Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be wrapping up the Rustboro part of the story, along with our trio's first encounter with Team Aqua and Naruto learning just what's happened since he left the Elemental Nations. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
The day after Naruto had beaten the Rustboro Gym, he, May and Max had gone to celebrate his victory. While being joined by Iruka and the Konohamaru Corps., as they wanted to congratulate their former student and boss, respectively, for winning his first Gym Badge.
Roxanne had also joined, as it was one of her days off from the Academy, and there weren't any Gym Challengers. Plus, she was interested in learning more about her new assistant's former student, having been interested about Naruto, from what Iruka's told her, and after meeting him, personally.
"My first Gym Badge." Said Naruto, smiling as he looked at the Stone Badge, still amazed that he managed to beat Roxanne in their battle.
"That is pretty cool, but don't forget, you still have to beat at least seven more Gym Leaders to enter the Hoenn League." Max reminded, with Naruto nodding at his words.
"He's right, Naruto, and you'll have to train really hard, as the other Gym Leaders will only get tougher from here on out, and they'll be giving it their all, when you battle them." Added Roxanne.
"I know, and I plan to keep training and helping my Pokémon grow stronger. Then I will beat the other Gym Leaders and enter the Hoenn League." Said Naruto, determined to get stronger, and prove he had what it takes.
"Of that, I have no doubt." Roxanne said, smiling, as she fully believes that Naruto has what it takes to beat her fellow Gym Leaders.
May felt her eye twitch at seeing Roxanne smile at Naruto like that, along with the look in her eyes. It annoyed May, that the admittedly beautiful Gym Leader was getting so close to Naruto.
"Of course Naruto will be able to beat the other Gym Leaders, I've seen how hard he trains his Pokémon and knows he'll just get stronger. By the way, we should think about leaving soon, to get to your next Gym Badge, along with my first Contest Ribbon, as well." May said, with Naruto looking at her in confusion.
"Uh, I guess, but wouldn't it be good to rest for a while, to figure out where the next Gym is, and where a Contest is being held?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah, but that's what Max and his PokéNav are for, so it'd be best to leave as soon as possible." Stated May, with Naruto nodding slowly, still confused at May's behavior.
What the blonde trainer didn't see, was May giving Roxanne a side glare, with the Gym Leader smiling in amusement, knowing exactly why May was acting like this.
'Challenge accepted.' Roxanne thought.
"If you want Naruto, you and I could head back to the Gym, and I can show you where the other Gyms are located, and while I can't tell you too much about them, I can give you some tips." Roxanne offered, while smirking slyly at May, who growled lowly.
"I don't think Naruto would like that. He'd prefer training on his own, rather than getting an unfair advantage." Retorted May.
"It's not like I would tell him their teams and how to defeat them, or anything like that. Remember, I am a Gym Leader, myself, so there are specific rules that I have to follow. Besides, the tips I plan to give him are more common knowledge, like what types they use, as well as a few for his overall journey." Roxanne said, as her smirks gains a more mischievous edge to it, which went over Naruto's head, but not May's.
"In that case, Naruto can just figure that stuff out on his own, or look it up in a trainer guide, or online, when we're at a Pokémon Center." May said, as her glare intensified.
"Well, maybe we should ask Naruto what he thinks." Roxanne said, as both girls looked at Naruto, to know what his thoughts on the matter are, with their expressions changing to smiles.
"Uuuh…" Naruto muttered, while looking between the smiling girls, completely confused at their sudden change in behavior.
'Oh Naruto, still as oblivious as ever.' Iruka thought, chuckling lightly at seeing his former student not realize what May and Roxanne were doing.
Though Iruka can understand why the two like Naruto or are at least attracted to him. As despite what many in Konoha thought, Naruto did have plenty of good qualities, that girls would find attractive. Unfortunately, due to the Kyūbi, most girls around Naruto's age were raised to see him in a negative light, while those that weren't, only saw him as either a class clown, or the deadlast.
If it wasn't for the Kyūbi, and people getting to know Naruto better, Iruka was sure that the boy would have had a girlfriend, or two, by now.
Max, meanwhile, chuckled at Naruto's confusion, while sipping his soda. Pulling out the PokéNav, Max figured he could check to see where the next Gym is located, and where some Contests are being held. Unfortunately, as Max was looking at the map, he lost his grip on his drink and dropped it, causing the contents to spill out right on the PokéNav.
'Oh no!' Max thought, freaking out as the PokéNav sparked, before shutting down.
Desperately, Max tried to turn it back on, hoping he didn't break it. Only for it to stay closed, making the boy pale, realizing he had indeed broke it.
'May is gonna kill me!' Thought Max, knowing he had to get away, to hopefully get the PokéNav fixed.
Looking at the group, Max saw they were all talking, with no one looking at him. Knowing this was his chance, Max carefully slipped away, and out of the Pokémon Center.
'Okay, okay, now I just have to find somewhere that can repair the PokéNav and get back before anyone notices. Easy.' Max thought, not noticing Konohamaru walking up behind him.
"Where are you going, Max?" Konohamaru asked, with Max jumping slightly in surprise.
"Ah! K-Konohamaru, what're you doing here?" Max asked nervously, while hiding the PokéNav behind him, with Konohamaru narrowing his eyes suspiciously.
"I saw you leaving and was curious as to why. What're you hiding, anyway?" Said Konohamaru, while trying to see what Max had behind his back.
"What, me, hiding something?! Never!" Said Max, while moving around Konohamaru, so he didn't see the broken PokéNav.
