"What are you guys talking about?" Ash had finished tidying up the Berries and walked back over. From his perspective, the two girls were whispering and giggling to each other, looking quite happy.
"Nothing!*2" The two of them shouted in unison at Ash.
After saying that, they looked at each other again and laughed in sync.
Ash scratched his head, a bit puzzled. It felt like the two girls' relationship had improved quite a bit in the short time he was gone. Girls' friendships were really strange.
"Let's go. We've finished buying the stuff. We should head to the next island."
"Leaving already? Won't you stay and play a bit longer? Although Fruit Seven Islands are for growing Berries, there are still many beautiful scenic spots and all kinds of Pokémon here." Nana tried to persuade the three of them to stay and play for a few days.
Many Pokémon also inhabited Fruit Seven Islands, but those Pokémon had the most fundamental difference from Snorlax: they simply wouldn't eat that much————
Even if some Pokémon ate Berries, as long as they didn't eat the Berries from the core islands, they were basically allowed to eat freely. Fruit Seven Islands had plenty of Sitrus Berries to go around—except for Snorlax.
Apart from Snorlax, the vast majority of other Pokémon could have a single Sitrus Berry and feel full for a meal. Even if one wasn't enough, two would be about right. Pokémon weren't mindless beasts; they possessed intelligence comparable to humans, and most Pokémon had kinder hearts than most humans.
Therefore, they would never endlessly take. Eating Sitrus Berries was only an occasional occurrence, and even when it happened, they would find ways to give back. Nature was the Pokémon's home, and no one understood the treasures contained within nature better than they did.
Sometimes the things they casually brought back as repayment were far more precious than Sitrus Berries. The people and Pokémon here benefited each other, respecting and caring for one another. If it weren't for that Snorlax showing up————
Nana's words made Ash hesitate a little. If it were just scenery, it wouldn't hold much appeal for him. He still had the responsibility of searching for Lugia, so he couldn't stop here.
But if there were all sorts of other Pokémon... well, that was a different story—would staying a day or two really delay things?
And so, the three of them decided to stay on Fruit Seven Islands for two days. There were Guesthouses on every island. After all, it was a famous tourist destination; wherever there were people, there were inevitably places to stay.
Of course, Ash and the others' accommodation was free. After all, they had helped everyone so much. Without Ash, they wouldn't have been able to deal with that Snorlax.
Nana and the others even promised Ash that he could pick and eat as many fruits and Berries on the island as he wanted, with no limits.
Although Nana didn't explicitly say it, this 'unlimited eating' of Berries was clearly only allowed on Fruit Seven Islands. Taking them to go would be a bit too much, after all, the value of a single Sitrus Berry was five hundred dollars, not five dollars.
If they really were five dollars each, Nana and the others could have given Ash a whole sackful.
This unspoken rule was something Ash and the others would follow even without being told. They weren't shameless or poor enough to stoop to that level.
After settling their luggage, the three eagerly headed deeper into the island.
Not far from the Guesthouse, they saw several short Raspberry trees laden with clusters of bright red berries. A few Rattata were crouched under the trees, happily munching on fallen fruit. Hearing footsteps, they just glanced up before burying their heads again to enjoy their meal.
The Pokémon here were already accustomed to seeing people. Even if someone approached to pet them, they wouldn't run away unless they were attacked.
"Wow, these raspberries look so sweet!" Serena's eyes lit up. She trotted over, picked one, wiped it off, and popped it into her mouth, instantly squinting her eyes. "They're really super delicious! You guys should try them too!"
Misty went over and also picked one. After taking a bite, she nodded. "It really is good, much fresher than the ones we bought on the road before."
Ash took the Berry Misty handed him and tasted it. He could only say that natural, pollution-free produce was indeed much tastier than the mass-produced fruits sold outside.
This Berry was just ordinary fruit, costing about twenty dollars per pound. Compared to Berries, it wasn't even in the same league in terms of value. Even if they ate until they were stuffed, it probably wouldn't be worth a single Sitrus Berry.
