Chapter 13: Kurenai’s Team Takes Notice

After leaving Ryo's mountain, Kakashi's group returned to the center of Konoha.

"Stuck-up Sasuke, let's have a battle! My Bulbasaur is definitely stronger than your Charmander!"

Sasuke remained expressionless, his gaze calm. "You?"

"Ah!"

Naruto instantly bristled at Sasuke's dismissive look, lunging forward, ready to fight him on the spot.

Kakashi's eyes twitched slightly as he quickly grabbed Naruto by the collar. "If you want to fight, do it at the training grounds. This isn't the place for a brawl."

"Hmph—"

Naruto huffed and then turned back to Sasuke with a determined look. "Come on, let's battle!"

Sasuke nodded and turned toward the training grounds without another word. He wanted to understand Charmander's strengths, and the fastest way to do that was through battle.

"Kakashi-sensei, are you sure this is okay?"

Watching the two of them leave, Sakura hesitated and looked at Kakashi with concern.

"Let them go, Sakura. Just keep an eye on them. I have something to take care of."

With that, Kakashi vanished in a blur.

Sakura stood there, momentarily dumbfounded before quickly snapping out of it and hurrying after Naruto and Sasuke.

It didn't take long for the three of them to arrive at the training grounds.

Facing Sasuke, Naruto smirked. "Stuck-up Sasuke, today I'll show you the power of the great Naruto!"

Carefully pulling out a Poké Ball from his waist, he pressed the button to enlarge it before tossing it forward. "Come out, Bulbasaur!"

Sasuke remained silent, his cold gaze locked onto Naruto. Without a word, he pulled out his own Poké Ball and released Charmander.

As both Pokémon appeared on the field, the atmosphere turned serious.

Sasuke glanced at Bulbasaur, then immediately issued a command. "Charmander, close in and use Scratch."

"Rooaah!"

Charmander nodded, swiftly dashing toward Bulbasaur with its claws glowing faintly as it slashed forward.

Naruto wasn't just going to stand by and watch. "Bulbasaur, dodge it!"

"Bulba!"

Bulbasaur's eyes sharpened as it quickly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the attack.

"Now, Tackle!"

Hearing Naruto's command, Bulbasaur pivoted on its feet and lunged toward Charmander.

"Jump up! Use Growl in midair, then follow up with Scratch."

Charmander bent its legs and leaped high into the air, letting out a loud cry as it did.

"Rooaaah!"

As the sound waves reached Bulbasaur, its body trembled slightly, its movements hesitating for just a moment.

Taking advantage of the opening, Charmander landed gracefully and slashed its glowing claws across Bulbasaur's body.

"Bulbaaa!"

Bulbasaur let out a pained cry, its face twisting in discomfort as it clenched its body, preparing for a counterattack.

"Bulbasaur, are you okay?"

Before Bulbasaur could strike back, Naruto ran up to it, his eyes filled with concern.

"Bulba…"

Bulbasaur shook its head, still staring at Charmander with determination.

Sasuke scoffed and turned away. "Idiot."

Without another word, he began walking away with Charmander. Rather than waste time here, he'd rather go train properly.

Naruto's frustration flared as he clenched his fists. "Stuck-up Sasuke, come back! We're not done! I'll beat you for sure!"

Sakura, seeing that the battle was over, let out a sigh of relief. "Naruto, good luck with that. I'll be training with Happiny."

Meanwhile, not far from the training grounds, four figures stood watching the match, their expressions ranging from disbelief to complete confusion.

"Kiba… this is the 'unique summoning beast' you were talking about?"

Kurenai blinked, unable to process what she had just witnessed.

After finishing their mission for the day, Kiba had insisted they check this out before training. And now, this?

Since when did ninja fights turn into tactical pet battles?

And what was with that little creature that could use Wood Release? She had thought Kiba was exaggerating. But now that she was seeing it with her own eyes… it was real.

And what about the one with a flaming tail? Why was the Wood Release creature struggling against it?

Kiba swallowed hard, still in shock himself. "Y-yeah… that's the one I was talking about. But I don't know anything about Sasuke's."

Kurenai frowned slightly but said nothing. Instead, she stepped forward, walking toward Naruto and the others.

Seeing their teacher move, Hinata, Shino, and Kiba quickly followed.

As they reached the trio, Kiba called out. "Naruto!"

Naruto turned and grinned. "Kiba! And Kurenai-sensei, Hinata, Shino? What are you guys doing here?"

Sakura and Sasuke also glanced over, greeting them as well.

Kiba's mouth twitched as he stared at Naruto. "Naruto… you promised me yesterday, didn't you? Did you forget already?"

Naruto blinked, then suddenly remembered. "Oh! You mean Brother Ryo? But we already went there earlier today."

"What?!"

Kiba's face fell instantly. "You went without me?!"

All he could think about was whether his treat at Ichiraku last night had gone to waste. If he had gone with them, would he have gotten a Pokémon too?

"Ryo gave Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke, and Sakura each a Pokémon too," Naruto added.

Kiba's heart shattered.

Kurenai, however, remained focused on something else. "Pokémon?"

"Yeah, Brother Ryo calls them Pokémon," Naruto confirmed with a nod.

Kurenai's eyes narrowed slightly. "Not summoning beasts?"

"Nope, not summoning beasts."

Turning to Sakura for confirmation, Kurenai asked again. "They're not summoning beasts?"

Naruto paused, feeling oddly defensive. Did she not believe him?

Sakura nodded. "Yes, they're not summoning beasts."

Kurenai fell silent, her expression unreadable. A moment later, she exhaled slowly, the shock settling in.

Naruto and his team then proceeded to introduce Kurenai's group to Pokémon, explaining everything they had learned from Ryo.