Annoyed at Max keeping something secret, Konohamaru then smirked as he got an idea.
"Okay, then you won't mind me telling May and Boss. Hey Ma-" Konohamaru tried shouting, only for Max to cover his mouth.
"Alright, alright! Look, I accidently short-circuited the PokéNav, and I was hoping to find some place to fix it, so I didn't have to tell May I broke it." Max revealed, knowing his hands were tied, and had to tell Konohamaru what happened.
"Is that it? Why didn't you say so, I can help you find a place." Said Konohamaru.
"Really?" Max asked, with Konohamaru nodding.
"Yeah, after me, Moegi, Udon and Iruka got settled in Rustboro, we looked around and know most of the city by now. It'd be easier than just wandering around." Konohamaru explained.
"Yeah, thanks Konohamaru." Max said, relieved at the help.
"No problem. Now let's go." Konohamaru replied.
Nodding, the two boys began traveling through Rustboro City, looking for somewhere Max can have the PokéNav repaired.
After a while, the two boys happened upon a crowd of kids surrounding a table, with a man wearing a light purple suit and a bowler hat.
"You're gonna love the next invention, I show ya!" The man said, catching Max and Konohamaru's attention.
"This guys an inventor?" Max wondered, as they walked up to the crowd.
They watched as the man showed off a can opener shaped like a wrestler. It looked pretty interesting, until it failed, when the drink sprayed all over the man's face, causing the kids to walk off.
"Ah man, I really need to get this fixed." Max said, having hoped this guy might be able to help.
"Hey kid. What's the matter kid?" The man asked, while walking up to Max and Konohamaru.
"My names not kid, it's Max!" Said Max, not liking being called kid.
"And I'm Konohamaru Sarutobi!" Konohamaru introduced.
"And I'm probably going to have to tell my sister that I broke our PokéNav." Max answered, while looking at the broken device.
"Maybe you won't have to tell her anything. You'd just have to go to the Devon Corporation." Said the man.
"The Devon Corporation?" Max asked, remembering the man that he, Naruto and May had met in the Petalburg Woods, who works there.
"That's right, the Devon Corporation can repair anything, because we make everything, including that PokéNav." Answered the man.
"Really?!" Konohamaru asked, surprised to hear this.
"Yep, and that's not all, Devon even produces Pokémon there, too." The man revealed.
Of course they didn't produce actual Pokémon, but merely resurrected ancient Pokémon from fossils.
"They can produce Pokémon?! No way!" Said Max, knowing that was impossible.
"Do I look like the kind of guy to lie. I'm an inventor! Huh?" The man said, before seeing a car pull up, only to freak out when he saw who got out of the car.
"Uh oh! Nice meeting you, Max and Konohamaru! And the Devon Corporation, it's the biggest building in town!" Said the man, before immediately running off.
"Hey wait!" Max said, needing more information than just it being the biggest building, when the guy from car ran past him and Konohamaru.
"Something weird is going on around here." Said Konohamaru, feeling there was more to that guy in the suit than meets the eye.
"Yeah. But come on, we at least know where we can go to get this fixed." Said Max, with the two boys walking off to locate the Devon Corporation.
*With Naruto, May, Iruka, Moegi, Udon and Roxanne*
Meanwhile, Naruto and May, along with Iruka, Udon, Moegi and Roxanne, were looking through Rustboro City, searching for Max and Konohamaru. After noticing that the two boys had disappeared, and getting worried for where they were, the group had gone off to try and find out where they went.
"Where could they have gone?" May wondered, worried for where her brother ran off to.
"Maybe Max wanted to look around Rustboro some more, and Konohamaru went with him, since we've been here long enough to see where everything is." Iruka suggested.
"Maybe, but I'm still worried, and I swear, if this is Max trying to pull a prank, he is so going to get it." May swore, with fire in her eyes.
"Hey Boss, where are you guys going, after you leave Rustboro?" Moegi asked, curious of where the three will head to next.
"I was thinking that we could head towards Verdanturf Town, since there's a Pokémon Contest Hall there, which would give May a chance to compete in her first Contest. After that, we'll head down to Mauville City, where I can get my second Badge at the Mauville Gym. Then it'll be off to Slateport City, where there's another Contest Hall, then it'd be easy to catch a boat towards Dewford, for my third Badge." Naruto explained, this way May would get the chance to earn two Contest Ribbons, and Naruto would be able to get two more Gym Badges.
May smiled at this, pleased that she'll get the chance to compete in two Contests. She also made a mental note to study the notes Janet and Chaz gave her, so she can start her Coordinator Training.
'I should also think about catching more Pokémon too, just in case.' May thought.
"May, if you want, I can help with your Coordinator Training." Naruto offered, seeing May look in deep in thought, and guessed what she was thinking about.
Though while Naruto wasn't sure if he'd be much help, given he's training to battle in Gyms rather than perform in Contests. But from what he's seen, Contests are about attention-grabbing, beauty, as well as the grace of Pokémon and their attacks.
And while Naruto wasn't sure about beauty or grace, he definitely knew plenty about attention-grabbing.
"Really?! Thank you, that'd be a big help!" May replied, smiling happily, while excited that she'll soon get her chance to enter her first Contest.
'He really is something special.' Roxanne thought, smiling at Naruto's offering to help May in her training, with the Gym Leader being able to tell that Naruto didn't know much about Contests, but still offered.
*With Max and Konohamaru*
"Wow, when he said the biggest building, he really meant the biggest." Konohamaru said, as he and Max had to tilt their heads all the way back, just to see the very top of the Devon Corporation building.
