Renji Takahashi was speechless.
Why are women all visual creatures?
His gaze fell on Yuhi Kurenai, who was snuggling the fluffy Alolan Vulpix like it was the most precious treasure on Earth. Her eyes sparkled with joy, her whole demeanor radiating warmth and satisfaction.
Can't they care about strength for once? he thought with a sigh. Isn't battle potential more important than just looking cute?
But even as the thought crossed his mind, Renji couldn't deny it—Vulpix wasn't weak. Alolan Vulpix, with its Ice and Fairy typing, was a tactical powerhouse in the right hands. With proper training and evolution, it could become a beautiful yet dangerous Ninetales, capable of turning battlefields into frozen plains.
He turned to glance at Vulpix, whose shimmering white fur sparkled in the sunlight. The Pokémon's icy blue eyes locked onto Kurenai's face for a moment, as though studying her.
Then, after a moment of silence, Vulpix let out a soft, elegant cry."Awoo—"It took a few dainty steps forward and nestled into Kurenai's embrace, finally confirming its choice.
Kurenai's smile widened, and she hugged it gently, brushing her cheek against its silky fur. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft and sincere.
Renji couldn't help but grin. "Congratulations, Kurenai. Vulpix is entrusted to you now. Take good care of it."
She nodded firmly. "I will, boss."
Then she looked down at her new partner. "So your name is Vulpix, huh? You're so cute… May I hug you again?"
"Awoo—"Vulpix let out a pleased chirp and leaned closer.
Off to the side, Kiba stared with envy. His jaw was slightly slack, and his expression screamed injustice. He glanced at Akamaru on his head and sighed dramatically.
Renji turned away from the happy pair and looked toward another young girl who stood a few steps back, nearly blending into the background.
"Hinata," Renji called softly. "What about you? Have you found a partner you like?"
Hinata's shoulders jolted slightly at being addressed directly. She looked down at her feet and shook her head ever so slightly, her voice barely audible. "I… I haven't decided yet…"
Renji raised an eyebrow. This level of shyness is serious… He had thought the anime might have exaggerated it for effect, but no—this was one hundred percent real. She was as quiet and gentle as they came.
Just then, Renji felt a light tug on his pant leg.
He looked down and saw Squirtle peeking from behind him. The little Water-type was using his leg as cover, stealing shy glances at Hinata while nervously fiddling with his own fingers.As soon as Hinata's eyes met his, Squirtle immediately ducked back out of sight.
Oh? Renji smirked. Interesting. Shy girl, shy turtle. Maybe fate's doing the matchmaking here.
"Ahem—" Renji cleared his throat. "Hinata, what about this one? He may be shy like you, but he's actually a very strong Pokémon. His final evolution, Blastoise, is one of the most powerful Water-types out there."
Hinata lifted her head slowly and followed Renji's pointing finger to the Squirtle.The moment their eyes met, Squirtle panicked and retreated again, only to peek out cautiously moments later.
A soft giggle escaped Hinata's lips. "He's… cute," she whispered, the faintest blush dusting her cheeks.Then she nodded. "Y-Yes… I like him."
Renji crouched down and looked at Squirtle. "She wants to be your partner. What do you think?"
Squirtle looked from Renji to Hinata, then back again.His body trembled slightly, but after a long pause, he gave a nervous nod.
"Squirtle—"Just as he nodded, he suddenly curled into his shell and refused to come out.
"…Okay, maybe he's not ready for the spotlight," Renji muttered with a dry smile. He turned back to Hinata. "He's a bit timid and anxious, but I think he'll come around. He just needs some encouragement."
Hinata nodded again, her voice as soft as ever. "H-How can I help?"
Renji opened the system interface and exchanged a few points for a pouch of low-level energy cubes. After taking one out, he handed it to her. "Try feeding him this. Food is often the fastest way to a Pokémon's heart."
Hinata accepted the cube with both hands. Then, with cautious steps, she knelt down near Squirtle's hiding spot."Um… Squirtle… would you like to eat?"
There was a pause. Then a sniff.
Squirtle peeked out, sniffed again, and stared at the cube in Hinata's hand. He hesitated, looking at Renji, who gave him a small nod of encouragement.
After a moment's pause, Squirtle waddled forward, took the cube from her hand, and plopped down to eat it eagerly."Squirtle—Squirtle," he mumbled between bites, clearly enjoying the taste.
Hinata smiled again, and this time, the expression lingered. The connection between them had started.
Renji crossed his arms and watched with satisfaction. Looks like this pair will work out just fine.
But before he could enjoy the moment for too long—
"Boss!" a familiar voice rang out.
It was Kiba. He looked personally offended.
"Why does Hinata get food to feed her Pokémon, and I don't?! That's so unfair!"
Renji blinked. "You could've asked to buy some."
"But I didn't know she was getting special treatment!" Kiba argued, placing his hands on his hips. "Are you favoring the shy girls now? Should I show up in a dress next time?!"
Akamaru barked disapprovingly from atop his head.Renji groaned. "No one's getting special treatment. Look, if you want an energy cube, just buy it."
Kiba blinked. "Oh. That's it?"He quickly pulled some ryo from his pocket. "I want one! Here!"
Renji accepted the money and handed him a cube. Kiba turned toward his chosen Pokémon—Darumaka, the little Fire-type who was bouncing in place beside him.
"Darumaka! Want a snack?" Kiba said enthusiastically, kneeling and holding out the cube the way Hinata had.
Darumaka paused, sniffed the air, then waddled forward. He gently took the cube from Kiba and sat down to munch it contentedly.
Kiba's eyes lit up. "It's eating! Darumaka is eating it!"
"Woof woof—"Akamaru barked again and gently bit Kiba's head, annoyed by the attention given to another Pokémon.
"Okay, okay!" Kiba winced. "You're still my number one partner, Akamaru!"
Still, Kiba turned back to Darumaka and cleared his throat. "Darumaka, do you want to be my partner? I promise I'll make you strong—super strong! You'll get all the energy cubes you want. Even high-level ones!"
Renji raised an eyebrow. Making promises you can't keep, huh? You've been taking lessons from politicians or something?
But surprisingly, Darumaka stared into Kiba's eyes for a long moment… and then nodded.
"Yes!" Kiba cheered, pumping his fist in the air. "Darumaka chose me!"
Akamaru barked again and gave his head another gentle bite.
Yuhi Kurenai and Hinata both smiled, watching the scene warmly.
"Congratulations, Kiba," Kurenai said. "You did well. Just be sure to treat Darumaka with the same love and care as Akamaru."
"I will!" Kiba said confidently.
With new Pokémon at their sides, Kurenai, Hinata, and Kiba bought their Pokédexes, Poké Balls, and a few more energy cubes before leaving the shop, full of energy and excitement for the new bonds they'd formed.
Renji stood at the entrance, watching them go. A soft wind ruffled his hair. He smiled to himself.
One by one, the children of Konoha were forming bonds.And so, step by step, the future began to change.