A crisp breeze rustled the trees behind the wooden house, carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh grass. The secluded clearing, usually silent and undisturbed, was about to witness something significant—the first step toward Renji Takahashi's Pokémon shelter.
It wasn't just about giving a Pokémon a home. This was a test, a challenge that went beyond mere battles. If he wanted to prove that Pokémon and shinobi could coexist, he had to show that Pokémon could form meaningful bonds with people. And if the system's Shelter Requirement was ever going to be fulfilled, he needed successful entrustments.
Renji stood with arms crossed, watching as Naruto Uzumaki and Bulbasaur squared off in the open space. The young ninja was buzzing with excitement, while Bulbasaur's stance radiated quiet confidence. Neither side intended to back down.
This was it. The beginning.
A Test of Strength
Naruto flashed his trademark grin. "Alright, let's do this! I won't lose to you!"
Bulbasaur, standing firm on all fours, narrowed its eyes and nodded. It wasn't afraid. It was ready.
Then, without warning—
Bulbasaur's legs tensed, and in an instant, it surged forward, its small yet sturdy body accelerating like a green blur across the battlefield.
Renji's sharp eyes caught the movement immediately. "That speed… That's Collision!"
A straightforward, physical move, but one that packed power if used with enough force.
Naruto, however, wasn't as observant. He hesitated for just a second—long enough for Bulbasaur to close the gap.
Bang!
The impact sent Naruto flying backward, his body tumbling across the ground before landing in a heap. A groan of pain escaped him as he clutched his stomach.
"Owww… That hurts so much!" he whined, rubbing the sore spot.
Bulbasaur blinked, looking genuinely confused. It turned to Renji, as if to ask, That was it?
Renji let out a sigh, pressing a hand to his forehead. "Seriously, Naruto? You're a shinobi, but you couldn't even dodge?"
If Kakashi had seen this, the man would have buried himself under his Icha Icha books in shame.
But Naruto was nothing if not persistent. Instead of being discouraged, he grinned even wider. He climbed back to his feet, determination flaring in his eyes.
"Alright, now it's my turn! I'm definitely making you my partner!"
His hands moved in a blur, forming a familiar seal.
"Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"
A thick cloud of smoke exploded across the clearing. When it faded, dozens of identical Narutos stood shoulder to shoulder, all grinning and ready for battle.
Bulbasaur's Counterattack
Renji's brow lifted slightly. He really doesn't hold back, huh?
Bulbasaur, instead of being intimidated, seemed to approve of the challenge. Its two vines slithered out from the bud on its back, stretching forward like whips.
Without hesitation, it lunged into the fray.
The battle erupted into chaos.
Bulbasaur's vines lashed out, striking down clone after clone. With every hit, a Naruto vanished into white smoke, dispersing into the wind. But no matter how many clones it eliminated, more kept coming.
The battlefield was a blur of motion.
Naruto and his clones swarmed Bulbasaur from all sides, fists flying. Bulbasaur twisted and dodged, countering with precision, its vines whipping through the air like twin serpents.
Then, just as the clones closed in—
Bulbasaur let out a sharp, commanding cry.
"Gah!"
It wasn't just a random noise.
Renji's eyes flashed with realization. "That's Call!"
A move often dismissed as weak or useless. But in this moment, its power became clear.
The sudden sound stunned the clones for a fraction of a second—just long enough for Bulbasaur to launch a rapid counterattack. Its vines shot out, striking down every clone in quick succession.
One by one, the Narutos vanished into puffs of smoke.
Naruto, watching from the sidelines, didn't look upset. If anything, his eyes burned even brighter.
"Whoa… Bulbasaur, you're amazing!"
Renji smirked. "So he sees it now."
Rather than being discouraged, Naruto's excitement only grew. He clapped his hands together once more.
"Alright, let's go again! Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"
More clones appeared.
Bulbasaur froze.
Its vines twitched.
It looked at the ever-growing army of Narutos… then slowly turned its head toward Renji.
Renji knew that look.
This isn't fair. This is just cheating.
Renji sighed. "Yeah… You're not wrong."
Bulbasaur hesitated. It had fought well, but it was clear that Naruto could keep summoning clones forever. No matter how strong it was, this was a battle it couldn't win by force alone.
And yet, Naruto wasn't stopping.
"I won't lose!" he shouted, charging forward once again with his clones in tow.
Bulbasaur's response?
It turned around and ran.
Renji blinked. Wait, what?
Bulbasaur sprinted across the clearing, weaving between obstacles, heading straight for him. In one swift motion, it squeezed past Squirtle and hid behind Renji's legs, its vines trembling slightly.
Naruto and his clones skidded to a stop.
"Hey! Come back! We're not done!"
Renji let out a breath, shaking his head. "Naruto, cut it out. Bulbasaur isn't running away—it's telling you something."
Naruto blinked. "Huh?"
Renji crouched down, placing a hand on Bulbasaur's head. "It's saying it's already made its decision."
Bulbasaur nodded, looking up at Naruto with unwavering eyes.
Naruto's expression shifted from confusion to realization. "Wait… does that mean…?"
Renji stood up. "Yeah. It's agreed to be your partner."
For a moment, Naruto just stared. Then his face broke into the biggest, brightest grin possible.
"Really?! Brother Renji, you're not messing with me, right?"
Renji chuckled. "Nope. But listen—if you don't take care of Bulbasaur, I'll take it back myself. Understood?"
Naruto immediately stood up straight. "I promise! I'll take good care of it!"
Renji turned to Bulbasaur. "And you—be careful out there. The world isn't always kind. If something happens, come find me."
Bulbasaur waved its vines, as if to say, I can handle myself.
Renji rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just remember what I said."
Naruto, unable to contain his excitement any longer, scooped Bulbasaur into his arms. "Thank you, Brother Renji! I'll bring Bulbasaur back to visit!"
With that, he bolted out of the clearing, eager to show off his new partner to the village.
Renji watched them go.
Then—
"[Entrust the first Pokémon] Mission completed. Reward: 1 novice gift pack!"
"Entrust a plot character's Pokémon. Reward: 1000 points, Bronze Exclusive Treasure Chest x1!"
Renji's breath caught. The system had finally reacted.
He clenched his fist.
The shelter wasn't built yet. The financial struggles hadn't disappeared. The road ahead was still long.
But this was proof.
This was the first step.