"Yeah, come on, let's find out where we go to get the PokéNav repaired." Said Max, as they ran up the stairs, and into the building.
Though once they got inside, the two boys stopped, when they saw the inventor and the guy chasing him, from before, talking with Officer Jenny.
"Can I help you Officer Jenny?" Asked the guy, Kennedy.
"I apologize for taking your time, gentlemen. But I have information that says someone is planning on infiltrating the Devon Corporation, and thought it'd be best to inform you." Answered Officer Jenny.
"Who Officer?" Kenny asked, worried at the idea of someone infiltrating Devon Corporation.
"I've instructed my people to find out what they can about the situation. While I'd need you to double-check your security system." Replied Officer Jenny.
What neither of them noticed, was the inventor sneaking away from them. Max and Konohamaru, meanwhile, peeked out from behind a pillar, while not noticing the inventor suddenly appearing behind them.
"Hi. Hiding from someone?" Asked the man, surprising the two, before he quickly covered their mouths.
"Shh. I know this building inside and out, so it'd be best if you both come with me." He instructed, confusing Max and Konohamaru further.
*Later*
"Uh sir, where are we going?" Max asked as the man guided him and Konohamaru down a hallway.
"Let me see the PokéNav." He said, grabbing it from Max's hands, despite the boys protests.
"Hey, that belongs to me!" Said Max.
"I see, you spilled your drink inside here." Stated the man, looking the PokéNav over, surprising Max and Konohamaru at how quickly he could tell what happened.
They soon arrived at a set of double doors that slid open, revealing a lab, inside with three scientists.
"Shh, I think that Kennedy is still following me around. Don't say a word." The man said, with the scientists chuckling lightly.
"Would you take a look at this PokéNav. It's shorted out and has some moisture inside it, so I need a quick repair job." Requested the man, handing the device to one of the scientists.
"No problem, I'll have it back in working order soon, Mr. President." Replied the scientist.
This shocked Max and Konohamaru, as they looked at the man, hearing he was actually the President of Devon Corporation.
"Wait, the President?!" Konohamaru asked.
"That's right, this is Mr. Stone. President of the Devon Corporation." One of the scientists answered.
"Yeah, but he tends to get in trouble with his assistant, Mr. Kennedy, from time to time." Added another scientist.
"Huh? Why can't Mr. Stone do what he wants?" Max asked, while also feeling like the name Stone sounded familiar.
"Well, that's just the way things are around here." Answered Mr. Stone, knowing he much preferred inventing things, than most of his normal duties.
After leaving the lab, Mr. Stone gave Max and Konohamaru a tour of the building.
"Sometimes, I just need to get out of that stuffy office, and out into the city, looking for new inspiration. Kids are my greatest inspiration, which is why I love talking to them. Besides, if I hadn't been out there, we wouldn't have run into each other, with you two still being out there, running around scared of your sister, Max." Mr. Stone said, while smiling good-naturedly.
"Were we really that scared?" Max asked.
"Maybe you were Max, but I wasn't scared!" Denied Konohamaru.
"Actually, you both looked terrified. Come on, she can't be that bad." Said Mr. Stone.
"Well, she isn't. But I also don't her to keep seeing me as a little kid, that can't take care of himself. But when the PokéNav broke, I panicked and ran, rather than finding a way to tell her." Max said looking down.
"I know how you feel, Max. My grandfather used to be the leader of our village, before he passed, and I always wanted to be seen as myself, rather than just his grandson." Said Konohamaru, knowing how Max felt.
Though in a way, Konohamaru did achieve his dream, as in Server, no one knew who he was, or who his grandfather was. Now he was finally just Konohamaru, with his dream now being to prove he's a worthy rival for his Boss, Naruto.
"Yeah, I know that feeling too, boys." Mr. Stone said, with Max and Konohamaru looking at him in surprise.
"You do?" Max asked.
"I do, Max." Answered Mr. Stone, knowing he had high standards to live up to, with his company, and even more so, given who his son is.
Mr. Stone then began showing the boys some of the different inventions that Devon Corporation has created.
"So, Max, Konohamaru, what exactly do you boys plan to do, when you're older?" Mr. Stone asked.
"I want to become a Gym Leader, like my dad." Answered Max.
"I plan on becoming a Pokémon Trainer, when I'm older, and win the Pokémon League!" Konohamaru declared, with Mr. Stone laughing lightly.
"Well, those are some pretty high goals, but I believe if you're determined enough and never give up, you can do anything. In fact, my own son has risen to become quite the trainer." Mr. Stone said, smiling, while remembering when his own son was their age, and had dreams of being a great Pokémon Trainer, something he has long since achieved.
"Hey Mr. Stone, would it be alright if our friends could come here, and see all this?" Max asked.
"I don't see why not. Come on, we'll go find them and bring them here." Answered Mr. Stone, only for his assistant, Kennedy, to show up and stop them.
"There you are, Mr. Stone. You can't leave, you still have several appointments that require your attention." Kennedy said, with Mr. Stone internally groaning at this.
"Right, thank you, Kennedy. But since I'll be here, would you be able to locate Max and Konohamaru's friends out in the city, and bring them here." Mr. Stone requested.
"Sure thing, Mr. Stone. What do they look like?" Kennedy asked the boys, with them giving him a description of their friends, to better find them.
After Kennedy left to find the others, Mr. Stone continued the tour, until they took notice of someone slipping research papers and machine parts into a bag.
