Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll seeing Naruto participate in the tournament along with introducing a new character. Also there is an important AN at the bottom after the Omake, please read it after the chapter. So, without further ado.
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Naruto looked around in horror, as all around him was nothing but blood and bodies. What made it worse, was that they were all people he knew.
'No, no, no, no, no, NO!' Naruto thought, running around and hoping, begging, that they were still alive.
But no matter who he went to, Iruka, Konohamaru, Moegi, Udon, Max, Roxanne, May, all of them were dead. Naruto's attention then turned to behind him when he heard footsteps behind him. Looking, Naruto saw a person wearing a black hooded cloak, with the hood pulled up, shrouding their face in darkness.
Though what had Naruto's attention, was the fact that the person was also carrying a blood-soaked katana. It did not take long for Naruto to realize that this was the person responsible for this, and it made the Uzumaki angry, as he glared at the stranger.
"Why did you do this?!" Naruto demanded, only for the stranger to not respond, only tilt their head as if the question confused them, which only served to anger Naruto further.
"Answer me!" Shouted Naruto, pulling out a kunai and charging towards the stranger.
*SHLING*
Naruto gasped in shock and pain, when he suddenly found himself lying on the ground with the strangers katana stabbed into his chest, while the stranger hovered over him. He cried out in pain, when they twisted their sword.
"Who…who are…you?" Naruto gasped in pain, with the stranger tilting their head again at his question, before raising a hand up to their hood and pulled it back, revealing their face.
With Naruto being shocked and horrified when he saw…himself.
It was him; he was the one who did all this. The only difference between them is that rather than his normal blue eyes, the Kyūbi's eyes, or even the cold blue eyes he had, when he killed Mizuki and attacked Tsubaki. His doppelganger had dark, murderous golden eyes.
The eyes of a Manslayer.
Just then, his counterpart pulled his sword out, before swinging it down at Naruto's neck.
Not a moment later, Naruto's eyes snapped open as he woke up screaming, with May and Max immediately running into his room, not long after.
"Naruto! Naruto! It's okay, it was just a dream!" May said, putting her hands on his shoulders, while Naruto looked around wildly, before finally looking at her, before hugging May closely.
Worried that if he let go, she'd be dead, just like in his nightmare, along with everyone else. This made May and Max look at each other in concern, as this wasn't the first time Naruto had woken up like this, after having a nightmare. With it all starting since their encounter with Mizuki and Tsubaki.
It worried the siblings, given the effect these nightmares could have on Naruto's already fragile mental state.
After a moment, Max exited the room, with May staying behind to comfort Naruto.
"It's alright Naruto, whatever you saw wasn't really, it was just a nightmare. I'm here, I'm here." May said softly, with Naruto calming down a little at her words and presence.
After a few moments, Naruto had finally calmed down with the two separating from each other, with them falling into silence, neither sure what to say first.
"Is this about what happened? With Mizuki, and then with what that blacksmith said?" May asked, not knowing the exact details of Naruto's nightmares, but could guess the reason behind them, with Naruto nodding at her words.
"Yes. I'm worried, that even with the Sakabato, that I'll still mess up and become something else, something dark and filled with bloodlust." Naruto said, since even with the Sakabato, he still had the Raijin and the Executioner's Blade, and what would he do if the Sakabato breaks or if he loses it, when he would need a weapon, he'd then have to use the other swords, increasing the chance of him killing someone.
"That won't happen Naruto, you aren't, nor will you ever become a monster. Because I know you, and I know you'd never let yourself fall into that darkness, not if you could stop it. And I'll make sure it doesn't happen, either." May said, refusing to give up on him.
This made Naruto smile at May, nodding in thanks. He then got up and went to the bathroom to get changed and ready for the day, as well as the tournament.
*Later*
Naruto, May, and Max walked into one of the Pokémon Clinics in town, so Naruto could get his team rested and healed. The Uzumaki having wanted to get some last minute training in before the tournament started, since he wanted to be prepared in case, he faced any strong opponents that could give his Pokémon trouble.
With the training having paid off, with Zigzagoon having learned Headbutt, Kirlia learning Hypnosis and Draining Kiss, Zorua learning Feint Attack, and Treecko having unlocked Magical Leaf. They also worked on evolving Absorb into Mega Drain, so he could unlock Giga Drain, as well.
