Gourmet master of the Pokemon world

In the afternoon, seeing the Nibel Plateau peaceful and serene, Anji asked:

"Little Munchlax, shall we go out to dig bamboo shoots?"

Previously, when Swirlix brought bamboo shoots back from outside, it was the first time Munchlax and the others had seen bamboo shoots, so Anji promised them that he would take them to the wild to dig bamboo shoots when he had time.

If he didn't fulfill his promise soon, spring would almost be over. After spring, even if there were bamboo shoots, they wouldn't taste as good.

"Mun-Mun!" Hearing Anji's words, Munchlax excitedly jumped to Anji's side, looking at him with anticipation.

Anji rubbed its head and said, "Then let's call everyone and get ready to go!"

"Mun!"

Munchlax cheered and ran into the house like a gust of wind.

Before long, Diancie, Magearna, Munchlax, Inteleon, Gengar, Metagross, Dugtrio, Volcanion, and Passimian, holding a Komala, all gathered at the door.

Munchlax and Dugtrio also carried small baskets on their backs.

Although they all had system backpacks, the two Pokémon insisted on carrying a basket to feel like they were going on a spring outing.

Diancie also brought along Musharna, Mareep, and two Surskit.

Then Anji called over Armarouge, Ceruledge, and two Swirlix.

"Sorry to trouble you to lead the way!" Anji said.

Armarouge, Ceruledge, and Swirlix ran into the mountains all day long, and only they knew where there were bamboo forests and bamboo shoots.

"Ama~"

"Brai~"

"Keng-keng~"

The four Pokémon nodded repeatedly.

Because of Xerneas's matter, the four Pokémon had been running back and forth between the Nibel Plateau and the Orre Forest recently, so they didn't go out today.

"Then let's set off!" Anji raised his right hand and shouted.

"Mun~"

When passing by the grassland, Anji saw Xerneas lying on the grass, basking in the sun. Around it were also lying Buneary, Pachirisu, Skiddo, Floette, and Spritzee.

Originally, he wanted to ask Xerneas if it wanted to join them, but seeing it and the little ones sleeping so peacefully and quietly, the warmth and harmony were like a painting, and he really couldn't bear to disturb them.

As for Yveltal, it was sleeping soundly at the moment, so Anji didn't bother it either.

Let's go together next time if there's a chance! Anji thought.

Led by Armarouge, Ceruledge, and Swirlix, Anji and the others arrived at the junction of Nibel Lake and the upper reaches of the Nibel River, and then walked upstream along the river.

The Nibel River was the mother river of the nearby mountains, and many Pokémon depended on this river to live. Along the way, Anji and the others saw many, many Pokémon.

There were Paras and Parasect, Nidoran♀ and Nidoran♂, Butterfree and Weedle…

Because it was spring, the surroundings were thriving.

It was rare for the family to go out to play, and Munchlax and Dugtrio were very happy. They held hands, hopped and skipped along at the front, humming a common song in their mouths.

"Mun-mun~ Mun-mun-mun~"

"Baba~ Baba-bu~"

Whenever Magearna saw beautiful wildflowers, it would run over to pick them, and then run to Volcanion with the bouquet, scaring Volcanion, who was allergic to pollen, into running away.

Magearna laughed and chased after it, and then accidentally tripped and fell.

At this time, Volcanion would always run over with a helpless look and pick it up.

Diancie pointed out the scenery along the way to Mareep, trying to evoke its reaction to the outside world. Although the effect was minimal, it was still tireless.

The two Surskit were also very attentive in helping Diancie.

Only Musharna floated quietly beside Diancie.

Passimian stayed with Anji because it was inconvenient to hold Komala.

"Meta~ Meta~"

At this time, Metagross called out to Passimian twice, and Passimian looked at it for a moment.

"Meta~ Meta~"

Metagross smiled and used its superpower to take Komala from Passimian's arms, then placed it on its head and pushed Passimian with one hand.

Passimian smiled gratefully at Metagross, and then leaped onto a big tree.

