Chapter 15: Subjugation!

The affection level of Budding Blush rose from 0 to 5, but this was still far from enough to capture it. According to Hu Yang’s understanding, Budding Blush is a shy and gentle-natured Pokémon. They usually live near clear waters, such as ponds. Unlike Beedrill, which is fiercely territorial, Budding Blush has little sense of territory. Therefore, when dealing with other Pokémon or humans, they tend to display a very easygoing attitude.

Of course, this is only if you don’t show any aggression toward them.

That 5 points of affection was merely the baseline for a friendly human.

After a whole night of diligent care—watering, feeding, and sunbathing—Budding Blush’s personal affection for Hu Yang changed again, rising from 5 to 15.

When he checked its information again, he saw that its mood and physical state had also changed accordingly.

[Species: Budding Blush ♂]
Type: Grass, Poison
Ability: Leaf Guard
Base Stats: 280 (HP: 40, Attack: 30, Defense: 35, Sp. Atk: 50, Sp. Def: 70, Speed: 55)
Known Moves: Absorb, Stun Spore, Seed Bomb
Current Mood: Happy
Physical Condition: Relaxed (´◡`)
Friendliness: 15 (It feels very comfortable around you)

"Little one, do you want to keep living like this?" Hu Yang crouched in front of Budding Blush, holding out a Poké Ball, trying to entice it.

Pokémon are intelligent creatures. In this world, there are several ways to capture a Pokémon.

The first way is to defeat a wild Pokémon in battle, rendering it unable to fight, then use a Poké Ball to capture it. Without a doubt, this is a one-sided, forceful capture.

From watching the anime, Hu Yang had the impression that Poké Balls had some sort of brainwashing effect—the wild Pokémon, hostile one moment, would become affectionate with its new Trainer the next.

This was further reinforced by a certain “one ball miracle” in the new Journeys series.

The second method is for the Trainer to propose capture, and the wild Pokémon receives the message and actively responds. In this case, the Trainer must prove their strength; after being defeated, the Pokémon will recognize you and follow you.

The third way is when a wild Pokémon, seeking to become stronger, chooses to follow a suitable Trainer on its own initiative.

The fourth method is the most friendly and harmonious—capturing through compassion.

Just like when Ash first received Pikachu: in the forest, he protected the disobedient Pikachu with his own body, and Pikachu was moved by this, choosing to stay with him ever since.

This is a method of capture based on mutual choice.

"Nini?" Hearing Hu Yang’s words, Budding Blush looked confused, glancing at the red-and-white ball in front of him.

Hu Yang explained, "It means, let me become your Trainer and live together with us from now on."

Now Budding Blush understood. He looked out the window at the forest, recalling the events since yesterday.

"Nini..." Budding Blush hesitated, but the tempting voice of the human continued:

"I can make you stronger, help you evolve into Toxirose."

Budding Blush paused, his hesitation lessening.

"You can bask in the sun every day and have clean water to drink."

"Nini..." It was a difficult choice... he was already somewhat tempted.

"There will also be lots of delicious food prepared for you! Many things you’ve never tasted before."

At this moment, the scales in Budding Blush’s heart completely tipped. His small eyes sparkled, "Nini?"

Although Hu Yang couldn’t truly communicate with him, he somehow understood Budding Blush’s meaning at that moment and smiled, "Yes, even tastier than what you had last night."

Last night, since he hadn’t let Budding Blush leave, he’d brought an extra serving of free Pokémon food from the cafeteria—made of honey, flour, and berries. Though not as nutritious as professional Poké Puffs, compared to wild berries, it was already delicious.

"Nini!" Budding Blush responded eagerly.

"Alright, then I’m going to bring you in now!" Hu Yang pressed the button on the Poké Ball, and it instantly returned to normal size.

A beam of red light shot out, enveloping Budding Blush and drawing him into the Poké Ball.

The Poké Ball in his palm trembled slightly, as if the Pokémon inside was getting used to its new environment. Soon, it settled down and became still.

That meant the capture was successful.

"I never expected this little guy to be such a foodie," Hu Yang chuckled.

But everything he said, he truly meant to fulfill.

After all, satisfying a Pokémon’s needs is part of nurturing. Good food not only provides the nutrition they need to grow, but also makes them happier.

Looking at the Poké Ball containing Budding Blush in his hand, new information suddenly surfaced in Hu Yang’s mind.

[Name: Budding Blush]
Type: Grass, Poison

Initial Trainer: Hu Yang
Held Item: None
Notes: Shy nature
November 3, 2021
Seems to have met him in Orange Petal Forest
Likes cleanliness.
Awards: None

Hu Yang was stunned.

Wasn’t this the information interface that only appears after capturing a Pokémon in the games?

The first few items weren’t surprising, but what caught his attention was the note about its nature.

In the games, a Pokémon’s nature affects its stats, but in the anime, there’s little mention of this. In reality, a Pokémon’s personality can’t be summed up in a single word, either.

Besides, after evolution, a Pokémon’s personality can change.

Perhaps this “shy” simply described Budding Blush’s temperament and didn’t impact its special attack or anything else.

As for the awards section, in the games, it records a Pokémon’s life achievements. If a Trainer wins with this Pokémon in the League or Contests, the corresponding ribbons appear here.

These are two minor features, but they do help Trainers better understand their Pokémon.

Hu Yang closed the information tab. Worried that he might break the Poké Ball and waste two hundred bucks by throwing it, he simply pressed the white button on the Poké Ball.

A beam of white light shot out, and Budding Blush’s figure formed on the desk.

"Nini!" He seemed very satisfied with his new home.

Hu Yang was happy too, for he finally had his very own starter Pokémon in the truest sense.

Even the Ancient Moonbird seemed infected by the cheerful atmosphere, standing nearby and letting out a silly "Caw caw."