Eevee was hatching.
Black pupils gazed at the Pokémon egg. Minato's emotions surged alongside the radiance.
"Crack..."
When the light filled Minato's entire vision, he felt a sudden flash before his eyes, accompanied by a sound. Then everything returned to calm.
At this moment, the white egg with brown patterns had developed cracks resembling spider webs. As the cracks spread, the eggshell gradually broke apart.
"Eevee~"
Just as Minato's heart nearly leaped into his throat, the tiny creature finally emerged from the egg and began curiously examining its surroundings.
Compared to pictures, the living Eevee was even more endearing.
Smooth brown fur, a fluffy tail curling as its cream-colored tip brushed against the floor. After lifting its head, Eevee noticed Minato. Its brown eyes were bright and full of spirit. When Minato smiled, Eevee stretched out its short, thin legs and rubbed against Minato with its pink paw pads.
"Nice to meet you." Minato giggled and gently picked up Eevee.
Most Pokémon imprint on the first creature they see upon hatching, and the little Eevee was no exception.
Held by Minato, Eevee's rabbit-like, long ears swayed slightly. Its small black nose sniffed Minato's scent vigorously, as if wanting to memorize everything about Minato.
"Eevee Eevee~~"
Gradually, Eevee grew bolder and rubbed against Minato again with more force, as if this felt very comfortable.
"Eevee, from now on, we are the most important partners, alright?"
"Eevee~"
Eevee looked at Minato affectionately. Perhaps it couldn't understand what Minato was saying yet, but it nodded subconsciously and chirped happily.
Now, not only did Eevee feel a closeness to Minato, but Minato, who had guarded the egg for several days and witnessed Eevee's birth, had also deeply fallen in love with this clingy little creature.
...
For newborn Pokémon, it was best to rinse their bodies with warm water.
Minato didn't forget this precaution. He quickly brought Eevee to the bathroom and got busy. Fortunately, Eevee truly had a gentle temperament. Minato found interacting with it very comfortable and effortless.
After rinsing Eevee's body, it shook its fur and suddenly shivered. Although warm water was used, having just been born, Eevee couldn't help feeling slightly cold.
"Almost forgot."
Seeing Eevee's small movement, Minato immediately slapped his forehead and carried Eevee back to the bedroom, picking up the Silk Scarf by the bedside.
"Wrap this around your body. You'll warm up quickly."
Minato explained, then personally wrapped the scarf around Eevee's neck. Eevee looked at him with curious eyes. However, what was amusing was that, having just been born, Eevee's body was relatively small, so the scarf appeared somewhat large on it.
Minato couldn't help but stare blankly for a moment.
But what left him speechless was that such a large scarf actually provided excellent warmth, practically serving as a blanket. Meanwhile, Eevee let out another comfortable cry.
Minato continued staring blankly.
"Eevee?"
Eevee looked at the dazed Minato and tilted its head in confusion.
"Ha, nothing. I was just wondering when you'll grow big enough to wear this as an actual scarf." Minato laughed and stroked Eevee's head.
Because it had just been born, Eevee was curious about everything and very active. Minato didn't restrict its movements, following alongside and introducing things one by one.
Lights, mirrors, refrigerators, televisions... these simple things could make Eevee happy for a long time. Seeing Eevee so joyful, Minato felt quite happy himself. Spending time with such a little creature made him feel younger, though he was only sixteen...
"Are you hungry? I prepared milk for you."
After playing for a while, Eevee began showing signs of fatigue. After all, it had just been born, so being this active for so long was already remarkable. At this point, Minato brought out the warmed milk and carried it over. From a distance, Eevee smelled the milk fragrance and immediately showed an expectant expression.
"Come, come. Drink slowly..."
Gently placing the milk container on the table and picking up Eevee, Minato instructed.
"Eevee~~"
At Minato's instructions, Eevee blinked, then eagerly jumped onto the table and leaned over. However, just as it was about to drink, it suddenly looked at Minato with pleading eyes, pushed the container toward him, and whimpered, "Eevee?"
Seeing Eevee's behavior, Minato scratched his head, not understanding immediately. After careful thought, he guessed, "You want me to drink it?"
"Eevee Eevee~" Eevee nodded quickly.
"It's fine. I have plenty here. This is prepared for you." Minato's heart melted. He rubbed Eevee's head again, touched by the little creature's gesture, his smile unstoppable.
Hearing Minato say this, Eevee obediently lowered its head and began enjoying the delicious premium Miltank milk.
Gulp... gulp...
While drinking, Eevee showed an intoxicated expression.
It was evident that the delicious Miltank milk instantly captured this little creature.
A large bowl of milk was the optimal nutritional intake for a newborn Eevee, and it drank it all in one breath.
However, afterward, an awkward scene appeared. Tired from playing and full from eating, Eevee immediately became drowsy and began nodding off...
Minato shook his head helplessly, wiped his mouth, then unfolded the Silk Scarf, picked up the sleeping Eevee, placed it on the bed, and covered its body with the scarf.
In its sleep, Eevee seemed to be having a pleasant dream. It rolled over, wrapped itself tightly in the Silk Scarf, then showed a satisfied smile and continued sleeping...
...
Minato swore that Eevee had captured him in an instant.
He was now extremely grateful that he had chosen this little Eevee as his starter Pokémon.
Eevee fell asleep, and Minato guarded beside it for a long time before quietly sitting down at his desk.
At this point, Minato should have started studying seriously... but the image of Eevee lingered in his mind, and he looked forward to the little creature waking up soon.
"So useless." Minato cursed himself silently, then pulled out a recipe.
Currently, Eevee is in the newborn stage.
Three bowls of Miltank milk daily would suffice, lasting about three days.
After that, some solid food could be added. As for a week later, the recipe needed updating further.
Minato had prepared materials including vegetables, fruits, porridge, and even some meat...
Combined, these foods should theoretically allow Eevee to smoothly pass through the newborn stage and build a solid foundation. Minato had invested considerable funds to prepare these, and his small treasury was nearly empty...
"I don't even take such good care of myself, and I have to cook personally..." Minato complained insincerely.