Okay after that last chapter and me taking forever to write it. This one took me half the time as I didn't want to go in depth for this one. I mean it's a sorta filler, but the difference is this one we add to the little family. We will set up what the plan is for the rest of the journey, because if you thought we would just speed on over to the next gym, then you are sadly mistaken as the next gym won't be for quiet some time and what we will do on the way their. Well you'll just have to wait and see, though this chapter may give us some future spoilers to it. So for now enjoy.

Chapter 22: The Journey ahead and the eating monster.

Pokémon Center

"Your Pokémon are back to fitting order," Nurse joy walked over to Naruto as she gave him back the Pokémon he used in yesterday's battle.

"Thanks Nurse joy," Naruto took back his Pokémon, before heading over to the table Karin and Erika were sitting in." So have you two decided on what are plans are now."

"What? Aren't you the trainer. You should know where we go from here," Karin said.

"Yeah well I didn't account for you or Erika," Naruto pointed out.

"Oh really and what was your plan gonna be if you didn't have us," Karin asked.

"Well I was gonna take a detour through the forest ahead of Fuchsia city." Naruto said as the two looked at him with deadpan looks.

"I'm surprised you were able to make it this far without getting lost," Karin said.

"Hey I'm not that dumb to get myself lost," Naruto said.

"Yet you want to stray away from the path and through uncharted woods towards Fuchsia city. Which may I remind you is closer to the ocean, then any other place you've been to," Erika said.

"Plus no offense, but for us we don't wanna end up dead in the middle of the woods," Karin said as Naruto sighed in defeat.

"So what's the plan then," Naruto asked.

"Well we can go through route 16 and we should be able to find a bike keeper who will be able to loan us bikes and take the bicycle road. Which will lead us to our next stop and after that smooth sailing," Karin said as she showed on the map what the plan was.

"Cool and what about our other problem," Naruto said pointing to her backpack as he saw it wiggle.

"Don't worry Naruto Karin briefed me on Celebi yesterday. So if your wondering about keeping a secret from me don't," Erika said as Naruto sighed in relief.

"I was actually gonna try and ditch you," Naruto laughed as the two sweat dropped at his supposed joke.

"Still gotta work on your sense of humor Naruto," Karin said with a sigh.

Java's Restaurant

Java's restaurant owned by Java Akimichi was Celadons number one restaurant as Java was apart of the famous Akimichi food chain. A chain in which has spread across the globe first starting in the Unova region, but reaching its peak in the Kalos region, before spreading its vast array of food along with special curry which has been shown to be loved by all Pokémon with the many types it has. It has also been the source of many incidents with Pokémon coming from the woods and trying to steal the food.

"HEY COME BACK HERE!" Java yelled as loud crashing and people yelling in shock as the owner of the restaurant came bursting out of the kitchen chasing a little blue blur that ran past the tables of other people dining in as they gasped in shock when the blur came by with their food disappearing just as quickly.

MUNCHLAX!

The little blue human shapes Pokémon burst through the doors of the restaurant as it ran down the street with the owner coming out of the place heaving in exhaustion from chasing the little blue demon around his shop.

"And(HUFF) our," the man walked back into his restaurant to prepare for the next time Munchlax comes back.

As Java gave up his pursuit the little eating Pokémon ran through the streets dodging people left and right, before sneaking into a narrow alley way and smacking into a large individual.

Munch…lax

Munchlax looked up and jumped back in fright upon seeing a large and frightening Machamp looking down at him and sneering, before grabbing him and lifting him up stopping him from running away.

"Well. Well. Well look who it is. How you've been Munchlax, oh seems you brought some goodies," A buff looking man walked up to the Machamp. He wore a short sleeved t-shirt with blue cargo pants and sneakers.

Munchlax Munch

"Save it for later. You still owe us after last time and this should suit just fine," the man grabbed the stolen food and was about to walk away, but the Munchlax started to wiggle free, before raising his fist as it started to glow with a blue hue.

Champ?

"What is it Mach-AHH!" Suddenly his Pokémon was flung into him as he dropped the food which was caught by Munchlax who quickly ran out of the alleyway.

"GET HIM!" Yelled the man as two more Pokémon came out of the shadows chasing the running Munchlax.

Back with Naruto and Gang

"Did you really need to eat that much Ramen," Karin asked as they walked out of the restaurant which was connected to the Pokémon center.

