THE POKENINJA, ADVENTURES OF THE MAELSTROM POKEMON
'Normal speech"
"Tailed Beast speech"
Pokémon attack names
"Inner thoughts"
"Translated Pokémon speech"
[Pokédex Entry]
Chapter 10: Insect Rampage and a Buggy Bout
It had been a long and winding road, and the gang had finally arrived at Castelia after crossing the Sky Arrow Bridge. Naruto and Kurama were stunned at the sight of the bridge.
"That has to be one of the longest bridge I've ever crossed," said Naruto after crossing and looking back at the bridge.
"I'd have to agree with you Kit, I've never seen a bridge like this since the Great Naruto Bridge," said Kurama who was just as surprised.
"You know, it still surprises me that they named the bridge after me," thought Naruto as he walked alongside his friends.
Upon setting sight upon the city, both Naruto and Kurama were once again stunned into silence. The place was way bigger than that of the Hidden Leaf village with its tall buildings. However a certain city comes into the blonde's mind but it's in bits and pieces, he was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Ash talk.
"We've finally made to Castelia city! Now we can have our gym battle against Burgh!" said Ash who was obviously excited with Pikachu sharing the feeling.
As they walked through the city and admiring the view, Naruto was sensing something strange and it was coming from outside the city.
"Kurama, do you feel it too?" asked Naruto.
"Yeah and it gives me a bit of unease and I'm sure we aren't the only ones to feel it but just keep an eye out for anything strange," said Kurama. Naruto nodded in agreement before turning to the others.
"Wow, this place is soo big," said Iris.
"That's right, but we should try out the ice cream of the place called the Castelia cone, it is a high recommendation for visitors," said Cilan.
"That sounds tasty, we have to try it out before the gym battle," said Iris.
"No way! That comes after the gym battle" said Ash with Pikachu nodding in agreement.
"Ash is right, that is the reason we're here after all. Although I would mind if it was a ramen shop," said Naruto drooling a bit.
"You're such a little kid, to be addicted to that stuff," said Iris haughtily.
"Oh this is coming from someone whose love for dragon types is bordering on obsession," said Naruto, his eyes twitching in annoyance. They would have gone into an argument if not for Cilan interrupting them.
"Calm down you two, we need to get to the gym for Ash's battle. We can take a shortcut through central plaza"
As the gang were walking through the park which was located in the middle of the city, Iris was asking Ash if he was ready for the incoming gym battle.
"Yeah, my Pokémon and I are all set to my next badge. So Burgh should be ready for us," said Ash with confidence.
"Hey guys, isn't that Burgh over there?" said Naruto, the rest turned to see the said person looking up at a tree. The gym leader turned to see them coming.
"Oh it's you guys again," said Burgh.
"Hello Burgh, we were just on our way to challenge the Castelia gym," said Ash.
"I see, but I'm afraid I can't battle right now. You see there's something bothering me," said Burgh looking back up the tree.
"What seems to be the problem?" asked Cilan.
"The bug type had picked up on something last night and had been restless ever since then," said Burgh, this drew the attention of Naruto and Kurama.
"Do you think it could be related to what we sensed Kurama?" asked Naruto.
"Maybe so Naruto, but let's listen to what he says just to make sure," said Kurama.
"I've heard that bug type Pokémon become restless when something bad is going to happen," said Iris.
"That's correct Iris, scientist have also proven that bug type have an ability to sense electromagnetic waves," said Burgh.
"Heh Shino would have loved to get one of these bug type Pokémon," thought Naruto with a smile, remembering his silent friend.
"You know I've been feeling this certain chill and it's coming from over there!" said Iris walking with the others following her.
"Oh boy, here we go again with that 'sixth sense' of hers," Naruto followed, shaking his head in amusement. Sure enough, the gang stood in front of a shop which seems to be closed.
"It's the Castelia cone, but it's closed," said Cilan in disappointment.
"Which means we wouldn't have got any ice cream if we had come here in the first place," said Ash.
"This is the second time your 'sixth sense' has led us on another dead end with the first being back at Pinwheel forest," said Naruto trying to contain his laughter while Kurama had no such restrictions and was rolling on the floor laughing.