"Mr. Stone, who's that guy?" Konohamaru asked, pointing out the person grabbing things, with Mr. Stone narrowing his eyes at the stranger.
"Not one of my employees, that's for sure. Come on, let's see what they're up to." Mr. Stone, wondering if this was the thief that Office Jenny had mentioned.
*Later*
"Wow, so Max and Konohamaru are here?" Naruto asked, looking at the Devon Corporation in amazement, walking up the stairs with the others, as they followed Kennedy, after the man had managed to find them.
"That's right. Mr. Stone has been giving Max and Konohamaru a tour of the building. The President always enjoys helping children and showing them around, with Max and Konohamaru even remind him of his own son, Steven, when he was their age." Kennedy answered.
"Steven?" May asked, Kennedy nodding.
"That's right, Mr. Stone's son. He's a Pokémon Trainer, one of the best around." Replied Kennedy.
"Really? Maybe I'll run into him, and we could battle." Said Naruto, excited at the idea of battling such a strong trainer.
"I'm sure you'll run into him eventually, Naruto." Roxanne said, while smiling mischievously, knowing if Naruto kept on his current path, he'll definitely have a chance to battle Steven.
Kennedy was then stopped as he received a call.
"Yes Mr. Stone? What! A thief in the building, they're going to the roof! I'll be right there sir, with Officer Jenny!" Kennedy said, hanging up and running up to Officer Jenny by the receptionist.
Worried about what was happening, Naruto, May, Iruka, Moegi, and Udon ran after Kennedy and Officer Jenny to the roof. While Roxanne stayed behind and headed towards one of the videophones, calling one of her assistance back at the Gym.
She figured it'd be better to have all her Pokémon, if things escalated.
The group managed to arrive on the roof, and just in time too, as the thief ran through a door.
"Hold it right there!" Naruto shouted, glaring at the thief, who stopped after seeing them.
"Who are you, and why did you break into Devon Corporation?!" Kennedy demanded.
The thief merely laughed at them and was about to go back the way he came, only for Mr. Stone, Max and Konohamaru to run up behind him.
"Okay, the games up!" Mr. Stone said.
"Max!" May said, relieved to see her brother.
"Konohamaru!" Said Moegi and Udon, glad that their friend was safe.
"Alright, return what you stole from our labs, now!" Said Mr. Stone.
"Hmph, I don't think so! Go Crawdaunt!" The thief said, releasing his Crawdaunt.
"Crawdaunt!"
"Crawdaunt?" Naruto muttered, before pulling out his Pokédex.
"Crawdaunt, the Rogue Pokémon. Crawdaunt are short-tempered, and quick to challenge opponents to battle. It is said that no other Pokémon can live in areas inhabited by Crawdaunt."
"Crawdaunt use Bubble Beam!" Ordered the thief.
"Craw!" Crawdaunt opened its claws and shot out two beams of bubbles at both groups, with the others bracing themselves for the hit.
Only for Naruto to quickly create several Shadow Clones, much to the shock everyone, besides May, Max, Iruka, Moegi, Udon and Konohamaru, and shield them from the Bubble Beam.
"Tsk, I don't how you did that you brat, but it won't help you this time! Crawdaunt use Crabhammer on blondie!" Said the thief, after getting over his shock.
"Crawdaunt!" Crawdaunt jumped up and prepared to bring its claw down on Naruto, only for the blonde to unseal the Raijin and activated it, blocking the hit.
'The Raijin no Ken?!' Iruka thought shocked to see the Nidaime's blade that was stolen by Aoi Rokusho, now in Naruto's possession.
Crawdaunt cried out as it was electrocuted by the lightning sword.
"Grr, little brat! You'll regret getting in Team Aqua's way! Crawdaunt return!" Said the thief, while recalling his Pokémon.
The thief then pulled out a rocket propelled glider and took off from the roof.
"Oh no you don't!" Naruto shouted, jumping off the roof after the thief, shocking everyone again at seeing him jump, only to see Naruto land on another roof.
"You sure have some interesting friends, Max, Konohamaru." Mr. Stone stated in amazement.
"You have no idea." Replied Max, before they all ran down the stairs to catch up to the thief and Naruto.
Meanwhile, the thief had flown down the streets below and started running on foot. Looking back, the thief was shocked at seeing Naruto was still pursuing him.
"Persistent little bastard!" The thief growled, before spotting an old man walking with a Wingull beside him.
Wingull is a small, white Pokémon similar to a seagull. Its head makes up a large portion of its body, as it appears to lack a neck. It has thin, simplistic eyes, two triangular tufts on top its head, and an orange beak with a hooked, black tip. Three blue-tipped feathers give it a fan-like tail. Its small, orange feet have two webbed toes. Wingull has long, flat wings with light blue stripes near the tips.
Getting an idea, the thief sent out Crawdaunt, while giving it a Full Restore.
"Crawdaunt grab that Wingull!" The thief commanded.
"Crawdaunt!" Crawdaunt rushed forward and quickly trapped the Wingull in its claws.
"Peeko!" The old man cried out at seeing his friend be grabbed.
"Alright, you little runt! You take one more step and the Wingull gets ripped apart!" Threatened the thief, with Crawdaunt clenching its claws around Wingull, making it cry out in pain.
"Wingull!"
Naruto growled in anger at the cowardly move.
"I'm going to make you regret that!" Said Naruto, with the thief smirking at seeing that Naruto wasn't going to make a move.
"We'll see about that, and here's a warning to those that get in Team Aqua's way, Crawdaunt crush Wingull!" The thief ordered.
