Shalour City.
An ancient coastal city located along the western shores of the Kalos Region, famous for its golden beaches and the towering Tower of Mastery.
The city is also home to a Fighting-type Gym—and a certain Mega Lucario famous for delivering seven punches in a single second.
"Kangaskhan, come back for now."
Before entering the city streets, Hayato took out the Poké Ball at his waist and recalled Kangaskhan .
Large Pokémon like Kangaskhan weren't allowed to roam freely in urban areas. Hayato had no desire to write another apology report in front of Officer Jenny.
Thanks to its beautiful beaches, Shalour City's tourism industry was thriving. Walking along the streets, Hayato saw Pokémon from many different regions.
A Vulpix from Kanto,
a Woobat from Unova,
an Oricorio from Alola,
and even a Rellor from Paldea.
"Huh—wait, that's literally a dung beetle."
Before Hayato could walk away, Officer Jenny rushed over in a hurry.
Under the miserable expression of the unfortunate Trainer, both he and his Rellor were escorted into the police car.
Looks like a 500-word apology report was waiting for that poor guy.
Seeing the scene, Hayato chuckled.
Hope he has to write a long one.
Still smiling, Hayato made his way to the Shalour Market.
Buying food could wait. While it was still daylight, he needed to visit three places first:
the seed shopthe carpenter's workshopand most importantly, the shop that sold ranch Pokémon and livestock
After all, he had left the ranch at around 4 PM.
Luckily, he and Kangaskhan had eaten grilled fish before leaving, so neither of them were hungry.
Hayato absentmindedly rubbed the Poké Ball at his waist.
The Poké Ball shook slightly.
"Yeah, I know. We'll try to get back before dark."
Kangaskhan was worried about the ranch.
Before leaving, Hayato had sprayed the area with Pokémon-repellent insect spray.
Fortunately, the ranch currently had nothing valuable. Once it was fully developed, he would need to leave someone behind whenever he went out.
The Shalour Market itself wasn't very large. It only occupied a small corner of the city, but conveniently, it had everything Hayato needed.
That would save him a lot of time.
The Sunflora Seed Shop
Following the order of the market streets, Hayato first arrived at the seed shop.
A sign shaped like four seasonal flowers hung above the entrance.
Sunflora Seed Shop
Since evening was approaching, the store was empty.
Behind the counter stood a Sunflora, who turned around with a bright smile when the doorbell rang.
"Flora~ Flora!"
"…I have no idea what you're saying."
"Flo~ flooo…"
Just as Hayato and Sunflora attempted a completely mismatched conversation, someone walked out from the back room.
It was a slightly chubby middle-aged man wearing a brown coat.
"Haha! Young man, are you here to buy seeds?"
The man patted Sunflora gently.
"Welcome."
"Sunflora was just asking what kinds of seeds you'd like."
"Seeds…"
Hayato shook his head. He honestly had no idea.
He briefly explained the current condition of his ranch and asked the owner to recommend some crops.
"Hm… reclaiming an abandoned ranch, and it's your first time farming?"
Before the shop owner could continue, Sunflora waddled over, holding several seed packets in its hands.
It presented them proudly.
"Potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and cabbage," the shop owner explained.
"These are all spring crops that don't require too much maintenance. Perfect for beginners."
He smiled proudly.
"Looks like Sunflora has become quite the Seed Master, hasn't it?"
"Flo~!"
Embarrassed by the praise, Sunflora shyly twisted its body before running off.
"In addition to these four crops," the shop owner continued, "I also recommend planting some Berries."
"Pecha Berries and Oran Berries grow easily as long as they're watered and fertilized regularly. They're essential food for ranch Pokémon."
After the explanation, Hayato had a much clearer understanding.
After thinking for a moment, he nodded.
"I'll take one pack of everything to start with."
The prices varied depending on the seeds.
Potatoes / Green Beans — 50 Poké Dollars per packCabbage — 70 Poké DollarsTomatoes — 100 Poké Dollars
The most expensive were Berry seedlings, priced at 600 Poké Dollars per pack.
The Pecha Berry, Oran Berry, and Apicot Berry all cost the same.
Total cost: 2,070 Poké Dollars.
These were necessary expenses.
Until he had enough funds to raise ranch Pokémon, crop farming would be one of his few reliable income sources.
Carrying a bag full of seeds, Hayato waved goodbye to the smiling shop owner and headed toward the carpenter's workshop next door.
The Carpenter's Workshop
He bought all the essential ranch tools:
Hoe — for tilling soilPickaxe — for breaking rocksAxe — for chopping woodSquirtle Watering Can — for watering cropsFishing Rod — useful for both food and passing time
The full set cost 2,000 Poké Dollars.
After the purchase, Hayato had just over 5,000 Poké Dollars left.
Leaving the workshop, he headed toward the department store in the city center.
Here he planned to buy one week's worth of food supplies.
Oil, salt, sauces, vinegar, sliced bread, spices…
Every item had a label and price tag beneath it.
For example, the sliced bread used for making burgers cost 100 Poké Dollars for a bag of 30 slices.
One bag was enough for him and Kangaskhan to eat for three to four days.
So Hayato bought two bags at once.
Moving between the shelves, his shopping cart gradually filled up.
He picked one of every seasoning available.
With these ingredients, he could cook many different dishes with unique flavors.
By the time he finished buying necessities, Hayato had less than 3,000 Poké Dollars left.
Outside, the sky had begun to darken.
Brilliant red clouds stretched across the horizon.
It was getting late.
Before heading back… I should treat myself to a proper meal.
Hayato walked into a restaurant.
The waiter handed him a menu.
In addition to food for humans, the menu also had meals designed specifically for Pokémon.
Hayato ordered:
Seafood noodles for himselfA Berry platter and grilled meat for Kangaskhan
After all, Kangaskhan would have to carry most of the supplies back to the ranch. She deserved a good meal.
Soon the dishes arrived.
Hayato released Kangaskhan from her Poké Ball.
Trainer and Pokémon happily devoured their meal.
The portions were generous, and both of them ended up completely stuffed.
After paying the bill and saying goodbye to the owner, Hayato and Kangaskhan began the journey back—arms full of supplies, guided by the light of the stars.
The wilderness at night could be dangerous.
Wild Pokémon often emerged after dark.
But for Hayato , this was nothing new.
During his travels, he had walked through the night countless times.
Before any wild Pokémon could even approach, Kangaskhan would detect them first.
Then came a powerful roar.
The frightened Pokémon would immediately scatter in terror, none daring to come closer.
The journey back didn't take long.
Pushing open the old, creaking ranch gate, Hayato returned to the farm and approached the ranch cabin.
The beam of his flashlight cut through the dark night.
But when he looked at the campsite, his brows suddenly furrowed.
A Pokémon had been here.
Not only had the leftover grilled fish from earlier disappeared…
Even the weeds had been neatly piled together.
The campsite looked spotless.
A Pokémon this obsessed with cleanliness immediately reminded Hayato of the white Pokémon he had seen near the lake earlier.
Who could it possibly be…?
What a difficult mystery.