Pikachu immediately sensed something from the nearby manhole cover with Naruto feeling the same thing. Both approached the cover which caught the attention of the others.
"Naruto, Pikachu, what's the matter?" asked Ash kneeling next to them. "Burgh, do you know what's under there?"
"It's a sewer which leads underground from the city to the river," said Burgh, he then had a thought before speaking up again. "Now that I think about it, I remember that some time ago a Pokémon wandered from the river into the sewer,"
"Then there might be something down there," said Cilan.
"Then let's investigate," said Naruto,
Soon, they removed the manhole cover and climbed down the ladder, into the sewer and started to walk around for a while. Kurama made a joke about the sewer being much cleaner than the one in his mindscape which irritated him a bit. Soon they came across what looks to be a Pokémon stuck in a drainage pipe.
"What's that?" wondered Ash, taking out his Pokédex to scan it.
[Venipede, the Centipede Pokémon. Venipede explores its surroundings by sensing the vibrations in the air with feelers on its head and tail.]
"How did it get itself stuck in there?" asked Iris.
"It doesn't matter right now, I'll get it out," Ash moved in to pull it out but was held back by Burgh.
"Ash hold on, Venipede has the ability Poison Point. You could get poisoned from physical contact if you're not careful," said Burgh.
"But it looks so weak," Ash looked at the trapped Pokémon for a moment before grabbing a hold of it and pulled it out after a bit of struggle, eventually he was able to pull it free causing them to fall to the ground.
"Yo Ash, are you okay?" asked Naruto.
"Yeah I'm fine," said Ash, they turned to look at the Venipede who scuttled back in fear and unleashed a high pitched sound which caused them to cover their ears in pain.
"It's using Screech! It thinks we're its enemies!" said Burgh, Venipede soon stopped using the attack due to exhaustion and the gang noticed a bruise on it.
Ash was about to approach it but Naruto stopped him and went instead, Venipede tensed as it saw the unknown Pokémon draw close.
"Venipede, I want you to calm down and let us help you with that bruise. We aren't your enemies, we just want to help you," said Naruto, Venipede's antennae vibrated as if to warn him not to come any closer "Kurama, could you lend me a bit of your chakra? It might help it calm down"
"Sure thing Kit, your body should be able to handle it in the meantime," said Kurama.
Naruto felt the fox's chakra flow through him, then he used one of his tails to touch Venipede's forehead and channeled through it and into the bug Pokémon.
At first, Venipede was alarmed at the foreign energy flowing through its body but calmed down and enjoyed it as it felt nice and warm. Venipede was disappointed as the strange Pokémon removed its tail and the feeling went away.
"Now can you see that we want to help you?" asked Naruto, Venipede looked at him for a while before finally nodding "That's great,"
As he turned to tell the others, Naruto felt weak and nauseous, "Why do I feel this way, could I have been poisoned from Venipede's ability?" Cilan quickly noticed his condition before speaking out.
"He has been poisoned! Let me get the antidote while you take care of Venipede!"
Later Cilan gave Naruto the antidote, curing him of the poison while Burgh and Iris used a super potion and applied a Band-Aid on its bruise. Iris gave Venipede an Oran berry to restore its energy.
"Thanks for the help Burgh," said Naruto.
"You're welcome, but I must say that you and Ash have touched my pure heart!" proclaimed Burgh dramatically.
"For some reason, I feel that this is the toned down version of Gai-sensei's display of youth," Naruto sweatdropped at the sight. "Anyway, I'm glad that you're fine now," Venipede nodded at him happily.
"However, what I don't understand is why Venipede is here in the first place and why it stuck its head inside the pipe," Burgh said thoughtfully.
Soon the group heard a sound from behind them and turned to look at the source and were surprised to see a lot of Venipede crawling through the sewer.
"That's a colony of Venipede, but they are known to live in the barren lands outside the city," said Burgh.
"If so, then what are they doing here?" asked Ash.
"Hey kit, I sense anger and fear from them," said Kurama.