"No!" The old man shouted in fear.
"Craw!" Crawdaunt, snapping its claws shut around Wingull, only for the Pokémon to suddenly vanish in a puff of smoke, with a crushed log in its place.
"What?!" The thief shouted in shock, while Naruto smirked.
"Peeko! Thank goodness!" The old man said, seeing his friend fly over to him.
"Wingull!" Peeko flew onto the old man's shoulder, thankful to still be alive.
"No more dirty tricks, bastard! And now, I'm going to enjoy this." Naruto said, ready to beat the thief into the ground.
"Grr, don't get cocky brat! Go Araquanid and Seismitoad!" The thief called out, as he sent out two more Pokémon.
Seismitoad is a bulky, blue, bipedal toad-like Pokémon. Its underside and the speaker-like bumps found on various parts of its body are cyan with black edges around the belly. Its hands and feet have three bulbous digits. Additionally, Seismitoad have red eyes, cyan adornments on its legs, and a long tongue.
Araquanid is an arachnoid Pokémon with a water bubble around its head. The majority of its body is dark gray with accents of yellow green and light brown. It has large, blue eyes with a paler wavy line through the centers. Above its eyes are light brown markings similar to eyebrows. It has three pointed, blue bumps on top of its head and four fang-like projections underneath. Both the bumps and its eyes are capable glowing. Its abdomen was a light brown stripe down the center of its back with two horizontal lines crossing it. There are several light brown extensions at its neck that flare out and connect to the bubble around its head. At the end of its abdomen is a light green spinneret. It has six light green legs with opaque bubbles around the joints. The tips of its legs are dark gray.
Naruto frowned at seeing the two new Pokémon, while the thief smirked confidently, believing he now had the advantage again. Thinking that Naruto's previous counter-attack was a fluke.
"Hey Naruto, you look like you could use some help." Roxanne said, getting everyone's attention, with Naruto noticing the new Pokémon with her.
It is a mostly blue, rock Pokémon. It has small round eyes, a red nose that is large in proportion to its body, and a bushy black mustache that appears to consist of iron filings. These iron filings appear to be attracted by its magnetic nose. It has three small objects on its sides and back, called Mini-Noses, which it is able to control. It has a big red hat-like magnet on top of its head and has strong magnetism from all over its body.
"Roxanne." Naruto said, surprised at her appearance and the new Pokémon, while taking a moment to scan it, along with the other two Pokémon.
"Probopass, the Compass Pokémon, and the evolved form of Nosepass. Its body acts as a powerful magnet. It controls three smaller units called Mini-Noses."
"Seismitoad, the Vibration Pokémon and the evolved form of Palpitoad. By vibrating the bumps on its fists, Seismitoad increases its power, pulverizing a boulder with a single punch."
"Araquanid, the Water Bubble Pokémon and the evolved form of Dewpider. Despite what its appearance suggests, it cares for others. If it finds vulnerable, weak Pokémon, it protectively brings them into its water bubble."
"You think a Probopass will you help you. Please, I have the numbers and Type-advantage." The thief scoffed, while Roxanne smirked.
"Probopass use Thunder on Crawdaunt and Araquanid!" Roxanne said.
"Probo-pass!" Probopass's nose glowed yellow, before it unleashed a massive bolt of electricity at both Crawdaunt and Araquanid, which enveloped the two, as they cried out from the shock they received, before falling unconscious.
"What?!" The thief shouted, shocked that two of his Pokémon were taken out in one hit.
"Now use Tri-Attack on Seismitoad!" Said Roxanne.
"Probopass!" Probopass's Mini Noses detached themselves, before spinning around rapidly and firing three colored beams at Seismitoad.
"Seis!" Seismitoad cried out, as it was launched back, before crashing onto the ground, unconscious.
The thief was shocked at seeing just how easily his Pokémon were taken out. Though in his shock, he didn't see Naruto walk up to him, until the blonde buried his fist in the thief's stomach. The thief gasped on pain, before Naruto brought his knee up into his face, knocking him out.
After making sure the thief and his Pokémon were knocked out, Naruto looked at Roxanne and Probopass in amazement.
"Your Probopass is really strong." Naruto stated, with Roxanne nodding, knowing what Naruto was thinking.
Why didn't she use Probopass in their battle.
"Yeah, Probopass was actually my Starter Pokémon, from when I first became a trainer. The Nosepass and Geodude you faced Naruto was bred for trainers that were looking to earn their first Gym Badge. In fact, all the Gym Leaders have several teams of Pokémon they use, depending on how many Badges their challengers have." Roxanne revealed.
This shocked Naruto, to hear that he hadn't faced Roxanne's true team, and likely won't face the other Gym Leaders' true teams either, given he still only has one Badge. Naruto quickly shakes off his shock, and grins competitively at Roxanne.
"Then that just means I'll have to really train my Pokémon for when we have a rematch, with your real team." Naruto said, with Roxanne having a matching competitive grin.
"And I'll be waiting." Replied Roxanne.
It wasn't long until the others showed up, with Officer Jenny showing up and taking in the thief and his Pokémon.
"Thank you, young man, and you, Roxanne, for helping save Peeko." The old man said, while walking up to Naruto and Roxanne.
"There's no need for thanks, Mr. Briney. I'm just glad I got here, when I did." Roxanne replied.
"Yeah, you don't need to thank me. I'm just glad your Pokémon is alright, right Peeko?" Said Naruto, while smiling at Peeko.
"Wingull!" Wingull flapped its wings happily at its savior.
