Chapter 7:Capture Growlithe

Morimachi.

This is the closest city to Rice Fragrance Village.

Inside a room at the Pokémon Hospital,

Growlithe lay on the bed.

Its breathing had stabilized.

"The reason this Growlithe hasn't woken up yet is that it sustained heavy injuries and exhausted all its energy," the Pokémon doctor said to Natsume while looking at the examination report. "Once this IV drip is finished and the nutrients replenish its energy, it will wake up."

"Chah k~"

Chansey beside the doctor made a reassuring expression toward Natsume.

Listening to the doctor's words, Natsume let out a sigh of relief: "Thank you."

The Pokémon doctor tucked away the medical report: "No need to mention it."

"However, the information indicates that this Growlithe doesn't have a Trainer. Are you not planning to capture it?"

Natsume instinctively glanced at Growlithe at the doctor's comment.

Name: Growlithe

Type: Fire

Level: lv16

Ability: Flash Fire

Individual Values: HP 26, Attack 31, Defense 31, Special Attack 26, Special Defense 28, Speed 31

Moves: Leer, Ember, Howl, Bite, Flame Wheel

Inherited Moves: Morning Sun

Potential: Near Champion

This Growlithe has very high potential.

A Near Champion-level Pokémon isn't easy to encounter in the wilderness.

Natsume definitely wanted to capture this Growlithe.

"I really like this little one."

Natsume gazed at Growlithe: "Even though it's badly injured, it still doesn't give up fighting."

"To protect others, it stands up boldly."

"Determined, resilient, loyal—what's not to like about a Pokémon with these qualities?"

As he spoke, Natsume took out a Poké Ball: "So, I hope this is a mutual decision!"

On the hospital bed,

Growlithe slowly opened its eyes.

Natsume smiled as he watched Growlithe wake up: "You're awake, Growlithe."

"Awooo~"

Growlithe let out a gentle call as it looked at Natsume sitting by the window.

"Growlithe."

Natsume directly asked, "Do you want to be my Pokémon?"

"We can take care of the farm together."

Growlithe's fiery gaze fixed on Natsume.

With its keen sense of smell, Growlithe could detect the scent of itself on Natsume.

Clearly, Growlithe had been carried by Natsume all the way here.

This deeply touched Growlithe.

Noticing that Growlithe was silent, Natsume tentatively asked, "Or do you want to have a battle?"

"Awooo~"

Growlithe sat up on the bed, extending its paw to gently bat at the Poké Ball in Natsume's hand.

Smack~

A flash of red light shot out.

Ding!

The Poké Ball stopped shaking immediately.

"Dratini~"

"Sandshrew~"

Dratini and Sandshrew both crowded around the Poké Ball that had just captured Growlithe.

Natsume grinned: "I captured Growlithe!"

The Pokémon doctor observed the scene and said, "It seems this was indeed a mutual decision."

"However, Mr. Natsume, could you please release your Growlithe?"

"It hasn't finished its IV drip yet."

"Sure~"

Natsume held the Poké Ball: "Come on out, Growlithe~"

"Awooo~"

The Growlithe species has been living alongside humans for a long time.

As a result, even wild Growlithe tend to have an innate familiarity with humans.

"Growlithe, how did you end up in a conflict with that group of Houndour?"

Natsume asked his curious question while sitting by the bed and looking at Growlithe.

"Awooo, Awooo."

Growlithe explained the reason.

Natsume didn't understand, so he looked over at Dratini.

"Dratini, Dratini~"

Dratini drew two circles on the ground with its tail, one circle facing Growlithe and the other facing itself.

"Dratini~!"

Dratini then made a fierce expression.

Natsume quickly understood.

"Was it a territory dispute?"

"Awooo."

Growlithe nodded, looking a bit dejected.

Natsume patted Growlithe's head and smiled: "Don't be sad, Growlithe."

"I'll help you become stronger."

"Strong enough that you can give those Houndour a good beating."

"And then let them be your underlings to help guard the farm. How does that sound?"

Hearing Natsume's words, Growlithe's fighting spirit rekindled immediately.

"Awooo~"

After Growlithe finished the IV drip, Natsume took everyone to the Pokémon Trading Center.

While Evolutionary Stones like the Water Stone aren't as rare as special treasures, they are still essentials for some Trainers.

Their Pokémon can only evolve using a Water Stone.

Natsume sold his Water Stone to the trading center for the price of 1,200,000 yen.

By the time Natsume and the others walked out of the trading center, it was already past ten at night.

"Everyone, let's head home for now."

Natsume said to Dratini and the others.

"Dratini?"

Dratini tilted its head curiously at Natsume.

Natsume raised his hand to hail a taxi on the side of the road: "It's the place where I used to live."