Chapter 15 First Pokemon!

Budew's favorability had climbed from 0 to 5, but there was still room for improvement.

Hu Yang understood that Budews were often shy and gentle Pokémon that tended to inhabit areas near clear waters, such as ponds. Unlike territorial Pokémon like Beedrill, Budews were generally not very territorial. They possessed a laid-back attitude towards other Pokémon and humans, as long as they weren't threatened.

Those initial 5 points of favorability represented Budew's baseline comfort with friendly humans.

After a night of caring for Budew—watering, feeding, and letting it bask in the sun—its personal favorability towards Hu Yang had increased, now sitting at 15.

Hu Yang looked at Budew's information and noted that its emotional and physical state had changed accordingly.

[Race: Budew ♀]

Attribute: Grass, Poison

Characteristic Trait: Leaf Defense

Species Strength: 280 (Life: 40, Attack: 30, Defense: 35, Special Attack: 50, Special Defense: 70, Speed: 55)

Known moves: Absorb, Stun Spore, Seed Bomb

Current Mood: Happy

Physical Status: Relaxed

Friendliness: 15 (with you, it is very comfortable)

"Little one, would you like to stay like this?" Hu Yang took out a Poké Ball and crouched in front of Budew, ready to officially capture it.

Pokémon were intelligent creatures in this world, and capturing them involved various methods:

Firstly, one could use force to defeat wild Pokémon, rendering them unable to battle, and then capture them with a Poké Ball. This was a one-sided, forced capture.

Secondly, a trainer could propose to capture a wild Pokémon, and the Pokémon would acknowledge this proposal, signaling its willingness to join the trainer. This method required the trainer to prove themselves to the Pokémon through battle.

Thirdly, wild Pokémon could actively choose to follow a trainer they felt could help them become stronger.

Lastly, a more harmonious method involved influencing the wild Pokémon through a positive connection, often leading to mutual submission.

When Ash first encountered Pikachu, for instance, Pikachu initially resisted his commands. However, Ash protected Pikachu from harm, earning the Pokémon's trust and friendship, eventually leading to a strong bond between them.

"Nini?" Hearing Hu Yang's words, Budew looked puzzled, glancing at the red and white ball in front of it.

Hu Yang explained, "This means I want to become your trainer, and you'll live with us from now on."

Budew seemed to grasp the concept and looked out of the window at the forest, reminiscing about its experiences from yesterday to the present.

"Nini..." Budew hesitated, its face reflecting a mix of emotions.

"I can help you become stronger and evolve into Roselia," Hu Yang continued.

Budew paused, and its hesitation lessened.

"You'll still enjoy the sun and clean water every day."

"Nini..." It appeared increasingly intrigued.

"I'll also prepare lots of delicious food for you! Many things you've never tasted before."

At this point, Budew's internal scale had tipped completely. Its small eyes gleamed with interest. "Nini?"

Although Hu Yang couldn't understand Budew's language, he miraculously comprehended its meaning. He responded with a smile, "Yes, even better than what you had last night."

Last night, he hadn't allowed Budew to leave, so he had procured an additional Pokémon from the cafeteria. It was a dish made from honey, flour, and Berries. While not as nutritionally complete as professional Pokéblocks, it was already delicious compared to wild Berries.

"Nini!" Budew eagerly agreed.

"In that case, I'll take you in!" Hu Yang pressed the button on the red and white Poké Ball. It instantly shrank to its normal size.

A red light burst from the ball, enveloping Budew and sealing it inside the Poké Ball.

Hu Yang held the Poké Ball in his hand. It swayed slightly, as if the Pokémon inside was adjusting to its new environment. Soon, it became still, signifying a successful capture.

Hu Yang grinned, saying, "I didn't expect you to be such a foodie."

But he wasn't deceiving Budew; he genuinely intended to provide his Pokémon with delicious meals. Meeting a Pokémon's nutritional needs not only facilitated their growth but also made them happier.

With the Poké Ball containing Budew in his hand, a new message unexpectedly appeared in Hu Yang's mind.

[Name: Budew]

Attribute: Grass, Poison

Initial Trainer: Hu Yang

Possessions: None

Notes: Shy Personality

Encountered in Petalburg Woods

Prefers cleanliness.

Owned Ribbon: No

Hu Yang was momentarily taken aback. This was the data interface typically seen in games after capturing Pokémon.

The initial sections were straightforward, but what intrigued Hu Yang was the "Notes" section, which contained a description of Budew's personality. While in games, various personalities could affect a Pokémon's stats, it wasn't a concept heavily explored in the anime. Moreover, real Pokémon likely had complex personalities that couldn't be summed up in just one word.

Also, Pokémon's personalities could change after evolution.

Perhaps this "shyness" was just a way to describe Budew's character and wouldn't significantly impact its Special Attack, for example.

The "Owned Ribbon" section, usually found in games, tracked a Pokémon's achievements throughout its journey, such as victories in battles or contests.

Although limited, these features would undoubtedly help trainers better understand their Pokémon.

Hu Yang stored away the data interface. Afraid of accidentally releasing the Poké Ball and wasting two hundred dollars, he decided to press the white button on the Poké Ball instead.

A white light emitted from the ball, coalescing into a silhouette of Budew on the desk.

"Nini!" Budew looked content in its new home.

Hu Yang was also delighted because he finally had a genuine Starter Pokémon.

Cramorant, seeming to catch the joyful atmosphere, stood beside him and made cheerful "ga ga" sounds.