Pokemon: Who Let Him Leave Pallet Town!?

Chapter 127: Of Course, Head to Humans for Care

Chapter 127: Of Course, Head to Humans for Care

The next day.

"Oh, young man, thank you!"

The old chief, accompanied by a large group from the ranch, saw Natsume and his companions off.

"Natsume, is it really okay to trick the old chief like that?" Misty leaned in.

Each of them was carrying numerous Laramie Ranch specialties.

These had all been gifts from the old chief, and Misty felt a little guilty.

"Trick?" Natsume asked, surprised.

"You said the League would increase support for this area or something," Brock's voice chimed in.

"Most likely," Natsume shrugged.

He had already reported the situation of the underground temple.

Once matters on Mt. Moon and the Dragonite island were handled, the League would surely spare some resources here.

Although the old chief kept saying life here was fine, from his constant mentions of his brother in the city, it was clear he hoped for development.

The League wouldn't overstep in the safari, but creating a scenic, eco-tourism site in the surrounding area was feasible.

"By the way, Natsume, have you found any news on Diglett?"

Ash suddenly asked.

"It went toward the core of the safari," Natsume replied.

While digging his way out from the underground temple, Natsume had encountered a pair of Digletts also searching.

He had informed them, so now the whole Diglett group was likely heading toward the safari' core.

With some luck, by the time Natsume arrived, he could see Diglett in a mixed double battle.

"The core of the safari? Is it different from here?" Ash asked, puzzled.

"Of course," Brock said, pointing to a building marked on the map over the grassland.

"The core area of the safari has League personnel stationed to supervise."

"So today we don't have to camp outside… I mean, we can avoid staying in tents," Misty hesitated.

"At this time," Natsume glanced at Brock's map.

"If we go now, we can catch the legal capture season in the safari."

"The safari prohibit Pokémon capture, right?" Ash blinked.

"Yeah, poachers get arrested!" Misty poked her head out.

Natsume said nothing, only giving Kia a look.

She immediately understood and explained:

"The safari were meant to protect rare Pokémon populations.

"But even within the area, many common Pokémon live here.

"Their numbers are already large, and under League protection, they would only decrease naturally. Without population control, they could overwhelm the ecosystem.

"So, periodically, the League registers Pokémon whose populations exceed limits and opens a legal capture period."

Kia blinked, flipped through a large book uncertainly, and then nodded in confirmation.

"That's basically it."

"Awesome!" Ash's eyes lit up.

He had seen many Pokémon since stepping onto the safari, but he couldn't capture them here.

"Let's hurry to the building Brock mentioned and register!"

Ash raced ahead.

At the safari' entrance, they entered a large green-roofed building.

Inside, many trainers were queued up, registering with staff.

"Let's see… this year's list of capturable Pokémon includes…" Brock approached a wall lined with Pokémon portraits.

Everyone followed his gaze.

"Tauros, Doduo, Oddish, Beedrill, Rhyhorn… wow, so many!"

Ash exclaimed.

This was the list of Pokémon populations exceeding limits in the safari this year. Counting carefully, there were eighteen species in total.

"But what if poachers take this opportunity to hunt them?" Misty asked, concerned.

"Haha, don't worry. We in the safari have both the means and the strength!"

An elderly man with a handlebar mustache, wearing a cowboy hat and dressed like an old Western gunslinger, appeared from the side.

"My name is Caesar. This year, I'm the League trainer responsible for guarding the safari," the old man introduced himself.

"Grandpa Caesar, what methods are you talking about?" Ash asked curiously, stepping closer.

Hearing this, Caesar raised a finger and said:

"First: Trainers entering the wildlands are not allowed to bring any Pokémon!"

"Ah? Then how are we supposed to catch Pokémon in the safari?" Ash exclaimed.

Caesar smiled slightly and raised a second finger:

"Second, you can only use Safari Balls. Throw the ball directly to capture, each trainer gets thirty, and registration is free."

He gestured toward a long line nearby:

"They're all here to receive the Safari Balls."

"Just throwing balls? Could it be… are these Safari Balls specially powerful?" Brock asked in surprise.

For a moment, Ash and Misty looked at Caesar with admiration.

"The Safari Balls are just red-and-white Pokéballs with paint and a League locator attached," Natsume's voice explained.

"Ah!" the group looked somewhat disappointed.

"But in that case, it does prevent some poachers, but what about our safety?" Brock asked sharply.

Not being allowed to bring Pokémon, what if wild Pokémon attack?

"Don't worry, we've planned everything. Capturing Pokémon in the safari is very easy," Caesar said, patting his chest confidently.

"Planned what?" The others asked, curious at his confidence.

"Cannot say, cannot say!" Caesar shook his head, refusing to explain.

"Hey, Natsume, do you know?" They turned to ask him.

They couldn't imagine what method the League could use to make Pokémon willingly submit without battling.

Natsume was looking at photographs on the opposite wall. One showed Caesar posing with a Dragonair.

Hearing their questions, he turned back.

"Of course, it's all been arranged with the leaders of each Pokémon group. The old, weak, sick, and injured go to humans to recuperate."

There was a brief silence.

Even Ash had lost the excitement he had when entering.

He had thought he could battle freely with all kinds of Pokémon in the safari.

But Pikachu wasn't allowed in.

"Don't worry, some populations are so large that even capturing all the old, weak, sick, and injured won't reduce the numbers enough," Natsume continued.

Everyone's eyes lit up.

"Natsume, which Pokémon populations are the largest?" Ash asked eagerly.

"First and foremost, Tauros."

"Great! I'm going to capture Tauros!"

Before Natsume could finish, Ash dashed forward, reaching his spot in the queue.

"Hey, hey, Pikachu can't go in!" Caesar grabbed Ash by the collar.

"Oh, Pikachu, stay here. And Midchu, keep an eye on him."

Reluctantly, Ash placed both Pikachu into the temporary Pokémon care area.

Pika!

Pikachu waved, signaling that he was completely fine.

You can read more (around 100+ free chapters) of Natsume's adventure ad-free at [https://ravenarchives.com/book/pokemon-who-let-him-leave-pallet-town]. Bulk uploads is a mess here, so updates here might be irregular.