Taking the energy cube handed over by Dragonite, Renji Takahashi nodded in thanks. He then tore one open and placed it gently in front of Bulbasaur, who was already drooling, eyes wide with anticipation. "Alright, eat first." Without a word, Bulbasaur snatched the cube and began devouring it happily, clearly familiar with the taste.
Naruto, still watching from the side with confusion and curiosity bubbling over, leaned forward. "Renji, what is this stuff? And is Bulbasaur always this picky with food? It wouldn't even touch the ramen I offered."
Renji twitched slightly at the mention of ramen. "That's because Pokémon don't eat human food. They only consume specially made energy cubes."
"Energy cubes?" Naruto tilted his head. "What do those do? Can I eat them too? Will I get stronger?"
Renji's face froze, an eyebrow twitching with visible effort to remain calm. A hundred thousand whys again? He let out a light breath. "They're made from special berries. For Pokémon, they boost growth and help with developing abilities. They won't do anything for humans."
Naruto's mouth formed an "oh," but his eyes were still full of questions. Kakashi coughed dryly, shifting the attention. "Renji, earlier you used the word Pokémon. Aren't these just summoned beasts?"
Renji smiled faintly, his gaze calm. "No. They're a completely different life form. Not summoned beasts, but something greater. Born with natural affinity to elements, a vast variety of abilities, and potential that's nearly limitless."
The room fell into silence. The statement didn't just confuse them—it shook the foundations of what they knew. These weren't chakra constructs. There were no hand seals. Yet, the power Bulbasaur displayed before was real.
Seeing the stunned looks, Renji turned away and waved. "Come on. Let me show you the rest."
He led them through the back of the wooden house. Beyond it was an open space where a group of Pokémon munched away on their energy cubes, the afternoon sun painting golden stripes over their bodies. The moment they noticed Renji, their heads popped up, ears twitching and eyes narrowing slightly when they spotted the strangers following him.
"They're nervous," Kakashi noted quietly.
"They're cautious," Renji corrected him. "But they're intelligent enough to know danger from kindness."
Kakashi observed them carefully, then asked, "These… Pokémon. Can they all become strong?"
Renji nodded slowly. "Yes. With training and care, any one of them can grow to match—no, surpass—your Hokage."
The bold claim stunned them once again. Sakura frowned in disbelief. "That's impossible. The Hokage is the strongest in the world."
Renji chuckled quietly. "You've been taught that, haven't you? But maybe you should ask your teacher instead."
All eyes turned to Kakashi. The copy ninja hesitated, his gaze falling on Dragonite standing guard nearby—its immense aura impossible to ignore.
"…He's not wrong," Kakashi admitted. "I'm not sure they can all be stronger than the Hokage, but… at least one of them already is."
That simple admission changed everything. Sasuke's eyes, which had been wary moments before, now shimmered with ambition. Sakura was speechless.
Renji saw the shift. "Alright. Let's set aside that debate. Tell me… would any of you like to take a Pokémon with you?"
Kakashi immediately tensed. "Renji, what's your goal here? Why are you so eager to give them away?"
Renji's eyes dimmed slightly, revealing a rare moment of vulnerability. "It's not about giving them away. These Pokémon deserve a chance to grow, to see the world beyond this place. If they choose someone, and that bond is genuine, then it's worth the risk. I have my reasons… ones I'm not ready to share yet."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes slightly. Renji's voice held no lies—only a bitterness born from necessity. Still, the logic seemed sound, and Dragonite's silent presence was like a lie detector in the background.
Sasuke stepped forward, his eyes never leaving the group of Pokémon. "How much?"
Renji shook his head. "They're not for sale. If a Pokémon chooses you, and you're sincere, you can take it. But if you mistreat them, Dragonite—and I—will find you."
Dragonite let out a subtle but chilling growl. Even without words, the message was clear.
Sasuke stepped toward the group, Sakura hesitantly following. As they approached, several Pokémon backed off with cautious eyes, some preparing to defend themselves.
Renji raised a hand. "It's alright. They're here to find partners. If any of you want to grow strong—if you want to see the world beyond this place—go to them."
The Pokémon watched closely. Slowly, two began to move forward: Charmander and Pidgeot. The others stayed in place, choosing to observe more.
Renji turned to Sasuke. "That's their decision. Now it's yours."
Sasuke stared at them, then gave a solemn nod. "I'll take responsibility."
But Renji's tone hardened. "This isn't a mission. It's a bond. If you betray it, there won't be second chances."
Dragonite's eyes flared once again, pressing down on Sasuke like a silent storm. Sasuke trembled slightly, but stood tall. He looked at Charmander with eyes full of quiet respect—and perhaps, just a hint of hope