Pokémon: Farm Story

In Natsume's memory, Ogerpon seemed to be a Grass-type legendary Pokémon, capable of changing its type and battle style by equipping different masks.

It was likely categorized as a mythical Pokémon, though he wasn't entirely sure.

Still, because of its adorable design, Natsume felt it must be a mythical Pokémon.

In a northern village infamous among players for its hostile NPCs, Ogerpon was known as "the ghost."

But in truth, it was just a poor child whose masks had been stolen.

Its masks were taken by three Pokémon, and although it fought to retrieve them, it was reviled as an evil Pokémon.

The thieves, on the other hand, were hailed as guardians of the village and affectionately called "Pokémon companions."

This was Natsume's impression of Ogerpon.

He also had a lingering question from the story:

If Ogerpon had defeated all three Pokémon on its own later, how did it get bullied in the first place?

But after thinking about it, he realized that the outcome of battles isn't just about strength—it's also influenced by mindset and environment.

It was like a certain warrior from Fallen Hibiscus King. Strong as they were, they often got outplayed by weaker opponents.

Imagine a beginner Naruto player entering a competitive match with high-tier characters like Kizaru, only to get comboed into submission by a seasoned opponent.

Ending up frustrated was only natural.

Ogerpon's case might have been similar. At first, it didn't want to fight, which left it vulnerable to bullying. But once its emotions erupted, it wiped the floor with those bullies.

Of course, that was the original story.

What the current Ogerpon's situation was, Natsume had no idea.

"Left one for me, huh."

Looking at the glass marble in his hand, Natsume couldn't help but chuckle.

The little Pokémon must have thought something like, "Paying to avoid trouble" or "I'll leave one, so don't get mad."

Before running off, it had left him a single glass marble.

For Natsume, these weren't particularly valuable items.

Even if Ogerpon had taken them all, he wouldn't have minded.

But since it left one behind, he decided to keep it properly.

Consider it a parting gift, maybe?

"Even though it's technically mine to begin with."

Shaking his head with a smile, Natsume turned to his companions following behind him.

"Alright, everyone, time to head back to bed."

"We've got things to do tomorrow morning."

Clapping his hands, he signaled his Pokémon to return home.

Despite the interruption making him feel wide awake, he believed in maintaining proper rest.

Even if sleep wasn't coming, lying in bed and resting was important.

This was one of Natsume's long-held principles.

"Oh, and Corvisquire."

"Caw?"

"Good thing you didn't chase after it earlier."

As a legendary Pokémon, Ogerpon—even if it wasn't in the mood for a fight and only focused on fleeing—might retaliate if pushed into a corner.

If it had retaliated with a move like Ivy Cudgel, Corvisquire might have ended up demonstrating its ability to fall asleep on the spot.

Young ones sure have it easy—instant sleep.

"Caw?"

Tilting its head, Corvisquire didn't quite understand.

What do you mean it's a good thing I didn't chase? Were you worried my strength might scare that Pokémon?

I see. From now on, I'll need to restrain myself.

Corvisquire's thoughts had already wandered far. It was imagining scenarios of entering an anime world, strategizing how to achieve a perfect, storybook ending.

Perhaps those who liked novels and anime all had this ability to multitask—responding outwardly while pondering plots in their heads.

Under Natsume's guidance, the Pokémon returned to their respective rooms.

After placing the glass marble into a drawer, Natsume prepared to return to bed.

"Bun-bun."

The Buneary naturally climbed onto a nearby recliner, seemingly intending to sleep there from now on.

Persian carried its cushion into Natsume's room, settled into a corner, and sprawled on it.

Thankfully, Natsume's room was spacious enough. Even if two more Persian joined, there'd still be space.

Feels like my room's going to fill up with Pokémon in the future, Natsume thought as he lay in bed, stroking Persian's head.

At least he was glad he was a quiet sleeper—no sleepwalking or snoring.

Even if his Pokémon didn't mind, Natsume still cared about his image.

---

Meanwhile, Ogerpon—clutching its spoils—ran all the way to a wild, overgrown field. It found its destination and dove headlong into it.

The hidden cave seemed naturally formed, devoid of human interference.

Deep in the cave, Ogerpon finally let out a sigh of relief.

Then it gazed at its glass marbles with unrestrained joy.

Even in the dark, its eyes sparkled like jewels.

"Mm-hmm!"

Playing with the marbles, Ogerpon hummed in delight.

Carefully, it stashed them away with its other treasures—objects it had worked hard to collect.

Of course, they were all items nobody wanted. If someone did, Ogerpon wouldn't take them.

After all, Ogerpon considered itself a good child.

It plopped down on its makeshift bed of grass and rags.

Though it told itself to sleep, its mind wandered.

Unbidden, it thought of the human it had met earlier.

"Mm-hmm…"

I left one for him before leaving. He shouldn't be mad, right?

But what if he is? Should I return it?

But I don't want to… And he didn't chase me.

He probably isn't mad… right?

And he didn't seem to dislike me. Was I mistaken? Everyone usually hates me…

No, I don't think I was wrong. He doesn't dislike me… Does he?

Tossing and turning, Ogerpon eventually drifted into an uneasy sleep.

At the same time, it made a decision.

The day after tomorrow—no, tomorrow. I'll go see him again.

He shouldn't dislike me. Probably…

---

The Next Morning—

"Bun~!"

Morning!~

"Mi?!?!"

Seeing the disheveled, bed-headed Buneary emerge from Natsume's room, the Minccino froze in shock.

Did something unthinkable happen last night?!

When Natsume came out to wash up, he found Minccino holding onto Buneary protectively, eyeing him warily.

"…?"

What… just happened?

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