"Still, let me repay you someway. How about taking you all to a restaurant that serves Rustboro City's famous pasta, my treat." Offered Mr. Briney, wanting to repay them somehow for saving Peeko.
Unknown to everyone, they were being observed by two people watching them all.
This first was a tall, muscular, dark-skinned man with blue eyes, wears a black headwear around his head, with several blue "teeth" around his face. His suit is torn apart and shows Team Aqua logo painted on his chest. While wearing white-outlined pants, with light blue details on his knees and feet. Around his neck and waist, he wears a yellow rope.
This was Matt, an Admin for Team Aqua.
Scoffing at seeing the Aqua Grunt be taken to jail, Matt pulled out his communicator.
"Contact our Agents in the Rustboro City Police Department, have them silence the fool that let himself be captured, and retrieve his Pokémon." Matt ordered, while glaring at the group that interfered in their plan.
Meanwhile, the second person observing the group, wore neither a Team Aqua nor Team Magma uniform. Instead, they were wearing a long black trench coat, black boots, a black generals cap, and black sunglasses, with all their clothing being highlighted with green or bronze.
Raising a hand to their ear, the person activate their communicator.
"Ma'am, Team Aqua failed in their theft of Devon Corporation. Should I make a move to acquire what they tried stealing?" Asked the person.
"No, whatever it is Team Aqua hoped to acquire, will serve no purpose for us. For now return to base, we'll remain in the shadows for now, until Maxie or Archie make their move."
"Yes, Madam CC." Replied the person, before leaving the site to return to base.
*Later – Restaurant*
After the Aqua Grunt and his Pokémon were taken away, Mr. Briney had kept good on his promise and treated Naruto, Roxanne and their friends to dinner, with all of them thanking the elderly sailor.
"Hey Max, can I see the PokéNav, I wanna see the best route to Verdanturf Town." May said, wanting to find the best route to her first Contest.
This made Max pale in horror, since he still hasn't gotten the PokéNav back from Mr. Stone.
Thankfully Max was saved, when Mr. Stone arrived.
"Max, there you are! I forgot to return this to you, what with all the excitement that happened. My scientists just finished adding those upgrades I offered to have them put in, like the call function." Mr. Stone said, handing Max the PokéNav, while winking at the boy, with Max catching on and smiling in thanks.
"Yeah, thanks again Mr. Stone. Here you go May." Max said, before handing May the PokéNav, with the girl nodding in thanks.
"If you don't mind me asking, where you three being heading after Verdanturf?" Asked Mr. Stone, while pulling up a seat.
"After Verdanturf, we'll be heading to Mauville City, before going south to Slateport City, and then onto Dewford, afterwards." May answered, while finding a route.
"Really? Well in that case, if it's not too much trouble, would you be able to deliver a letter to my son Steven in Dewford, he's there at the moment, along with delivering a part to a scientist in Slateport, named Captain Stern?" Mr. Stone asked.
"Yeah, we can deliver the part. But I'm not sure if we'll get to Dewford in time to meet your son." May said, knowing it'd be a while before they reached Dewford.
"No worries, Steven informed he's going to be in Dewford for a long while. I'm sure there will be plenty of time to meet him there." Assured Mr. Stone.
"In that case, yeah, we can deliver the letter." Replied Max, wanting to repay Mr. Stone for his help.
"If your PokéNav has the call function, I can give you my number and come pick you up, in Slateport, once you're ready to head for Dewford." Mr. Briney offered, knowing that ferrying them between cities is the least he can do, after their friend saved Peeko.
"Thank you, Mr. Briney." May and Max said, glad to have the help.
While this was happening, Naruto looked at Iruka having been meaning to ask him something, ever since they met each other again.
"Iruka, why are you, Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon here? And why are Neji, Hinata and Hanabi in the Kanto Region?" Naruto asked, having not figured just why they were here, and not back in Konoha.
Though he was worried, when Iruka looked down.
"Naruto, after you left, Konoha was attacked by Suna and Oto, with Orochimaru leading the attack. A lot of people died, including Sasuke and Sakura, when they tried confronting Gaara, after he unleashed the Ichibi. The Sandaime also died fighting Orochimaru." Iruka revealed, with Naruto's eyes widening in shock, after hearing this.
"Wh-what happened after?" Naruto asked fearfully.
"A new Hokage was chosen, and it was possibly the worst one, his names Danzo Shimura, a warhawk that believes in a world where he's in control. He also believes that the perfect Shinobi is made by killing one's own emotions. He also didn't make it a secret that he fully intended to attack Suna in retaliation, something that would definitely lead to another Great Ninja War. This lead to the Clan Heads sending their children, the other Rookies, to the Server Regions, including some others that they cared about, like Kurenai's old student. I came here with Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon. I don't know where the others are, or who else made it here. All I know is, right now, the Elemental Nations is either going to be at war soon, or it's already started." Iruka said, looking down, fully knowing that by the time the Fourth Ninja War is over, and potentially the Fifth one as well, there won't be an Elemental Nations anymore.
Naruto looked down after hearing this, not knowing what to think. Konoha was under the control of a tyrant, and his teammates are dead, just when Naruto thought they were actually starting to be friends.
"But Naruto, there's something else you should know, I'm sure a lot of other people from the Nations have come to Server as well, to escape the war and start new lives. There is a chance that there are Ninja that came to the Server Regions, without benevolent intentions. Missing-Nins, Ronin Ninja and Mercenary-Ninja, that don't want to be dragged into a War that doesn't involve them. While also wanting to set up shop in a land, where their crimes don't exist. I'm telling you this, just in case you run into them." Iruka said gravely, with Naruto nodding slowly.