"Could it be related to the energy that we felt?" thought Naruto.
"The possibility is high as they seem to be coming from the direction of the energy source," said Kurama.
A couple of Venipede turned to the group and started to use Screech and then followed up with Sludge Bomb.
"Hurry! We have to get out of here now!" said Burgh, running off with Cilan and Iris close behind.
"But about this Venipede?" Ash and Naruto didn't want to leave their new friend behind.
"There's no time! Come on!" shouted Cilan.
"Take care of yourself!" Ash hesitated before running off.
"I hope we meet again little one," Naruto followed soon after, he doubt that he could calm an entire colony this time. Venipede looked sad at seeing them leave.
When the group returned to the surface, they were surprised to see that not only were the Venipede in the sewer but they were also wreaking havoc in the city as well. They then turned to see a policewoman riding on motorcycle with a Herdier sitting in the sidecar stop next to them.
"It's officer Jenny!" said Cilan.
"Officer Jenny! Do you what is happening here?" asked Burgh.
"All that we know so far is that a colony of Venipede is swarming the city," said Jenny.
"Yes but why?" asked Cilan.
"As of now, we have Prof Juniper trying to figure that out," said Jenny.
"Isn't that the one whom you met before starting your journey here Ash?" asked Naruto.
"Yeah that's the same one," said Ash.
There was an explosion and the gang turned to see black smoke rising above the buildings.
"That came from near the Pokémon center," said Burgh.
"Then let's hurry over there," Naruto took off with the group following them. Soon they came across a few trainers who had sent out some of their fire type Pokémon to combat the Venipede, they also saw a familiar face among them.
"Hey look, it's Trip," said Ash.
"Lampent, let's go!" said Trip, throwing a Pokéball to releasing a Pokémon that resembles a floating lampshade with a bluish purple flame.
Ash brought out his Pokédex to scan it.
[Lampent, the Lamp Pokémon, Lampent moves around by floating in the air. Most often found in the deep forest, they now can be seen living in cities as well]
"Alright everybody! Get your Pokémon to use Flamethrower!" said Trip.
At the command of their trainers, the Pokémon launched streams of fire at the bug Pokémon which knocked them back, but this made the Venipede retaliate with Sludge Bomb.
"Keep it together, we'll get them soon enough!"
"Trip stop this!" shouted Ash as he ran to his rival. "Why are you attacking the Venipede?"
"That's because they attacked us first for no reason, it's obvious that we strike back," said Trip
"Professor Juniper is currently looking for the reason why the Venipede are acting this way," said Ash.
"That is so naïve of you, maybe that's the way you do it over at the Kanto Boonies," hearing this, Ash was about to lash out at Trip but Naruto spoke up instead.
"I may be a Pokémon but I dislike those who make fun of other's origins especially from someone who thinks he knows everything like you. Pokémon never act without a reason, something you must have missed learning at school," Naruto glared at Trip who stepped back at being intimidated.
"This guy is really getting on my nerves," said Kurama who was getting annoyed with the kid's attitude.
"That's enough!" everyone turned to see a man in a gray suit approach them. "I am the mayor of the city and it is my number one priority to have the Venipede removed, their poison could inflict great harm to the citizens so they must be removed,"
"But if you try to remove them by force, they will attack in self-defense which will to both sides getting hurt," said Burgh.
"He's right, if you attack them then they will strike back which will result in both sides getting hurt. You have more to lose than gain with this method," said Naruto.
"Then you have any better ideas?" asked the mayor.
"Well if we can move them to the central plaza and keep them there while we figure out the cause for their migration," said Burgh, the mayor still looked unconvinced until officer Jenny spoke up.
"Your Honor, professor Juniper is currently working on that as we speak,"
"If so, then how do we get the Venipede to go to central plaza?" asked the mayor.
"If we find their leader, then the rest will be sure to follow it," said Burgh.
"Very well then, but if your plan fails, I'll be forced to remove them," said the mayor.
"That's great!" said Iris happily.
"Alright then, Cilan I need you to go and get Nurse Joy, we may need the help of Audino," said Burgh.