Though Naruto figured that might have to wait until Treecko evolves into Grovyle, which could possibly be soon. Given all the training Treecko has done, along with his desire to keep pushing himself, as well.
Plus, Naruto learned that Starter Pokémon have been known to evolve quicker than other Pokémon, with the right training. And he's definitely been training his Pokémon as hard as he can.
Now, Naruto wanted to get his team rested and healed before the tournament, now confident that they could handle the competition.
"Max, May!" Someone called out, getting the trio's attention.
Looking, they saw it was a teen the same age as Naruto and May. He was a tall boy for his age, while having dark brown hair covered by a white beanie, along with a black headband with thin scarlet lines forming a half circle, and pale blue eyes. His attire consisted of a skin-tight red and black t-shirt, with an odd zipper on the collar, black and dark grey slim fit knee length shorts, a green backpack, and white and green slip on sneakers.
Though while Naruto was confused as to who this person was, May and Max were surprised, before smiling at seeing him.
"Brendan!" The siblings said, while running up the now named Brendan, with Naruto walking up as well, curious as who this guy is, and how he knew May and Max
"Hey guys! It's been a while, hasn't it." Said Brendan, while smiling at the two.
"Yeah, it has. What's it been two, three months since you started your journey." Said Max.
"About that long, yeah. And check it out, I've already won two badges from the Rustboro City and Shantae Town Gyms." Brendan said, showing them his badges, surprising Naruto that this guy already had two badges.
"Wow, that's amazing." Said May, with Brendan nodding as he pocketed his badge case.
"Shantae Town, is that one of the lesser known Gyms?" Max asked, since all regions had Gyms outside of their respective main eight, except for Alola, who has their Island Challenge, they just weren't as well known for one reason or another.
"Yeah, like with the Mossdeep City Gym Leaders, the one there specializes in using Psychic-type Pokémon. They definitely were tough battles to win, but my team came through in the end. By the way, who's your new friend?" Brendan asked, while looking at Naruto, reminding May and Max of his presence.
"Oh right. Naruto, this is Brendan, he's a Pokémon Trainer, like you, and is taking on the Hoenn League. He's childhood friend of ours, and the son of Professor Birch. He actually started his journey a few months, before we did. Brendan, this Naruto Uzumaki, a fellow trainer that I met when I went to get my Starter Pokémon in Littleroot, and we decided to travel together." May said, introducing the two boys, with Naruto and Brendan shaking hands.
"Hey nice to meet you, Naruto." Said Brendan, smiling at his fellow trainer, which Naruto returned a strained smile.
"You too, Brendan." Replied Naruto, feeling slightly jealous at meeting an old friend of May's.
Though now that he thought about it, he remembered seeing a few pictures of Birch and his wife with a boy that resembled Brendan, when he was staying at the lab.
"So, I'm guessing since you guys are here, you and Naruto are here for the tournament, right May? That also means you both have at least one badge." Said Brendan, with May chuckling sheepishly.
"Actually, I'm not a trainer, I decided to become a Coordinator and participate in Contests. But Naruto does have the Rock Badge from Rustboro." May answered, with Brendan nodding at this, before facing Naruto.
"Then good luck in the tournament, Naruto, I hope to see you in the finals. But don't expect me to hold back, if we do battle." Said Brendan smirking, which Naruto returned.
"Same to you." Naruto said.
With that, Brendan waved to the three, as they went up to the desk, where Naruto handed over his Pokéballs, to get his Pokémon healed. Now he was even more determined to win this tournament.
*Later*
"The fourth match between Naruto and Joey will now begin! Trainers please send out your Pokémon!" Said the referee, with Naruto standing across from his opponent, a young kid named Joey.
"Alright, let's go Zigzagoon!" Joey said, throwing his Pokéball, with a normal Zigzagoon being sent out.
"Come on out, Zigzagoon!" Said Naruto, sending out his own Zigzagoon, surprising some people at the black and white Zigzagoon.
"Let the match begin!" The referee said.
"Okay, Zigzagoon use Sand Attack!" Said Joey.
"Zagoon!" Zigzagoon began kicking dirt towards Naruto's Zigzagoon, with him shaking his head at the sand getting in his eyes.
