Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

“Those children are already exhausted after a long day of running around. Besides, I believe that success is not achieved over many years, but through a single day of dedicated effort.”

Looking at her pet beast, Nan Yin didn't reveal that the reason was also due to her concern for Master Fu's health. She was never one to flaunt herself or indulge in unrestrained individuality.

Upon hearing the girl's reply, the old man's satisfaction deepened.

"Well summarized. Patience is essential to mastering any skill. Becoming a Pokémon breeder isn't easy. After systematically understanding the habits and characteristics of Pokémon, we also need to delve into their individual personalities, and the differences between regions cannot be ignored..."

Without mentioning taking on apprentices, and continuing to prune the branches, Master Fu simply explained the most basic cultivation knowledge to Nanyin.

Seeing that the other party remained calm and listened attentively, he finally nodded in agreement and accepted the letter.

“Tell that brat Blatano that this favor doesn’t count, and there’s no need for any recommendation letter. You, girl, are quite to my liking.”

As mentioned earlier, from the moment the girl tried to hurry on her way while carefully avoiding the tea leaves, Master Fu had a good impression of her, especially after their series of exchanges.

If we could give it a score, even a perfect score wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Moreover, Blatano had mentioned that the child came from a poor family.

Perhaps, to ordinary people, this is not a merit at all, but for a master who has no descendants to this day, it is different.

In the past, many descendants of prominent families or wealthy merchants became his disciples, but they were all more or less entangled in their family's interests. Master Fu was merely invited to impart knowledge and teach practical skills. This was not a master-disciple relationship, but simply a teacher and student.

However, to impart true skills, an informal master-apprentice relationship was naturally not possible. Fu Ye, who came from that era, was a rather traditional person.

Finally, he really got old, so old that even simple fertilization and pruning became extremely difficult for him.

"Before you actually begin your studies, Nan Yin, I'd like to ask you a question."

"Sir, please speak."

Unlike the detailed explanations given earlier, the old man's questions were quite direct.

"What do you think a breeder is?"

P.S.: Just wondering, could you please give me some free votes and comments? I'm a bit of a loner, and I'm afraid everyone will stay silent and I'll end up writing this book in solo mode. (ノへ~、)

Chapter Twelve Heredity and Inheritance

Breeder?

Unable to provide an answer quickly, several figures flashed through Nan Yin's mind.

The original Xiao Gang, the green of Kanto, the gold of Johto...

They are all accomplished breeders, and have made significant achievements in their respective fields.

However, if she were to use words to encompass an overall image, she could only provide a general framework.

"Through flexible planning to assist training, along with adjustments to diet and rest, we help Pokémon grow healthily and realize their potential."

Nodding slightly, Master Fu was quite satisfied with the girl's reply.

To be able to make such a summary without systematic learning is already a remarkable talent.

"That's a good point. Would you like to hear my perspective?"

"All ears."

After pruning the diseased branch and carefully considering his words, the old man slowly began to speak.

"In my opinion, the term 'breeder' does not refer to a single group. It encompasses many different fields. Helping Pokémon grow is one large category, while groups like Nurse Joy who specialize in medical care and maintenance are another."

"In fact, due to differences in region and environment, even breeders who specialize in the same art will have subtle differences."

As he put away his grooming tools, Mr. Fu couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion as he recalled the young man who had recently come to Carlos.

"Just like the breeders you mentioned, the pinnacle among them can refine the habits of Pokémon down to the individual level and tailor the most suitable growth plan for each one. The Pokémon they produce are even comparable to the main Pokémon of top trainers."

"In recent years, the most famous one is undoubtedly the Kanto Champion Blue, who is known as a breeder. Apart from basic theory, he can easily see the potential and characteristics of Pokémon just by observing them with his naked eye."

Following the old man's words, Nan Yin continued.

"And what about you, sir?"

With his hands behind his back and a smile as he stroked his beard, it was clear that Master Fu was in a very good mood.

"As for me, I'm only so-so in other areas, but I can talk about things when it comes to incubation, breeding, and the inheritance of techniques."

His words were tinged with pride, and as the red light bloomed, a small, red ladybug with antennae on its head appeared before the old man.

"This child is a ladybug with insect and flight attributes."

He gave a brief introduction and then released the bird, letting it flap its wings and create a gentle breeze that carried a refreshing aroma of tea.

"Feel anything?"

Perhaps at first, Nan Yin couldn't understand what Fu Ye meant, but soon she found a clue by comparing the changes in airflow with the individual spirits.

"This is... a tailwind."

"correct."

He revealed an expression of "this child is teachable," and the look of approval in Master Fu's eyes was even brighter.

"I suppose you already know the reason. If it's just an ordinary ladybug, it can't learn Tailwind through natural growth and the skill disc. But through inheritance from its parents and deliberate guidance, it may be able to learn this precious move."

As the old man gently stroked the ladybug's antennae, he seemed to recall the days gone by.

"Speaking of which, the birth of this child was a coincidence. Its mother was supposed to leave with her clan, but due to an accidental injury, she had to stay in the habitat of the Butterfly to recuperate."

The rest of the story was not told, but a sigh escaped from his lips.

"Pokémon is a truly amazing species. They have few racial differences and can produce changes in characteristics and moves through certain unexpected combinations. What I mean by inheritance is based on in-depth research into this foundation."

"Nanyin, can you imagine that Tyranitar, which has nothing to do with the Dragon type, can learn the most important Dragon Dance through inheritance, while Garchomp, which is known as the Earth Dragon, has been proven to have no possibility of learning it."

People have tried many times, but still found no way out and could only sigh in despair.

