Chapter 52:
The dusk hung like a fine mist, bathing the town in an orange-gold halo.
High in the sky, an orange-feathered shadow flew toward a place brimming with life, wings beating wearily against the fading light.
It finally landed on the branch of a tall pine tree, preening its feathers with its beak. In its eyes lingered a trace of indescribable loneliness.
After an entire day of practice, Pidgeotto had made no progress with the Hurricane stacking technique its Trainer had suggested, managing only to churn up the ground once.
It never doubted the reality of what Hayashi Kaede had described.
In just a few days at the Plantation, Pidgeotto had already realized this was a place where a Pokémon could grow several times—perhaps even dozens of times—faster than in the wild.
The "sisters" here—whether Milotic or Servine—displayed incredible control over their energy.
Especially Servine. Its Grassy Terrain expanded a little farther each day, the grass energy within becoming more concentrated.
Could it be… that I'm just not good enough?
The thought flashed through Pidgeotto's mind.
But among my kind, I was the first to master Hurricane…
It looked down to see Milotic gliding gracefully through the clear water. The shimmering reflection of its slender body made it appear even more dreamlike.
Though the Reservoir was a little cramped for Milotic, it swam contentedly, occasionally lifting its head to glance toward the Breeding House. Pidgeotto tore its gaze away, shook its head, and set its eyes firmly forward once more—continuing its vigilant watch to keep any wild Rattata from entering the Plantation.
Inside the Breeding House, Hayashi Kaede studied the cube in front of him.
[A-Rank Sand Scale Energy Cube – An energy cube crafted from Sand Scale Berry, Moomoo Milk, and Pink Scent Perfume. A unique creation.]
[Cooking Effect 1: Temporarily boosts Flying-type Pokémon's skill comprehension after consumption.]
[Cooking Effect 2: With long-term use, greatly increases Speed and makes bird Pokémon's feathers more resilient.]
He had been in the kitchen all day.
Countless batches of energy cubes and dishes had been tested—most using rare ingredients from the Plantation or rewards he had stockpiled. His aim: to develop a cube that could enhance the skill mastery of Flying-types.
For example:
• Spicy Tomato Berry + Moomoo Milk → Spicy Tomato Milk Salad, temporarily boosting Fire-type move power.
• Special Scale Berry + Moomoo Milk → high-quality, creamy energy cube that increases Special Attack and grants resistance to status conditions.
Most results were energy cubes; only a few were regular dishes.
Energy cubes stored well; fresh food either went to him, Alolan Vulpix, or Snivy.
Every result—ingredients, cooking method, and effects—was carefully recorded in his notebook for future reference.
"Maybe I should raise some Pokémon that produce their own ingredients…"
The day's experiments, plus the exceptional quality of this Grade-A Moomoo Milk, had sparked a realization: with the right ingredients, his cooking could achieve incredible effects. The higher the quality, the greater the results.
If Moomoo Milk could work this well, then… he could raise other ingredient-producing Pokémon.
Goat milk from Gogoat.
Rock salt from Garganacl.
Fragrant powder from certain Bug-types.
Cream from Alcremie.
Olive oil from Arboliva…
The list went on.
Hayashi Kaede felt his mind opening to new possibilities.
"Pink Scent Perfume… I remember there's a dedicated breeding facility in Aogiri City. I'll have to visit sometime. As for Garganacl and Arboliva… those are from the Paldea region, so they'll be harder to get."
Paldea's unusual magnetic field made its communications somewhat isolated from other League regions. If the Alliance didn't have those Pokémon, he'd have to travel to Paldea himself.
"Well… I'll see how things go."
He sighed.
It was a frustrating feeling—knowing what he wanted, yet being unable to reach it for now.
"Let's check on Pidgeotto."
That morning, he had left it to train its skills and tell it that it can come back by itself whenever it is tired.
"I wonder if it's back yet…" he muttered, picking up the Sand Scale Energy Cubes he'd crafted and heading for the Plantation.
Spotting Pidgeotto still patrolling the pine tree, Hayashi Kaede thought:
I should get it a substitute.
Otherwise, knowing its personality, it might stand guard all night.
Even Pokémon with strong endurance weren't built to go without rest.
"Come here, Pidgeotto."
"Pidgeotto!"
With a sharp cry, Pidgeotto swooped down beside him. Its flight looked a little heavy with fatigue.
"Did you just finish training?" Hayashi Kaede asked.
"Pidgeotto." (Yes.)
He rubbed his forehead, about to scold it—but the determination burning in Pidgeotto's eyes stopped him.
It must be hard, leaving your homeland.
Hatred can be the strongest driving force for any living thing.
"Work hard, but don't push yourself too far," he said at last. "I'll help you."
From his bag, he took out the best Sand Scale Energy Cube he had perfected that afternoon. "Here—try this."
"Pidgeotto~!"
The tiredness in Pidgeotto's face brightened at once. It tore the cube into pieces and gulped them down eagerly.
But before it had finished, a surge of power coursed through its body. It took to the skies, wings spread, ready to unleash a mighty Hurricane over the Plantation.
At the last second, seeing Hayashi Kaede below, it suppressed the urge and veered outward instead.
With steel-like wings, it whipped up a gale that cracked like an explosion—
and within that raging wind, a smaller, sharper Hurricane began to form…
[Congratulations! Pidgeotto's happiness has risen from 10% to 98%. Rewards: 15 bags of fertilizer, 3 Rare Candies, and Moltres' Divine Feather (a blazing plume infused with Moltres' energy; when absorbed, it improves the aptitude of Flying- and Fire-type Pokémon).]
Watching from below, Hayashi Kaede allowed a faint, relieved smile to appear.
"Heh… now, it should be a little less anxious."