"Well I won't be eating any of it for days. So I wanna get as much as I can into my stomach," Naruto said patting his belly with the two shaking their heads.

MUNCH!

Suddenly out of nowhere Naruto found himself knocked over by a running blue blur as his two companions looked down in surprise finding Naruto getting squashed by a Munchlax. Who was breathing heavily out of breath.

"Woah a Munchlax," Karin said.

"Hey I've seen this Munchlax. It's a trouble maker always stealing the food around the area. Mom chased it out of our garden one time," Erika said.

"Hey get off me," Naruto pushes it off of him as he got up and looked down as Munchlax backed up from the three.

"What is it doing here though and why was it running," Karin asked.

"Seems it was running, because of that food," Erika pointed at the bag of food.

"Then what's up with that wound," Naruto pointed at a red mark on the top of Munchlax's head.

Suddenly a black blur pounced on Munchlax before he could really do anything as he cried out in pain making the three jump back as another blur came in and growled at them.

"What is that," Erika asked as Naruto raised his poke watch.

Mightyena(Dark) The Bite pokemon

Mightyena gives obvious signals when it is preparing to attack. It starts to growl deeply and then flattens its body. This Pokémon will bite savagely with its sharply pointed fangs.

"What is a Mightyena doing out here," Karin asked.

Munchlax

"HEY! Let him go," Naruto tried to intervene, but the second Mightyena stopped him.

"Naruto watch out," Erika worried voice caused him to back up, before smirking as he grabbed one of his Pokémon.

"If that's how you wanna do it. Kurama go," Naruto sent out his fox fire Pokémon.

Kurama appeared as he looked around, before having to jump to the side to avoid a huge bite from Mightyena as Kurama immediately responded with an Iron Tail knocking the bite Pokémon away. The other Mightyena saw this and growled as it raised its head charging a shadow ball.

"Kurama watch out. Use Dark Pulse," Naruto quickly called out as his Pokémon fired it's attack just as Mightyena did as well. Though it only took for a second, before Kurama's attack over powered his and hit Mightyena sending him flying back." Good job buddy." Naruto said before they checked up on Munchlax who was getting up after being pinned down.

"Hey don't move so quickly. You might be inured," Karin said m, but the Munchlax quickly pulled back as he tried to go for his food, but fell down as the three quickly grabbed him.

"I think he's worn himself dried," Erika said.

"Not only that, look." Karin pointed at wounds all over his body some minor, but others looked pretty bad.

"Who would do this to a poor Pokémon," Naruto said as he held the unconscious Munchlax.

"Whose asking?" The three spun around seeing a the man who was speaking with Munchlax earlier as his Machamp and two Mightyena's stood beside him.

"Who the hell are you," Naruto asked as Kurama stood in front of him growling at them.

"That's none of your concern kid. All I want is that Munchlax and the food he had with him," the man said.

"Sorry, but you're not getting either," Naruto said.

"Is that so," the man gave a signal as his Machamp charged in.

"Kurama use Fire Blast," Naruto said as his Pokémon unleashed a massive blast of fire in the shape of a kanji.

"Machamp use Cross Chop," The man called out as his Pokémon with his four arms chopped through the Fire with ease.

"WHAT!" Yelled Naruto as Machamp tried to take a swing at Kurama, but he jumped back.

"I know of you. The kid who defeated the Celadon gym leader. That's pretty impressive kid, not many could have the skill nor the Pokémon to take her down," the man said.

"Yeah well me and my Pokémon are something you've never seen before," Naruto said as he and Kurama glared at the four.

"Yes a very interring duo indeed," the man said, before motioning to his two Mightyena's to attack.

"Oh no you don't. Kurama use Flamethrower," his Pokémon unleashed a torrent of fire blocking the four from making any moves against them." Now let's get out of here." Naruto quickly told the other two who quickly agreed and ran away from the raging fire.

"Seems they escaped. No matter as they can't escape me not when you two have their scents," the man kneeled down petting his two wolf like Pokémon.

Random area

"I think we lost him," Karin said as the three stopped in front of a restaurant taking deep breaths.

"Yeah, but not for long. Who knows if he might find us," Erika said.

"We can worry about that later. Right now we gotta take care of Munchlax," Naruto looked down at the still unconscious Pokémon.

