A/N: I am back from vacation
The morning after the historic battle with Childe, Shinzō awoke to the sound of excited chatter outside The Pokémon House. A peek through the curtains confirmed what he'd anticipated—a line of eager customers stretched down the street, many clutching hastily drawn sketches of the Pokémon they hoped to obtain. The exhibition match had been an unqualified success.
"Looks like we've got our work cut out for us today," he murmured to Blaziken, who was already awake and performing its morning stretches beside the window. The Fire-type nodded, its wrist flames pulsing with quiet pride over yesterday's victory.
As Shinzō prepared to open shop, he noticed a new notification from the system:
[BUSINESS MILESTONE REACHED: NEW FEATURES UNLOCKED] [BERRY CULTIVATION NOW AVAILABLE] [POKÉBLOCK CREATION SYSTEM INSTALLED]
"Perfect timing," Shinzō smiled, running his fingers through his tied-back brown hair. He'd been wondering how to capitalize on the post-battle enthusiasm, and this seemed like the ideal opportunity to introduce another aspect of Pokémon care.
When he finally opened the doors at nine o'clock sharp, the crowd surged forward with barely contained excitement. Shinzō raised his hands for calm.
"Welcome to The Pokémon House," he announced, his business acumen taking over. "Due to yesterday's demonstration, I understand many of you are interested in becoming trainers. However, I must emphasize that Pokémon are not merely tools or weapons—they're partners who require proper care and nutrition."
Some faces in the crowd fell slightly, realizing that acquiring a Pokémon might be more complex than they'd anticipated.
"That's why today," Shinzō continued smoothly, "I'm introducing a crucial element of Pokémon care—specialized nutrition through Berries and Pokéblocks."
He gestured toward a newly materialized section of the shop where colorful displays showcased strange fruits of various shapes and sizes, alongside a machine that resembled a high-tech blender with multiple compartments.
"Please, enter in small groups, and my staff will explain everything."
By "staff," of course, he meant his Pokémon. Umbreon and Tyranitar were stationed strategically throughout the shop to maintain order, while Blaziken managed the main demonstration area. The arrangement drew gasps of wonder from the customers—many had never seen Pokémon up close before yesterday's battle.
The first group to approach the Berry display included a familiar face—Xiangling, who was practically vibrating with culinary curiosity as she examined the unusual fruits.
"These look amazing!" she exclaimed, pointing to a plump blue Berry with firm skin. "What is this one called?"
"That's an Oran Berry," Shinzō explained, picking it up and placing it in her palm. "It's a staple in Pokémon care—rich in nutrients that accelerate healing. Most Pokémon find them delicious."
Xiangling turned the Berry in her hands, examining it from every angle before giving it a cautious sniff. "The fragrance is unlike anything in Teyvat... slightly sweet with an underlying tartness. Could I possibly taste it?"
"Technically, humans can eat most Berries," Shinzō replied, "though they were cultivated specifically for Pokémon palates. Some are quite spicy or bitter beyond what most people would enjoy."
This did nothing to dampen Xiangling's enthusiasm. "I love culinary challenges! With your permission, could I sample some varieties? Perhaps there are ways to incorporate them into dishes that both humans and Pokémon might enjoy."
The idea struck Shinzō as brilliant. Cross-cultural cuisine could be yet another bridge between Pokémon and Teyvat society.
"I'd be delighted to collaborate," he told her. "In fact, I was planning to start a Berry garden behind the shop today. Perhaps you'd like to help select which varieties we should prioritize growing?"
Xiangling's eyes widened with delight. "Yes! Absolutely yes!"
While Xiangling examined the Berry collection, another customer approached the Pokéblock machine with obvious curiosity. Baizhu, the enigmatic pharmacist from Bubu Pharmacy, studied the device with analytical interest, his white serpent companion Changsheng peering from his shoulders.
"An intriguing apparatus," Baizhu observed softly. "May I inquire as to its function?"
Shinzō motioned for him to come closer. "This is a Pokéblock Case and Mixer. It processes Berries into concentrated nutritional supplements called Pokéblocks, which enhance specific qualities in Pokémon."
"Fascinating," the pharmacist murmured. "Not unlike certain elixirs we prepare in Liyue, though for very different subjects. What qualities do these supplements enhance?"
"It varies based on the Berries used and how they're combined," Shinzō explained, selecting several Berries and placing them in the machine's compartments. "Some improve physical attributes like strength or resilience, while others enhance beauty or intelligence. The system is quite sophisticated."
