[Spicy Explosion: Provides different levels of enhancement based on the spiciness.]
[Mild: Slightly increases the activity of Fire-type energy in the body.]
[Medium: Moderately increases Fire-type energy and slightly improves the comprehension of Fire-type moves.]
[Extra Spicy: Greatly increases Fire-type energy and moderately improves move comprehension. Grants bonus experience when defeating Fire-type Pokémon.]
[Extra Effect: If fed to Groudon, it will slightly increase its affinity. (Limited to "Ghost Chili" spice level).]
This was the longest description of a cooking effect Natsuki had seen since obtaining his Golden Finger.
'Different spice levels bring different results. But that last one, "Ghost Chili"... it increases Groudon's affinity?'
Groudon was the legendary Super-Ancient Pokémon said to have created the continents.
It possessed the power to scatter rain clouds and expand the land by evaporating the sea with intense light and heat.
If he remembered correctly, that being should currently be slumbering deep within a volcano somewhere.
Waking Groudon was never a good thing, it would bring a catastrophe that could affect the entire world.
As for gaining Groudon's favor... better to put that aside for now. That kind of god-like existence wasn't something to be trifled with.
What if it had bad morning breath or a nasty temper upon waking up?
Natsuki shook his head and looked at the other cooking effect.
[Fragrant and Soft: After consumption, the Pokémon's body will become fragrant and its flexibility will be greatly increased. Holding them while sleeping grants an additional "Sweet Dreams" buff.]
"Oh right! There's one more dish." Natsuki took the green vegetable salad from Kangaskhan.
[Vegetable Salad (Rank C): A homely dish made from various vegetables. Combines different flavors and works perfectly when paired with BBQ. Cooking Effect: Smooth LV1, Grease-Cutting LV3.]
The three dishes were laid out on the table. Natsuki tied small bibs on Kangaskhan and Minccino.
He glanced with a smile at the two little ones, who were already drooling.
"Wipe your mouths, you can start eating now."
At his word, Kangaskhan grabbed a skewer and bit off a chunk of meat. It was fragrant and spicy.
Paired with a mouthful of salad, it was so good she nearly swallowed her tongue. Beside her, Minccino held a piece of rice cake in its tiny paws and nibbled at it.
Instantly, its large eyes squinted in bliss. It looked completely conquered by the sweet, chewy cake.
Watching the Pokémon gorge themselves was the best praise he could receive as a Trainer and a chef.
After dinner, Natsuki briefly washed up and couldn't wait to scoop Minccino into his arms.
The little Minccino was soft and squishy, and because it had eaten the Red Date Rice Cake, it gave off a faint, pleasant fragrance.
Natsuki pet it like a cat, occasionally squeezing its ears or scratching its paws.
'If only there were a TV right now', he thought. 'Lying down and watching something would be pure bliss... but watching the stars in the open air isn't a bad alternative.'
Before long, the Minccino in his arms let out a contented purring sound. The little one clearly enjoyed Natsuki's touch.
It allowed Natsuki to handle it as he pleased, looking utterly adorable.
Truly, no one in the world could resist a fluffy, fragrant, and soft Pokémon.
Suddenly, the starlight was blocked as Kangaskhan leaned over with a longing gaze, her eyes filled with envy.
"Kangask-han!"
Words were unnecessary, Natsuki instantly understood her thoughts.
Understanding perfectly, he ruthlessly rejected her.
"No way. The sleeping bag is only this big."
"Kang..."
Kangaskhan sat down dejectedly, wearing a pitiful and aggrieved expression, looking quite crestfallen.
"..."
Natsuki recalled the last time he had slept with Kangaskhan— it was back when they first met.
Seeing her like this, his heart softened.
"Ci-no~" the Minccino in his arms squeaked softly.
"I've got it!" A lightbulb flashed in Natsuki's mind, he had a plan.
Five minutes later, by the burning campfire, Kangaskhan was spread out like a giant pancake, her face full of maternal affection.
On her belly, Natsuki lay holding Minccino.
Even with the evening breeze blowing past, he didn't feel the slightest bit of cold.
Natsuki reached out and patted her. "Sweet dreams, Boss (and Minccino)!"
"Kang-long~ (Li-li)"
The next day.
In a corner of the ranch, Natsuki planted rows of Berry saplings, dots of green now adorning the field.
Kangaskhan and Minccino were using Squirtle Watering Cans to water the seedlings, keeping the soil moist.
Standing on the ridge of the field, Natsuki smiled warmly at the scene.
At this rate, with regular fertilizing and watering, he would see his first major harvest in three months.
Natsuki had roughly calculated that the wasteland he reclaimed was about an acre.
He had divided it into three sections: One for planting Pecha Berries, one for Oran Berries, and one for Leppa Berries.
"Boss, come back as soon as you're done watering! Don't play outside for too long, I'm heading back to cook lunch!" Natsuki called out to his Pokémon.
Minccino and Kangaskhan both looked up simultaneously.
Kangaskhan waved a hand to show she had heard him.
Taking off his straw hat and hanging it on a wooden post by the camp, Natsuki noticed the mountain of logs piled next to the ranch house out of the corner of his eye.
This was the result of his and his Pokémon's hard work.
[LV0 Ranch House → LV1 Ranch House]
[Poké Dollars: 0 / 10,000]
[Lumber: 500 / 450]
The lumber was sufficient, he even had 50 extra.
Now, all he needed was the money to renovate the house so they wouldn't have to camp outside anymore.
Fortunately, it wasn't the rainy season in Kalos yet, otherwise, camping outdoors would be quite risky.
Natsuki's hands didn't stop kneading dough, and his brain was working just as fast, brainstorming ways to make money.
"Maybe I should go to the Pokémon Center to pick up League commissions... or I could challenge some Gyms. Even 'robbing' kids of their pocket money is an option..."
"No, no. I need to change my mindset. I should get my startup capital as a rancher."
As his thoughts swirled and the sounds of insects and birds filled the air, Natsuki's gaze naturally drifted toward the mountains.
The mountains harbored all sorts of precious ingredients.
In the past, while adventuring, Natsuki had gathered Black Truffles. Average quality went for 5,000 Poké Dollars a pound, while top-tier ones were rare and could sell for as much as 20,000.
Natsuki had been lucky enough to find some once, allowing him and Kangaskhan to enjoy a massive feast in Lumiose City.
And truffles weren't the only expensive items in the mountains. Top-grade olive oil from Arboliva, salt from Garganacl, and shed crab claws from Klawf were all premium ingredients sought after by the nobility.
His ranch was near the sea, so there was a high probability of finding Klawf nearby.
Just thinking about those delicious, meaty crab claws made Natsuki drool.
"Tomorrow, then. I'll take the Pokémon for a walk along the coastline to see if we can find any."
Natsuki wrapped the kneaded dough in plastic wrap to let it ferment, this would be their staple food for lunch.
It was his first time attempting to make noodles. Flour-based foods tended to keep one full for longer, and Natsuki was prepared to sit by the sea all afternoon.
Hopefully, he'd catch some small fry.
He still didn't have the main ingredient for the fried fish he promised Kangaskhan.