Walking along the Stone path, the scenery along the way gradually became richer. In the roadside Bushes, they could occasionally see Oddish passing by, swaying the leaves on their heads.
In the clear Stream, a few Magikarp and Goldeen darted about in the water, creating ripples on the surface.
In the distant Orchard, Paras, carrying Mushroom shells on their backs, were leisurely clearing weeds from the ground. They were helping the staff here maintain the fruit trees. The mutual assistance between humans and Pokémon was vividly realized in this moment.
"This place is really comfortable. It has a feeling of peaceful, undisturbed tranquility. When you achieve your dream in the future, Ash, you should settle down in a place like this~" Misty said with a hint of longing in her emerald green eyes, her hands clasped behind her back.
Hearing this, Ash glanced at Misty. After thinking for a moment, he took the initiative to take the small hand Misty had behind her back and said, "That day will come. After I become a Pokémon Master, I'll find a place like this to live with my partners, with you, Misty. By then, we'll spend our days exploring mountains and rivers, enjoying a retired life."
Misty, whose hand had been taken, was a bit stunned at first. But upon hearing Ash's promise, her face instantly flushed bright red. Steam even seemed to rise from her head, and her forehead felt hot enough to boil an egg.
She had never imagined that blockhead Ash would say such things. Even though they were now boyfriend and girlfriend, Ash hadn't said many moving sweet nothings. Everything about him was in his actions. Precisely because of that, even without sweet talk, Misty still liked Ash.
But today, Ash had surprisingly made such a promise. For her, this kind of promise was more moving than any sweet talk, because Ash had always been a man of his word. If he said it, he would definitely make it happen in the future. Misty believed that wholeheartedly!
Of course, there was another reason for Misty's blushing face: Serena's presence on Ash's other side. If it were just the two of them, Misty would have been a bit flushed and shy, but mostly overjoyed. But now, with Serena right there, her shyness far outweighed her joy————
Ash's words naturally reached Serena's ears, but she pretended not to hear, her eyes fixed straight ahead as if some scenery there was extremely captivating. In reality, there was nothing in the distance. She was just secretly envious in her heart.
Envious that Misty could receive Ash's promise, envious that Misty could be with Ash, while she could only stand by Ash's side as his companion.
Ash's blockheadedness was actually the best cover for her embarrassment. Otherwise, with her feelings so easily readable, if Ash directly pointed them out and clearly rejected her, she wouldn't even have the right to stand by his side anymore.
So Ash being a bit dense was a good thing—was it really a good thing?
After their leisurely exploration, the three returned to the Guesthouse. Ash also sorted out the Pokémon he had with him and treated Snorlax's injuries.
Snorlax's injuries were not light. Even with its thick skin and tough hide, being hit repeatedly by Pikachu's attacks, with such a large level gap between them, no matter how tough it was, it couldn't withstand that!
If Ash didn't have the Viridian Power, they probably wouldn't be on Fruit Seven Islands anymore but at a Pokémon Center on another island.
Even though a Poké Ball could temporarily freeze a Pokémon's injured state, that didn't mean it could permanently preserve a Pokémon's condition. If left unattended, the condition would continue to deteriorate even inside the Poké Ball.
After recovering, Snorlax didn't hold any grudge against Ash. Its anger came and went quickly. Being disturbed while eating was the biggest taboo for a Snorlax, but even so, after a dozen minutes, it could mostly forget about it.
It was simply because Snorlax had such a simple, honest personality and a bit of a silly head. Otherwise, it wouldn't have so recklessly eaten other people's Berries.
However, forgetting its grievance against Ash didn't mean Snorlax's stomach was full. Snorlax was still hungry. Not only had the Sitrus Berries it ate earlier not filled it up, but it had also consumed all the stored Sitrus Berries due to the fight.
Now, Snorlax was even hungrier than before it started eating the Sitrus Berries. The scent of Sitrus Berries wafting from outside was incredibly tempting to Snorlax. It almost ran out to eat again but was directly pulled back by Ash.
