Chapter 82

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Dak rummaged through the studio for some Berries he had previously extracted from a "Berry Gift Pack." He also found a medicinal herb from the "Magical Shop," which had been used by Iris and Dent in the original story to treat an injury of a Pokémon.

He crushed these ingredients into a paste and handed it to Mihawk.

"Is this medicine?"

Mihawk looked at the small bowl of deep green paste, sniffed it without detecting any foul smell.

It smelled tart and sweet, probably not bad-tasting.

Mihawk made this judgment based on his sense of smell.

He then took a small spoon, intending to feed Psyduck, but the Pokémon seemed resistant, pushing the spoon away and turning its head.

"The medicine actually doesn't taste very good. Pokémon have a more sensitive sense of smell, and they can detect it," Dak explained to a puzzled Mihawk.

The medicine was indeed not very palatable. In the original story, after eating it, the Pokémon's already grim expression worsened, although the medication was effective and quickly made it feel much better.

"Eat."

Mihawk was succinct, gently patting Psyduck's belly. Reluctantly, the little one opened its beak.

"Quack~"

After swallowing a spoonful, Psyduck visibly grimaced, clutching its head in discomfort.

"Bear with it."

Mihawk continued feeding.

"Here, this might help."

Sugar, standing nearby, pulled a candy from her pocket and handed it to Mihawk. "My sister always uses these when she gives me medicine."

Good idea.

Mihawk nodded, taking the candy from Sugar. He learned yet another trick for child care—a skill that was utterly useless to his former self but now proved valuable.

After Psyduck reluctantly finished the medicine, Mihawk turned back to Dak.

"Pokémon are quite robust; usually, one dose of medicine is enough for recovery. It should feel better by tomorrow."

Although Mihawk didn't speak, Dak understood what he meant.

Perhaps due to their improved relationship and newfound understanding, Dak could now guess Mihawk's thoughts easily; the man was surprisingly straightforward.

"Alright, how much do I owe you?"

"Um, 50 Belly."

Dak paused.

He hadn't yet planned a pricing structure for medical services at the 'Pokémon Center.'

But Mihawk's question prompted Dak to start thinking. In the realm of medical care, Dak decided not to profit.

Future use of Pokémon Center recovery machines would only charge a nominal fee for electricity, 500 Belly.

Equivalent to the price of two years ago for a Chopper, or a cotton candy.

For other illnesses, only the cost of materials would be charged; all other fees would be waived.

"Okay."

Mihawk nodded. However, he didn't hurry away but instead turned to look around the shop.

At that moment, he noticed the plethora of eggs suddenly filling the store.

It was a dizzying sight.

"How about it? Want to buy an egg?"

Dak nudged Mihawk, inquiring if he was interested.

"Maybe in a few days, after Psyduck gets better," Mihawk indeed contemplated getting another Pokémon.

Not to train a swordmaster capable of defeating him, as before, but because he didn't want Psyduck to be lonely.

Mihawk often practiced intense swordplay, and Psyduck would just sit there, staring blankly. Mihawk wondered if Psyduck felt bored.

"Where have you been staying recently? Pokémon usually have strong constitutions and shouldn't fall ill so easily unless there's been a significant environmental change."

Dak voiced another of his lingering questions.

"Uh"

"I'll come with you."

Seeing Mihawk hesitate, Dak decided to accompany him to check things out.

"Alright."

Mihawk nodded.

Having Dak come along might help determine the cause of Psyduck's illness.

As Dak left the shop with Mihawk, he shivered the moment he stepped outside.

The sky was snowing.

They were in a small town blanketed in snow, where Mihawk resided in one of the houses.

It was hard to tell whose unlucky pirate's house it was.

"Where is this?"

"Somewhere on the Grand Line's winter islands, not sure exactly."

Mihawk shrugged, never one to keep track of his locations.

"Psyduck might have gotten cold."

Dak rubbed his forehead and looked at Psyduck.

Although Psyduck seemed oblivious, his body had already reacted.

As a Water-type Pokémon, Psyduck had a high tolerance for cold, so even if it felt chilly, it wouldn't show obvious discomfort.

The only way to tell if Psyduck felt cold was to check its palms.