"Zigzagoon, use Snarl in all directions!" Naruto said, with Zigzagoon nodding as it opened its mouth.
"Zig-Zagoon!" Zigzagoon unleashed multiple rings of black and purple energy in all directions.
"Zigzagoon dodge quickly!" Said Joey, Zigzagoon trying to move out of the way of the rings, unfortunately with Naruto having his Zigzagoon launch them in every direction, Zigzagoon was still hit.
"Okay now use Headbutt!" Naruto said, with Zigzagoon narrowing his eyes, before rushing forward and using Headbutt, only to end up missing, due its eyes still being affected by the Sand Attack.
"Zigzagoon use Headbutt!" Said Joey.
"Zigzagoon!" Zigzagoon charged forward and slammed its head into the Galarian Zigzagoon, knocking it back.
"Zigzagoon use Leer!" Said Naruto, with Zigzagoon shaking his head, before glaring at the opposing Zigzagoon with glowing red eyes, making the Zigzagoon shiver as its defense was lowered.
"Now jump into the air, and use Iron Tail!" Naruto said, with Zigzagoon leaping into the air, with its tail glowing white.
"Zigzagoon, quick, jump as well and use Headbutt again!" Joey said.
"Zigzag!" Zigzagoon quickly jumped into the air, after Naruto's Zigzagoon.
Unfortunately for Joey's Zigzagoon, Naruto's was faster and quickly flipped in the air, slamming his tail straight into the opposing Zigzagoon's head, sending it flying back to the ground.
"Zigzagoon!" Said Joey, looking at his Pokémon in worry.
"Zig-Zig-Zagoon." Zigzagoon tried, standing up only to fall over with its swirls in its eyes.
"Zigzagoon is unable to continue, the winner is Naruto!" The referee announced, with the crowd cheering at the battle.
"Zigzagoon return. Ah man, I knew I should have used my Rattata" Joey said, sighing at his lost.
"Alright! Way to go, Zigzagoon!" Said Naruto, smiling at his Pokémon.
"Zigzagoon!" Zigzagoon raised his paw, pleased at his victory and how much strong he's gotten since joining Naruto.
Returning Zigzagoon to his Pokéball, Naruto left the field and walked over to May and Max.
"Way to go Naruto, I knew you could do it!" May said, happy at his victory.
"Thanks, but I still have two more opponents to face, and one of them could be Brendan." Said Naruto, knowing he can't celebrate just yet.
There had only been eight contestants that entered the tournament, including Naruto and Brendan, so there were four matches in the first round. With the next round having two matches, and then the last two trainers would compete in the third and final round.
The first two rounds were One-on-One matches with each trainer having one Pokémon each. While the final round would be a Three-on-Three match, with the winner being decided once all three of their opponents Pokémon were knocked out.
Naruto had also seen Brendan win his match with a Poochyena, and it made him wonder what other Pokémon the other trainer had in his team.
Suddenly, Naruto was pulled from his thoughts when his name was called for his match.
Going back to the field, Naruto saw his opponent was wearing a fancy dark blue suit that just screamed "Rich", with an arrogant smirk.
"The sixth match between Naruto and Zachary will now begin! Trainers, please send out your Pokémon!" Said the referee.
"Let's go, Kirlia!" Said Naruto, sending out Kirlia.
"Koffing, show them your splendor!" Said Zachary, sending out his Pokémon, with Naruto raising brow at it, before scanning Koffing.
"Koffing, the Poison Gas Pokémon. Koffing hovers in the air, thanks to the poisonous gases it contains, which have a foul odor and can explode."
Koffing is a spherical purple Pokémon with a cream colored crossbones mark, just below its mouth, and vacant looking eyes, along with numerous geyser-like protrusions covering its body.
"Let the match begin!" Said the referee.
"Kirlia use Psybeam!" Naruto said.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia unleashed a multicolored beam at Koffing.
"Koffing dodge, and then use Clear Smog!" Zachary ordered, with Koffing flying out of the way of the Psybeam.
"Koffing!" Koffing inhaled deeply, before spewing out a stream of white smog towards Kirlia, damaging the Psychic/Fairy Pokémon even more, due to Poison types being effective against Fairy types.
