Episode 565: A Stealthy Challenge
Shortly after the battle of Zero, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, the Digimon, SEES, X, and the Zeros teleported to the SMASH Tower. The members of SMASH were gathered around they were curious about the other Zero. Iris was surprised to see another Zero before her eyes, but it wasn't the Zero she's in love with.
"Now that we're here, you might as well fill us in on who you are," Sora said. The second Zero stepped forward and spoke.
"Right. I am Zero. The legendary Reploid fighting alongside the Resistance," the second Zero started. "Approximately, I was in a deep sleep for a hundred years. That is until I was discovered by a young scientist named Ciel, searching for me. It was after X went missing," the second Zero said. X was stunned to hear that the other X went missing.
"Just who exactly were you fighting?" White Bomber asked.
"That's a good question," Red Bomber said. The sounds of snoring is heard. He turned to see Blue Bomber sleeping. "Wake up, Blue!" Blue Bomber stammers awake after Red Bomber conked him.
"I'm up, I'm up," Blue Bomber said, in a drowsy tone.
"I share White Bomber's question. Who were you fighting?" Samus asked.
"We are fighting against Neo Arcadia, a government that my X has founded," the second Zero explained.
"Wait, you're saying I founded it?" X asked.
"Its main goal were to eradicate the Maverick problem from my world, but it went downhill as a Reploid created in my image and quickly labeled innocent Reploids as Mavericks. The lives of Reploids were miserable, treating them as second-class citizens. In response, the Resistance was formed. And that was a scientist named Dr. Weil took over and ruled Neo Arcadia with an iron fist. It turns out that Mavericks have taken over along with him," the second Zero explained. The members of SMASH were talking among themselves.
"Hard to believe something like this could happen," Axl said.
"I can't tell if it's worse with or without Sigma," Alia said.
"Anyway, Zero, uh, future Zero. Just what do you remember about your past?" Ratchet asked.
"Indeed. I'm sure whatever you remember might shed some light on the situation," Clank said.
"I really don't remember much about my past. The only clue I got was my name and that's about it," the second Zero said.
"Better than nothing," Marth said.
"All the same, we should thank him, because he held his own against the evil Zeros that attacked us," X said.
"I'm with X," Sora agreed. "We wouldn't be talking about this if he hadn't."
"Do we even let him join?" Frogger asked.
"I think we should. And just so we don't get confused, I think we should just call him Mega Man Zero, or MMZ for short," Pit said.
"Seriously?" Link asked.
"That's a sound idea. I wouldn't want to get anybody mixed up," Mega Man said.
"Okay, Mega Man Zero it is," Meowth said. "Why not, because he doesn't have to be blue to be a Mega Man, right?"
"Mega Man Zero? How is it that nobody has thought of it before?" Zero asked. He turned to Axl as he shrugged.
"That isn't really important. So, we should pinpoint the world he came from, and see what we can dig up," Tails said.
"A sound idea, Tails," Twilight said. "It's worth a shot."
A few minutes later, Tails and Bentley the Turtle got the inter dimensional rift ready after they managed to find Mega Man Zero's world. Sora and Pikachu managed to enter with a bunch of guns pointing at him. Sora gulped. The Reploids each wore a green soldier uniform consisting of a beret with a red triangle, a sleeveless vest, pants and brown metallic boots. Female variants have skirts instead of pants. He remembered being in a similar situation before.
"How did you get in here, Neo Arcadia agent?" One of the soldiers asked.
"Hey, hey, hey! Don't shoot! I'm one of the good guys!" Sora exclaimed.
"Pi," Pikachu added.
"Everyone, wait," a girl's voice spoke. Approaching them young girl with a modest stature. She has pale skin, cobalt blue eyes, long thick blonde hair with three angular bangs, usually tied into a ponytail. She wore a pink outfit consisting of a helmet, a sleeveless dress, a resistance vest, plated high heels and white gloves, with a black bodysuit underneath. The helmet has a hole on the back for the ponytail, and a retractable white visor. "He doesn't appear to be a threat."