With practiced motions, Shinzō activated the machine. It hummed to life, spinning the Berries at high speed and extracting their essences. Within moments, several small, colorful cubes emerged from the output tray.
"These red ones are made from Tamato Berries," he explained, holding up a deep crimson Pokéblock. "They help develop speed and agility when consumed regularly as part of a training regimen."
Baizhu leaned closer, his scholarly interest evident. "And the concentration process—it preserves the medicinal properties while eliminating bulk? Quite efficient."
"Precisely," Shinzō nodded. "Though the true art lies in combining different Berries to create balanced nutritional profiles. It's not unlike pharmaceutical compounding, I imagine."
The comparison seemed to please Baizhu. "Indeed. Perhaps there might be applications of your cultivation techniques that could benefit my pharmaceutical research."
"I'd be open to discussing it," Shinzō replied carefully, making a mental note to keep an eye on Baizhu's interest. The pharmacist's intentions were notoriously difficult to discern.
By midday, the shop was buzzing with activity. Shinzō had demonstrated the Pokéblock creation process dozens of times, and several customers had already purchased starter sets of Berries and basic Pokéblocks to supplement their newly acquired Pokémon's diets.
The real excitement, however, was building behind the shop, where Shinzō had cordoned off an area for what would become Liyue's first Berry garden. A small crowd had gathered to watch as he prepared the soil with specialized fertilizer that had materialized alongside the unlocked Berry feature.
"The soil composition in Teyvat differs somewhat from the Pokémon world," he explained to the onlookers as he worked. "But these plants are remarkably adaptable. Within a few weeks, we should see the first saplings."
"How fast do they grow?" asked a curious Bubu Pharmacy apprentice who had tagged along with Baizhu.
"Much faster than ordinary fruit trees," Shinzō replied, digging a small hole for a Pecha Berry seed. "Some varieties can produce fruit in as little as four days under ideal conditions. They're designed for sustainability in a world where Pokémon constantly consume them."
A collective murmur of amazement spread through the crowd. In Teyvat, where agricultural cycles followed predictable seasonal patterns, the concept of fruits that matured in days rather than months seemed almost magical.
As Shinzō continued planting, he felt a familiar presence approach. Zhongli stood at the edge of the garden, observing with his characteristic calm attentiveness.
"Consultant Zhongli," Shinzō greeted him with a respectful nod. "Come to see our latest addition to Liyue's horticulture?"
"Indeed," the consultant replied, kneeling to examine the soil preparation more closely. "I find myself curious about how these foreign plants will interact with Teyvat's elemental energies. Plants here typically resonate with specific elements—will yours do the same, I wonder?"
It was an insightful question that Shinzō hadn't fully considered. "That's an excellent point. In their native environment, Berry plants don't have elemental affiliations as Teyvat understands them. It will be fascinating to see if they adapt."
Zhongli nodded, his amber eyes thoughtful. "All things in Teyvat ultimately respond to the Seven Elements. It would be unprecedented if these remained truly neutral." He picked up a Nanab Berry seed, rolling it between his fingers. "Though perhaps unprecedented is precisely what we should expect from offerings of another world."
The consultant's words carried an undercurrent of meaning that Shinzō couldn't quite decipher, but before he could probe further, excited squeals erupted from the direction of the shop's kitchen area.
"Manager Shinzō! Manager Shinzō!" Xiangling burst into the garden area, flour dusting her cheeks and a tray of steaming buns in her hands. "You have to try these! I combined Oran and Lum Berries with traditional lotus paste—the flavor is extraordinary!"
She thrust the tray forward, and the gathered crowd leaned in curiously. The buns were artfully shaped like Poké Balls, with a faint blue-green tint to the dough that suggested the Berry infusion.
Shinzō selected one and took a careful bite. Flavors exploded across his palate—the familiar sweetness of lotus paste elevated by the tangy notes of Oran Berry and the complex, almost minty finish of Lum Berry. It was delicious, but more importantly, it was something entirely new—a true fusion of culinary traditions.
"This is amazing," he told Xiangling sincerely. "You've created something completely unique."
The young chef beamed with pride. "The textures and flavors of these Berries are like nothing in our cooking traditions! The Oran Berry reacts interestingly when heated—it releases a natural sweetness that balances its tartness. And the Lum Berry! It has five distinct flavor notes that appear in sequence as you eat!"
