Chapter 21: Humans & Pokémon
They reached the farmland. Kora squatted down, examining the soil. "This soil is excellent," she remarked, "perfect for growing crops."
Naoki, remembering the farming game he used to play, inquired, "Ms. Kora, do you have any automatic watering machines? The kind that can be inserted into the soil and water plants automatically?"
He envisioned a sprinkler system like those in the game. As the ranch expanded and more crops were planted, he might not be able to manage watering everything himself. An automatic sprinkler that could water the surrounding area each morning would save him a lot of time and effort.
But his hopes were quickly dashed.
Kora shook her head apologetically. "I'm afraid those don't exist."
Naoki sighed. Of course, games were just games.
"But there is another type of automated irrigation system," Kora added.
"Oh?"
"You can lay underground pipes and install faucets throughout the field," she explained. "Then, using a timer, you can set it to automatically spray water at specific times."
"The kind of device you're thinking of, the one that magically produces water from thin air, doesn't exist, at least not yet."
Naoki was intrigued. "Can your shop install such a system?"
"Absolutely," Kora replied, a hint of pride in her voice.
"But it's quite expensive. A system that covers the entire farmland would cost around 30,000 to 40,000 Pokédollars. The pipes, pumps, and timer are relatively affordable individually, but the cost adds up quickly when you need a large quantity."
Naoki understood. While 30,000 to 40,000 Pokédollars wasn't an exorbitant amount, it was beyond his current budget.
As if sensing his financial constraints, Kora offered an alternative. "Of course, there's another way to water your crops."
"How?" Naoki asked, curious.
Kora smiled. "Water-type Pokémon. They can use their Water-type moves to help with irrigation."
"In the city, some wild Pokémon work alongside humans," she continued. "Pelipper works as a transporter, Machoke works in construction, Machamp helps with moving. You've probably seen them, right?"
Naoki hadn't, but the original owner had.
He nodded.
"Pokémon have simple needs," Kora explained. "As long as we provide them with food and shelter, they're willing to help us. This cooperation is one of the reasons why the relationship between humans and Pokémon has become so harmonious over the years."
Pokémon no longer had to struggle to find food or compete with others for berries. They had shelter from the elements and a sense of purpose. What more could a Pokémon ask for?
This method of watering was certainly more cost-effective than an automated system.
"All it takes is a berry, a bottle of milk, and a little food to get a free and obedient pokemon." Naoki marveled.
The idea sparked a thought in his mind. Could he potentially hire hundreds of Pokémon to help run the ranch in the future, while he relaxed on the sofa and watched the money roll in? What a capitalistic dream!
He quickly shook his head, dispelling the thought.
"Wouldn't people abuse this system and force Pokémon to work?" he asked Kora, his brow furrowed with concern.
Kora responded thoughtfully, "It depends on the person. If they treat Pokémon as mere tools, the Pokémon will sense it and become unhappy, refusing to work or even retaliating against their employer."
"If someone tries to force Pokémon to work through violence, well, that's strictly forbidden by the League. Officer Jenny would be on the case immediately."
"But if a person treats Pokémon as partners, friends, or family, working and living alongside them, then even the toughest jobs would be completed with enthusiasm and cooperation."
Naoki nodded, absorbing her words.
Kora continued their tour of the ranch. It was mostly empty, save for the farmland and a small cave behind the house. The cave was cool, dark, and damp, a perfect spot to escape the summer heat.
Kora stepped inside, her eyes scanning the space. "This would be a great place to grow mushrooms!" she exclaimed.
Naoki had been thinking the same thing.
"As it happens, I have a mushroom cultivation kit," Kora continued. "If you place it in a damp, dark environment, you can harvest fresh, edible mushrooms every day. Would you be interested? It's not expensive, only 5,000 Pokédollars."
5,000 Pokédollars.
The price was indeed reasonable. If he could grow his own mushrooms, he wouldn't have to travel into town to buy them.
Naoki nodded eagerly. He would buy it!
Kora smiled. "Alright, I'll bring it with me tomorrow when I come with the construction team."
"Thank you!" Naoki replied.
Kora nodded and, seeing that it was getting late, bid Naoki farewell and rode her Cyclizar back to town.
.....
The next morning, Naoki was preparing breakfast when he heard the rumbling of a truck engine outside. He stepped out to see a truck laden with tools parked in front of the ranch.
Kora hopped out, followed by her Cyclizar and a construction crew.
"Good morning, Naoki!" Kora greeted him.
"Good morning, Ms. Kora!" Naoki replied with a smile.
"We're ready to start construction today," Kora said. "It should take about three days. Feel free to leave it to us."
"Will do."
Despite her assurance, Naoki couldn't help but be curious. He grabbed a sandwich, joined Koraidon and Cyclizar under the eaves, and watched the construction team get to work.
Under Kora's direction, construction workers unloaded the wood and stone Naoki had prepared.
Kora then carried several wooden boxes filled with soil to the cave behind the house. "These are the mushroom cultivation kits," she explained. "Just place them in the cave, and mushrooms will grow on their own. I'll get these set up first."
"Thank you," Naoki replied.
Kora smiled, and once the boxes were in place, she rejoined her team. Some workers used saws and pickaxes to shape the wood and stone, while others mixed a cement-like substance.
Kora marked out the area for the chicken coop with measuring tools and white powder.
With the crops growing steadily and little else to do on the ranch, Naoki decided to pass the time by fishing at the river while observing the construction.
Koraidon, seeing him with the fishing rod, eagerly wanted to use Collision Course again, but Naoki quickly stopped him.
Koraidon looked at him, puzzled.
"Don't worry," Naoki explained, "I'm just fishing for fun this time."
He would have plenty to do once the chicken coop was finished.
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AN: Thanks a bunch for the awesome reviews, everyone! They really keep me pumped to post more. And hey, if you've got any extra powerstones lying around, I won't say no!🤞
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