"Respectfully, appearances can be deceiving," one of the soldiers said.
"I'm not going to do anything! I'm a friend of Zero's!" Sora said. This struck a cord with Ciel, so she raised her hand, telling them to stand down.
"You know Zero? Where is he? Is he alright?" Ciel asked with absolute concern.
"He's okay," Sora said. He looked at the girl. "You're Ciel, aren't you?"
"Yes," Ciel said. "How do you know my name? And how do you know Zero?"
"Well, I know two Zeros. And I think you should see him for yourself," Sora said. Ciel wasn't sure what he meant, but she had to trust him.
"I will trust you, but tell me your name first," Ciel said.
"Sora," Sora said.
"Sora," Ciel repeated. She obliges Sora and went with him and Pikachu. Ciel was surprised to see her Zero before her eyes. "Zero, it's you!" Ciel went and embraced him. "I was hoping you alright."
"I'm here, Ciel," Mega Man Zero said. He parted from him, and saw the other Zero along with X.
"Two of you?" Ciel asked in confusion. And X, is that you?"
"I'm not the X you know," X said.
"If it's a future thing, I think we shouldn't know too much about it," Zero said.
"I understand," Ciel said.
Sora introduced Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, and Meowth to her and they told her about the situation going on right after the Decepticons being destroyed and the Autobots returning to Cybertron. Ciel understood the situation.
"Is that right? I see," Ciel said. "This Team Shadow and Brotherhood of Darkness sounds like what Neo Arcadia could be."
"If this Neo Arcadia is just as bad as you say, there's a good chance they might join forces with Team Shadow and the Brotherhood of Darkness," Kairi said.
"Kairi's right. Teams Rocket, Magma, Aqua, Galactic, Plasma, and Flare are sounds bunch of amateurs compared to those Neo Arcadia jokers," Meowth said.
"Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"Pika, Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"And if that is the case, then the Resistance will be more than happy to help out," Ciel said.
"You sure, Ciel?" Sora asked.
"I am certain," Ciel said. "So, we will join SMASH."
With that said, Mega Man Zero and the leader of the Restaurant Ciel has pledged the support for SMASH.
Over to Harupia, he is standing before a trio of Reploids. One of them is wearing red armor with large shoulder pads. The yellow spikes on his chest and helmet resemble the protruding fangs of a dragon's snout, and his arm cannons bear a distinct jaw motif. The other is the only girl of the bunch, but in a different shade of blue. Her helmet frames her face in such a manner as to resemble hair, with the sides forming the 'fringe' and a seashell motif forming the 'bangs'. The back is mounted with a long dorsal fin-like jet, which she uses to propel herself through bodies of water. She wields a harpoon-like weapon. And finally, we have a Reploid whose armor is colored black. His design is based on that of a ninja, having ninjutsu skills and making use of shuriken, kunai and katana to attack, as well as using illusions and substitutes to conceal himself. He is thus aptly named for his dark nature and ghostly movements. A white mask covers the upper half of his face, and he wears a red two-tailed cape on his back.
"Fefnir, Leviathan, Phantom, I got here as soon as I got the message," Harupia said. "What's up?"
"Lord Weil commands that you make a report to him," Leviathan said. Harupia nodded and he stood before a mysterious figure. He appears as an old man with rough skin, a pointed nose, long gray hair, a beard, and red eyes. It is unknown whether he originally had red eyes while he was a human, or if they were the result of his transformation into a cyborg. On his chest plate is a symbol that vaguely resembles a W. Because of his cyborg body, he appears as a floating figure with seemingly no legs; his lower body is replaced by an array of black and red arrow-like bands to form a coat of sorts. His head is engulfed in an orange glass shell filled with some sort of bio-fluid, often causing his hair to freely flow upwards. When the shell is broken, his hair falls down around his face.