Entering the forest seemed to liberate its nature. It jumped happily in the jungle, not forgetting to turn its head and wave to Munchlax and Dugtrio.

Upon seeing this, Munchlax and Dugtrio quickly followed behind it with joy, moving their short legs.

Anji smiled and patted Metagross, saying, "Teacher Metagross is so gentle."

"Meta~"

Metagross shook its head. As an elder, it was only right to take care of the younger generation.

"Then let's team up," Anji said with a smile.

"Meta~"

Metagross nodded and walked side by side with Anji.

In this way, Anji and Metagross trailed far behind the team.

Unknowingly, they entered the depths of the mountains. This place was far from human habitation, the vegetation was deep and secluded, so it was home to more and rarer Pokémon.

For example, in the pond not far away, Anji saw Swampert, which was easier to see only in the Hoenn region.

In the forest on the other side, he saw Turtwig and Budew, which were easier to see only in the Sinnoh region.

They all lived freely in this undisturbed mountain.

After walking for a long time, Anji asked Armarouge, Ceruledge, and Swirlix, "Are we there yet?"

Armarouge and Ceruledge also carried a basket on their backs, and along the way, under the guidance of Swirlix, they picked wild vegetables and mushrooms, and the baskets were already full.

"Ama~ Ama~" Almost there, almost there!

Armarouge said.

Alright! Anji and the others had no choice but to continue hiking while walking towards the depths of the mountains.

After walking for who knows how long, a lush bamboo forest finally appeared in Anji's sight. A gust of wind blew, and Anji heard rustling sounds from afar.

He couldn't help but exclaim, "What a great bamboo forest!"

"Keng-keng~"

"Keng-keng~"

Upon seeing the bamboo forest, the two Swirlix rushed over as soon as possible.

Munchlax, Dugtrio, and Passimian, who were walking at the front, also dashed over.

Bamboo shoots were everywhere in the bamboo forest. As soon as Munchlax and the others arrived there, they put down their baskets and began to ask Swirlix and the others how to dig bamboo shoots.

However, before Munchlax and the others had dug for a while, they heard a roar from the bamboo forest.

"Gurong~~~"

Immediately afterward, the ground trembled. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a Pangoro looking at them with anger.

Seeing the bamboo shoots in Munchlax and the others' baskets, Pangoro was extremely angry and immediately raised its fist and rushed towards Munchlax and the others.

"Mun~~~"

Upon seeing this, Munchlax rushed to the front as soon as possible, determined to protect its companions.

A blue light flashed on Munchlax's fist as it used the move Brick Break to smash at Pangoro.

Boom~~

The fists of the two Pokémon collided, and a rolling wave of air spread out with them as the center.

Don't underestimate Munchlax just because it's not the final evolution, and its size is not as tall as Pangoro, but it has the advantage in strength. After a stalemate, Pangoro was knocked away by it.

"Gurong~"

Pangoro crashed into a bamboo tree and was bounced out by the highly flexible bamboo tree, eventually falling to the ground.

After being beaten up, Pangoro became even more angry and once again raised its fist and rushed towards Munchlax.

Munchlax was not afraid of trouble either, and also raised its fist to meet it.

"Mun~ Mun~ Mun~"

"Gurong~ Gurong~"

The fists of the two Pokémon crisscrossed back and forth, and it could be said that there were give and take!

Of course, Pangoro was the one who mainly suffered.

Although Munchlax had not evolved, its level was a solid level 50 or higher. Wild Pokémon rarely had such a high level, and Pangoro was only just over level 40.

Moreover, Munchlax was full of individual values, which Pangoro simply couldn't compare to in this regard.

Also, Munchlax ate Anji's Doubanjiang for a long time, and its stamina limit was very high, which Pangoro couldn't compare to at all.

Seeing that Pangoro had already been beaten up by Munchlax and was covered in wounds, Anji could only advise:

"Pangoro, let's talk things out. If it's because we took your bamboo shoots without permission, we apologize to you."

Apart from this reason, Anji couldn't think of any other reason that could make Pangoro so angry.