"No one can answer the questions that lie within. That is why I thought of becoming a breeder, to explore them one by one on my own, to eliminate preconceived notions, and to pass them on to future generations."

"For no other reason than to verify."

Having said all he could say, looking at Nan Yin, who was still in her early teens, Master Fu asked in a deep, solemn voice.

“Nanyin, although that brat Blatano wrote a letter, you don’t need to feel burdened at all. After all, the path of inheritance is not easy and is full of doubts. If you study with me, you will not be able to learn advanced knowledge in other fields. You may even get stuck in a maze and stagnate.”

Clearly, this self-deprecating remark is setting the stage for the crucial point that follows.

"Under such circumstances, you can simply build a solid foundation like the children in the dojo, and occasionally practice. I will not be stingy with resources. Of course, if you are willing to take up this banner, I will also gladly impart all my skills and knowledge to you."

Although their conversation was brief, he had already formed a certain impression of Nan Yin's character. More importantly, from their first chance encounter, he felt a strong connection between the young woman and him.

Therefore, he voluntarily removed his airs and awaited the other party's judgment.

"It all depends on your choice."

After a brief silence, Nan Yin did not say a word, but simply bent her back and bowed.

"Master."

She has never been an indecisive person; whether in her past life or this one, the girl has always been decisive.

The old man treated her kindly, so she should repay him. Moreover, this claim did not deviate from her goal and could provide her with endless convenience in the future.

"it is good."

He only said the word "good," but you could tell from his eyes that he was overjoyed.

"Nanyin, there is no ceremony required to become my disciple, but there is one requirement: you must change your tone of voice."

"Eh?"

Seeing the girl still looking bewildered, he couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

"Don't call me 'old man' anymore. Now that we're master and disciple, there's no need to be so formal. I'm sick and tired of hearing that."

"Then, Master Fu? Master?"

I called out to the old man tentatively twice, but those two affectionate terms were enough to make him smile.

“That’s more like it. It’s still early, so I’ll give you your first lesson right here. It’s very simple—learn how to use your eyes.”

"As breeders, we often need to know the physical condition of our Pokémons to set the tone for our future plans. Therefore, observation is extremely important."

Pointing to the small beast on Nan Yin's shoulder, Master Fu stated confidently.

"For example, just by looking at him, I can roughly tell that the child's father is a wolfhound. Otherwise, the sharpness of his claws and the ferocity of his nature would not be so obvious."

This indirectly explained the origin of the "fierce" tag in the Eevee panel, and in just a moment, the old man made further inferences.

"If I'm not mistaken, it should have inherited its father's techniques—"

"yawn."

Chapter Thirteen: Boredom and Mornings and Afternoons

"Buy~"

Just like the inherited techniques the old man mentioned when he was teaching, after a long and gentle explanation, Eevee opened his mouth slightly and let out a lazy yawn.

Although it had no real effect, Nan Yin also felt a little tired upon hearing her little beast's whimpering.

The spring sunshine is so enticing that just basking in it brings a sense of languidness.

"Haha, look at you all, all slumped over like this." Not showing any displeasure at the girls' weariness, Master Fu chuckled and teased them.

"Indeed, it's a rare opportunity to have a chat, and it's rare to find a satisfactory apprentice. I got so carried away that I forgot about the time."

The morning warmth had long since dissipated, but by the time one came to their senses, the sun had already reached the very center of the sky.

"Let's go back first and have lunch so we'll have the energy for everything else."

With the help of a favorable wind, countless shuttlecocks and cotton balls served as a platform, carrying the two of them steadily into the city.

"Uncle Fu, did you raise all those children?"

Having witnessed this rather shocking scene firsthand, Nan Yin naturally had such confusion.

"How could that be? These are just the results of natural selection. We planted tea fields, and they harvested their habitats. The tacit understanding and occasional assistance between us have forged our unwavering bond today."

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, what appeared before the girl's eyes was a rather simple little house.

The house is filled with bookshelves, tea sets on a kang table, and a stove in the corner; there are almost no facilities for entertainment.

"Nanyin, do you think my life is boring?"

Taking advantage of the situation, Master Fu then asked a question.

"No, being able to endure frugality is quite difficult in my opinion; it takes a lot of willpower."

Not to exaggerate, but even now, Nan Yin can't imagine how she would spend her days without electronic devices.

"What a eloquent girl! I almost forgot to ask, do you drink tea?"

"I haven't tried it before, but I'm willing to give it a try."

Despite removing the image of milk tea and taro from her mind, she still carefully told the truth.

"Hmm, not bad, we should have this attitude towards cultivation."

He took half an ounce of dried tea from the leather bag, then poured warm water that had been heated earlier into the cup. In just a moment, the refreshing aroma filled the room.

"You and the two children wait here for a while, I'll go to the stove and cook a few dishes."

"No, Master Fu, let me cook this time. Consider it a gift from apprentices to their masters when they formally became disciples."

Perhaps he was taken aback, but how could the old man not be overjoyed to receive the girl's affection and respect?

"it is good."

He uttered a single word of approval, then turned away to pull out a classic text from the bookshelf, beginning to meticulously plan his afternoon teaching schedule.

Inside the kitchen, Eevee and Scorpion curiously gathered around Nan Yin, watching her deftly slice the pork tenderloin with a swift and skillful knife.

Just like the scene before us, many times, it's not that the girl can't cook, but she's just too lazy and simply finds it troublesome.

Finding ingredients for removing fishy smells and cooking wine in the old-fashioned refrigerator beside her, Nan Yin already had an idea of ​​what to make next.