"Lord Weil," Harupia said.
"How goes the progress, Sage Harupia?" Weil asked.
"Forgive me, but the progress has proven difficult. I have instructed the Phanteon soldiers to report to us if they come across him," Harupia said.
"Good. We cannot allow him to foil our plans for the new world," Weil said. "Leave me." The four Reploids took their leave of their master. Weil huffed as he turned to the figure appearing before him. "Any particular reason why you're here?" Weil asked. The figure turns out to be Ganondorf himself.
"To see if you were to join our cause, Dr. Weil," Ganondorf said.
"Your cause?" Dr. Weil asked.
"Indeed, doctor. If Mateus and I were to have your support, we can have an increase for our army. The Resistance will be overwhelmed," Ganondorf said. Weil grinned.
"I seem to like it. I shall pledge my support for the cause, Ganondorf," Weil said.
"Very good," Ganondorf said.
Back in Kalos, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, and Team Natsu continued to wait. They didn't wait too long when Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, the Digimon, and SEES teleported back.
"How did it go?" Lucy asked.
"Better than expected," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"That other Zero has officially joined SMASH along with the rest of the Resistance," Meowth said.
"Resistance?" Wendy asked.
"We should explain," Kairi said.
They explained to their friends about the Resistance and about Neo Arcadia.
"Man, those guys sound worse than Team Rocket," Ventus said.
"That's what I said," Meowth said.
"You suspect this Neo Arcadia is to join forces with our enemies?" Erza asked.
"Sora thought so," Kairi said.
"So, Ciel and the Resistance has placed their support," Sora said.
"With everything going on, we're going to need all the help we can get," Terra said.
A few days later, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, and Team Natsu have made a stop by a river for Sora to train. Sora has let out Froakie to train along with Pikachu.
"Froakie! Water Pulse!" Sora ordered. Froakie unleashed Water Pulse right at a tree. "Great! Okay, Pikachu, you use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu jumped and unleashed Thunderbolt, making a small explosion on the same tree. "Alright, that was great, guys."
"Pikachu and Froakie are really fired up, aren't they?" Bonnie asked.
"Everyone's in synch," Clemont said.
"I'll say. He really wants to be ready for anything," Karen said.
"Keep it up! You look great!" Serena said. Dedenne's ears perked as did Patamon's.
"You hear that?" Patamon asked.
"Hear what?" Gaomon asked.
"Wait, I think I hear it, too!" Terriermon said.
"So do I," Lopmon added.
They saw what looks like a young ninja and a Greninja floating down the river. It turns out to be Sanpei.
"Look! Something's floating this way!" Bonnie said.
"What?" Sora asked. He saw it was Sanpei. "Aah! Sanpei!" Sora, Pikachu, and Froakie jumped in the river and swam to help him and Greninja out. They helped Sanpei and Greninja out of the river. Sora had a look on Greninja's face and saw it has a hint of purple on its face. Sora knew Greninja has been poisoned. "Greninja's poisoned! Get a Pecha Berry!"
"One Pecha Berry, coming right up," Ventus said, taking out a Pecha Berry and hands it to his cousin. Sora then held it to Greninja.
"Here you go, Greninja. Eat it up," Sora urged. Greninja ate the Pecha Berry, curing its poisoning. Sanpei stirs awake.
"Yay! He's awake!" Bonnie cheered.
"Sora, is that you?" Sanpei asked.
"It's me, Sanpei. You're good as safe," Sora said.
"Um, who is this kid?" Kotone asked.
"Friend of yours?" Wendy asked.
"He's Sanpei. He's a young ninja we met before," Minato explained. Sanpei gasped.
"Where's Greninja?" Sanpei asked.
"Safe," Sora said. "Have a look for yourself and you'll see." He turned to see Greninja. "I gave your Greninja a Pecha Berry to cure the poisoning."
