Chapter 22: Farfetch’d’s Leek

Thinking of this, Heath picked up the Food Ingredient Identifier and used it on Farfetch'd.

[Farfetch'd: Edible, non-toxic, meat is tender and juicy. Knock out before consumption to prevent excessive fright and ruptured blood vessels, which could affect taste.]

Heath's mouth twitched. This really was a food identifier, even providing preparation instructions. However, Heath had no interest in eating a Farfetch'd protected by the Indigo League.

Heath felt that ordinary roast duck was good enough, and besides, Farfetch'd was his companion and family. He couldn't bear to put Farfetch'd on the dinner table.

But then Heath realized he might have been foolish. This Food Ingredient Identifier should be used in Evergreen Forest.

"A mistake... If I use it in Evergreen Forest, at least I can identify the specific details of that Pokémon... Wait, can it identify humans?" A bold idea emerged in Heath's mind.

If it worked, Heath thought he might have discovered an incredible tool. However, since it could only be used once a day, he had to wait until tomorrow to try it out.

"It seems business is slow now. Let's go to the market, Farfetch'd," Heath said, glancing at his watch. It was already afternoon.

After buying the ducks and other ingredients at the market, Heath returned to the Officer Jenny dormitory with Farfetch'd and began teaching it how to make Peking Roast Duck.

Peking Roast Duck was different from braised tofu and pork. For braised tofu and pork, Heath could control the amount of ingredients to prevent Farfetch'd from causing too much waste, but that wasn't possible with Peking Roast Duck.

The preparation of Peking Roast Duck was relatively simple, but it couldn't be cut into small pieces for Farfetch'd to make mistakes gradually. Therefore, Heath had to teach Farfetch'd very strictly.

Watching Farfetch'd naturally slice open the duck with its leek, Heath couldn't help but feel a bit odd.

It seemed that, in the eyes of Pokémon, wild animals weren't considered their kin, so Farfetch'd had no qualms about slicing a duck.

"Right, now you need to apply this. It's the honey I made. Just spread it on," Heath patiently instructed Farfetch'd, feeling their relationship was somewhat peculiar.

Normally, Heath should be Farfetch'd's trainer, but in cooking, Heath was more like a mentor, and Farfetch'd was his apprentice.

Fortunately, making Peking Roast Duck wasn't too complicated. With Heath's guidance, Farfetch'd successfully made a decent Peking Roast Duck. Heath tasted it and found it quite good.

Next, Farfetch'd needed to make it independently. During this process, Heath couldn't provide any verbal instructions as Farfetch'd had to complete it on its own.

Heath sincerely hoped that Farfetch'd wouldn't try to use equivalent exchange from "Fullmetal Alchemist" and produce something ridiculous. Otherwise, Heath might be furious.

While Heath was praying, Farfetch'd suddenly put down its leek with a dejected expression.

"Farfetch'd, what's wrong?" Heath asked, puzzled. There was still one duck left, and they had enough ingredients.

Could it be that Farfetch'd had a conscience and realized it was also a duck, thus deciding not to learn how to make Peking Roast Duck?

"Leek," Farfetch'd said despondently, pushing its leek toward Heath. Curious, Heath took a closer look.

The previously fine leek now had a nick, probably from accidentally hitting a knife.

"Do you need to find a new one?" Heath asked. Farfetch'd was a unique Pokémon, often carrying a leek, which was becoming increasingly rare due to environmental destruction.

Wild Farfetch'd would even fight fiercely over a good leek. Heath had always wondered where Farfetch'd got its leeks but had never followed it to find out.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Heath asked. Farfetch'd seemed ready to find a new leek, and Heath was interested in gathering some as well.

"Leek!" Farfetch'd shook its head decisively.

"But we'll be traveling. You can't always find a new leek every time one gets damaged, right?" Heath said, half-jokingly.

This made Farfetch'd hesitate. After looking at Heath for a while, Farfetch'd finally nodded, agreeing to take Heath along to find a new leek.

Heath curiously followed Farfetch'd, soon realizing they were heading toward Evergreen Forest. He quickly called out to Farfetch'd.

"Your leek is in Evergreen Forest?" Heath asked, and Farfetch'd nodded.

Heath quickly turned back, prepared a meal of sweet and sour ribs in a lunchbox, and covered the Poké Balls. Then he set off for Evergreen Forest with Farfetch'd.

Upon arriving at Evergreen Forest, Heath saw many Officer Jennys patrolling. Maple was giving instructions to her sisters and only noticed Heath when he approached amidst their laughter.

"What are you doing here?" Maple asked, her face stern. Heath could see the veins bulging on her clenched fists.

Heath quickly explained the situation. Maple remained skeptical until Heath showed her Farfetch'd's damaged leek, after which she reluctantly allowed Heath to enter.

For safety, she gave Heath a communication device. If he pressed the button, she would bring her team immediately.

Entering Evergreen Forest again, Heath felt completely different from his previous nighttime visit. During the day, it looked like an ordinary forest.

However, the wild Pokémon inside were numerous. They scurried through the underbrush, and Caterpies curiously watched Heath from tree trunks.

Heath decided to follow Farfetch'd to find the leek first and then consider how to locate the wild Pokémon.

As they moved deeper into the forest, Farfetch'd suddenly stopped. Heath then noticed a little girl holding a teddy bear standing in front of them.

(End of Chapter)