"Kirlia use Confusion to send Koffing flying into the air, and slam it back into the ground!" Said Naruto, Kirlia nodding as his eyes glowed red, with Koffing being surround by the same red glow, before it was instantly sent flying into the sky, only to immediately come crashing back into the ground.
"Koff-Koffing…" Koffing's eyes became unfocused, as they started spinning around, showing it had been afflicted with confusion.
"Koffing use Tackle, now!" Said Zachary, with Koffing trying to focus on where Kirlia was.
"Koffing!" Koffing immediately charged towards where it thought Kirlia was, only to end up smashing into a pillar.
"Now Kirlia, use Psybeam once more!" Said Naruto.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia once again fired a multicolored beam at Koffing, with this one successfully hitting it.
"Koffing!" Koffing slammed into another pillar, before falling to the ground with swirls in its eyes.
"Koffing is unable to battle, the winner is Naruto!" Said the referee.
"Tsk, Koffing returned." Said Zachary, still holding his up, despite losing.
"We will now start the final match between Naruto and Brendan!" Declared the referee.
"Kirlia, you still good to keep going?" Naruto asked, wanting to make sure Kirlia could keep battling.
"Kirlia." Kirlia nodded his head, still having enough strength to keep battling.
"Those were some pretty good matches Naruto, and I can tell you've trained your Pokémon to their limits and worked to surpass those limits." Brendan complimented, being able to see how hard Naruto has trained his Pokémon, before smirking.
"But so have I. Let's go, Poochyena!" Brendan said, sending out his Poochyena.
"Let the match begin!" Said the referee.
"Poochyena use Howl, and then charge Kirlia and use Bite!" Said Brendan.
"Poochyena!" Poochyena threw its head up, and howled loudly, boosting its attack before rushing Kirlia with surprising speed, ready to bite down on him.
"Kirlia, dodge and use Growl!" Said Naruto.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia jumped away from the attack, before unleashing a high-pitch cry making Poochyena flinch, while its attack buff was negated.
"Poochyena use Sand Attack!" Brendan said, Poochyena immediately kicking sand towards Kirlia, blinding him.
"Now use Dark Pulse!" Said Brendan.
Poochyena opened its mouth creating a light purple orb surrounded in black and purple circles, before firing a beam of black and purple circles from the orb towards Kirlia.
"Kirlia dodge quickly!" Naruto said, as Kirlia wiped at his eyes to get the sand out, before jumping away from the attack, only to still be grazed by Dark Pulse.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia winced at the attack doing a good amount of damage, but thankfully his Fairy-typing was able to keep the attack from being Super-Effective.
"Now go in for another Bite Poochyena!" Brendan said.
"Pooch!" Poochyena charged forward and jumped at Kirlia, intent to bite down on him.
"Kirlia use Hypnosis now!" Said Naruto, as Kirlia managed to finally get the sand out of his eyes, before his irises glowed red.
Poochyena froze as its eyes glowed red for a moment, before it fell over falling asleep.
"Poochyena!" Brendan cried out, hoping to wake up his Pokémon.
"Now use Draining Kiss Kirlia!" Naruto said, Kirlia nodded before approaching Poochyena, and kissing it on the head, with the Dark type being surrounded by a red glow, before yellow lights entered Kirlia restoring his health.
"Now keep using Draining Kiss, until Poochyena faints!" Naruto said, knowing the rest of Kirlia's attacks wouldn't affect Poochyena, since Dark types aren't affected by Psychic types.
"Kirlia." Kirlia continued using Draining Kiss and absorbing Poochyena's energy, until finally, Poochyena fainted with swirls in its eyes.
"You did good Poochyena, return." Brendan said, recalling Poochyena.
"Kirlia return." Said Naruto, recalling Kirlia as well.
"Alright, Taillow let's do this!" Brendan said, throwing out his second Pokémon.
"Taillow!"
Seeing the new Pokémon, Naruto quickly scanned it.
"Taillow, the TinySwallow Pokémon. Taillow has a fierce personality, never backing down, even against the most powerful opponents."