"He should feel better in no time," Kairi added.
"Thank goodness for that. Thank you all for helping me in my hour of need," Sanpei said. "I am so grateful to you." He looked around and he smiled. "It seems your group is in much greater numbers now."
"Yeah, some of them are old friends of ours," Sora said. "Meet Natsu, Lucy, Wendy, Erza, Gray, Happy, Charla, Guilmon, Terriermon, Lopmon, Renamon, Gaomon, and Lalamon. And the girl there is Kotone Shiomi.
"Nice to meet you," Guilmon said.
"Sanpei, how did your Greninja end up being poisoned in the first place?" Clemont asked.
"Yeah, what happened?" Aqua asked.
"Happened? Uh, well..." Sanpei said.
"There you are!" A man's voice spoke. Sanpei knew that voice. Water shoots up from the same river. "Ninja Water Spout!" A mysterious figure emerges from the water.
"What's that?" Ventus asked. The water moves to the shore where the group were. The water subsided to reveal a ninja wearing a Shitry mask. With him is a Barbaracle. Koromaru starts growling at them.
"A Barbaracle!" Terra exclaimed.
"Who is that?" Shinjiro asked.
"I don't know, but all I know that he and that Pokémon attacked me!" Sanpei exclaimed.
"Those two?" Akihiko asked.
"What do they want?" Ken asked.
"It's obvious. I want the secret scroll. Barbaracle! Razor Shell!" The masked man ordered. Barbaracle went towards the group with its claws emitting a watery energy.
"Froakie! Cut!" Sora ordered. Froakie rushed the barnacle-like Pokémon and managed to block it. Barbaracle quickly overpowers the bubble frog Pokémon. Froakie lands back on his feet. "Okay, Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Pikachu jumped and unleashed Thunderbolt, shocking Barbaracle. The electric attack did little to it.
"Barbaracle should have felt that!" Biyomon said.
"It just took it! Its rocky armor is tougher than a Monchromon's shell!" Tentomon exclaimed.
Bushes rustled and we see Frank West, taking some pictures again.
"This keeps getting more and more interesting," Frank said. He snaps a few pictures.
"I'm getting fired up!" Natsu said, cracking his knuckles.
"There's no time," Sanpei said. He brings his hands together. "Ninja Leaf Shroud!" Leaves spirals around and a tornado kicks up. The masked man watched the tornado until it vanishes, and the group were gone.
Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Froakie, the Digimon, SEES, Team Natsu, Sanpei, and Greninja have made it to a different part of the forest.
"Man, I could kicked that guy's butt!" Natsu growled.
"It would have been overkill, Natsu," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Sora's right. You could have had us crushed along with him," Terra said.
"It was a good thing you did get us out of there," Bonnie said.
"Sanpei, what was that masked guy talking about?" Sora asked.
"Also, what was this secret scroll he was talking about?" Lucy asked.
"It's this," Sanpei said, taking out a scroll. "This scroll must be delivered. And it has to be before sundown. And that is my mission."
"Mission?" Gabumon asked.
"Saizo sent me. He's a master ninja and my trainer, too. I will not let him down," Sanpei said.
(Flashback)
We have a look into Sanpei's memories. It was earlier in the day. His Frogadier had already evolved into a Greninja not long after meeting Sora and his friends. He and Greninja bowed before a young man with long, brown hair tied in a long ponytail. He wore a two-tailed cape.
"Ninja techniques, passed down for generations in our village since ancient times, are contained in that secret scroll," Saizo said. "I want you to take it to our fellow ninjas. Sanpei, what do you say? Will you do this?"
"Yes, master," Sanpei said. "It will be my honor. I'm happy to go."
"Excellent, Sanpei," Saizo said. He hands him a map. "This map will show you the manor where our comrades are located. I'm counting on you."
"I'll do it. I promise," Sanpei vowed.
