Chapter 2: Naruto and Bulbasaur’s…

Entrusting Pokémon, as the name implies, Ryo's task is to entrust Pokémon to people in the Naruto world.

Of course, it's not as simple as just handing them over. If the Pokémon doesn't accept the person they're being entrusted to, the process cannot proceed.

Once a Pokémon is successfully entrusted and its level increases through training, Ryo earns points.

These points can be used to draw additional Pokémon or exchange them for Pokémon-related items.

The speed at which a Pokémon levels up also depends on the individual it is entrusted to. Characters who appear in the main storyline train and level up Pokémon much faster than those who don't.

Additionally, when a character from the storyline raises a Pokémon's level, the points Ryo earns are ten times more than what he would gain from someone not part of the story.

That's why Ryo asked Naruto to come here—he wanted to entrust him with a Pokémon.

At that moment, behind Ryo stood three strange creatures—the Pokémon he intended to entrust.

If a modern person were here, they would immediately recognize these three as the first-generation starter Pokémon from Pokémon: Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle.

[Bulbasaur]

Gender: Male

Category: Seed Pokémon

Type: Grass/Poison

Ability: Overgrow (Boosts Grass-type moves when HP is low, up to twice the power.)

Level: 5 (Equivalent to a Genin)

Moves: Tackle, Growl

[Charmander]

Gender: Male

Category: Lizard Pokémon

Type: Fire

Ability: Blaze (Boosts Fire-type moves when HP is low, up to twice the power.)

Level: 5 (Equivalent to a Genin)

Moves: Scratch, Growl

[Squirtle]

Gender: Female

Category: Tiny Turtle Pokémon

Type: Water

Ability: Torrent (Boosts Water-type moves when HP is low, up to twice the power.)

Level: 5 (Equivalent to a Genin)

Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip

All three Pokémon were currently at level 5, equivalent in strength to Genin—about the same level as freshly graduated ninja academy students.

The only disappointment was that none of them had any hidden abilities.

"Uh—"

Naruto was momentarily stunned. He glanced at the starter trio, then looked at Ryo with uncertainty. "Ryo-nii… are these… the ones?"

His face was full of disbelief. Were these really the 'partners' Ryo had mentioned earlier? While these creatures looked unusual, could they truly be considered partners? Weren't partners supposed to be human? And why didn't they seem particularly strong?

Ryo noticed Naruto's thoughts and crouched down to pat the trio on their heads. "Naruto, these aren't what you think. They're incredible partners."

"They each have unique attributes and skills. Even compared to ninja, they're just as strong."

"Most importantly, if you train them well, they can become even stronger than the Hokage."

Hearing this, Naruto's eyes lit up, and his gaze toward the starter trio turned excited and eager.

After all, his dream was to become Hokage. If these creatures could surpass the Hokage's strength, that meant they were unimaginably powerful. In the village, the Hokage was known as the strongest!

As Naruto observed the starter trio, they also noticed his gaze.

Charmander stood still with no reaction, acting as though it hadn't noticed Naruto at all.

Squirtle hid behind Ryo, peeking at Naruto timidly.

Bulbasaur, however, stared directly into Naruto's eyes, letting out a determined "Bulba~ Bulba!"

Ryo noticed their reactions and gently patted their heads again. "It's okay. Don't worry. Naruto won't hurt you."

These three Pokémon were a gift from the system after the shop was built earlier that day.

Honestly, Ryo was reluctant to entrust them to anyone else. He would have loved to raise them himself.

After all, he had always loved Pokémon. He had watched the anime countless times and played the games endlessly. He often fantasized about how wonderful it would be to have real-life Pokémon companions.

But unfortunately, he couldn't train them himself. Although the system ensured the Pokémon had maximum affection for him and could follow his battle commands, they wouldn't grow stronger without a designated trainer.

In other words, they would remain at level 5 forever unless entrusted to someone else.

According to the system's rules, Pokémon could only grow stronger if their entrusted trainer trained them.

"Ryo-nii… can they really become stronger than the Hokage?" Naruto asked eagerly.

Ryo turned back and nodded. "Yes. If you train them well, they'll become stronger than any Hokage."

He smirked slightly. Pokémon in this world weren't like those in the games—there was no level cap. As long as they were trained properly, they could reach level 100 and beyond.

A level 100 Pokémon was equivalent to a Kage-level shinobi in this world.

Given the strength of the Third Hokage, a level 100 Pokémon could easily crush him. Even ten Third Hokages wouldn't stand a chance against a single level 100 Pokémon.

Of course, raising a Pokémon to level 100 wouldn't be easy. Even if it was possible, it would take a lot of time and effort.

Hearing Ryo's confirmation, Naruto became even more excited and nodded repeatedly. "Ryo-nii, I'll take them!"

Ryo shook his head. "It's not that simple. They must decide for themselves if they want to be your partners."

He turned to the trio. "This boy wants to be your partner. What do you think?"

"Squirtle~ Squirtle~"

As soon as Ryo finished speaking, Squirtle cautiously poked her head out and shook it at Naruto.

"Char~"

Charmander also glanced at Naruto and shook his head.

Naruto's face fell in disappointment.

But just then, Bulbasaur turned to Ryo and let out a determined "Bulba~!"

Ryo's eyes showed a hint of surprise. "Bulbasaur, do you want to battle him? If he wins, you'll go with him?"

Thanks to his high affinity with the Pokémon, Ryo could understand some of what they were saying.

"Bulba!"

Bulbasaur nodded, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.

Ryo considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

He turned to Naruto.

Naruto, noticing Ryo's gaze, nodded eagerly. "Ryo-nii, I accept! I'll definitely earn its trust and become its partner!"

Ryo nodded again and stood up. "In that case, follow me."

He turned and walked toward the back of the wooden house.

The starter trio and Naruto quickly followed. Squirtle, in particular, seemed nervous. She ran quickly to catch up, her eyes showing a hint of fear at being left behind.