Unfortunately, Pangoro had already been blinded by anger and couldn't listen to Anji's words at all.

Anji had a flash of inspiration and quickly said to the female Swirlix, "Swirlix, it's up to you!"

"Keng-keng~~"

The Spritzee nodded, leaped forward, and gently swayed its tail.

Pink gas emanated from the female Spritzee's tail, and a sweet fragrance spread from it, instantly calming the Pokémon present with its flower-like aroma.

Even Ange was no exception.

Gradually, the Ursaluna calmed down, but it glared at Ange and the others with resentment.

“Gurrr… Gurrr…”

Just as Ange had guessed, this bamboo forest was Ursaluna's territory. Ange and his companions had come and picked bamboo shoots without asking, which was essentially stealing. How could Ursaluna not be angry?

After hearing Ursaluna's complaint, Ange looked at the Incineroar, Ceruledge, and Spritzee, asking, “What happened the last time you came here?”

The four Pokémon looked bewildered. They hadn't seen any other Pokémon here the last time they came.

They had always remembered Ange's instructions: they never touched ingredients that belonged to someone else.

“Gurrr… Gurrr…”

Upon hearing Ange and the four Pokémon's conversation, Ursaluna's anger flared up again.

So, it was you guys last time too, right? No wonder I found so many bamboo shoots missing from the ground when I came home after visiting relatives! You stole them all!

Seeing Ursaluna's eyes starting to turn red, the female Spritzee quickly wagged its tail to release its fragrance, gradually calming Ursaluna's anger once more.

Ange quickly said to Ursaluna, “We're really sorry. It was wrong of us to pick your bamboo shoots without permission. We're willing to compensate you.”

“Gurrr… Gurrr…” How are you going to compensate me?

Seeing Ange's sincere attitude, Ursaluna's expression finally softened a bit.

Ange smiled and said, “We took your food, so of course we'll compensate you with food!”

With that, Ange took out the vegetables from his backpack: bok choy, red radishes, white radishes, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more, soon piling them up on the ground.

“What do you think of these?” Ange asked. “These are all grown at our house. They're especially delicious. You can try them.”

Ursaluna suspiciously picked up a carrot and stuffed it into its mouth. Its eyes immediately lit up. It was crisp and delicious!

Realizing the benefits of Ange's vegetables, Ursaluna was overjoyed and quickly pulled the vegetables closer to itself, afraid that Ange would regret it.

Ange continued to ask, “Ursaluna, can I trade some more vegetables for some bamboo shoots?”

“Gurrr… Gurrr…” Ursaluna nodded repeatedly.

Although it loved to eat bamboo and bamboo shoots, it occasionally wanted a change of pace!

“That's great!” Ange immediately took out another pile of vegetables and gave them to Ursaluna.

Having obtained Ursaluna's permission, Munchlax and the others cheered and went to dig up bamboo shoots.

Ange thought for a moment and said to Ursaluna, “Let us help you dig a cellar, otherwise your vegetables won't store well.”

With a cellar, vegetables like radishes could be stored for a very long time.

“Gurrr… Gurrr…”

Ursaluna nodded in agreement. Although it didn't know what a cellar was, it understood the concept of preserving food. Before winter came, it would also try its best to preserve food.

“Then let's get started,” Ange said.

With that, Ange led Metagross to start choosing a location.

Because of the limited conditions, Ange and the others could only build a simple cellar, but it had to have the basic functions of a cellar.

Therefore, the location needed to meet certain conditions, such as ventilation, no water accumulation during rain, stable terrain, the ability to maintain a certain level of dryness, and being in the shade, etc.

Under Ursaluna's guidance, Ange and the others discovered that Ursaluna wasn't the only one living in the bamboo forest. There were also several Pancham.

Upon seeing Ursaluna, the Pancham immediately rushed over, one after another, plunging into its arms and climbing all over it.

Despite Ursaluna's ferocious appearance, it was exceptionally gentle when treating the Pancham.

It distributed the vegetables it had received from Ange to the Pancham, and the Pancham immediately began to nibble on them happily.