Sanpei and Greninja used their ninja skills to vanish as they set off for their mission.
"So, Greninja and I set out on our important mission," Sanpei narrated. "But then..." The ground below started to open as a dust tornado erupts.
"Ninja Dust Storm!" The masked man shouted. Sanpei didn't recognize him.
"Wait, who are you?" Sanpei asked.
"I am a ninja, just like you. Now give me the scroll," the masked man said. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Barbaracle! Appear!" His Barbaracle appeared from inside the Pokéball. "Barbaracle! Razor Shell!" Barbaracle came at Greninja with Razor Shell.
"Use Smokescreen!" Sanpei ordered. Greninja unleashed Smokescreen, but the masked man wasn't having it.
"Ninja Wind Rush!" The masked man shouted, blowing the smoke away. Sanpei knew it has gotten so much harder.
"Use Quick Attack, Greninja!" Sanpei ordered. Greninja leapt from tree to tree. Barbaracle held its own.
"Push back, and grab hold of it!" The masked man said. Barbaracle grabbed Greninja and held him in front of it.
"Greninja!" Sanpei gasped.
"Use Poison Jab!" The masked man ordered. Barbaracle lands a hit with a devastating Poison Jab, leaving Greninja poisoned. "Now, Razor Shell!" Barbaracle came at Greninja with Razor Shell. Barbaracle successfully lands a hit.
"Greninja!" Sanpei gasped, leaping towards Greninja. He caught the ninja Pokémon and they both fell in the river below.
(Flashback ends)
"And that's when we found you, floating in the river," Kairi said.
"Yes. Like I said, I have no idea who this masked ninja is, and why he's after the secret scroll. I only know, he must not have it at any cost," Sanpei concluded. "Now, it's getting late. I must be on my way."
"Hold on, we should tag along with you," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
Froakie hopped towards Greninja and shows how determined he is.
"I appreciate the offer, Sora, but we were given the mission. We can do this ourselves," Sanpei said.
"Yeah, but we don't leave a friend hanging," Sora said.
"Sora's right. We might have a much better chance if we are in numbers," Agumon said.
"Also, we had our share of run-ins with some unwanted visitors lately," Meowth said.
"So, you never know when you need a hand," Clemont said.
"You guys," Sanpei said. He caved in. "Okay, you can come. But Sora, if things go wrong, promise me you'll take care of yourselves first. Can you give me your word on that?"
"Promise," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Now, we just gotta think of an idea to throw that guy off our trail," Yukari said. Clemont chuckled. He adjusted his glasses.
"The future is now, thanks to science!" Clemont said. "Clemontic Gear on!" He activates his backpack as several small drones emerged from inside, and they took the forms and appearances of each of the group. "Ta-da! The Clemontic decoys!"
"Hey, these are impressive, Clemont," Gray said.
"It's amazing that you were able to build these by yourself, Clemont!" Wendy said.
"Actually, Bentley helped out the design. When he, Sly, Murray, Carmelita, and the Panda King were with us, Bentley taught me some amazing ways I didn't even know about."
"Man, you and that brainy turtle know how to make such cool gadgets," Natsu said.
"Bentley's a genius, same as you, Clemont," Lucy said.
"Now, to activate them," Clemont said, turning them on. The robot duplicates started to walk aimlessly through the forest. "Off you go!"
"Same with us," Meowth said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, Team Natsu, Sanpei, and Greninja has taken off.
Meanwhile, a couple of Shy Guys are walking through the forest. One Shy Guy is green, and one is yellow.
"So glad we could come and have a look around," the green Shy Guy said.
"Yeah. Who knew this world could be amazing, despite no floating blocks," the yellow Shy Guy said. He flinched when he saw the robot duplicates. "Look!" The green Shy Guy turned and saw them.
"It's those chumps who had us thrown out of Subcon! Maybe if we catch them, King Wart will reward us!" The green Shy Guy said.