"I'm on it," said Cilan, the group split up to commence the mission while Trip looked at them leave, deep in thought.
While running through the infested streets, Ash decided to ask Burgh.
"So how do we find the leader of the Venipede?"
"Most wild Pokémon are constantly under threat, so the one that senses the danger first becomes the leader. And usually the leader positions himself at where he can keep an eye on the others," said Burgh.
"That would probably be at tall places to serve as a vantage point like one of these buildings," said Naruto.
"Which means we need to check on the tallest buildings in order to find the leader," said Ash to which Burgh nodded in affirmation.
After a while of searching through the tall buildings, Iris called to the others.
"Hey guys! Look up there!" pointing to the top of a white building which Venipede stands on but it looks bigger than the others.
"That one looks bigger!" said Ash.
"That's correct, and the leader usually battles anyone who approaches it," Burgh took a few steps forward and the large Venipede jumped from the top of the building to the ground and rattled its antennae in a threatening manner.
Burgh was about to approach it and try to convince it to lead its colony to the central plaza when they heard a voice call out.
"Lampent use Flamethrower!"
Venipede quickly jumped out of the way of the attack and everyone turned to see Trip with his Lampent before them.
"Trip, stop attacking the leader!" shouted Ash.
"Look if we take out the leader, then the colony will break up, it's basic strategy," said Trip.
"But this isn't up you!" said Iris
"As far as I can see, the leader has no interest in you. Lampent take it out with Shadow Ball!"
Lampent formed a black sphere and launched it at the Venipede.
"I don't think so!" Naruto quickly leapt forward and used Crush Claw to deflect the attack, much to Trip's surprise. "You're the one who is naïve here, if you take down the leader, it would rather cause more chaos than before as they will be confused without a leader. For someone who knows basic stuff, you're missing a few details,"
The leading Venipede was about to attack when another Venipede appeared to stop it, one which Naruto and Ash are familiar with.
"Look it's the Venipede we met back in the sewer," said Ash. The Venipede crawled over to them, happy to see its new friends again.
"As you can see Trip, the Venipede have no ill intentions coming here, something must have forced the colony to migrate from their homes which is why we must help them," said Burgh.
"He's right!" said Iris with Ash nodding in agreement.
Soon enough, Cilan showed up with Nurse Joy and Audino following him.
"Burgh, I've found Nurse Joy and Audino,"
"Fine knock yourselves out, I know the end results," Trip called Lampent back into its pokeball before walking away.
"What's with that guy?" said Iris.
"That's him being such a kid," said Naruto with a smirk.
"Nurse Joy, could we have your Audino use Heal Pulse?" asked Burgh.
"Of course, Audino use Heal Pulse," at the nurse's command, Audino released a pink wave over the Venipede and Naruto could sense the bug pokemon clam down.
"These pokemon are really interesting," said Kurama with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Alright then, allow me to take you to a safer place, so please follow me," Burgh took out an ocarina and started to play a tune which made the Venipede follow him much to the awe of Naruto and the others. "I'll lead them to the central plaza, so I hope that you would rally any stragglers,"
"You got it Burgh, okay guys let's go!"
Soon they were the Venipede to the leader with Ash Having Pidove use Gust, Iris with Axew using Dargon Rage (Although it still fails), Nurse Joy having Audino use Heal Pulse and Cilan having Pansage use a low powered Bullet Seed, Naruto was using his senses to locate any missing Venipede.
"Okay Pidove, you know what to do," Ash pointed at a couple of Venipede.
"Got it!" Pidove flew but was caught off guard when one of the Venipede launched a Sludge Bomb at it, Naruto quickly jumped in front of the pidgeon pokemon and used Substitute to switch with a log. "Thanks a lot Naruto!"i
"Don't worry about it, I've got your back," said Naruto.
"Okay I'll definitely get stronger to catch up with you and the others,"no sooner she said that than Pidove emitted a bright glow which faded away to reveal a much larger form.
"Pidove has just evolved into Tranquill!" Ash excitedly brought out his pokedex to scan.