Zhongli accepted a bun with a gracious nod and took a measured bite. His eyes widened slightly—a dramatic reaction by his stoic standards. "Remarkable. The flavors exist in harmonious tension, neither world's influence overpowering the other."
Encouraged by their reactions, Xiangling offered the remaining buns to the gathered crowd. Soon, exclamations of delight and surprise filled the garden as Liyue citizens experienced their first taste of Pokémon world cuisine.
"I'd like to feature these at Wanmin Restaurant as a special item," Xiangling told Shinzō eagerly. "And maybe experiment with other Berry varieties? The Sitrus Berry looked promising for a savory application, perhaps with jueyun chili and cor lapis-infused salt..."
"I'm happy to supply you with ingredients," Shinzō agreed, seeing another excellent business opportunity. "In fact, once our garden is producing, we could establish a regular trading relationship. Your creations would introduce people to Berry flavors, potentially increasing interest in Pokémon care products."
While they discussed the details of this arrangement, Shinzō noticed Baizhu carefully collecting fallen Berry seeds that had scattered during the planting process. The pharmacist caught his gaze and smiled thinly.
"Merely professional curiosity," he explained, tucking the seeds into a small vial. "I assume you have no objection to a modest sampling for analytical purposes?"
"As long as they're used for research only," Shinzō replied evenly. "These plants are under the protection of The Pokémon House. Any commercial applications would require formal partnership agreements."
Baizhu inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Of course. Bubu Pharmacy values ethical research practices above all."
As the afternoon progressed, Shinzō completed the Berry garden planting with help from several enthusiastic volunteers, including some children who had been granted special permission to assist with the simpler tasks. Blaziken supervised the work, occasionally using its precise control of heat to warm specific soil patches that Shinzō indicated might benefit from higher temperatures.
By sunset, they had planted twelve varieties of Berries in neat rows, each marked with illustrated signs describing their properties and uses. A simple irrigation system, designed with input from Liyue's expert gardeners, ensured the plots would receive optimal moisture.
"How soon before we see results?" asked one of the children, looking skeptically at the bare soil.
"Sooner than you might think," Shinzō smiled, ruffling the boy's hair. "Come back in three days, and I bet we'll see the first sprouts."
As the crowd finally dispersed and The Pokémon House closed for the evening, Shinzō sat on the garden's edge with Blaziken, enjoying the peaceful dusk.
"A productive day," he remarked to his partner. "Berry cultivation will add another dimension to our business—and to how Teyvat understands Pokémon."
Blaziken nodded, its keen eyes surveying the freshly planted garden with satisfaction.
A soft chime alerted Shinzō to a new system notification:
[BERRY GARDEN ESTABLISHED: GROWTH ACCELERATOR ACTIVATED] [FIRST HARVEST EXPECTED IN 72 HOURS] [WARNING: UNUSUAL ELEMENTAL ENERGIES DETECTED IN SOIL]
The last line gave Shinzō pause. Was Zhongli right about Teyvat's elements influencing the Berry plants? What might that mean for their properties when harvested?
Before he could ponder this further, another notification appeared:
[LEGENDARY ENCOUNTER COUNTDOWN: 48 HOURS REMAINING] [RECOMMENDED PREPARATION: ESTABLISH CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT] [ELEMENTAL AFFINITY: PSYCHIC]
"A Psychic-type Legendary," Shinzō murmured, mind racing through possibilities. "And it's connected to the Berries somehow..."
Blaziken gave him a questioning look, flames flickering with concern.
"Don't worry," Shinzō assured his partner, standing up and brushing soil from his hands. "This time, we'll be ready. No city-wide incidents like with Zekrom." He glanced at the freshly planted garden. "Though I suspect our Berry project just got considerably more interesting."
As night fell fully over Liyue Harbor, the bare soil of the Berry garden seemed to shimmer faintly in the moonlight, tiny motes of elemental energy dancing across its surface like fireflies. Above it, unseen by any observer, a brief distortion rippled through the air—as if something was peering through from elsewhere, curious about this new addition to Teyvat's landscape.
The Berries and Pokéblocks had been successfully introduced to Liyue. Now Shinzō just had to prepare for whatever Legendary Pokémon had taken an interest in his garden—and hope the city was ready for another encounter with the more powerful denizens of the Pokémon world.