"Then, let's catch them and claim the reward!" The yellow Shy Guy said. They took out some rope and used it to tie up the robots up. "This is great! The king will be so tickled pink when he sees that we have captured them."
"He will reward us handsomely for this," the green Shy Guy said. The robots then started to shake. Then they started to explode. The Shy Guys then went flying in the air. They screamed and landed up a tree. Just then, a swarm of angry Beedrill buzzed at them and stung them, making them yelp and yell in pain.
Up to the group, Sanpei has opened the map.
"This is where we are, and this is where the manor is," Sanpei said, pointing on the map.
"That means we'll have to wind this way," Clemont said, pointing on the map.
"No, that'll take too long," Aqua said.
"Aqua's right. If we do that, there's no way we'll be able to get there before the sun goes down," Sanpei said.
"And then, it'll be a failure," Kairi said.
"I could just fly you across," Happy said.
"We thought of that, but the point is to make it by foot," Tentomon said.
"He's right. We'll be easily spotted for sure," Hawkmon said.
"Aren't there any shortcuts?" Ventus asked.
"There's one, but we can't. I'd worry about all of you. I don't want to take the risk," Sanpei said.
"We take risks all the time," Natsu said.
"But at least most of us thinks of the risks, unlike you," Erza said.
"But Natsu does have a point," Sora said. "Besides we can handle it."
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Alright, let's go," Sanpei said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Froakie, the Digimon, SEES, Team Natsu, Sanpei, and Greninja walked down a wooden path at the cliff.
"Why did I let you talk me into this?" Meowth shivered.
"I'm feeling it too, Meowth," Clemont said.
"Stay close to me, Bonnie," Ventus said.
"Okay," Bonnie said.
Luckily, Happy is carrying Guilmon and Charla is carrying Koromaru. Tentomon is carrying Gomamon, Biyomon is carrying Palmon, Terriermon is carrying Gaomon, Lopmon is carrying Wormmon, Patamon is carrying Armadillomon, Hawkmon is carrying Gatomon, Lalamon is carrying Gabumon while they were flying, and the rest are walking by foot.
"I guess you don't have those big ears for show," Charla said.
"Well, they were to be used in an emergency," Terriermon said.
"And this is just as an emergency as any," Lopmon said.
"Don't drop me," Wormmon said to Lopmon.
"Same with you, Terriermon," Gaomon said.
"As long as you don't do anything stupid, you'll be fine," Terriermon assured.
Clemont stepped on a bad plank, making it break. He and Serena fell, making them scream.
"Serena!" Sora and Kairi exclaimed.
"Clemont!" Bonnie also exclaimed.
Quickly thinking, Froakie uses his frubbles as Greninja uses his elongated tongue to catch them. Greninja saves Serena as Froakie saves Clemont.
"Whew, that was close," Veemon said.
"You guys okay, down there?" Armadillomon asked.
"We're fine, thank you!" Serena said.
"Thanks to you two!" Clemont said.
They reached the end of the path and they look up.
Bonnie groaned, "More climbing?"
"Nope. No more climbing," Sanpei said. "Look." He points to a cave. "That cave is connected to the other side."
"Going in," Guilmon said.
They all entered the cave, unaware of the masked man and Barbaracle following them. He grinned as he went to the other side.
The group slides down the slopes inside the cave.
"What a lucky break, Sanpei," Minato said.
"Good thing you knew about these slopes," Kotone said.
"Especially when we use them to go down," Gatomon said.
"And that means, when we get out, we'll be at the foot of the mountain," Ken said. Koromaru then starts growling when he hears a squeaking sound. Ken turned to his dog. "Koro, what's wrong?"
"I don't think we're alone in here," Renamon said.
And she was right. It was a group of Golbat, sleeping in the cave.
"Golbat!" Ventus exclaimed.
The Golbat woke up and attacked the group.