[Tranquill, the Wild Pigeon pokemon, and the evolved form of Pidove. Tranquill is always able to return to its trainer no matter how far the distance between them.]
"That's amazing Tranquill, now you can use the techniques that we came up with," said Naruto excitedly.
"Yay! Now I can do it!" Tranquill was excitedly waiting for Ash to give a command.
"Alright Tranquill use Wing Blade!" said Ash. The wind started gathering around the avian Pokémon's wings as she dove straight towards the stray Venipede and blew them towards the group more quickly than when she was a Pidove.
"That technique worked just as I thought, I can't to see what it can really do in a pokemon battle," thought Naruto with glee.
By nighttime, all of the Venipede were safely gathered at the central plaza with the Herdier making sure none of them wander off.
"All of the Venipede have been safely contained," reported Officer Jenny.
"I'd like to thank you for your help Burgh," said the mayor.
"Thank you, but they also helped out too," said Burgh pointing to the gang.
"It was nothing, we're just glad that no one got hurt, right Venipede?" said Naruto, the Venipede with the bandage chirped happily. They heard footsteps and turned to see Trip leaving, Naruto could sense annoyance from him.
"Hey Trip, where are you going?" asked Ash.
"I'm heading to the next town to find another pokemon gym as I wouldn't want to waste my time waiting here," said Trip.
"Then the next time we meet, let's have pokemon battle," said Ash.
"Well that is if you're worthy enough," said Trip who then walked away, leaving Ash a bit confused.
"That guy is like the non-emo version of Sasuke," thought Naruto.
Later the gang were at the landing pad on top of a building where they saw a woman wearing a lab coat coming out of a helicopter.
"Hello professor Juniper," said Ash.
"Hi Ash, I was told of what you guys did and I have to say congrats," said Professor Juniper.
"Professor, have you figured the cause of the venipede's migration?" asked Burgh.
"Yes, look at this," Professor held out a handheld terminal for everyone to see "We detected a strange energy that was coming from below the barren lands which surrounds Castelia city and it is emitting a large amounts,"
"Of course, the Venipede leave underground so the energy must have really frightened them," said Burgh.
"That also explains the energy which I had been sensing for a while now," said Naruto.
"You mean you had sensed the energy too?" asked Professor Juniper in surprise.
"Yeah but I wasn't sure that it was the cause," said Naruto.
"Then I'll be sure to go and investigate,"
The next day, Professor Juniper along with Officer Jenny took off in a helicopter towards the desert resort.
"Okay Ash, let's get ready for our gym badge," said Naruto with excitement.
"You got it!" said Ash.
The next day after discussing a bit of strategy with Naruto, the gang entered the gym and were surprised to see that there is a lot of trees and plant inside it.
"Wow this place is amazing," said Iris.
"I'll say," said Ash.
"It almost feels like a greenhouse," said Cilan.
"It almost feels like I'm back in Konoha," thought Naruto as he felt a bit homesick with Kurama comforting him.
Soon they saw Burgh who was up on a tree branch, feeding a Sewaddle.
"Hey Burgh," called out Ash
Burgh leapt off the branch and landed before them. "Hello and welcome to the Castelia gym, I hope you're ready for our gym battle,"
"Of course," said Ash.
"Where did you get the trees from Burgh?" asked Naruto.
"We transplanted them from the Pinwheel Forest for the bug type pokemon," said Burgh.
Soon they arrived at the battlefield and stood at the opposite ends with Iris and Cilan at the stands. Suddenly one of Ash's pokeballs opened up to reveal Snivy standing before them.
"Snivy/ what are you doing out of your pokeball?" said Ash in confusion.
"I wanted to watch your gym battle," said Snivy sneaking a look at Naruto "And to see what you can do Naruto," Naruto relayed the message to Ash who complied and Snivy stood next to him.
Then the referee spoke up "The Castelia gym battle between Burgh and Ash is about to begin, three pokemon per side, the gym battle will be completed when all the pokemon of one side are unable to battle,"
"Allow me to start things off, Dwebble let's go!" Burgh threw out a pokeball to release the bug type pokemon.