"Hey kids what are you- MUNCHLAX!" The three turned around to find a tall man with a bit of stomach on him carrying a couple of potato bags, but dropped them upon seeing the injured Pokémon.

"You know this Munchlax?" Asked Naruto.

"Yeah he always steals from my shop more then any other place. Might be because I always let him get away and don't really try to catch him," the man said.

"Excuse me mister, but can you help us hide. Somebody is trying to find him and right now we can't run with Munchlax injured," Naruto said.

"Well come into my shop. It hasn't been busy since rush hour ended not to long ago," the man said.

"Thanks mister.." Karin let it hang not knowing the mans name.

"Names Java Akimichi and this here is my shop," He led them into the place as they went to the back where some of his workers were busy either cooking or cleaning.

"Shannon I need you to prep the medicine and cook up a batch of curry soup," Java said to a lady writing some things down as she nodded, before heading off to who know where's.

"Thanks for letting us in Java," Erika said.

"Anything for little Munchlax here he might be a thief, but I can't say I blame him," Java said.

"What do you mean by that," Naruto asked.

"Munchlax as you know have a huge appetite and will eat lots of food in one day. Though for a city with many other places with food it surprising comes here more often. At first I was of course mad since most of my product was being stolen, until that fateful day I followed him and saw him giving the food to a couple of wild Pokémon who wander into Celadon. It would seem it wasn't the first time as I saw him wander more around town giving Pokémon around more and more food," Java said.

"So all the times he's stolen things it wasn't just for himself," Erika said to herself.

"Yes, but that all changed when a certain individual came into town and started to harass people. Heck even some of the owners including myself," Java said.

"My mom told me about that. Says some guy has been tearing apart neighborhoods trying to get people to offer up more money," Erika said.

"So your Kusa's daughter what are you doing out here with a boy no less," Java joked.

"Well Naruto here made a deal that if he beat Kusa that he would allow the trainers to challenge her again. Once he beat her well she wanted Erika to travel with Naruto to grow on her own and find her own path," Karin said.

"Well at least your mother is letting you grow outside here," Java said, before Shannon walked in and gave him the ingredients as he started to mix them together.

"How can we help," Naruto asked.

"Just sit back and let me handle it. This is technically not the first time I've had to heal Munchlax," Java said.

"Wait you mean he's been injured more," Naruto asked.

"Munchlax has always been a kind Pokémon. Back then it stole from shops or here maybe once or twice a week. Now it steals everyone constantly with officer jenny and the others trying everything to catch him. Thus resulting in injured, but some of these I haven't seen before," Java said before tilting his head up so that he could pour the soup down it.

"Could it be because of that man. I mean he sure was after Munchlax," Karin said.

"If that man did this I'll make him pay," Naruto said.

"Get in line kid. Munchlax here might steal from me, but I always know he did it for the good of the Pokémon," Java said.

Bang

The four looked out upon here the loud bang and suddenly a crash as people were scurrying. Naruto quickly got up and went out to check, before the others could get him to stop.

"You two stay with Munchlax I'll see what's up and make sure that boy Naruto doesn't get into trouble," Java said as he walked out seeing the commotion was caused by a Machamp and two Mightyena's.

"Nice to see you again young Naruto and you must be Java the owner of this fine establishment it's a pleasure your food is wonderful," the man said.

"Is this the guy," Java asked the blonde.

"Yeah and it seems he's ready for a battle," Naruto pulled out his pokeball.

"Listen here I'm only here for the Munchlax and nothing more. If you hand him over I'll be on my way," the man said.

"Sorry sir. If I may call you that," Java said.

"Call me Xander. I'm a real popular fellow with the towns folk," the man said.

"Well then Xander I'm giving you a warning to leave or else," Java pulled out his own pokeball.

"Do you really want it to come down to this. I mean you have a fine establishment be a shame to ruin it," Xander said.

"Oh trust me we won't," Java signaled someone as the floor suddenly shook as the tables were dragged away and the floor changed from solid marble to rough rocky terrain.

"So this is not only a food place, but a battle field….good," Xander then allowed his two Mightyena to charge in.

"Kurama heat things up."

"Snorlax lets go."

The two released their Pokémon as the two appeared in front blocking the two wolf like Pokémon from charging as they instead sent their sights on the two Pokémon in front with both Mightyena using Ice Fang.

"Quick Kurama dodge and use Iron tail."