"Greninja! Smokescreen!" Sanpei ordered. Greninja spewed smoke, but the Golbat blew them away by flapping their wings. Sora, Sanpei, Pikachu, and Greninja has gotten away, but the rest of the group weren't so lucky. A Golbat fired an Air Cutter at the group. Clemont turned back and he gasped.
Sora, Sanpei, Pikachu, Froakie, and Greninja have made it outside of the cave.
"We've made it," Sora said.
"Gren!" Greninja said, pointing to the manor.
"Look! The manor's over there!" Sanpei said.
"Great! We're almost there, guys," Sora said. He turned around and saw the rest of the group gone. "Guys? Kairi!"
"Pika!" Pikachu gasped, worrying about Angel.
Barbaracle jumped over Sora, Sanpei, Pikachu, Froakie, and Greninja and blocked their way back into the cave before Sora could search for his girlfriend.
"Not again," Sora groaned. The masked man appeared before them. "You again."
"Hand over the secret scroll at once," the masked man demanded.
"We're not handing you anything," Sora said.
"Sora, leave this to me and go find everyone else," Sanpei said.
"I'm not leaving you to face him alone," Sora said. "Besides, they can handle those Golbat."
"Sora," Sanpei said. He smiled and accepted Sora's offer to assist.
"As you wish," the masked man said.
"Double Team!" Sora and Sanpei ordered. Froakie and Greninja made several copies of themselves and rushed the barnacle-like Pokémon.
"Use Water Shuriken!" Sanpei ordered.
"Water Pulse!" Sora ordered.
Froakie and Greninja fired their water at Barbaracle.
"Dodge it, quick!" The masked man ordered. Barbaracle dodges, leaving Froakie and Greninja exposed, and hit by their own moves.
"Use Electro Web!" Sora ordered. Pikachu jumped and unleashed Electro Web at Barbaracle.
"Use Razor Shell to block!" The masked man ordered. Barbaracle cuts the Electro Web in half, making a small explosion.
"That was an impressive attack, but not good enough, boy," the masked man said. "Barbaracle! Poison Jab!" Barbaracle came at the opposing Pokémon with Poison Jab.
"Dodge it!" Sanpei ordered. Barbaracle tries to land a hit on the ninja Pokémon, but he kept dodging.
"Froakie! Use Double Team!" Sora ordered. Froakie made several copies of himself again, saving Greninja. "Okay, use Cut! Pikachu! Use Iron Tail!" Pikachu and Froakie jumped to deliver their attacks at Barbaracle.
"Barbaracle! Mud-Slap!" The masked man ordered. Barbaracle stuck its claws into the ground and mud erupted from underneath. Pikachu and Greninja are struck as well as a couple of copies. Froakie is struck and hurled at the wall behind him, between the rocks.
"Froakie, Pikachu!" Sora gasped.
"Greninja, stay strong!" Sanpei pleaded.
"I'd say, it's all over. Barbaracle! Poison Jab!" The masked man ordered. Barbaracle came at the two remaining Pokémon and readied itself to deliver the finishing blow. Froakie wasn't going to have it, so he willed himself get out. Froakie bursts out and started to evolve, much to everyone's surprise. Sora was especially surprised. He managed to block Barbaracle's Poison Jab attack.
"Froakie, you're evolving," Sora could only say.
Froakoe has now become a Frogadier. He knew Frogadier has learned a new move after evolving.
"Even if Froakie did evolve, it's still no match for us! Barbaracle! Razor Shell!" The masked man ordered. Barbaracle came at Frogadier.
"Cut!" Sora ordered. Frogadier rushed Barbaracle and clashed Barbaracle's Razor Shell with Cut.
"Their strengths are the same. Frogadier is putting up quite a fight," Sanpei said, wiping the mud off of Pikachu.
"Okay, Frogadier, get ready for what's coming next," Sora said.
"Use Poison Jab!" The masked man ordered. Barbaracle rushed Frogadier with Poison Jab.