"The rock on this Dwebble is different from Cilan's," said Ash "Alright Sewaddle, I choose you!" Sewaddle was released from its pokeball and looked ready for battle.
Iris and Cilan were surprised at Ash's choice as they thought that he would choose Tepig.
"Now battle begin!" shouted the referee.
Play Music: Pokemon Black OST; Battle! Gym Leader
"Sewaddle use Razor leaf!" sewaddle released a barrage of leaves at the bug type pokemon.
"Dwebble, use Protect and follow up with X-Scissor!" a barrier appeared around Dwebble, deflecting the attack and charged at sewaddle with its claws glowing blue which connected before it could react.
"That's so fast!" said Ash.
"I think it has to do with the rock on its back," said Naruto looking at the rock shell which appeared different from Cilan's Dwebble.
"You're correct, the rock my Dwebble carries is lighter than that of other Dwebble," said Burgh.
"Sewaddle, use Razor leaf again!" Sewaddle launched its attack once again.
"Dwebble, use Dig!" Dwebble quickly burrowed underground, dodging the attack.
"Sewaddle, use String shot to dodge!" Sewaddle shot a string at the ceiling and ascended right before Dwebble burst out of the ground.
"Dwebble use X-scissor!" Dwebble leapt at Sewaddle to attack in midair.
"Sewaddle, use String shot to get in close and then use Tackle!" Sewaddle shot a string at Dwebble and pulled itself over and slammed into it, sending the bug type crashing to the ground.
"That's quite impressive, but let's see you handle this! Use Rock Wrecker!" Dwebble formed a large boulder and threw it Sewaddle.
"I have got an idea, Sewaddle use String shot to grab that Rock Wrecker and send it back!" to everyone's surprise, Sewaddle shot a string at the boulder and spun around before sending it back at a stunned Dwebble which separated it from its shell.
"Now's our chance, Sewaddle use Razor leaf!" Sewaddle launched a barrage of leaves which dealt serious damage now that's it's without its shell.
"Dwebble, hurry back to your shell!"
"I don't think so, Sewaddle use String shot to draw close and finish up with Bug bite!" Sewaddle shot a string and again drew itself over to Dwebble, latching on. Its teeth glowed and proceeded to gnaw on the bug pokemon, Dwebble struggled for a while before finally collapsing to the floor with swirls in its eyes.
"Dwebble is unable to battle, Sewaddle is the winner!" said the referee.
"Alright Sewaddle, that was amazing!" Sewaddle jumped up and down, happy at winning its first gym battle then its body glowed brightly before fading to reveal another form. "Wow, Who's this pokemon?"
[Swadloon, the Leaf-wrapped Pokemon and the evolved form of Sewaddle. Swadloon's body is covered in leaves which protect it from the cold. In the forest where Swadloon live, the trees and grass grow very well]
"It's surprising to see Sewaddle evolve right after it had just won its first gym battle," said Cilan with Iris nodding in agreement.
"I must say congratulations on your pokemon evolving, but it's time to face my next pokemon, go Whirlipede!" Burgh threw a pokeball which revealed another pokemon unknown to them. Ash pointed his pokedex to scan.
[Whirlipede, the Curlipede pokemon and the evolved form of Venipede. Whirlipede can spin its hard shelled body like a tire to smash into its opponents]
"I see, Swadloon return," Ash called it back into its pokeball.
"That was a wise decision that Ash made as Whirlipede is both bug and poison, giving Swadloon a disadvantage with it being a bug and grass type," said Cilan.
"And we know who Ash will use next," said Iris.
"Tepig, I choose you!" Ash called upon his fire type pokemon who looked fired up.
"Battle begin!" said the referee.
"Whirlipede, use Poison sting!" Whirlipede fired a barrage of purple needle at Tepig.
"Cancel it out with Ember and use Tackle!" Tepig shot his attack and quickly dashed towards the bug pokemon.
"Use Steamroller!" Whirlipede spun like a wheel and sped towards the unsuspecting Tepig, overpowering his attack much to their surprise.
"If that's the case, Tepig use Ember!" Tepig launched his attack at Whirlipede.
