"Strange, too strange…"
Hoshino couldn't understand what kind of move Sprigatito was performing. In his impression, Ruination was a signature move of the Treasures of ruin, capable of unleashing destructive power.
This was similar to the effect of Nature's Madness, the signature move of the Island Guardians, which unleashes the wrath of nature to attack, but he didn't understand Minor Ruination.
However, these weren't the most crucial points; the main thing was the Curse in its status!
The reason Sprigatito was so gluttonous and caused trouble everywhere was all because of this.
"…"
Hoshino fell into deep thought, feeling that this matter was inextricably linked to the Treasures of ruin of the Paldea region. Perhaps the power of one of them had attached itself to that thing resembling a Slowking, and it was accidentally eaten.
Otherwise, there would be no explanation for Sprigatito becoming a Grass/Dark type before evolving into Meowscarada, or for the strange move Minor Ruination.
He only had a superficial understanding of these Treasures of ruin, such as their names, appearances, and moves. But he hadn't had time to delve deeper into their background stories and lore before he was hit by a car and transported to this world.
Thinking of this, he realized that Sprigatito wasn't inherently mischievous; it was entirely due to the unconscious influence of this Curse.
"Poor Sprigatito…"
Hoshino stroked Sprigatito's head. At first, he didn't understand why he gained its friendship so easily, but after seeing its status, he knew.
This Sprigatito must have been adopted by someone before, or lived somewhere for a long time, but because it ate too much, it was driven out, perhaps by humans, or perhaps by other Pokémon who couldn't stand it.
He just didn't expect that when he deliberately said something that, judging by his tone, couldn't possibly be true, this little fellow actually believed it could eat and drink for free here.
So what to do next? Should he make things clear? That friendship would probably shatter immediately, and such a thing is very difficult to mend…
Just as he was feeling annoyed by this, Sprigatito suddenly jumped into his arms, rubbed its head against him, and let out a meow, actually charming him!
"Hey! That's too proactive!"
Hoshino couldn't see the affection level, but in this situation, it was clear that Sprigatito already trusted him greatly. Then, Sprigatito directly reached its paw into his pocket, pulled out a Poké Ball, and held it up, its meaning clear.
"Meow~"
"This…"
Looking at Sprigatito holding up the Poké Ball and its innocent and cute expression, Hoshino was momentarily at a loss. This cat actually wanted him to catch it; this sudden self-offering, who could react in time?
Cyclizar and Gengar naturally watched this scene from the side. As Hoshino's Pokémon, they might be welcoming a third companion.
Cyclizar was very happy about this. Like Nai-chan, it liked cute things and was too lazy to think too much.
But Gengar narrowed its eyes, showing no particular expression, very quiet. It didn't dislike Sprigatito; it just found this very unusual. After studying with him daily, it was gradually becoming smarter.
Hoshino also felt something was strange, but Sprigatito suddenly shoved the Poké Ball into his hand. It had progressed to this point; if he didn't go through with it, would he still be a Trainer?
After a moment of contemplation, he made a decision and slowly said, "Although I don't currently plan to catch a third Pokémon, but…"
Before he finished speaking, Sprigatito suddenly extended its small paw and slapped the Poké Ball. A red light flashed, and Sprigatito instantly vanished from its spot. Subsequently, the Poké Ball successfully caught it.
"…"
Hoshino was momentarily speechless. Did it have to be so fast? He had originally wanted to wait a bit longer to observe, and to catch it, he should first deepen their bond. But Sprigatito rushed to offer itself; it was too eager!
The next second, the Poké Ball automatically opened, and Sprigatito reappeared on the sofa, displaying an innocent expression, as if there was nothing left to fear.
Then it licked its paw and let out a soft cry.
"Meow~"
"Huh?!"
Hearing this growl, Hoshino suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing a very important matter.
That was what Slowking had said the night he first arrived in Kabukicho: the Trainer must bear responsibility for what their Pokémon do…
This was not only Alola's law, but also existed in many other places. So this wasn't about finding a Trainer; it was about finding a long-term meal ticket and someone to clean up its messes!
After realizing this, he picked up Sprigatito, genuinely laughing in exasperation: "You're scheming against me, aren't you!"
"Meow~"
"…"
Hoshino genuinely wanted to teach it a lesson, but remembering it was due to the Curse, he still couldn't bring himself to do it immediately.
But Gengar, who had been watching the situation, uncharacteristically showed an angry expression at this moment and was about to swing its little hand to strike, but Hoshino stopped it.
