Now that the domain has been "seized" by Natsuhiko, a long and dangerous migration lies ahead. Protecting the safety of all Pokémon is imperative.
So Heracross, who prioritized the big picture, did not move.
"Not bad." Natsuhiko nodded.
The Senior Level Cherrim could fully support the recovery of an Elite Level Heracross, and even against Gym Leader Level Pokémon, it should have a decent effect.
"Now, hand me the seed you have with you."
"Ying Treasure."
This time, Cherrim acted quickly.
The Miracle Seed actually didn't provide much help to it; it was just carried around as a decoration.
A golden seed appeared in Natsuhiko's hand.
Miracle Seed: A seed that nurtures life; carrying it enhances the power of Grass-type Techniques.
Cherrim typically did not participate in battles, and even if it did, it mainly offered support, so the seed wasn't of much use to it.
"Very well, since you're so obedient, I'll allow you to continue living in my domain."
Since it was his domain, naturally, these Cherrim and Cherubi belonged to him and couldn't leave.
"Ying Treasure?!"
Cherrim was full of surprise and disbelief.
A seed that wasn't much use to it could actually be exchanged for a patch of forest to live in?
Could there really be such good fortune?
Natsuhiko nodded to confirm.
Simultaneously, he glanced at the other Cherrim and Cherubi.
These Pokémon had been living here carefree for so long; they should have some stored supplies, right?
"Do you have more seeds like this?"
Soon, under his "intimidation," all the Cherrim and Cherubi brought out whatever Miracle Seeds they had.
Not many.
Only three.
One Cherrim cautiously offered them, placing them on the ground before Natsuhiko.
Counting the one acquired first, there were four Miracle Seeds in total.
A big harvest!
"I won't take advantage of you; one seed in exchange for a box of Energy Blocks."
Saying this, Natsuhiko pulled out four boxes of Energy Blocks.
Opening the boxes, the aroma spread everywhere, attracting all the Pokémon to the scent of the Energy Blocks.
It seemed...
Delicious?
Natsuhiko took one out and offered it to the nearby Cherrim.
Cherrim looked at Natsuhiko, then at the sparkling Energy Block in its arms, unable to resist the tempting aroma, swallowed and took a small bite.
"Ying Treasure!"
Cherrim was filled with delight.
The taste was like nothing it had ever tried!
And the energy contained within was a pleasant surprise.
A food that was both tasty and energy-boosting!
Seeing its reaction, the other Pokémon couldn't hold back either.
The expressions they had after eating the Energy Blocks were not much different from Cherrim's.
Watching their stunned expressions, Natsuhiko smiled silently.
'One box of Energy Blocks for one Miracle Seed? I really am the bad guy here…'
However, in the eyes of Cherrim and the others, exchanging a useless seed for a box of previously untasted Energy Blocks was a huge gain.
In hindsight...
Natsuhiko didn't seem so terrifying.
Recalling how Natsuhiko let Cherrim heal Heracross and didn't harm Heracross, even allowing them to reside in the forest again...
He didn't seem so bad after all...
Gradually, Cherrim and the other Pokémon's perception of Natsuhiko began to change.
"Also, you can pick the Tree Fruits from this forest and exchange them with me for Energy Blocks, though the price won't be as high." Natsuhiko added.
Since it was his domain, theoretically, those Tree Fruits were his as well.
But the locations where Tree Fruits grew varied and some were well-hidden, not easy to spot at a glance.
Picking them all individually would be too time-consuming; better to have these free laborers do it, exchanging one Tree Fruit for two or three Energy Blocks as payment.
Hearing this, the Pokémon across from him were all overjoyed.
Such an option?
While Tree Fruits contained considerable energy, not all were suitable for them; most didn't even taste good.
If they could exchange them for Energy Blocks, that would be ideal.
"That'll be all for today, you can come find me at the cave if you need anything."
With that, Natsuhiko did not linger and left with the Pokémon and that Cherrim.
The process went smoother than he imagined.
He was very pleased with this group of Cherrim and Cherubi.
If he still had any empty Pokeballs upon leaving, he'd definitely pack them all up.
Not just for the Miracle Seeds, but because Pokémon like Cherrim were great at managing plantations, including Tree Fruit Trees.
If he ever wanted to plant his own Tree Fruit orchard in the Pokémon Realm, these Cherrim would make excellent gardeners and repairers.
For now, let them stay here; they can't escape anyway, and can help gather Tree Fruits.
"Indeed, the term 'good guy' doesn't suit me; I'm more suited to be a 'bad guy'."
Exchanging a box of Energy Blocks for one Miracle Seed?
Probably only he could pull off something like that.
Watching Natsuhiko leave, Heracross and a few other Pokémon exchanged glances.
Is this really okay?
Looking at the departing Cherrim standing atop Tyrantrum, chatting happily with Togetic and Shuckle, occasionally taking a bite of an Energy Block offered by Togetic.
Suddenly they thought.
This didn't feel like stepping into a lion's den but entering a... Paradise?
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It seems there is double monthly voting at the end of the month, asking for a vote——