Chapter 11: Testing Strength and New Companions

"Roooar~"

Dragonite nodded and glared at Sasuke, its fierce gaze overwhelming him with an intense pressure.

A chill ran down Sasuke's spine as his body trembled uncontrollably. Fear flashed in his eyes as he looked at Ryo and nodded in acknowledgment.

Ryo noticed the fear on Sasuke's face and nodded in satisfaction. Sasuke isn't exactly a good guy in the anime.

He still remembered how Sasuke had summoned Manda during his fight with Deidara, using it as a shield to save himself. Although Manda wasn't a nice creature either, that incident showed Sasuke's ruthless nature.

If he dared to treat these Pokémon the same way, Ryo would not let him off easily.

Once Ryo nodded, Dragonite retracted its aura.

"Huu—"

Sasuke let out a sigh of relief. He glanced at Charmander and Pidgey in front of him before turning to Ryo. "Boss, which one of these Pokémon is stronger?"

"There's no absolute strength among Pokémon. It all depends on how you train them."

"Then, can I test their strength?"

"Roooar!"

"Po~"

Before Ryo could answer, both Charmander and Pidgey nodded eagerly.

They immediately demonstrated their abilities. Charmander dashed toward a nearby tree, slashing at its trunk with its sharp claws. Meanwhile, Pidgey flew into the air and rammed into the tree at high speed.

Sasuke frowned as he observed their attacks. He could tell that both Pokémon were at about the same level in terms of attack power and other abilities.

After thinking for a while, Sasuke's eyes became resolute. He turned to Ryo. "Boss, this one uses fire-based attacks, right?"

Pointing at Charmander, Ryo nodded. "Yes, it's a Fire-type."

"Then I'll choose it."

"Roooar~"

Hearing this, Charmander's face lit up with joy, and it rushed over to Sasuke.

On the other hand, Pidgey looked disappointed and visibly downcast.

Noticing this, Ryo picked up Pidgey and gently stroked its feathers. Then he glanced at Sasuke, who was now holding Charmander. "It's fine to make your choice, but let me remind you once again—Pokémon are partners, not tools."

Sasuke's eyes showed a hint of surprise. After a moment of silence, he nodded.

"Egg~ Egg~"

Suddenly, Happiny appeared in front of Sakura, blinking its eyes and calling out in a soft voice.

"Wow!"

Happiny's sudden appearance caught everyone's attention. Sakura's eyes turned into hearts as she looked at the cute little Pokémon. "So cute! Boss, is this also a Pokémon?"

Ryo nodded and walked over to pat Happiny's head. "Yes, this is Happiny, and it seems to really like you."

"Egg~"

Happiny extended its short arms toward Sakura, asking for a hug.

Sakura felt her heart melt at the sight. She immediately picked up the little cutie. "Happiny, right? Hello!"

"Egg~"

Happiny nodded with a big smile, happily greeting Sakura in return.

Ryo couldn't help but smile at the scene. "It looks like Happiny wants to be your partner."

"Really?" Sakura asked excitedly.

"Egg~"

Happiny nodded again.

"Alright! I've decided. From now on, you're my partner, Happiny!"

Sakura, who had initially been unsure about adopting a Pokémon, made up her mind right then and there. How could she resist such an adorable creature?

Ryo nodded with a big grin, laughing inwardly. Two Pokémon adopted in one go! How could I not be excited?

He turned his attention to Kakashi. "Mr. Kakashi, have you made up your mind? Would you like to raise a Pokémon too?"

"Yeah, Kakashi-sensei! Why don't you choose one as well?" Naruto, who had been watching while holding Bulbasaur, chimed in.

"Yes, yes! Kakashi-sensei, you should adopt one too!" Sakura joined in enthusiastically.

Faced with their expectant gazes, Kakashi smiled and nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Mr. Ryo."

Suppressing his excitement, Ryo nodded. He spoke to the remaining Pokémon, but only Pikachu came forward this time.

"Mr. Kakashi, it seems you have a special connection with this one. This is Pikachu, an Electric-type Pokémon."

Hearing that, Kakashi became interested and turned to look at Pikachu.

"Pika Pika~"

Pikachu locked eyes with Kakashi and, feeling underestimated, let out a small electric shock.

Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise. That electric shock is almost equivalent to a C-rank jutsu! And it released it so easily without any training!

After a moment of shock, Kakashi picked up Pikachu and turned to Ryo. "Thank you."

Ryo shook his head. "No need to thank me. It's all about fate between you and the Pokémon."

"By the way, Boss," Sakura asked curiously, "you said Pokémon only eat Pokéblocks. What if we run out of them?"

"Don't worry. I sell Pokéblocks."

Sakura nodded and then asked, "How much do they cost?"

Ryo reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper, handing it to them.

Seeing this, Kakashi's mouth twitched. Why does it feel like he had this planned all along?

Taking the paper, they read the listed prices and couldn't help but react.

"Brother Ryo, the basic Pokéblocks cost 1,000 ryo per bag?"

Naruto couldn't believe it. "A bowl of Ichiraku Ramen only costs about 50 ryo! But one bag of Pokéblocks costs the same as 20 bowls of ramen?"

The others also looked at Ryo in shock.

Ryo smiled. "It's not expensive. A single bag of Pokéblocks can feed a Pokémon for an entire week."

What, did you really think the Pokémon were free? Of course, I need to make some money.

Besides, it really wasn't that expensive. Even an average person could afford it if they saved a bit. For well-paid ninja, it was a trivial amount.

After hearing Ryo's explanation, the group nodded in understanding.

Curious, Kakashi asked, "Mr. Ryo, what's the difference between the different levels of Pokéblocks?"

The paper listed not just basic Pokéblocks but also medium, high, and premium ones, each at progressively higher prices.