"Gengar!"
"Alright, don't get angry and act on something like this. Although I'm very angry right now, let me, the Trainer, handle it!"
Hoshino looked at Sprigatito. He didn't plan to release it, nor had he ever entertained such a thought.
Since this cat was scheming against him, then let it scheme. If he couldn't even manage one Pokémon, then what kind of Trainer was he? He might as well go work on a construction site.
So, a slight curve appeared at the corner of his mouth. He gently stroked Sprigatito's head and said, "Then, please take care of me from now on~"
"Meow?"
…
After going to Smile Restaurant for breakfast, Nai-chan seemed happy upon learning that he had become Sprigatito's Trainer and even gave him some leftover ingredients.
Afterward, they left the Wanderer District, but this time Sprigatito was also brought along. It lay on Hoshino's shoulder, curiously looking around, finding it hard to believe that this street would transform into that scenery at night.
And as it was enjoying the view, some Meowth loitering at the street entrance suddenly spotted it, but upon seeing Cyclizar, these guys immediately hid. They really couldn't win.
…
Arriving at school, he was a little late today. As he entered the classroom, he heard Moon telling a joke about someone to Sun and the others.
Upon seeing him appear, everyone greeted him. Hoshino casually responded, and he inexplicably began to passively integrate, all thanks to Lillie alone.
However, upon seeing Sprigatito on his shoulder, everyone was surprised.
Mallow, who had a special fondness for Grass-type Pokémon, even stood up and excitedly asked, "This little green cat is so cute, is it Grass-type?"
"Yes, it's a Grass Cat."
"Wow, so cute! Lillie, quickly look what kind of Pokémon this is!"
"Hmm?"
Suddenly hearing someone call her, Lillie, who was carefully combing Vulpix's fur, instinctively turned to look. After greeting Hoshino, she then saw the little green cat.
Her expression was also a bit surprised, and then she explained to her classmates, "This is the Grass Cat Pokémon Sprigatito, one of the Paldea region's starter Pokémon, just like our Alola's Rowlet."
"So this is Sprigatito, I'm seeing it for the first time, it really is cute."
"…"
Hoshino glanced. Although some of these people certainly knew about Sprigatito, he also understood why they were all so excited.
Paldea and Alola being too far apart was one reason. Mainly, a group of students hadn't even finished learning local things and basic theoretical knowledge, so how could the school teach them other things?
After class, they usually surfed the internet within the local service area and rarely paid attention to matters in other regions, just as people in one country rarely pay attention to matters abroad, unless it's a very popular situation.
At this moment, Moon asked in confusion, "So why do you have Sprigatito? Did you go to Paldea?"
"No, I just happened to encounter it, and then happened to catch it."
Hearing this, Lillie immediately exclaimed in surprise, "You caught it?!"
"Yeah, what's wrong?"
"Well… from what I understand, most Sprigatito have very changeable personalities, are very difficult to care for, and often conflict with other Pokémon in their Trainer's possession."
"It doesn't matter, I'll take care of it."
Hoshino returned to his seat. Gengar had already floated onto Lillie's desk and was playing with Vulpix. Sprigatito was also very lively and wanted to join them.
But Lillie still didn't dare to touch unfamiliar Pokémon. Seeing it suddenly jump over, she was startled and about to dodge.
And this action was precisely seen by Sprigatito, so it gave up jumping and simply dropped down.
Hoshino reacted quickly, grabbing it and holding it in his arms, then slowly said, "Don't mess around, be honest with me now."
"Meow~"
Lillie came to her senses, somewhat confused, and said, "How come your relationship feels like it's not very good? Did something conflict?"
"No, not at all."
"Meow~"
Hoshino held Sprigatito, and both of them showed identical smiles, perfectly synchronized.
Seeing this, Lillie no longer doubted. Then, as if she thought of something, she said, "In a month, we'll have a week-long outdoor survival course to Ula'ula Island."
"Hmm? And then?"
"Actually… usually these survival courses have nothing to do with me, but this time I want to go and see if there's a possibility between Vulpix and me. What do you think?"
"Having that thought is a good thing, keep it up." Hoshino responded with a smile. He had witnessed almost the entire process, so naturally, he wanted to continue watching.
Receiving his support, Lillie seemed to gain more confidence. Then she lowered her voice and said, "Oh, and I've almost finished with the website. Come take a look after school. If it's good, I'll start promoting it this weekend."
"That's quite fast, alright then."
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