Taillow is a small bird Pokémon with dark blue feathers. A red marking with pointed tips stretches from its chest to its forehead, and it has a white underside. It has narrow brown eyes and a short yellow beak. It has elongated wingtips and black feet with yellow talons. Each foot has three toes facing forward and one backward. Two sharply pointed feathers form its tail.
"Okay Zorua, let's go!" Said Naruto, sending out his starter Pokémon.
"Zor!" Zorua jumped around, smirking at the chance to show off his strength.
"Taillow use Quick Attack and then use Peck!" Brendan said.
"Taillow!" Taillow immediately vanished in a burst of speed, before reappearing as it tackled Zorua, before repeatedly pecking him with its beak.
"Zorua use Scratch!" Said Naruto, Zorua's claws glowing, before he scratched Taillow and knocked it back.
"Taillow, fly into the air and use Wing Attack!" Said Brendan.
"Tai!" Taillow flew into the air as its wings glowed white, before it dive bombed towards Zorua.
"Zorua dodge and then use Feint Attack!" Naruto said.
"Zorua!" Zorua waited until Taillow was close enough, before jumping out of the way its Wing Attack, with Zorua then charging Taillow from the right.
"Taillow dodge now!" Said Brendan, with Taillow flying up and away from Zorua's attack.
Though Taillow was then confused when Zorua suddenly vanished and looked around for where he went. Only to be surprised, when Zorua reappeared on the opposite side of where he originally came from, and tackled Taillow.
"Taillow, go in for another Wing Attack!" Brendan said.
"Taillow!" Taillow flew once more into the air, as its wings glowed again, before diving towards Zorua again.
"Zorua use Pursuit!" Said Naruto, with Zorua charging towards Taillow, with a black aura surrounding him.
"Zor-Zor-Zor-Zorua!" Zorua leapt at Taillow meeting its attack head with his own.
The resulting collision triggered an explosion, blocking everyone's view of who won the impact. Though not a moment later, both Zorua and Taillow fell out of the smoke, both of them hitting the ground with swirls in their eyes.
"Tai-Taillow." Taillow twitched from its spot on the ground.
"Zo-Zorua."
"Taillow return and get some rest." Brendan said, recalling Taillow.
"You to Zorua, good job." Said Naruto, recalling his knocked out Pokémon, as well.
"I gotta say Naruto, you're a really great trainer with some powerful Pokémon. But we'll see just how strong they are, against my own Starter. Let's go, Grovyle!" Said Brendan, sending out his evolved Starter.
"Grovyle?!" Naruto said, surprised at seeing the evolved form of Treecko, before scanning the Pokémon.
"Grovyle, the Wood Gecko Pokémon. Grovyle is the evolved form of Treecko and live deep within forests. Known as tree climbers, they jump easily from one tree to the next."
Grovyle is a bipedal Pokémon. It is primarily green with a red underside. There is a belt-like green stripe across its belly. Grovyle's hands have two clawed fingers, and powerful legs with bird-like feet. Grovyle has three long leaves on its wrists, a large leaf on top of its head, and two tails that have a leafy appearance.
"Yep, I started my journey with a Treecko, which has since evolved into Grovyle, and he hasn't let me down once. Right buddy." Brendan said.
"Grovyle." Grovyle nodded his head, while ready to help his trainer win another battle.
"Alright Treecko, let's do this!" Said Naruto, sending out Treecko.
"Treecko!" Treecko stood ready to battle, only to be surprised when he saw his opponent was a Grovyle.
"You have a Treecko too? Well, this'll be interesting. Grovyle use Quick Attack!" Said Brendan.
"Vyle!" Grovyle quickly vanished in a burst of speed, being even faster than Taillow was, reappearing behind Treecko and knocking him away.
"Treecko, jump into the air and use Bullet Seed!" Said Naruto, Treecko quickly righting himself, before leaping into the air rearing his head back.
"Tree-cko-cko-cko-cko!" Treecko unleashed a barrage of Bullet Seeds at Grovyle.
"Grovyle use Energy Ball!" Said Brendan, with Grovyle putting his hands together, forming a green energy sphere, which he then launched towards Treecko, blasting through the Bullet Seeds, and impacting the pre-evolved Grass Starter.
"Treecko!" Treecko fell to the ground, flinching at the impact, before quickly standing up, while panting lightly.