That's right, pulled back by Ash. The thousand-pound Snorlax was pulled back by its arm by Ash, who then sat it down on the ground.
A look of Confusion appeared on Snorlax's simple face. Its gaze at Ash was full of questions, as if it couldn't understand why Ash's strength was so great.
This new Trainer with skinny arms and legs possessed strength completely mismatched with his appearance. Being able to pull back even its weight was simply unbelievable.
"If you want to eat, I'll make something for you later. I promise you'll be full. But you absolutely must not touch those Berries outside, understand? They are the result of people's hard work, accumulated over generations. If you eat up all of other people's things, how will they live?"
"Snor~" Snorlax scratched its head and lowered it, seemingly taking Ash's words to heart.
When its mind was calm and not dominated by hunger, Snorlax could understand human speech. But if it was starving unbearably, then no one's words would be of any use.
Although Snorlax was hungrier now than before, after the battle, its intelligence had regained control of its brain, so it could listen to Ash quietly.
But if Snorlax wasn't given food soon, it would go berserk again.
And so, Ash released Lugia, Charizard, and the other Pokémon, telling them to wait outside and keep an eye on Snorlax, while he went into the kitchen inside to make dinner.
The Guesthouse was fully equipped. Nana and the others had given Ash the largest Guesthouse, and the kitchen was naturally prepared.
Thirty minutes later—
Ash came out carrying a large pot, placing it on the table Misty and Serena had set up outside. Not far away, Snorlax was already growing restless, watching the large pot Ash placed on the table. Its nearly invisible squinty eyes seemed about to radiate dazzling light.
Its sense of smell was unimaginably sharp—when it came to food.
Even though Ash's cooking was covered by the pot lid, he knew just how delicious the contents were. If it weren't for Gardevoir restraining it with Confusion and Charizard firmly pressing its shoulders down with Dragon Claw, Snorlax would have already charged over!
A single Higher level Pokémon needing two Gym Peak Pokémon to keep it in check—if word got out, probably no one would believe it.
Seeing Snorlax's impulsive state, Ash showed a helpless smile. "Don't be impatient, Snorlax. Your food is ready too. Wait a moment, I'll bring it out."
After saying that, Ash turned back to get the other dishes.
First was Snorlax's exclusive dish: the blazing hot spicy sky onion pancake. Ash had made three portions of this pancake. Each portion was about the size of Snorlax's palm, looking completely insufficient to fill the gaps between its teeth.
But as long as Snorlax until it, it would definitely be full. This was the special cuisine he had prepared for Snorlax using Berries. The several large pancakes even emitted a faint, glimmering light, looking incredibly delicious.
Snorlax was already drooling with greed. Ash signaled with his eyes for Charizard and Gardevoir to release their hold on Snorlax. As soon as the Confusion and Dragon Claw were released, Snorlax pounced over like a starving wolf. Its chubby hands grabbed the three large pancakes and stuffed them all into its mouth at once.
It took almost ten seconds for Snorlax to finish the three pancakes.
Snorlax's eating could be described as wolfing down food. There was hardly any time for chewing before the food was swallowed. But when eating the Ash prepared cuisine, it became 'slow and deliberate'.
Here, 'slow and deliberate' was only relative to Snorlax's original speed. Even so, Snorlax's eating speed far surpassed that of ordinary Pokémon.
With three pancakes in its belly, Snorlax's pale face instantly turned rosy. Even its body became noticeably redder—it was flushed all over from the spiciness.
The wrap Ash made not only used chili peppers but also extra-spicy Berries. Layered together, they created a whole new level of spiciness. However, this spiciness wouldn't make the person or Pokémon eating it feel uncomfortable. Instead, it would produce an extremely strong sense of fullness—using spiciness to fill the stomach and reduce appetite.
This was a recipe different from satiety PokeBlocks, a cuisine Ash had specially developed for Snorlax!