"I'll…I'll be careful Iruka. But I think I need some air." Naruto said, standing up and exiting the restaurant, with the others looking at him in worry.
Standing outside, Naruto wasn't sure what to think. He had come to Server to escape the conflict and hypocrisy in the Elemental Nations, but now he's learned that the conflict has followed him here. Not only that, but the few people he cared about in Konoha, were now dead or going to die in the war happening in the Nations.
While Naruto was devastated to learn this, right now he just felt numb.
"Naruto." May said, having followed Naruto outside, after growing worried, when he didn't come back, after a while.
"Yeah?" Naruto said, not looking at May.
"Are you alright?" Asked May, concerned for her crush.
"Not really, I just learned some things that happened back in my former home." Said Naruto, still looking off into space.
Now more worried, given what Naruto had learned was obviously not anything good, May grabbed Naruto's hand in hers, while finally getting the blonde to look at her.
"You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to, but I just want you to know that I'm here, when you're ready." May said softly.
Naruto looked at May, thankful for her offer, but also realizing something. If there were Missing-Nin here, like Iruka believed, then there was a chance Naruto would eventually run into them, and that would endanger his friends.
'I won't let that happen.' Naruto swore, refusing to lose anyone else he cared about.
He'll do everything he can to protect his friends, his Pokémon, and…
"I'll always protect you, May, I promise." Said Naruto, while pulling her into a hug, surprising May.
"O-oh." May said, surprised at his words and actions, while blushing lightly, before wrapping her arms around him, as well.
The two then stood silence, looking each other in the eye, while embraced in each other's arms. Unconsciously, Naruto and May started leaning into each other, as they closed the distance between their faces. Though just before their lips could touch, they were interrupted by Max and the Konohamaru Corps running out.
"Hey May! Check out these other functions Mr. Stone installed in the PokéNav!" Max said, completely oblivious to the position the two were in, due to their excitement.
Naruto and May's eyes widened at their sudden appearance, before blushing brightly at how close they were to each other, and what they were about to do. Quickly, the two immediately pulled away from each other, and turned to look at the four kids.
Though they did glance at each other, with small smiles on their faces.
*Timeskip – One Day*
Naruto, May and Max stood at the exit of Rustboro City that'll take them to Route 116. With them, were Mr. Stone, Kennedy, Iruka, the Konohamaru Corps. and Roxanne, with them saying goodbye to the trio.
"I just want to thank you again, Naruto, for your help in apprehending that Team Aqua member. And I'd like to give you and May these, as my thanks." Mr. Stone said, with Kennedy handing Naruto and May what looked like a pair of PokéNavs, despite looking somewhat different than the one Max has, with Naruto being handed a dark orange one, while May was handed a red one.
"PokéNavs?" Naruto asked.
"Not just any PokéNavs, these are the new and improved PokéNav Plus, enhanced versions of the normal PokéNav but with plenty more features. Including the call function, a map, a portable Pokémon Transfer System, Access to News and Current Events, the ability to go online and surf the Internet, free Wi-Fi built-in, a Camera, the ability to locate nearby Pokémon, while being able to scan their moves and abilities, prior to capturing them, access to the Global Trading System, allowing you to trade Pokémon with people in different Regions, a virtual reality feature, allowing you to play with and train your Pokémon, and finally being able to work, no matter what Region you're in. I was also able to add a few of these features to Max's PokéNav, but not all of them, since it is an older model. But what really makes these special, is that they haven't even been officially released yet, meaning you and May are the first ones to receive them, Naruto." Mr. Stone explained, much to their amazement, as they looked at PokéNavs.
"Th-thank you, Mr. Stone!" May said, amazed at receiving such an amazing item.
"Are, are you sure, sir?" Asked Naruto, while holding the PokéNav Plus careful, in case he somehow broke it.
"Of course, this the least I can do, after you stopped that Team Aqua member from stealing from my company." Mr. Stone replied.
"Consider these my own gift to the both of you, as well." Said Kennedy, handing Naruto and May two Great Balls.
While they didn't feel they deserved such gifts, Naruto and May nodded in thanks, before Naruto traded numbers with Mr. Stone, Iruka and Roxanne, while Max shared Mr. Briney's number.
"I'll be sure to send Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon's numbers as well, once they get their own PokéNav's." Iruka said, with Naruto nodding at his words.
"Naruto, I also want to thank you for earlier, it was really great for my class that you came in." Roxanne said, smiling at Naruto, who smiled back at the Gym Leader/teacher.
Earlier while Naruto, May and Max were buying supplies for their journey, Roxanne and Iruka had asked him to help out in the Beginner's Class. Naruto had agreed, and the students had been excited to meet an official Pokémon Trainer, and even better, one that had managed to beat their teacher in a Gym Battle.
May and Max had also been there, with Max getting to know the Konohamaru Corps. Better as well.
It had also allowed Naruto and Roxanne to get to know each other better, when it came time for lunch and when class ended.
"You don't need to thank me, Roxanne. I was glad to help and show the kids my Pokémon." Naruto replied, with Roxanne smiling at his words.
"Still, I'm glad you did. And while I don't have a luxuries gift like that PokéNav, I do have one thing to give you." Said Roxanne, though Naruto waved it off.
"You don't have to give me anything, I helped because I wanted to, not because I expected something in return." Said Naruto, with the Gym Leader's smile growing at his words.
"Well, I insist." Roxanne said.
