathtaking luster.
Though it was a Water-type Pokémon, it had no issue fighting on land for short durations. Its only limitation would be some reduced mobility.
"Milotic?"
Genmu blinked in surprise before chuckling. "Haven't seen a Milotic in Aogiri Town for a long time. You must have raised this one from a Feebas, huh?"
Hayashi Kaede nodded. "Yeah, it mainly evolved thanks to its Beautiful Scales."
Genmu shook his head in admiration. "Ordinary Beautiful Scales wouldn't produce a Milotic this stunning. Its coloration—this might be the most beautiful one I've ever seen. Looks like your training might've already surpassed your father's."
He raised his arm. "Alright! Bayleef, use Magical Leaf!"
"Hold!"
For Pokémon with average speed and moderate strength, battle outcomes often hinge on energy intensity and type matchups.
Though Milotic's energy output was clearly stronger than Bayleef's, this was Hayashi Kaede's first time commanding it in combat. Playing defensively was the safer call to avoid injury.
Dozens of glowing leaves flew forth as Bayleef shook its head, launching the Magical Leaf attack toward Milotic.
But before the attack could land, a white barrier shimmered into place—Protect activated in time.
The magical leaves crashed harmlessly against the glowing screen, not even causing it to flicker.
Without thinking, Hayashi Kaede gave the next command:
"Milotic, use Dragon Pulse!"
A brilliant white beam surged into being, condensing in a blink before it exploded outward like a thunderclap.
In Bayleef's stunned gaze, the draconic energy wave struck hard.
With a single hit, Bayleef was blasted backward and collapsed, unconscious.
Hayashi Kaede's eyes widened. "That strong?!"
He had never seen Milotic fight before, and didn't expect it to knock out a mid-elite-level Bayleef in one blow.
"Miiilooootic...?"
Milotic glanced anxiously toward the fallen Bayleef, then turned to look at Hayashi Kaede with worry in its eyes, head lowered timidly.
(;°ロ°) "Miiilooootic…"
"It's okay, it's okay."
Hayashi Kaede gently reassured her before turning toward Genmu. "Is Bayleef alright?"
Genmu wore a complicated expression. After checking on Bayleef, he shook his head and said, "He'll be fine. Any Pokémon that steps into battle has to be prepared to get hurt."
To be honest...
The moment he saw Milotic, he already had a feeling Bayleef wouldn't stand a chance.
Its gleaming scales, powerful aura—it was just shy of gym-level strength.
But he didn't expect a one-hit knockout. Not even a chance to react.
As expected… truly his son.
Genmu beckoned him over. "Come here."
He pulled a large container out of his storage capsule. "This is fresh Moomoo Milk from my main Miltank. It's packed with nutrients—perfect for helping a new Pokémon recover and grow…"