"Whirlipede, use Iron Defense!" a white transparent wall appeared before Whirlipede, deflecting the attack.
"Darn it, Burgh is not giving us much options right now," said Naruto.
"Yeah, we'll have to improvise, Tepig use Flame charge!" Tepig charged at his opponent while surrounded by fire.
"Whirlipede, use Steamroller!" Whirlipede rolled towards Tepig and collided which resulted in an explosion, sending them both skidding backwards with damage inflicted upon each other.
"Tepig use Flame charge again!" Tepig charged in once more.
"Whirlipede, use Steamroller as well!" they clashed again repeating the same results.
"Time to end this, use Solarbeam!" Whirlipede started absorbing sunlight into its feelers.
"I can't have Tepig getting too close, so use Ember!" Tepig shot sparkles of fire at the bug pokemon inflicting damage upon it.
"It's too late, fire!" Whirlipede fired a yellow beam which connected with Tepig as he was too exhausted to dodge leaving him knocked out.
"Tepig is unable to battle, Whirlipede is the winner," said the referee.
"You did a good job, Tepig return," Ash called the fire pig pokemon back to his pokeball before turning to Naruto "I'm counting on you"
"You got it!" Naruto ran into the battlefield while Snivy looked on with a hint of excitement.
"Now I can see what you can do, Naruto" thought Snivy.
"Battle begin," said the referee.
"Whirlipede, use Poison sting!" Whirlipede fired its attack at Naruto.
"Tokala, use Substitution!" when the attack landed, Naruto disappeared in a puff of smoke to reveal a wooden log much to the surprise of the gym leader "Now use Crush claw!" Naruto appeared from the left and struck with a claw which was glowing white.
"Strike back with Steamroller!" Whirlipede sped towards Naruto who stood alert.
"Time to make you stay down for good, Tokala use Shadow clones and then use Rasengan!" Naruto inwardly smirked at what Ash was aiming for. He jumped into the air and summoned a clone, both started to form a sphere which was bigger than normal before diving at the bug pokemon while calling out.
"Giant Rasengan!" As he slammed the attack into his opponent, Whirlipede was sent flying across the field and crashing into a tree with swirls in its eyes.
"Whirlipede is unable to battle, the winner is Tokala!" said the referee.
"Good job, Tokala!" said Ash, Snivy was happily clapping at his victory.
"Of course, believe it!" Naruto turned to give them a foxy grin, making Snivy blush a bit.
"Your Tokala is pretty good, but let's see you handle my strongest of all bug pokemon. Go Leavanny!" Burgh threw out his third and final pokemon. One which everyone is familiar with.
"Alright then, Tokala use Accel Claw!" Naruto dashed towards while leaving behind afterimages and lashed out with glowing claws.
"I see Accel Claw is a combination of Extremespeed and Crush claw," said Cilan.
"Leavanny use Protect and follow up with Leaf storm!" Leavanny summoned a barrier, knocking Naruto back and launched a barrage of leaves at Naruto, damaging him before he could recover.
"Tokala, use Rasengan!" Naruto leapt forward with the spiraling sphere in his paw.
"Leavanny, use Protect!" Leavanny formed the barrier but Naruto's broke through and sent it flying back much to Burgh's shock as he knew Feint would be able to bypass the move.
"Leavanny, immobilize with String shot!" Leavanny fired a string which tied Naruto's front legs together, causing him to lose his balance.
"Kit! Hurry up and get it off, I have a feeling that the next attack will be a powerful one!" shouted Kurama who was feeling uneasy about the current situation.
"I'm trying but I can't seem to get it off!" Naruto kept biting at the string but it doesn't seem to be coming off.
"Use Hyper beam!" the bug type pokemon fired a large beam which sent Naruto skidding across the floor, seriously hurt.
"Tokala are you okay?!" Ash, Pikachu and Snivy looked on worry. Naruto slowly got up despite the damage.
"It's best that you give up, your pokemon is too injured to continue this battle," said Burgh.
Ash was torn between continuing the battle or throwing the match until he remembered what Naruto said during his battle with Trip.
