Sora had no tools to test the quality of the peat blocks.
"This is sothing that's never existed before. There's no baseline for comparison—how am I supposed to evaluate it?"
With items like Fire Stones or Water Stones, purity assessnts relied on large datasets. Experts asured deviations from a standardized unit.
But peat blocks—being a completely new evolutionary item—had no established grading system.
"Roar~"
"You're saying… you know how to tell which peat blocks are better?"
Sora hadn't spent long with Bloodmoon Ursaluna, but in this world, trainers could generally grasp the aning behind their Pokémon's vocalizations. That much was common knowledge.
And distinguishing peat block quality didn't require complicated explanation.
Ursaluna lowered its head and carefully sorted the thirty peat blocks into three separate piles.
"Roar~"
It first pointed to the pile of fifteen blocks and shook its head.
"You an this group is the lowest quality?"
"Roar."
Peat blocks could only trigger evolution under a full moon.
That ant Ursaring would remain in close contact with the block for an extended period.
In essence, recognizing peat block quality was instinctual to the Ursaring line.
They might not articulate the science behind it, but place two blocks in front of them, and they would know imdiately which one was better.
"Fifteen standard, ten high-grade, five premium."
"The ratio is surprisingly neat."
Sora chuckled to himself while packing the three piles separately.
Since the quantities differed, he didn't even need labels. He simply grabbed three empty energy-cube containers and placed each group inside.
"Thanks, Ursaluna."
He patted the giant Pokémon's arm.
The bear was too tall to reach its head, so the arm would have to do.
"Once we leave Kitakami, I'll figure out how to build a reputation for peat blocks."
"As for pricing, I'll need professionals to evaluate them."
He already had a candidate in mind:
Champion Cynthia.
The Ursaring evolutionary line offered a powerful new Pokémon, expanded tactical depth, and—most importantly—Ursaluna was a regional species from ancient Sinnoh, the Hisui era.
As the Sinnoh League Champion, reviving a lost Hisui Pokémon would be historically significant.
Sora simply couldn't imagine Cynthia refusing.
"If I can get Cynthia's endorsent, the market will open instantly."
At that point, he wouldn't even need to handle sales personally. He could entrust distribution to Cynthia's family network.
Thirty evolution items—even rare ones—were pocket change for soone at her level.
More importantly, her character was trustworthy.
"Trading one premium peat block for Cynthia's goodwill is absolutely worth it."
Of course, plans were just plans.
Whether it would work remained uncertain.
After all, simply locating the Champion was a challenge in itself.
Ordinary people had no access to a Champion's schedule.
"Ah well, one step at a ti."
Sora still had so savings—barely enough to support Ursaluna's massive appetite.
"If necessary, I'll join local tournants and events during our travels to cover expenses."
With the peat blocks sorted, he turned his full attention to preparing a late-night al for his Pokémon.
And just as he had predicted—
The country-raised bear, tasting human cooking for the first ti, was instantly conquered.
"This trip to Kitakami can be considered a complete success."
Inside the cave, Ursaluna lay in the center like a living cushion. Sora and the three smaller Pokémon leaned comfortably against its fluffy belly while reviewing the past two days.
"We found Ponpon. Then Ursaluna joined the team."
"Poné!"
"Roa~"
Ogerpon and Ursaluna had bonded quickly.
Pokémon were simple by nature.
"Good. Full of spirit."
Sora nodded, then his expression grew serious.
"However, before we leave Kitakami, there's one more thing we need to do."
He proceeded to summarize Ogerpon's history with the village:
Her arrival with the man.
The Loyal Three attacking him and stealing his masks.
Her retaliation.
And the villagers twisting the truth and worshipping the thieves.
"ROAR!!"
Ursaluna's temper flared instantly after hearing the story. It looked ready to march straight into town and blow the villagers sky-high.
Granted, with Pokémon-world durability, they'd probably just need bandages afterward—but still.
"Alright, I know you're angry."
"But it's not ti to clear Ponpon's na yet."
Sora could report everything to Cynthia and let the Champion handle the situation.
But that required a strong personal relationship.
It wasn't about a lack of compassion.
It was about reality.
Large groups were difficult to confront, and Kitakami's culture was deeply entrenched.
Even when the truth eventually ca out in the original tiline, the villagers still insisted on worshipping the Loyal Three.
That alone showed how stubborn and profit-driven they were.
"I genuinely don't understand how the people here can be so blind."
Forget the Loyal Three.
We have Ponpon.
If you're making rchandise, the choice should be obvious.
"This place failing to develop isn't an accident."
People who couldn't recognize Ponpon's charm deserved to stay stuck in the mountains forever.
Sora had zero interest in letting them profit from her image.
That would be revolting.
"Roar?"
"Sorry, got carried away."
He refocused.
"Even if we can't clear Ponpon's na yet, we're not swallowing this anger."
"Coincidentally, there are still a few of Ponpon's belongings at Mossui Town's festival plaza."
"Poné!"
Ogerpon imdiately understood.
"That's right—the three masks you lost."
Those masks belonged to her.
The Loyal Three were thieves.
The villagers had kept stolen property for years.
It was ti to return it.
Steal them back?
Heh.
Yes, stealing would be the easiest thod.
But Sora wasn't a thief.
Taking back what was rightfully yours shouldn't require sneaking around.
Before gaining Ogerpon and Ursaluna, he had to act cautiously.
Now?
If he still tiptoed around, what was the point of having them?
"Tomorrow," Sora said firmly,
"we march straight into the plaza—"
"and take back what belongs to us."
—------------------------------
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