"Aerial Ace!" Sora ordered. Frogadier darts at Barbaracle and gave the collective Pokémon a series of hits. "Had enough?" Barbaracle is on its knee.
"Alright then, time for Ninja Leaf Shroud," the man said, using the ninja technique to vanish. "Alright, now go to the manor. There you will discover the whereabouts of your friends."
"Alright, let's go to the manor," Sanpei said.
"Right," Sora agreed. "But what if it's a trap?"
"It just might be a trap. But that's all we have to work with right now. I say we have to go," Sanpei said.
"Right," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Sanpei, Pikachu, Frogadier, and Greninja heads towards the manor as the sun sets.
"Excuse me! I, Sanpei, have arrived!" Sanpei announced.
"Anyone here?" Sora asked.
"I have come to deliver the secret scroll!" Sanpei announced.
"Hello! We're over here!" Bonnie shouted. They turned to see Bonnie waving at them. "Hi, Sora! Hi, Sanpei!"
"Thank goodness you're okay," Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel added, running towards Pikachu. She tackles him and nuzzles him affectionately. Pikachu returns the affection.
"Wha?" Sora asked, not understanding. Laughter is heard. The masked man appeared before them.
"I'm impressed you made it all the way here. Well done, Sanpei," the masked man said. He removed his mask, revealing his true identity to them. Sanpei was especially shocked.
"Saizo?!" Sanpei exclaimed.
"Okay, what exactly is going on here?" Sora asked.
"I think I can answer that," Lucy said. She chuckled. "It turns out it was all a test set up by Saizo from the start."
"A test?" Sanpei asked.
"Yes. Open the scroll, and you'll see," Saizo said. Sanpei took the scroll and he opened it. He was shocked to see it was blank.
"There's nothing written on it!" Sanpei gasped.
"As your blonde friend said, it was all a test. It is a test that every ninja has to endure in their journey," Saizo said. "It was to see how much you've grown."
"Saizo explained the whole situation to us, and he brought us here after he saved us from those freaky bats," Natsu said.
"They were going to suck out our blood!" Happy said.
"He thought it would be a good idea to keep us safe," Karen said.
"All that matters to me that you guys are safe," Sora said. Sanpei hands the scroll to Saizo.
"Whether it's blank or not, I've delivered the secret scroll on time. Which means our mission is now complete," Sanpei said.
"Yes. You made a heartfelt connection with your friends, and overcame formidable obstacles along with Greninja. And I saw it all with my very own eyes. I'll make a full report. Directly to the village elder," Saizo said.
"That's so great! Thank you so much!" Sanpei said. Serena approached Sora's newly evolved Pokémon.
"A Frogadier! Is that who I think it is?" Serena asked.
"Yeah. Froakie evolved," Sora said.
"Aw, I wanted to see that! I know! You can go back to being a Froakie! I can watch you evolve, too!" Bonnie said.
"Bonnie? That's not how it really works," Clemont said. Minato notices Natsu and Happy are gone.
"Hey, has anyone seen Natsu and Happy anywhere?" Minato asked.
"I have a good idea," Renamon said, pointing to the wall. He and the rest of SEES looked at Natsu up against a wall, behind a sheet.
"What are you doing, Natsu?" Aigis asked. Natsu dropped the sheet and he has his scarf over his mouth, doing a ninja stance.
"I am ninja! Nin-nin!" Natsu said.
"Nin-nin!" Happy said.
"Oh great, it's like having two Stupeis with us," Yukari deadpanned.
"Hey, Sanpei," Sora said. The young ninja turned to Sora. "Congratulations on passing your test. You're going to be an awesome ninja, I know it."
"Thank you, Sora," Sanpei said.
After a fierce battle with Saizo and his Barbaracle, Sora's Froakie has become a Frogadier. Soon, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, and Team Natsu will be off once again to Courmarine City soon enough.