On the side of the ranch near the lake, Natsuki used wooden stakes to block off an area.
He planned to build a "Donkey Shed" here as the future residence for the Mudbray.
Normally, to build a shed, Natsuki should have gone to a carpentry shop. But because his ranch was too remote— without even a flat road to the outside world— many materials couldn't be shipped in, so he had to do it himself.
Fortunately, he had his Golden Finger, which saved him 99% of the time.
The semi-transparent construction interface expanded as Natsuki called for it.
[Building: Donkey Shed]
[Required Materials:]
[Poké Dollars: 6,000]
[Wood: 350]
[Stone: 150]
Overall, it was within his means. He had already asked Kangaskhan to handle the logging, which would also help clear another field for farming.
Minccino and Chatot weren't idle either, helping out however they could.
Minccino was helping clean the donkey pen, pulling out unwanted weeds. Later, he would plant sweet, tender grazing grass there.
That way, the Mudbray could replenish their energy whenever they were hungry. Chatot took over Natsuki's patrol duties, circling over the fields and occasionally diving down to snatch up insects with its sharp talons.
Whether it was fruit trees or crops, the seedlings had just sprouted and couldn't be ruined by bugs.
With the help of the Pokémon, the material collection went incredibly fast.
Natsuki looked toward the ranch gate every so often, but there was still no sign of Pyroar and the others.
'Didn't we agree they'd visit in the morning? Did something happen on the road?'
That shouldn't be possible. Pyroar was the Totem Pokémon of this area. He was the strongest, and ordinary wild Pokémon were no match for him.
Most trainers from Shalour City and Coumarine City knew the Lion King of the grasslands and wouldn't attack him. Furthermore, the League had laws forbidding trainers from catching Totem Pokémon.
Once discovered, it was considered poaching. Not only would they be wanted by the League, but they would also be hunted by the International Police.
Time ticked away, and the sun soon sat directly overhead.
Natsuki looked at the empty space before him and whispered in his mind, 'Start construction: Donkey Shed.'
[Construction materials deducted. Please wait patiently, Host.]
"What are you guys doing?"
Snapping back to reality, Natsuki noticed Minccino and the others nearby, covering their eyes.
"Mee-ree!"
'We're waiting for Natsuki to perform magic! Chatot hasn't seen it yet.' Minccino answered in a soft voice, peeking through a gap in its paws.
"The magic takes a long time. Let's give you guys a wash first."
Natsuki picked up Minccino and patted Kangaskhan.
"Mee!~" Minccino understood and took the cleaning task from Natsuki.
It scurried onto Kangaskhan, its fluffy tail sweeping up and down, brushing away dirt and not missing a single corner.
Chatot, on the other hand, flew over to the lake, rolled around in the water a few times, and cleaned himself with a quick shake.
"Alright! I'll leave the cleaning to you then, Minccino," Natsuki said, stroking Minccino as a reward.
"I'm going to make lunch for everyone. Minccino, do you want some Sticky Rice Cakes?"
"Mee!" ヽ(爱'◡'爱)ノ
Minccino nodded vigorously. Sticky Rice Cakes were her absolute favorite, bar none.
"What about you, Boss? How about some Sliced Pork in Hot Chili Oil today?"
Kangaskhan: -(≧◡≦)ノ 'Yes, yes! I love anything Natsuki makes.'
Natsuki then shouted toward the lake, "Chatot! I'm making a vegetable salad for your lunch!"
The Pokémon had been busy all morning helping build the Donkey Shed, so Natsuki naturally wanted to reward them.
A meal tailored to their tastes was the best way to do it.
While Natsuki began cooking lunch, four guests arrived at the ranch gate— the very guests Natsuki had been longing for: Pyroar and the Mudbray.
Since it was their first time visiting and Pyroar had to look after the Mudbray, they had only just arrived despite setting out early.
Before even entering the ranch, Pyroar caught a whiff of an extraordinary aroma. It couldn't help but look toward the source, its mouth watering.
"Oh! Pyroar, you guys are here!" Natsuki, walking out with the Sliced Pork in Hot Chili Oil, saw the figures at the gate and waved.
"You're just in time. Come and eat together."
"Roar~"
Approaching the table, Pyroar let out a low growl of inquiry. Up close, it could sense even more Fire-type energy.
The bright red chili oil coating the meat caused its saliva to secrete rapidly.
"This is Sliced Pork in Hot Chili Oil. It's a delicacy very suitable for Fire-type Pokémon."
Natsuki answered with a smile, though he himself couldn't help but swallow hard. The culinary information surfaced before him:
[Sliced Pork in Hot Chili Oil (Grade B)]: A delicious Szechuan-style dish where spicy and numbing flavors blend perfectly. Fresh, spicy, and savory. Has a special effect on Fire-type Pokémon.]
[Cooking Effect: Spicy Burst. For a short period, it increases the Fire-type energy within a Pokémon. There is a certain probability for the Pokémon to realize a new Fire-type move. (Effect doubles for Fire-type Pokémon).]
"Let's eat! Pyroar, give it a try."
Natsuki urged. Among the Pokémon present, Pyroar was the only Fire-type. It had the highest probability of triggering the dish's effect.
"Mudbray, don't be shy, join in too."
Natsuki greeted the Mudbray, but his attention never left Pyroar.
He watched as Pyroar bit into a piece of meat drenched in red oil and peppers, tentatively putting it in its mouth.
A moment later, after Pyroar chewed a few times, its crimson beast-like pupils erupted with intense flames, looking as if two fireballs were burning within.
The bold mane around its neck flared up, and its body temperature climbed rapidly.
Its fur shifted from red to a glowing crimson-gold, and the Fire-type energy in its body surged like a volcanic eruption.
Eventually, Pyroar reached its limit. It leapt backward to distance itself from the others, no longer suppressing its power.
"ROAR!~"
Accompanied by a majestic lion's roar that echoed through the mountains and startled flocks of birds, a pillar of fire shot into the sky, lasting for a full half-minute before stopping.
When the flames subsided, Pyroar looked radiant. It was as if the prolonged fire-breathing hadn't drained it at all.
In fact, Pyroar had simply vented the excess, uncontrollable Fire-type energy from its body.
Consequently, instead of feeling unwell, it felt better than ever, completely restored to its peak state.
To be specific, it was the kind of state where it could go three hundred rounds with a female Pyroar without a problem.
"How is it? Pyroar, how do you feel? Any obvious changes in your body, like learning a new move?"
Natsuki asked curiously once Pyroar had calmed down. Pyroar inspected itself carefully and then shook its head.
It didn't notice any discomfort, instead, it felt refreshed and full of drive. It almost wanted to head back immediately to show its "majesty" to the missus at home.
At the same time, its affection for Natsuki leveled up directly.
It was a good thing for the Mudbray to stay by the side of a human like this.
Pyroar gave the Mudbray a serious look, then fixed its gaze on Natsuki.
"Roar, roar~"