Then to Naruto's surprise, Roxanne leaned down and kissed Naruto on the cheek.
"I'll be looking forward to our rematch, Naruto, and seeing you again." Roxanne said softly.
"Okay, we need to get going, goodbye!" Said May, now annoyed after the Gym Leader's action, while grabbing the stunned Naruto by his collar and dragging him away from Roxanne.
"Hehehehe! See ya, everyone!" Max said as he waved at them, while grinning widely, since he'll never let Naruto live this down.
The others waved at the trio, with Iruka looking at Roxanne with a smirk.
"You do remember Naruto is four years younger than you, right?" Iruka asked.
"I remember. But don't forget, as a Pokémon Trainer Naruto's legally an adult. Plus you, did tell me that he was already considered an adult, after becoming a Ninja, as well. Besides I don't think Naruto has any complaints." Roxanne smirking, as she saw Naruto was still frozen in surprise, as May dragged him along.
This got a laugh out of everyone.
"Ah, to be young again. I can tell Naruto will be attracting plenty of attention, out on his journey. It reminds me of myself, when I was young." Mr. Stone said, having been quite the heart-throb, himself, in his younger years.
And something told him that the rest of Naruto's journey will have even more surprises in store for him.
So, what did you think, good. Yep Naruto, May, and Max along with Iruka, the Konohamaru Corps., and Roxanne went out to celebrate Naruto's victory and winning his first Gym Badge, with it ending up with May and Roxanne trying to one up each other while Naruto remains as oblivious as ever (for now any). Max meanwhile ends up damaging the PokéNav leading to him and Konohamaru going off to try and get it fixed, where they end up meeting Mr. Stone, President of Devon Corporation, not that they initially knew that. With it ending with both boys receiving a tour of the Devon Corporation and getting to invite their friends along, only for the tour to be interrupted when they see someone stealing parts and research papers. With the chase ending on the roof and the now revealed Team Aqua Grunt and Naruto fighting a little until the former escapes with the latter in pursuit, ending with Peeko the Wingull being captured, thankfully Naruto is able to save them. Roxanne then arrives with her Probopass and makes short work of the Aqua Grunts Pokémon along with revealing all Gym Leaders have different teams they use depending on the challengers skill level. It then shows Matt ordering the captured Grunt to be silenced and his Pokémon retrieved along with a mystery person also observing our heroes and contacting the equally mysterious "Madam CC". Next Naruto learns of what happened after his departure leading to him and May growing closer, with Naruto swearing to protect his new friends from anyone that'd try hurting them. Finally our trio is departing from Rustboro, with Naruto and May receiving their own PokéNav Plus's and Naruto getting a kiss on the cheek from Roxanne, much to May's jealousy and Naruto's surprise. Now with that out of the way onto the Omake!
Omake: A Splendid Trainer
"Alright Tyrogue, use Mega Kick!" Lee shouted.
"Tyrogue!" Tyrogue jumped into the air and delivered a kick to the wild Machop.
"Chop!"
"Now use Low Sweep!" Said Lee.
"Rogue!" Tyrogue rushed Machop, and sent a low kick at its abdomen, knocking it down.
"Alright Lee, now throw a Pokéball!" Tenten said, with Lee nodding and pulling out a Pokéball.
"Right! Go Pokéball!" Lee said, throwing the Pokéball at Machop, causing the Fighting-type to be sucked in.
For a few moments, the Pokéball shook for a few moments until finally it gave off a ping, signaling a successful capture.
"Yes! I caught a Machop! Well done, Tyrogue!" Lee cheered, smiling widely and giving his Pokémon a thumbs up.
"Tyrogue!" Tyrogue smiles at its trainer and returned the thumbs up.
"Way to go, Lee!" Said Tenten, smiling at her friend, while the man standing beside her nodded.
"Yes, well done Lee. You've shown great strides in your training." The man said.
"Thank you, Master Bruno, I couldn't have done it, without you." Said Lee, bowing to his and Tenten's mentor, Bruno, a member of the Indigo Plateau Elite Four.
Lee and Tenten had met Bruno, not long after arriving in the Johto Region and receiving their Starters, Lee's being a Tyrogue and Tenten's being a Honedge. They had met Bruno, while Lee was training with Tyrogue, with Bruno happening to be nearby, training his own Pokémon.
The Elite Four member had been intrigued to meet them, and after hearing of Lee's desire to become a Pokémon Trainer that specializes in Fighting-types, while Tenten desired to be a Pokémon Scientist/Mechanic, he had offered to take them on as his pupils.
Both the former Ninja had been eager and excited to be mentored by an Elite Four member, Lee even more so, given Bruno was also a Fighting-type specialist. It only made Lee even more determined to become the best Fighting-type Trainer there is, to make his mentor proud.
'And you as well, Gai-sensei! I may not be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a splendid Shinobi, but I swear I will become a Fighting-type Trainer that you can be proud of!' Lee mentally promised, as he thought of his first sensei.
It was his new dream, to become a great Pokémon Trainer!
And it looks like Lee and Tenten are now being mentored by Bruno of the Indigo League Elite Four, with Lee having a new dream of becoming a great Pokémon Trainer and Tenten wanting to be a Pokémon Scientist/Mechanic. Also as we have now broken the chapter 10 mark of this story, I am officially opening this story open to be used as a "Reading" story, for those that don't know what that is, it means the Canon cast of either Pokemon or Naruto would be taken to either read or watch the story. Anyone who's interested in doing a "Reading" story for this is welcome to. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out