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When it comes to Pokémon suitable for a ranch, there's no shortage of choices.
First, there are Mareep and Dubwool, both known for their high-quality wool.
Mareep's fleece is prized for its unique ability to keep warm in winter and cool in summer.
Meanwhile, Dubwool's wool is renowned for its impressive durability, making it an ideal material for clothing and carpets.
Then, there are Miltank and Skiddo, both capable of producing nutritious milk.
Moomoo Milk is widely regarded as one of the finest dairy products in the Pokémon world, boasting a rich flavour and exceptional nutritional value.
Skiddo's milk may not be as famous, but it is still considered a rare and valuable supplement.
Additionally, Mudbray and Tauros are great candidates for ranch life. When fully evolved, Mudsdale can use its incredible strength to assist in ploughing fields, supporting the farm's crop production.
Meanwhile, Tauros and Miltank can produce Eggs that hatch into more of their kind, ensuring a steady population.
Tropius is another interesting option. The fruit that grows around its neck is said to be delicious, making it a potential source of income as well.
However, before any new Pokémon can be introduced to the ranch, the old fencing around the farm needs to be replaced.
Sean wasn't wrong the fences were so worn out that even a Caterpie could probably chew through them, let alone the much stronger Pokémon Kai planned to bring in.
With a resigned sigh, Kai muttered, "I guess I should focus on saving up enough money to build new fences first."
After doing some quick calculations accounting for his daily expenses and the earnings from the last sale Kai found that he currently had 57,350 Poké Dollars saved up.
Previously, he had inquired with the Machoke Construction Crew, and they estimated that replacing all the fences would cost at least 80,000 Poké Dollars.
"Looks like I'll need to find a way to earn more…"
Kai concluded that his best course of action would be to expand his crop production first, then move on to developing the ranch and lake areas.
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The Next Morning
At dawn, Kai was already busy tending to the fields, having grown accustomed to his new routine.
His main task for the morning was clearing out the crops that could only be harvested once.
Tomatoes, strawberries, and cabbages would continue to yield produce over time, but eggplants were a different story.
While they could technically bear fruit a second time, the quality and size of the second harvest would be significantly inferior to the first.
As Kai worked, Eldegoss took the lead in guiding the newly evolved Whimsicott, helping them get familiar with their new duties around the farm.
With their numbers increasing, the efficiency of crop cultivation has improved significantly. However, Kai knew that once he expanded the fields, their current workforce still wouldn't be enough.
Despite this, he wasn't in a rush to recruit new Pokémon just yet.
After all, just feeding the Pokémon he currently had was already a considerable expense. Expanding recklessly without a financial plan would only lead to a financial collapse.
By the time he finished his farm work, it was already noon.
Without wasting time, Kai moved on to preparing lunch for his Pokémon. On regular days, the meals weren't as elaborate as the previous feast, but they were still nutritious and filling.
After everyone had eaten, Kai was about to take a well-earned nap when the leader of the Poliwag group approached him.
Kai blinked in confusion. Normally, the three smaller Poliwag were always following their leader. But today, they were nowhere to be seen.
Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Where are your little brothers?"
The Poliwag shook its head, indicating that it had sent them back to Thunderclap Lake to rest before coming to find Kai alone.
"Poli poli!"
With a determined expression, the Poliwag began demonstrating something.
First, it confidently ran a few circles around Kai, showing off its increasingly stable movements on land.
Then, it opened its wide mouth and unleashed a steady stream of water onto the ground Water Gun.
Next, it swung its round, smooth tail twice, striking a small rock. However, its power was lacking, and the rock merely tumbled a short distance.
That was a Pound.
The Poliwag then followed up by using Mud Shot, Bubble Beam, and Mist, seemingly showcasing all the moves it had mastered so far.
Kai stroked his chin in thought, 'This was unusual behaviour'
Then, he noticed the Poliwag glancing toward Swampert and Ceruledge, who were in the middle of an intense sparring session.
It didn't take long for Kai to put the pieces together.
"…You want to become stronger?"
The Poliwag flinched slightly before nodding.
Kai's assumption was correct it had come to seek training.
However, Kai also caught something else in its expression.
Amidst the determination, there was a hint of… anxiety. Even fear?
What was it so worried about?
Though he wasn't entirely sure, Kai decided to accept the Poliwag's request.
After thinking for a moment, he led it toward a familiar spot where Growlithe was watching Swampert and Ceruledge spar.
Since Poliwag wanted to get stronger, there just so happened to be a perfect training partner for it here.
At the same time, it would be a great opportunity for Growlithe to build resistance against Water-type moves, which were quadruple effective against it.
A win-win situation.
As Kai arrived, Moltres finally let out a relieved sigh, glad that someone else had come to take over watching Growlithe.
Last night, after witnessing the Whimsicott evolve, the little pup had been full of restless energy excitedly running around all night, making it impossible for Moltres to get any sleep.
Now that its "dad" had arrived, Moltres could finally go take a well-deserved nap.
Not far away, Swampert and Ceruledge continued their sparring, their attacks creating shockwaves that would be too dangerous for the still-weak Poliwag and Growlithe.
So, Kai led them to a safer clearing nearby.
As they walked, he pondered how to structure Poliwag's training.
As the leader of its small group, this Poliwag had the potential to evolve into a Politoed.
Unlike its Poliwrath counterpart, Politoed was more specialized in manipulating the weather.
Kai had already examined the abilities of all four Poliwag.
Two had the Water Absorb ability, one had Damp, and the leader, the one standing before him, had the hidden ability, Swift Swim.
This meant that once it evolved into Politoed, its ability would change into the extremely rare Drizzle!
To put into perspective how rare that was, only three known Pokémon naturally possessed Drizzle as an ability:
1. Pelipper
2. Politoed
3. Kyogre, the Creator of the Ocean
A Drizzle Politoed wasn't just a Pokémon with the move Rain Dance it was a true rainmaker, capable of summoning storms with a mere presence.
With that kind of ability, once it evolved, this Poliwag would become one of the most vital Pokémon on the farm!
Kai's gaze sharpened.
This training wasn't just about making Poliwag stronger.
It was about unlocking its full potential.
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