After some surveying, Ange and Metagross finally chose a location for building the cellar on a shady slope within the bamboo forest.

Because they needed to dig a hole, Ange also specially called over Dugtrio, who was best at digging holes.

While Ange was digging with Metagross and Dugtrio, Ange asked Ursaluna to go into the forest and chop down some thick logs to use as pillars to support the cellar.

Without support, the completed cellar might collapse before long.

While Ange and the others were building the cellar, Munchlax's baskets were also filled.

“Geng… Geng…” At this moment, Gengar flew over.

Ange looked at the time and said, “It's getting late. You should go back to Royal City to open the shop!”

“Geng…”

Gengar nodded, and Ange immediately teleported it back home.

After Gengar left, Ange and the Pokémon continued to help Ursaluna build the cellar, and before they knew it, the sky had darkened.

He said with a wry smile, “Looks like we'll have to spend the night here!”

Before they came, they hadn't expected the bamboo forest to have an owner, let alone that they would have to help Ursaluna build a cellar.

“Gang… Gang…”

Munchlax ran to Ange's side and offered to go back and make dinner for the Pokémon at home.

Ange rubbed its head and said, “Thank you for your hard work.”

“Gang…” Munchlax rubbed against Ange's palm, indicating that it wasn't hard work.

Then Ange teleported Munchlax and the Inteleon brothers back home together.

Judging from the progress, Ange felt that he definitely wouldn't be able to go back tonight, and Inteleon would have to be busy in the shop alone tomorrow.

Sure enough, as Ange had predicted, by the time the cellar was built, the sky was completely dark.

It wasn't safe to go back in the dark, so Ange decided to spend the night in Ursaluna's bamboo forest.

Ursaluna certainly didn't mind. After spending some time together, it had already recognized Ange as a good person.

After the cellar was built, Ange and the others helped Ursaluna move the vegetables inside and said to it:

“In the future, you can store your food here, and it can be stored much longer than outside.”

Wouldn't that mean it could store a lot more food for the winter in the future?

Thinking of this, Ursaluna showed joy and then gave Ange a fierce hug. Fortunately, Ange was physically extraordinary, otherwise, his bones might have been broken by the hug.

Ange patted Ursaluna, signaling it to let go of him, and said to it:

“But you have to check this cellar regularly to see if the wooden pillars are still strong, whether the four walls are still stable, and whether there is water accumulation or dampness inside, otherwise, it won't be good if problems arise.”

“Gurrr… Gurrr…”

Ursaluna nodded, indicating that it had remembered Ange's words.

After the matter of the cellar was settled, Ange began to prepare dinner.

He hung a lamp in the bamboo forest, then took out the cooking utensils, ingredients, and seasonings.

Since they had dug up a lot of bamboo shoots today, let's use bamboo shoots to make a delicious dish!

However, before Ange started cooking, an interesting little episode occurred.

Ange hung the electric light on the bamboo, and the bright light immediately attracted some uninvited guests.

It was two Murkrow.

They stood on the branches, staring straight down.

The Murkrow's habit was like this, liking shiny things, especially shiny gems in the dark.

So, after being attracted by the light, they set their sights on Diancie.

The pink diamonds on Diancie's body, illuminated by the light, were too dazzling in the dark night.

After observing for a while, the two Murkrow felt that the time had come, so they swooped down from the branches, wanting to grab the diamonds on Diancie's body.

They were just Murkrow, Diancie had no reason not to be able to deal with them, so everyone didn't pay much attention.

However, before Diancie could act, two Spinarak took the lead.

They each used String Shot, spitting out strands of spider silk to entangle the Murkrow's necks and claws.

“Yami… Yami…”

“Yami… Yami…”

The two Murkrow immediately struggled desperately, their hoarse voices echoing in the bamboo forest, sounding quite eerie.

Although the Spinarak's level wasn't high, they had stayed at Ange's house for so long and had been carefully nurtured by Diancie, so they shouldn't be unable to defeat wild Murkrow.

The two Murkrow were tightly entangled and couldn't break free no matter what.