Since Psyduck always held its head, its palms didn't touch the outside world, making them sensitive to temperature changes.

Dak grabbed Psyduck's hand, holding its head, and saw a faint redness in the palm—it wasn't obvious, but it was there.

He explained Psyduck's condition to Mihawk, who gained new insight.

"If you're cold, how could Psyduck not be, especially since it's not an Ice-type Pokémon?"

Dak pulled off the scarf around Mihawk's neck and wrapped it around Psyduck's neck.

The little one didn't respond much, but its expression clearly showed it felt more comfortable.

"I see."

Mihawk, looking at Psyduck, nodded. "Thanks."

"No problem, just be more careful next time. I need to go back."

Dak, feeling frozen, headed back to the shop.

But as soon as he returned, Sugar came running up, her big eyes looking up at him imploringly.

She was smart, using her cuteness and youth to charm the adults.

"Dak."

"What's up?"

"I want to go out and play in the snow."

Sugar looked at Dak pitifully; she had been inside the shop for many days.

"Dedenne."

"Eevee~"

"Smooch!"

The other little ones followed Sugar, showing various expressions to Dak.

Dak suddenly realized that the little ones hadn't been out for a while.

For those who had experienced the outside world, staying in all the time must be tough.

"Come to think of it, none of you have seen snow before. So today, let's have a snowball fight!"

Dak smacked his forehead, regretting his oversight, but quickly waved his hand, planning to take everyone out. "Sugar, go call your sister. Robin, help me get Bon, Iceberg, and Sceptile back. Everyone's off today, let's all go out and play."

"Boss is right!!!"

Bellamy's voice came first, followed by his appearance.

Bellamy had been training in the men's dormitory, but his voice carried through the door before he burst out.

About ten minutes later.

Mihawk, who had stayed to watch Psyduck build a snowman, turned his head to see Dak leading a group towards him.

Whack.

Before Mihawk could see clearly who was approaching, a soft snowball hit him.

He could dodge, but that would mean letting Psyduck get hit.

Mihawk just watched as the snowball hit his hat, and the little girl next to Dak flashed a mischievous smile.

Mihawk turned back to the diligently snowman-building Psyduck, thinking it was much cuter.

Arriving on the snowy ground, Dak didn't need to give any orders; the Pokémon spontaneously started frolicking.

Some were having snowball fights, others building snowmen, and some chased each other around in the snow.

Iceberg and Sceptile were stunned.

They thought they were called for something urgent, but it turned out just to be for fun.

Now, one preoccupied with the sea train and the other wanting to sleep in the small forest inside the branch.

Iceberg massaged his temples, but then he smiled, deciding to join in the fun since he was already there—it had been a long time since he'd played so freely.

As for Sceptile.

After getting hit by a stray snowball, he cursed and walked off; he hated the cold weather.

After a day of activities, everyone returned to their tasks.

It was on the third morning that Bon brought news.

The Water 7 branch was completed.

So was the Navy's base.

Water 7's North Shore was overflowing with people, and all the major shipyards and shops were closed as a huge crowd planned to buy a Pokémon.

Dak knew they were eager, but he couldn't rush things.

He had to settle his business with the Navy first and get those two billion Belly.

Not just for Giratina and the special ability seeds but also because he didn't have enough Magical Coins to purchase the large number of Pokémon eggs needed to sell to the people of Water 7.

"Robin, have Bon organize a pre-order event at the North Shore before opening the shop. Record how many people want to buy Pokémon eggs, and make sure to ask whether they want a family companion or a helper, and get an idea of their price expectations."

Dak gave his instructions.

He needed a clear inventory of how many and what quality of Pokémon eggs to buy from the Magical Shop.

In the days to come.

Their Mystery Hatchery House might earn money quickly.

But spending it would be just as fast.

Especially on Pokémon Island, no matter the situation, it was expected to require significant investment from Dak.

Housing the Pokémon species there would cost Magical Coins.

Building various facilities there would cost Belly to hire workers.

And who knows what else might need funding.

Dak resolved to save where he could, not skimp on necessary expenses, and absolutely not waste a penny where it wasn't needed.

(End of Chapter)