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"Is this really the construction site for the Day Care? There isn't even a shed here—no workers at all. This can't be fake, right?"
Sato looked at the barren land before him—not a single roof tile in sight. He scanned the surroundings, but there wasn't a soul around. His face immediately filled with black lines as he thought this.
Still, at least there was a sign. It clearly stated that construction of the Day Care had been temporarily suspended due to a lack of funds and that investors were currently being sought. A contact number was also listed.
"Hello, is this the Day Care?"
With no other choice, Sato took out his communicator and dialed the number on the sign. The call went through quickly, and he immediately asked to confirm the other party's identity.
"Yes, young man. I'm Takeda Jiro, the person in charge of the Day Care. Are you here to invest in my Day Care? Let me tell you—back in my day—"
A slightly aged voice came through the communicator. The man immediately launched into asking whether Sato wanted to invest, followed by an enthusiastic recounting of his glorious past.
From what he could gather, this elderly man named Takeda Jiro was the one planning to establish the Day Care. Judging by his self-praise, he claimed to have once been a very famous Pokémon breeder in the Johto region.
However, Sato had never heard of a renowned breeder named Takeda Jiro in Johto. He had heard of Takeda Taro—but that man was the famous founder of Goldenrod City's prestigious Goldenrod Day Care.
"Could he be a scammer? But this really is Route 117. And in the future, there really will be a Day Care here that becomes famous across Hoenn."
Sato listened patiently to the man's boasting, feeling uncertain inside.
"Mr. Takeda, hello. My name is Tyler. I do have some spare funds and am interested in investing in your Day Care. But may I ask—where are you right now? I've arrived at the construction site, but there isn't anyone here."
Deciding to give him a chance, Sato spoke frankly about his intentions.
"Oh! So you're Mr. Tyler—thank you so much! Investing in my Day Care is absolutely the right decision. I'm currently in Flower Village, just south of the construction site. Walk south for about half an hour and you'll arrive."
"I'm getting on in years and can't walk much anymore. If you want to discuss the investment face-to-face, please come find me in Flower Village. I'll be waiting."
As soon as Takeda Jiro heard that Sato was interested in investing, his tone became noticeably more polite, and he quickly provided his current location.
"So there's a village nearby after all. That works—after walking for so long, it's about time to rest."
After receiving the directions, Sato took out his compass and looked toward the south, pondering quietly.
Sure enough, Takeda Jiro hadn't lied. After riding his off-road bicycle for seven or eight minutes, Sato saw a village ahead, its entrance lined with flowerbeds.
Before he even reached it, a refreshing floral fragrance drifted toward him on the breeze. Taking a breath, Sato immediately felt his mood improve.
"Pika~"
Pikachu was also intoxicated by the scent. It wore a blissful expression and let out a cheerful cry.
"Woof! Woof! Woof—!"
However, just as Sato approached Flower Village, a Mightyena came charging out from the village entrance with several Poochyena in tow, barking fiercely at the unfamiliar Sato and Pikachu.
Sato's expression changed instantly at the sight of the aggressive dogs. Just as he was hesitating whether to let Pikachu teach them a lesson, a little girl in a floral dress came hopping out of the village with a Treecko and stopped in front of the Mightyena.
The previously ferocious Mightyena and Poochyena immediately tucked their tails like mice seeing a cat and fell silent.
"Big brother, if you give me something tasty, I'll help you stop Big Black and the others."
The little girl looked at Sato with curious, sparkling eyes. After rolling them around mischievously, she spoke in a sweet, childish voice.
As she spoke, she tilted her chin up and stretched out her hand, clearly demanding a bribe.
Seeing this, Sato immediately understood—the dogs were obviously hers, and she must have bullied them plenty in the past.
"Alright, here you go."
Amused, Sato took out a bag of potato chips he usually ate as a snack from his storage equipment and handed it to her with a smile.
"Heeheehee~"
Seeing that Sato actually gave her snacks, the girl's eyes immediately lit up with a triumphant glint. Without any shyness, she rushed forward, snatched the chips, and laughed happily.
"You little rascal—how dare you trick people out of food again? Give it back right now!"
At that moment, a middle-aged woman stepped out from a nearby house, scolding the girl sternly.
"No! Big brother gave this to me! Come on, Little Green, let's go!"
Seeing her mother coming to confiscate the snacks, the girl grabbed Treecko and bolted, shouting loudly.
Unfortunately, with her short legs, she was no match for her mother. Within seconds, she was dragged back by the ear and brought before Sato.
"Auntie, it's really fine. I gave it to her. These chips are tasty and won't cause a stomachache."
Sato smiled as he spoke. He opened the package, took out a chip, popped it into his mouth, then handed the bag back to the girl, who was now staring at it greedily.
"That's really too embarrassing. This child is always scamming food from people, but she doesn't mean any harm. Please don't take it to heart."
"Oh, right—may I ask what brings you to Flower Village? We rarely get outsiders here."
Seeing this, the woman's gaze flickered. She stopped the girl from taking the chips and turned to Sato with a polite smile, asking his purpose.
"To be honest, I'm here to find an old gentleman named Takeda Jiro. He said he lives here."
Noticing that her wariness had eased somewhat—though she was still cautious—Sato calmly stated his reason.
"Oh! You're here to see Grandpa Takeda! I know where he lives—I'll take you there, big brother!"
The girl immediately wriggled free from her mother's grasp and grinned at Sato. Her eyes rolled again, clearly plotting something.
"Go home, you little brat."
"Mr. Takeda's house isn't hard to find. It's the one with the blue roof in the village."
The middle-aged woman hurriedly pulled the girl back, scolding her, then personally pointed out the location for Sato. After that, she dragged the reluctantly protesting girl home.
"Strange… the people in this village really don't seem to welcome outsiders. They're being a bit too wary, aren't they?"
Watching the woman leave with such guarded coldness, Sato couldn't help but think wryly.