Pokemon: The Breeder's Farming Journey to Modernizing an Ancient World

The Skuntank leader lounged lazily beneath a White Apricorn tree.

At that moment, a foul stench radiated from its body, spreading in all directions.

Throughout the winter, it had remained by the White Apricorn tree, guarding it from the many magical beasts that coveted its fruits.

Fortunately, at a critical moment, it awakened a special ability to emit an overpowering stench, successfully repelling all would-be intruders.

It was also this foul smell that attracted another Skuntank and a group of Stunky, forming a small tribe.

"Tank!"

Just then, the Skuntank heard the roar of one of its companions.

It immediately sprang to its feet and dashed toward the source of the sound.

By the time it arrived, the battle had already ended.

Shinx, empowered by its Guts ability, had completely dominated the fight and emerged victorious.

"Meow meow!"

Though panting heavily in place, Shinx couldn't hide the excitement on its face despite its exhaustion.

After winning this battle, it felt as if something inside it had transformed—it was filled with confidence.

"You did a great job, Shinx," Aven said as he walked over, holding his Petilil.

Petilil gave Shinx a thumbs-up, then released a soft, green-tinted aroma from its body.

It was the move Aromatherapy, but enhanced by life energy under Petilil's control.

Not only did it heal Shinx's abnormal status conditions, but it also helped mend its injuries.

This was an improvement Petilil had conceived while experimenting with making a Full Restore, giving Aromatherapy a similar effect.

"Meow~"

Shinx purred contentedly, bathed in the healing fragrance.

The purple blotches on its body quickly faded, and its fatigue gradually vanished—it had fully recovered.

The group of Stunky, seeing their leader Skuntank had been defeated, began retreating nervously. Clearly, they realized this was not a group to mess with.

"Tank!"

But just then, a thunderous roar echoed from the distant forest.

The Skuntank leader stormed out, furious.

This was its territory—how dare intruders harm its tribe!

Seeing their leader arrive, the fallen Skuntank and the Stunky were instantly filled with joy.

"Tank!"

"Let me see who dared bully my clan!"

The Skuntank leader stood protectively in front of its comrades and looked toward the opposing group.

Suddenly, it froze.

Its eyes locked onto Aven and the Petilil in his arms—it looked stunned.

"Stunk?"

The Stunky were excited, believing everything would be fine now that their leader had arrived.

But the next moment, they all stared in shock.

Their admired leader suddenly pounced in front of the human, crouched down submissively, lifted its tail, and began wagging it energetically.

What was their leader doing!?

The Stunky couldn't make sense of it.

"Are you… the Skuntank that guarded the White Apricorn tree?"

Aven paused, then asked tentatively.

Hearing Aven's words, the Skuntank instantly nodded with excitement.

It would never forget the sweet taste of the Oran Berry Aven had once fed it!

"Meow meow!"

Shinx also stepped forward, circling the Skuntank and observing it.

Then, it called out excitedly.

There was no mistake—this was the Skuntank it had matched wits with countless times… and never once lost to.

"So, it really is you. Looks like you've been doing well here," Aven laughed heartily.

He thought of the White Apricorn tree.

Since the Skuntank was still here, the tree was probably safe too, and that made him feel relieved.

"Tank~"

The Skuntank nodded again, wagging its tail with an eager look on its face.

"You want another Oran Berry?"

Aven guessed, then pulled one from his bag and handed it over.

The Skuntank's eyes lit up.

It devoured the berry in a single gulp, its face glowing with satisfaction.

"RHY!"

Just then, Rhydon approached.

It still remembered this old rival—the Skuntank it had defeated.

Now it was eager to challenge it again.

Last time, it had won with help from Petilil and Cherrim, but this time it felt confident it could win solo.

Sensing the pressure emanating from Rhydon, the Skuntank shrank back slightly and gave a fawning look.

Rhydon scratched its head, unsure whether it should even bother fighting such a timid opponent.

"Skuntank, take me to see the White Apricorn tree," Aven said, getting to the point.

The Skuntank hesitated briefly, then nodded and returned to its tribe.

The Stunky were still baffled, unable to understand why their fearsome leader had suddenly turned into a bootlicker.

But gradually, they began to realize—this human and his magical beasts weren't ones they could ever hope to defeat.

"Tank!"

The Skuntank gave the fallen Skuntank a pat on the head, then eagerly led Aven toward the White Apricorn tree.

The tall tree stood quietly, its branches bare—clearly not the fruiting season.

However, Aven noticed many claw marks on the trunk, evidence of intense battles fought to protect it.

"As long as it's still alive, that's what matters."

Aven gently patted the tree.

With growth fertilizer and Vileplume around, this tree wouldn't die.

He let out a sigh of relief. If this tree had perished, he would've been forced to grow new ones from the few berries he had left.

"Skuntank, I'm going to take this tree with me."

The Skuntank's expression changed.

"You can name your price. I'll do my best to meet it."

The Skuntank was clearly shaken.

"For example, I can plant a Oran Berry tree here for you."

Its eyes immediately lit up with joy.

"Have you decided what you want?"

The Skuntank hesitated.

Its gaze swept over Rhydon, Mightyena, and Shinx… then it suddenly made up its mind.

"Tank~"

It crouched low to the ground again, tail wagging furiously in a flattering posture.

Then, it ran over and sat obediently between Rhydon and Mightyena like a good little minion.

Seeing this, Aven fell silent. Then, he asked tentatively,

"You want to come with me?"

The Skuntank nodded furiously.

It had seen enough—only by following Aven would it have a future.

"Alright. That's fine."

"When I leave the Black Forest, I'll take you and your tribe with me."

Aven breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn't a big deal. Fruitvale Village had plenty of magical beasts already—a small Skuntank tribe wouldn't hurt.

Hearing this, the Skuntank beamed with joy, wagging its tail excitedly.

"Vileplume, use Grassy Terrain to help the tree recover."

Vileplume nodded.

A glow of green light pulsed from its body, spreading outward and enveloping the area.

Soon, healing energy bathed the White Apricorn tree, and the claw marks began to close rapidly.

Before long, it looked nearly restored.

As it used Grassy Terrain, Vileplume seemed to sense something and ran toward a grassy patch nearby.

A moment later, it returned carefully cradling a small seedling—Aven was stunned.

"A White Apricorn sapling?" His eyes lit up.

Vileplume nodded rapidly, placed the sapling down, and dashed off again.

Soon, it returned with six more saplings, all White Apricorn trees it had sensed.

Had Vileplume not found them, the tiny saplings would've been overwhelmed by the surrounding grass and died.

Even if they had survived, they could easily have been trampled by passing beasts.

"Well done, Vileplume."

(End of Chapter)