"Boo—"
The sound was soft, almost imperceptible, but it carried a sense of awakening. As Espeon devoured the mysterious fruit placed in front of it, its slender frame shimmered faintly in the morning light. The gemstone embedded in its forehead pulsed rhythmically, resonating with an invisible frequency. A gentle gust stirred the air around it as a newfound strength settled into its limbs. Muscles, though lean and elegant, seemed more defined; its silver fur took on a glassy luster like moonlight caught in motion.
Renji Takahashi stood nearby, arms folded, watching in silence. The panel floating in front of him updated with a soft ding.
[Espeon — Shiny Silver Variant]
Level: 29 (Genin Rank)
Ability: Magic Mirror – Reflects status-altering effects back to the attacker
Moves: Telekinesis, Instant Move, Helping Hand, Quick Attack, Flash...
"Not bad," Renji murmured, kneeling beside Espeon. He extended a hand, rubbing its head gently. "You've really grown. Espeon, from now on, you'll be my greatest shield.""Esp-Esp!" Espeon chirped happily, flicking its tail in graceful delight. The voice was soft and melodic, like a bell echoing across a peaceful valley.
Just then, a familiar puff of breath followed by a low murmur made Renji glance to the side.Dragonite stood there, puffed-up and looking slightly miffed. Its stubby arms were crossed, and it gave a sulky "Dragooo..." that sounded more like a pout than a protest.
"Hahahaha, don't worry. You're still number one when it comes to brute strength," Renji laughed, walking over and patting Dragonite's broad belly."Dragooo!" Dragonite responded, its wings flapping happily now, mood instantly restored.
After letting the two Pokémon enjoy their leisure in the yard, Renji turned and reentered the wooden house. The scent of the fresh timber still lingered, mixing with the earthy air drifting in through the open shoji doors. He sat cross-legged in his modest room, reached into his bag, and took out the treasure chests he had earned earlier from the mission.
He connected with the Pokémon Entrustment System through thought."System, combine the bronze chests."
Ding!Three bronze chests merged into a single silver chest, its surface now shining faintly with chakra-like ripples.
"Alright. Open the leftover bronze one first."
Ding!
You have obtained:
Elemental Stone Set
10,000 Points
Mystic Fruit Tree
Renji glanced at the items one by one as they appeared in translucent panels.
[Elemental Stone Set] — Includes one of each stone: Ice, Day, Night, Fire, Thunder, Water, Leaf, Light, and Dark.[Mystic Fruit Tree] — A miniature tree that grows five mysterious fruits every seven days.
He rubbed his chin, unimpressed. "These are high-ticket items in the system mall, sure… but they're not practical for me right now." He shook his head and swiped the items into storage. "They'll probably fetch a good price later or maybe help raise a new Pokémon. For now, they're dead weight."
Then his gaze turned to the silver treasure chest. "System, open it."
Ding!You have obtained:
Pokémon Battle Field
Mysterious Fruit x10
Spirit Fruit
Pokémon Training Equipment
He paused. His eyes narrowed slightly, lingering on one item in particular."Spirit Fruit?" he muttered. The description followed shortly.
[Spirit Fruit]: A fruit that enhances the user's spiritual capacity. Only effective for humans. May induce awakening of latent talents. Not suitable for Pokémon.
Renji's interest sharpened. "Wait… I can use this? I thought the chests were only for Pokémon."
The system answered in a calm tone."The exclusive treasure chests can generate items for both Pokémon and humans."
Renji's heart skipped a beat. "Does that mean there are other types of awakening fruits too?"
"Yes, Host. The system can generate all known awakening paths in the Pokémon world—within reason."
A slow grin spread across Renji's face. "So I could, in theory, gather all of them?"
"Affirmative. But it is recommended that the Host focus on enhancing the existing god-tier spiritual talent. Spreading thin across multiple paths may reduce overall growth efficiency."
He nodded. "Makes sense. Depth over diversity. Still…" He couldn't help but imagine himself wielding all kinds of powers, each blending with his chakra in unique ways. The thought was intoxicating.
Turning his attention to the other rewards, he summoned the Pokémon Battle Field and walked out to the backyard again. The area was mostly clear but far from even. As he placed the item on the ground, a ripple expanded outward, flattening the terrain. Within seconds, a proper Pokémon arena had formed—marked lines, smooth surface, and an energy barrier on the edge.
"Now this is useful."
Next, he laid out the Pokémon Training Equipment: precision strength weights, reaction walls, balance boards, and chakra-stimulating treadmills. The setup looked like a hybrid of a shinobi dojo and a Pokémon gym.
Espeon and Dragonite wandered over, eyes wide.
"Esp—?""Dragooo?"
Renji smiled. "Go on. Try them out. Time to level up."
Espeon leapt gracefully onto a spinning balance platform, its psychic powers flickering as it adjusted to the shifting momentum. Dragonite began lifting large stone balls marked with weight seals, its muscles flexing under strain. The two Pokémon began training earnestly, each in their own rhythm.
With them occupied, Renji sat under the shade of a tree. He examined the Spirit Fruit in his hand—its skin shimmered like moonlight, and it pulsed faintly in his palm. Without hesitation, he took a bite.
Warmth exploded in his chest. A wave of energy shot through his body, as if someone had unlocked a door in the farthest reaches of his mind. His breath grew steady, focused. He could feel his spiritual perception expand, his awareness broadening beyond what normal eyes could see.
He closed his eyes and fell into meditation.
——
Meanwhile, deep within the Hyuga clan compound...
The sun had dipped just past the rooftops, casting long shadows across the polished wood of the estate. Hinata walked silently through the stone pathway leading to the porch of her home, her small hands wrapped tightly around a Poké Ball.
Her steps were careful, as though trying not to disturb the peace of the courtyard. But her expression was radiant. She had finally received her partner from Renji—a companion not just for battle, but for courage.
Just as she approached the sliding door, a cold voice cut through the silence.
"Hinata."
She froze.
A figure stood beneath the eaves—tall, composed, and shadowed by fading light. Hiashi Hyuga's expression was unreadable, but his tone carried a weight Hinata had known all her life.
"You're late."
"I… I'm sorry," she whispered, lowering her head. Her grip on the Poké Ball tightened.Hiashi's gaze moved downward. "What is that in your hand?"
Hinata hesitated. Her lips parted, but no words came. She tried to hide it behind her sleeve, but it was too late.
"Give it to me," Hiashi commanded.
Hinata backed away slightly. "No."
Hiashi blinked. "What did you say?"
She raised her head this time, meeting his eyes with more strength than she had ever mustered before."This is my partner," she said quietly. "I won't hand it over."
The Poké Ball shimmered faintly in her hand, almost as if in recognition of her words.
Hiashi's eyes narrowed, but for a fleeting moment, there was something else behind his stern expression. Surprise… or perhaps a sliver of pride.
To be continued...