Poké Balls, Power, and Profits

Renji Takahashi noticed the curiosity in everyone's eyes as they stared at the energy cubes and the items listed on the parchment. Sensing their confusion, he explained calmly, "The higher the level of the energy cube, the more it benefits the Pokémon that consume it. It not only accelerates their growth but also enhances the effects of training. With consistent intake of special energy cubes, even their attributes can improve."

At his words, the group exchanged stunned glances. It was difficult to believe that a food source could yield such significant effects.

Renji chuckled at their expressions and added, "Of course, Pokémon need to be strong enough to absorb the energy within these cubes. If they're too weak, the cubes might not help at all—in fact, they could be harmful."

Satisfied with the explanation, the group nodded and shifted their focus. Sakura, still holding Chansey in her arms, pointed to the parchment. "What about these Poké Balls and this thing called a Pokédex?"

Renji smiled. "It's easier to demonstrate than to explain." He reached into his pouch and took out a Poké Ball. "Dragonite, return."

Swoosh—

A beam of red light burst forth from the ball and engulfed Dragonite, causing the massive Pokémon to vanish in an instant. The area went silent. Even the birds in the forest seemed to pause, as if astonished by the act.

Naruto's jaw dropped. "Are you a magician or something?! Did you just make Dragonite disappear!?"

The others looked at him in exasperation, but Kakashi narrowed his eye and asked with interest, "This… is it used to store Pokémon?"

Renji nodded. "Yes, but rather than calling it storage, I see it as a home. Don't be fooled by the size of the Poké Ball—it has ample space inside for Pokémon to rest and move around."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Could it store weapons or other items?"

Renji laughed. "Nice try, Kakashi, but no. Poké Balls are specifically designed for Pokémon, nothing else."

"Pity," Kakashi muttered.

Renji then re-released Dragonite with a flick of the Poké Ball. "Now, let me show you the Pokédex."

He accessed the Pokémon Entrustment System's shop and bought a Pokédex using his points. The sleek device appeared in his hand, drawing everyone's attention.

"This device scans Pokémon and reveals their details. Watch." He held it up and aimed it at Pikachu.

[Pikachu]Classification: Mouse PokémonAttribute: ElectricAbility: Lightning Rod (Immune to most electric attacks. Electric-type moves become stronger.)Level: 5 (Apprentice Ninja)Skills: Tail Whip, Thunder Shock, Growl

"Pika pika!" Pikachu exclaimed proudly as its profile appeared.

Kakashi leaned forward. "It can read their abilities and levels? What does 'Apprentice Ninja' mean?"

Renji replied, "Abilities are natural talents unique to each Pokémon. Even two of the same kind might differ. Lightning Rod is rare—you're lucky. As for level, it's a strength indicator. To make it clearer for you all, I've aligned it with ninja rankings."

"Scan Bulbasaur next!" Naruto said eagerly.

Renji obliged.

[Bulbasaur]Classification: Seed PokémonAttribute: Grass/PoisonAbility: Overgrow (The lower the HP, the stronger the Grass-type attacks, up to double.)Level: 7 (Intern Ninja)Skills: Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed

"Hahahahaha! My Bulbasaur's level is higher than Pikachu's!" Naruto beamed, puffing up with pride.

While others rolled their eyes, Kakashi analyzed the details. "Tackle is a basic strike… Growl affects emotions… Leech Seed weakens opponents over time…"

Then Renji scanned Dragonite.

[Dragonite]Classification: Dragon PokémonAttribute: Dragon/FlyingAbility: MultiscaleLevel: 90 (Kage Level)Skills: Hurricane, Thunder Punch, Dragon Rush, Hyper Beam, Roost, Draco Meteor… [and more]

"Wha—! You're telling me this Dragonite has almost 30 moves?! Level 90?!" Naruto's voice cracked from shock.

Sakura gasped, her hand covering her mouth. Even Kakashi's usual calm was replaced with awe. The sheer gap in power was overwhelming. Sasuke, clutching Charmander tightly, felt the fire of ambition flare within him.

Renji looked at them all. "That's everything for now. Any questions?"

They shook their heads, expressions filled with amazement. One by one, they purchased what they needed: Poké Balls, energy cubes, and their own Pokédex devices. Soon, they left the shelter, voices buzzing with excitement and gratitude.

Standing at the door, Renji waved them off with a grin. "Come again soon."

He counted silently—three Poké Balls, four Pokédexes, and seven bags of low-grade energy cubes. A clean 30,000 ryo.

"And they cost me just 1,500 points total from the system… not bad."

He snickered, thinking, If Naruto wasn't broke, I could've squeezed out 6,000 more.

Just then, three notifications rang in his mind.

"Entrusted a plot character with a Pokémon – Reward: 1,000 points, Bronze Exclusive Chest x1"

"Entrusted a plot character with a Pokémon – Reward: 1,000 points, Bronze Exclusive Chest x1"

"Entrusted a plot character with a Pokémon – Reward: 1,000 points, Bronze Exclusive Chest x1"

Renji's smile grew wider.

"Host, three Bronze Exclusive Treasure Chests detected. Combine?""Not yet," Renji replied.

His gaze turned to the forest, where sunlight filtered through the branches.

"I hope things stay this peaceful."

He turned and stepped back into the cabin.

From the shadows of the forest, several masked ANBU operatives appeared.

"Captain, were we discovered?" one whispered.

The fox-masked leader nodded. "Let's report back."

Swoosh—

They vanished into the woods.