The Dragon Fire Fruit was something he had obtained earlier; he sold two and still had eight left in his hand. He originally planned to keep them for trying to make Energy Blocks for Abra at some point.
But Togepi's first choice was the Dragon Fire Fruit, and it must be said its taste was quite picky.
The other Tree Fruits and materials selected were also quite good.
The making of Energy Blocks isn't just about choosing good materials and haphazardly mixing them together.
It's also important to consider whether the Tree Fruits are suitable to pair with each other, and if the selected materials can better bring out the effects of the Tree Fruits.
For example, if you take two Tree Fruits, one highly effective for Water-type Pokémon and the other for Fire-type Pokémon, both are high-quality Energy Blocks. Will combining them result in an excellent Energy Block?
Not necessarily.
Sometimes, it might be less effective than just using one Tree Fruit as the main ingredient.
Similarly.
When making an Energy Block, it's crucial to distinguish the primary from the secondary; having a focus maximizes a certain effect.
Natsuhiko had spent some time on the Gorgeous Competition in the past, so he remembered some Tree Fruit recipes.
While recently proactively learning breeding knowledge and through the hands-on notes of Master Suzuki on Energy Block creation, a few basic plans had already formed in his mind.
He didn't know what the effects would be, but exploring formulas is inherently a process of continuous experimentation.
And Togepi's chosen materials, although seemingly based purely on instinct.
You have to admit, Togepi had quite the "expertise" in its selection.
"Using Luomai Fruit as the main material, supplemented with Dragon Fire Fruit to enhance Special Attack, Algae Root Fruit to increase Affinity but somewhat affect Physical Attack, and Banana Fragrance Fruit to adjust to sweetness and increase cuteness... wait, cuteness?"
Natsuhiko was explaining the effects of these Tree Fruits while analyzing their combinations, but he was taken aback when he saw the Banana Fragrance Fruit.
"Togepiii!"
Togepi stood proudly with hands on hips.
Isn't it okay?
Natsuhiko shook his head helplessly, "Fine, let's just call it a flavor enhancer. You do like sweet stuff..."
Togepi showed a triumphant smile.
In truth, it had no idea what the Tree Fruits' effects were, only picking by feel.
But now looking at it, it wasn't so bad.
It can actually increase cuteness...
Togepi chuckled foolishly.
Who would dare compare cuteness with me in the future?
And among these materials and Tree Fruits, the main ingredient, of course, is the Luomai Fruit.
In Natsuhiko's memory, when carried by a Pokémon in the game, it could reduce the power of Fairy-type Techniques' excellent effects.
Comparatively, referencing the Cocoa Fruit, which helps reduce the superb effectiveness of Fire-type Techniques.
Cocoa Fruit is a common fruit used in Fire Elemental Energy Blocks to resist Fire Attribute Techniques' damage due to the Fire Attribute Energy it contains.
Similarly, Luomai Fruit's resistance to the superb power of Fairy-type Techniques stems from its own Fairy Energy.
Not to mention, Luomai Fruit is the cheapest of all these materials.
Because Breeders today hadn't explored its utility yet.
Of course, the quantity of Luomai Fruit is very, very rare.
Natsuhiko practically bought out all the store's inventory at that time.
This thing is very cheap now, but when the Fairy-type becomes prominent, it might become outrageously expensive.
For now, it was a steal for him.
With the materials chosen, the next step was the creation process.
"Let's give it a try."
In the game, Energy Block creation involves a Tree Fruit Blender, but obviously, such advanced things don't exist in the Pokémon Realm.
Each step was broken down, to be done one at a time.
First.
He called Shuckle over, putting the Tree Fruits one by one into the holes on its body, using Shuckle's very professional separation and fermentation process, pure Tree Fruit juice would be produced, significantly saving on time needed for production.
"Togepiii?!"
When Togepi saw Natsuhiko putting the Tree Fruits into Shuckle's body and producing Tree Fruit juice, its small face was full of shock.
Cautiously tugging on Natsuhiko's clothes.
"Togepii——"
Is this Shuckle's poop, or its saliva?
Natsuhiko: "..."
Shuckle: "..."
Shuckle's usually unchanging face finally showed a hint of an emotional reaction.
It felt as if it was being targeted.
After Natsuhiko explained how Shuckle worked and how it functioned, Togepi finally let out a long breath.
Relieved, it patted Shuckle's hard shell.
"Togepii."
Thanks for the hard work, Shuckle.
Preparation was complete.
Natsuhiko looked at the various glasses of different-colored Tree Fruit juice in front of him. Next was the crucial part of making Energy Blocks.
Separator.
It separates very tiny impurities from the Tree Fruit juice, leaving the purest juice behind.
Blender.
This couldn't be done by a machine alone; it needed the user's own input to pour in the mixed ingredients, control the mixing time, thoroughly merging all components and Tree Fruit juices for the effect of one plus one greater than two.
And this was the part that tested the Breeder the most.
In short: proportion and timing.
Natsuhiko pondered slightly, confirming the ratios and timing in his mind once more before starting.
Beside him, Togepi was watching Natsuhiko operate intently, eyes darting around the half-full glass containers, pondering.
Seems...fun?
By this time, Natsuhiko no longer had the attention to spare for Togepi.
As the mixing process, once finished, had to be immediately placed in the forming box for heating, solidifying, cooling, and finally forming.
All these steps needed to be done in one go.
As time passed.
"About done."
The mixing was completed with Natsuhiko meticulous to every second of operation.
Quickly pouring the viscous liquid into the forming machine.
"Master Suzuki's notes say, forming time should be short rather than long, the temperature should be high rather than low..."
Through the machine's transparent glass, watching the blobs of viscous liquid slowly congeal under the high temperature, mold for the Energy Blocks seemed ready.
Holding back excitement brought by the newness, Natsuhiko kept a close watch on the container.
Unaware that behind him, Togepi was humming an unknown tune, casually but calmly pouring Tree Fruit juice into the blender.
The order was the same as Natsuhiko's, but the quantities were different.
And it didn't care about the mixing time, playing with Shuckle for a while before suddenly remembering it was doing something.
"It's done!"
Natsuhiko opened the forming machine, and with the rise of milky white steam, pink Energy Blocks appeared before him.
Picking one up and holding it to the sunlight.
"Impurities are visible to the naked eye, texture is a bit off, but overall toughness is nice, and the aroma is decent. It's an entry-level quality Energy Block, yet on the higher side of entry-level, enough for Togepi for the time being..."
Having succeeded on the first try, Natsuhiko couldn't help but feel proud.
Maybe he did have a talent for being a Breeder.
Carefully packing up his "maiden work" in a box.
'Togepi should like it, right?'
"Togepii——"
Make way, make way——
Togepi's slightly anxious voice sounded.
"Hmm?" Subconsciously making way.
Togepi, small as it was, held a blender container bigger than itself, casually pouring the mixed liquid into the forming machine.
Sealing the lid tight.
Natsuhiko watched Togepi blankly, watching it randomly adjust the forming machine's temperature and timing, preferencing numbers it liked, and pressing start.
After finishing, it let out a long breath.
Clapped its hands.
Done.
Not as fun as imagined, just pushing buttons.
"Togepi, you..."
"Togepii!"
Oops, got caught!
It turned to Natsuhiko, flashing an embarrassed smile, and as if others didn't notice, kicked the blender container beside it, whistling.
Natsuhiko: "..."