"Snorlax counter with your Ice Punch."

The two wolf Pokémon could do nothing as their attacks were countered. With Kurama jumping up and slamming it's metallic tail into the top of the Mightyena smashing it into the ground where a big dent was made. While the Snorlax simply raised its fist which started to shine with ice and sent it flying hitting the Mightyena who stood no chance and was sent flying into a wall.

"Seems your Pokémon are a lot stronger then I thought. You might give Machamp a challenge," Xander said as his final Pokémon stood tall walking towards them.

"Oh you'll see just how strong my Pokémon is now Snorlax use Thunder Punch," Java called out as his Pokémon rushed in fist raised.

"No use, now Machamp use Counter," as the fist connected Machamp used the momentum to spin Snorlax and send him flying back.

"Quick Snorlax use Rollout," Java called out as his Pokémon used the momentum to roll back into a steady position.

"Kurama help out and use Flamethrower," Naruto called out as his Pokémon unleashed a torrent of flames.

"Machamp use Cross chop," Xander watched his Pokémon cut the flames in two, but wasn't able to block the rollout.

"Now Snorlax use Rollout again," Called our Java.

"Gotcha, now Machamp use Revenge," Machamp got back up and swung its steaming fist into the rolling Snorlax sending him flying back and crashing into the wall.

"SNORLAX!" Java yelled as he ran towards his Pokémon.

"To easy," Xander said.

"Don't forget about us, Fire Fang Kurama," Naruto's fox Pokémon jumped up behind Machamp jaw ready to bite down on it.

"Oh we didn't forget. Now Machamp use Vital throw," The next instance saw Machamp dodge Kurama and grab him harshly before flinging him into a table.

"Kurama, no. You gotta get up," Naruto called out.

"You can't help him. Now Machamp use Seismic toss," Machamp fishes in grabbing Kurama as he struggled to get up and jumped up with him swinging him around in the air, before throwing him into the hard ground.

"KURAMA!" Yelled Naruto running to his inured Pokémon.

"Now that you two are dealt with it's time to deal with one last pest," Xander started to walk to the back, but stopped when Naruto blocked his path.

"No. You won't harm Munchlax," he said.

"Listen kid I've given you many opportunities to walk away and right now I will be kind enough to give you one last one. If you don't I promise what happens next won't be on me," Xander said.

"You can do whatever you want with me, but you better not touch Munchlax. He's just trying to feed the poor Pokémon of the wild and you want to take that away from them," Naruto said with a little bit of anger.

"Well that Munchlax is faster then any I've seen and sneaky when it counts. Something I'm willing to get, now I'm giving you one last chance or Machamp here will deal with you personally," Xander said.

"Bring it on," Naruto challenged.

Xander sighed, before allowing his Machamp to deal with it as it cracked its knuckles, before raising its hand ready to use a Karate chop, but suddenly the doors behind Naruto burst apart and out of it sprang a fast moving blur which tackled into Machamp sending him skidding back.

"Munchlax?" Naruto saw the now fully awake Munchlax up and moving as it glared at the larger Pokémon.

"Speak of the devil. You have been a pain to get all day Munchlax and because of it a lot of people have become inured," Xander said pointing at the downed Snorlax and Kurama. Though that just made him more angered as Munchlax readied to fight.

"I think you just angered him Xander and you shouldn't have done that," Naruto said.

"Please I've seen this Munchlax battle and it's nothing impressive. Especially against my Machamp," Xander said.

"Well then guess you'll have to show them huh Munchlax," Naruto told the blue Pokémon who nodded and smirked.

"Then you can fail trying. Machamp use Karate Chop," Xander called out as his Pokémon rushed towards him.

Munchlax just smirked and waited, before using the size against him and jumped up dodging the chop, before hitting what Naruto saw was a Brick Break. Machamp took the first few blows, but had to block the rest, before jumping back. Though Munchlax didn't let up as it loose a breath of ice which started to freeze Machamp's arms.

"Don't let it get the best of you Machamp and use Cross Chop," Xander said annoyed that the weak Munchlax was doing so much damage to his Pokémon.

"Munchlax watch out," Naruto called out, but Munchlax saw it coming and just smirked as it charged in as well. Ducking at the right moment and slamming his head which glowed a light pink tint into Machamp's stomach who showed pain for the first time, before being sent flying.

