The Pokémon Entrustment, as the name implies, is Renji Takahashi's mission to entrust Pokémon to people in the Naruto world. However, this entrustment is not as simple as merely handing over a Pokémon to anyone. The bond between a Pokémon and its trainer is sacred, and if the Pokémon does not accept the person it is entrusted to, the process cannot proceed. Trust must be earned, and compatibility is essential. This system, bound to Renji, operates under strict rules that make his task all the more challenging.
Yet, despite the uncertainty, Renji has no choice but to forge ahead. The Pokémon shelter is not just a necessity; it is his only way forward.
If Renji successfully entrusts a Pokémon to someone, and that Pokémon grows stronger under its new trainer's guidance, he earns points through the system. These points can be used to draw more Pokémon for entrustment or exchange for Pokémon-related items. The speed at which Pokémon improve varies depending on their trainer. Characters who have already appeared in the world's story tend to train Pokémon at an accelerated rate, making them prime candidates for entrustment. Furthermore, if a Pokémon entrusted to a notable character grows stronger, Renji receives ten times the points compared to those entrusted to ordinary people.
This was precisely why Renji had called Naruto over today. He needed to entrust a Pokémon to someone with great potential, and Naruto was an ideal candidate. The three strange creatures that appeared behind Renji at this moment were the Pokémon ready for entrustment—his first step toward unlocking the system's full potential.
To an outsider, these creatures would be utterly unfamiliar, but to someone from Renji's world, they would be instantly recognizable. They were none other than three of the first-generation Pokémon: Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle.
[Bulbasaur]
Classification: Seed Pokémon
Attribute: Grass/Poison
Feature: Lush (When HP is low, Grass-type attacks become stronger, up to double the maximum.)
Level: 5 (Intern Ninja)
Skills: Tackle, Growl
[Charmander]
Classification: Lizard Pokémon
Attribute: Fire
Feature: Blaze (When HP is low, Fire-type attacks become stronger, up to double the maximum.)
Level: 5 (Intern Ninja)
Skills: Scratch, Growl
[Squirtle]
Classification: Turtle Pokémon
Attribute: Water
Feature: Torrent (When HP is low, Water-type attacks become stronger, up to double the maximum.)
Level: 5 (Intern Ninja)
Skills: Tackle, Tail Whip
The three Pokémon were all level 5 at the moment, and their strength was comparable to that of trainee ninjas in this world, about the same as students who had just graduated from the Ninja Academy. Somewhat disappointingly, none of the three displayed any hidden abilities.
Naruto was stunned for a moment, staring at the three creatures before looking at Renji with uncertainty. "Brother Renji, are they... them?"
His expression was full of astonishment. Were these the partners Renji had mentioned? Though strange, these creatures didn't look particularly strong. Weren't partners supposed to be people? And why did these three look so weak?
Renji saw the doubt in Naruto's eyes, crouched down, and patted the heads of the three Pokémon. "Naruto, these three aren't what you think. They're rare and excellent partners."
He smiled slightly and continued, "Their strength is also formidable. Each has unique attributes and skills that can rival even ninjas. The most important thing is that if you train them well, their power could surpass even the Hokage."
Naruto's eyes lit up at the mention of surpassing the Hokage. His dream was to become Hokage, and now these creatures could be stronger than the strongest person in the village? That was enough to make his blood boil.
As Naruto observed them, the three Pokémon reacted differently.
Charmander stood still, seemingly indifferent to Naruto's gaze.
Squirtle, on the other hand, nervously hid behind Renji, peeking at Naruto with timid curiosity.
Bulbasaur, however, stepped forward with unwavering determination, locking eyes with Naruto.
Renji noticed their reactions and patted their heads again. "It's okay, don't be scared. Naruto won't hurt you."
These three Pokémon had been provided by the system when the shelter was first established. In truth, Renji had hesitated to entrust them to others. He had always loved Pokémon—he had watched the anime countless times, played the games over and over, and often dreamed of having Pokémon of his own. But the system's rules were absolute.
No matter how much Renji wanted to train them himself, it was impossible. Pokémon obtained through the system could only grow stronger by being entrusted to trainers who would nurture them. If he kept them to himself, they would remain stuck at level 5 forever.
"Brother Renji, can they really become stronger than the Hokage?" Naruto asked, excitement creeping into his voice.
Renji turned to him and nodded. "Yes. If trained properly, they can even surpass the Hokage."
Internally, Renji scoffed. The Pokémon in this world weren't bound by game mechanics. There was no level cap. As long as they trained diligently, reaching level 100 was a possibility. And at level 100, their strength would rival even the mightiest shinobi.
Even ten Third Hokages wouldn't stand a chance against a fully trained level 100 Pokémon.
Of course, reaching such a level wouldn't be easy. It would take an incredible amount of time and effort.
Hearing Renji's words, Naruto became even more excited. He clenched his fists and nodded enthusiastically. "Brother Renji, I want one!"
Renji, however, shook his head. "It's not that simple. If you want them as your partners, they must choose you as well."
He then turned to the three Pokémon. "This guy wants to be your partner. What do you think?"
Squirtle peeked at Naruto but quickly shook its head and hid again.
Charmander glanced at Naruto and gave a small shake of its head as well.
Naruto's face fell at their rejection. But then, Bulbasaur stepped forward with determination.
Renji's eyes gleamed with understanding. "Bulbasaur, are you saying you'll fight Naruto? If he wins, you'll go with him?"
Bulbasaur nodded, its stance unwavering.
Renji smirked and turned to Naruto. "Naruto, you heard him. If you want Bulbasaur as your partner, you'll have to earn it."
Naruto grinned and clenched his fists. "Alright! I accept the challenge!"