"I'm not giving up, because I also go by his nindo, his ninja way!" Naruto turned smile at Ash and nod in approval.
"Kurama, I have an idea do you think it will work?" thought Naruto.
"Anything is worth a try in this situation," said Kurama.
Naruto summoned several clones which surrounded him and then sat down to meditate, Ash was confused but decided to trust Naruto and wait since Leavanny can't move after using Hyperbeam.
"What is Naruto up to? Why is he just sitting there?" asked Iris.
"It seems like Naruto is cooking up a new recipe, I can't to see what it is," said Cilan.
"Leavanny use Leaf storm!" Leavanny launched its attack at the immobile fox pokemon, but the clones jumped in the way to take the hit before disappearing.
Soon Naruto emitted a green aura while in his mindscape, one of the gray orbs changed into a green colour as well, then he called out.
"Natura Mode!"
There was a bright light before fading to reveal an orange toad with yellow markings around his eyes, face and stomach. He wears a green sleeveless vest with the kanji 'Toad Sage' written on it and wields a wooden sword (Bokken) (Think of how Gamakichi looked like before the war). Ash's pokedex spoke up
[New data updated, Form unlocked]
Natura Mode
Type: Grass
Ability: Chlorophyll – Increases the pokemon's speed stat in sunshine
Attacks: Leaf blade, Energy ball, Flame bullet, Water bullet, Power whip
[More forms are yet to be discovered]
"It seems like your sage training helped you unlock another form," said Kurama.
"Yeah, now we can turn this around!" thought Naruto as he stood ready for battle.
"That's amazing Tokala!" said Ash.
"He keeps on surprising me," thought Snivy as she watched Naruto change forms.
"I have to say, I've never seen anything like this but no matter. Leavanny use Leaf storm!" Leavanny launched a barrage of leaves at Naruto.
"Tokala, use Flame bullet and use Energy ball!" Naruto shot a ball of fire from his mouth which burned the leaves to ashes and then fire a green ball of energy which connected and reduced Leavanny's defense power.
"It's not over yet, use Hyperbeam!" Leavanny fired the powerful attack, but they failed to notice the smirk shared between Naruto and Ash.
"Tokala use your tongue to dodge and end this with Leaf blade!" Naruto open his mouth and shot out a long tongue to stick to the ceiling and pulled himself to it, then he bounced of the ceiling with the Bokken held in a reverse grip while glowing green and slashed at Leavanny who fell to the ground with swirls in its eyes.
"That was a tribute to the toads of mount myoboku" thought Naruto with a smirk.
"Naruto and Ash must have waited for Burgh to use Hyperbeam for its side effects to strike after using Energy ball to reduce Leavanny's defense power, that was a great strategy," said Cilan.
"That's the same thing they did with Lenora," said Iris.
"Leavanny is unable to battle, Tokala wins! Therefore the victor is Ash of Pallet town!" said the referee.
"Alright! We won!" shouted Ash happily with Pikachu joining in.
Song End
"I've never experienced a battle like this in my entire time as a gym leader, so it's with great honor that I present to you the Insect badge," Burgh presents the badge to which Ash took happily.
"Alright! We just won the Insect badge!" Ash struck a pose with Pikachu doing a victory sign.
"Yeah believe it!" Snivy giggled at Naruto's actions.
Later on after checking in the pokemon center, the gang were discussing their next destination.
"So where's the next gym Cilan?" at Ash's question, Cilan checked on the map.
"According to the map, the next gym is at Nimbasa city,"
"Then I guess our next destination is Nimbasa city," said Iris.
"Alright then let's go!" said Naruto.
As the group set off, Snivy felt a slight shiver up her spine "For some reason, I feel like I should keep an eye on Naruto more frequently,"
Naruto also felt a shiver up his spine "I have a feeling that something going to happen and it will involve girls,"
This is Hussbek online with another chapter. Sorry about the delay in updating but I had to plan out some things with a fellow writer and reader whom I appreciate the help. I hope this chapter will make up for the delay. If you're wondering Natura is the Italian translation for Nature. Read and Review as always.
This is Hussbek from Ghana
Signing out.