"Machamp get up, NOW!" Xander yelled.

"I don't think so Kurama you good," Naruto saw his Pokémon get up finally feeling better as it stood next to Munchlax with the two looking at each and nodding coming to an understanding.

"You won't win this easily Machamp use Giga Impact," Xander called out as his pokemon rushes in with a wave of power rushing off him.

"Kurama now use Fire Blast," Naruto called out as Kurama charged up her attack with Munchlax also charging up the same attack. Before letting loose as the two kanji fire attacks rushed towards Machamp who didn't stop and ice the two collided a massive explosion took place as everything shook.

"Machamp? Where are you," Xander asked after walking through the smoke, but suddenly he was slammed into by his Pokémon as the two crashed into his other Pokémon all knocked out.

"And next time don't underestimate Pokémon," Naruto said as both Kurama and Munchlax cheered with Munchlax hugging Kurama who smiled down at the little blue Pokémon.

Next Day

"Thanks for the meal Java though you didn't have to," Naruto responded as he handed his dish to the waitress.

"It's all fine Naruto. I mean it's my way of thanking you for helping get rid of that guy and for helping Munchlax of course," Java said as he looked to where the other Pokémon were eating seeing Munchlax and Kurama talking with each other as the two had grown closer in the past 24 hours.

"So what did officer jenny do with that guy," Erika asked.

"Well from what I heard he was sent to a different location on the account of the ring of crimes he was making in Celadon from marketing and theft. Seems he's been doing it to other Kanto locations and thanks to you kids he's finally stopped," Java said as the three smiled.

"It was no big and if it helped to save Munchlax I would do it again," Naruto said as Java smirked down at him.

"Seems you've grown closer with Munchlax Huh," Java said.

"Well I mean it's only been a day. So we haven't really known each other that long," Naruto said.

"Naruto your ability to make every Pokémon love you is irreplaceable," Karin said as Naruto blushed at the comment.

"Well I mean Munchlax does a lot of good for the Pokémon in the area. They all appreciate it, but sooner or later he will need to move on and I think the right move for him would be to go with you," Java said looking at Munchlax having a good time with all of Naruto's Pokémon.

"But the Pokémon will still need their little buddy around won't they," Naruto asked.

"I think I can solve that. In a few weeks I'll be opening a special section of the restaurant for Pokémon who are wild or abandoned. It will help them still be able to get food and maybe a little something for the kids to occupy their time with," Java said.

"That doesn't sound bad and if the parents can they can allow their kid to take the Pokémon as a pet or something ," Erika said.

"That does sound amazing. What do you think Naruto," Karin asked.

"I mean it sounds awesome, but it's not my decision to make. It's his," Naruto pointed at their little listener who happen to have walked in at the right time.

"What do you say Munchlax wanna join my team," Naruto held out a pokeball as Munchlax looked at it for a second, before smiling and tapping the middle of ball as if opened and sucked him right in before shaking once and dinged signaling a capture.

"Seems we have a new member on our journey heh Naruto," Karin said with a smirk.

"Alright we caught a MUNCHLAX!" Naruto raised the pokeball up as her smirked at his new friend before releasing him to join the others in celebration.

"So what are you gonna name him," Karin asked.

"Hmmm, I don't know. I was thinking something along the lines of.."

"Keith," Java said.

"Keith?"

"A name of a famous wrestler back where I came from and his partner when he started was a Munchlax one who had the same spirit as this one," Java said as everyone looked at the blue Pokémon.

"Keith it is then," Naruto smiled knowing his family had grown even bigger and the journey continues.

END.

That's it for chapter 22 of Master quest a kinda filler, but mostly a introduction to a new member of the team to fill out his squad. From this point on I'm going to try and keep his team even with three more experienced members and three new ones with some of them being ones who will be trained with the other or by Naruto himself. Also I will try and make sure Naruto has a training session for himself. As for Celebi I had to keep her out of this chapter for just now as next one she will make a comeback and then the next arc will start. You will probably guess what it is from the moment the first chapters real in. Though I don't know if it's gonna be the start to the arc or not as I have not decided which one I wanna do yet.

Also I added more trouble to myself as I have to literally make sure all three have equal talking and to give them their own chapters as I did the Pokémon. Though I will have another one just like it only later. As for now let us end on here for I am tired and it's 3 am. So good night and enjoy.