"Treecko run towards Grovyle, and use Magical Leaf!" Said Naruto.
"Treecko!" Treecko ran at his evolved form, before jumping up and spinning in a dill-like fashion, while unleashing several glowing green leaves from his body, that spun around him as well.
"Grovyle dodge!" Brendan said, Grovyle jumping to the side, only to be surprised when Treecko stopped spinning, while launching the leaves towards him, hitting him hard from pointblank range.
"Now use Absorb, Treecko!" Naruto said, with Treecko nodding as he unleashed a red energy beam from his mouth that hit Grovyle, absorbing some of his energy, while restoring Treecko's own.
"Grovyle use Fury Cutter!" Said Brendan, Grovyle crossing his arms, before pulling them apart with his arm leaves glowing red.
"Gro-Vyle!" Grovyle rushed Treecko and began quickly slashing at him, with each successful hit making the next one deal double the damage, with the final slash sending Treecko flying back and crashing into the ground, with the damage only being more effective, thanks to Bug moves being strong against Grass types
"Treecko!" Naruto called out, worried for his Pokémon.
"Tr-Tre-Treecko." Treecko struggled to stand up, refusing to give up.
Treecko then looked up to see Grovyle standing across from him, staring down at him, challenging him to get back up, only to be knocked back down.
"Grovyle." Grovyle crossed his arms, as he looked down at Treecko with a smirk.
Seeing this, Treecko clenched his fists, before forcing himself to stand up.
"Treecko!" Treecko stood back up, ready to face Grovyle again.
Then to everyone's surprise, Treecko was surrounded by a bright blue glow, before he started growing and changing.
"Treecko's…evolving." Naruto said, surprised by this.
When the glow vanished, in Treecko's place was a second Grovyle, identical to Brendan's own, with the exception of a twig in his mouth.
"Grovyle." Grovyle stared down Brendan's Grovyle, now more than ready to take him down.
"Grovyle use Fury Cutter, again!" Brendan said, with Grovyle's arm leaves glowing red again, before charging forward.
"Grovyle use Magical Leaf!" Said Naruto, with Grovyle releasing dozens of glowing leaves, before manipulating them to cover his arm leaves, forming multicolored, glowing extended blades, while charging forward as well.
Both Grovyles met in the center of the field, and slashed at each other at the same time, before passing each other. For a moment, both Grovyle remained standing, before suddenly, Brendan's fell over with swirls in his eyes.
"Grovyle." Grovyle crossed his arms, and smirked victorious at defeating his adversary.
"Brendan's Grovyle is unable to battle, the winner of the tournament is Naruto!" The referee declared, with the crowd cheering loudly at the incredible battle.
"You did good, Grovyle." Brendan said, smiling as he recalled his Starter.
"Way to go Grovyle!" Cheered Naruto, as he smiled at his now evolved Pokémon.
"That was a great battle, Naruto." Said Brendan, while holding his hand out, which Naruto shook.
"Yeah, it was. I hope we get to battle again, in the future." Said Naruto, since it was definitely a tough battle.
"Definitely, but I don't intend to lose next time." Brendan said with challengingly smirk, which Naruto returned.
"And I intend to keep winning." Stated Naruto, before looking to see the village leader step forward with the prize.
"Congratulations young man, on your victory. May I present to you, your prize. Your very own TM Case, along with the TMs for Fire Punch, Ice Punch and Thunder Punch." Said the village leader, shocking the two trainers at such powerful moves.
"Wow, those will definitely come in handy." Naruto said, while grinning at now having three powerful moves to teach his Pokémon.
"I'm sure they will. I hope to see you both at the festival later tonight, so until then." Said the leader, while waving at the trainers.
*Later*
After returning to their motel room, Naruto, May, and Max got ready for the festival that night. Though Naruto had been surprised, when he saw May and how beautiful she looked in her outfit, along with her styled hair as well.
Not long after they left, Max had gone off on his own, with some of Naruto's Shadow Clones watching him from the shadows. This was both to see festival for himself, and since he knew that Naruto and May would want some time alone.
Once Max had left, Naruto and May had enjoyed spending time together, going to all the different booths set up with games or food. May was especially happy at being alone with Naruto on an unofficial date, with Naruto also being happy at spending time with May.
Though they were interrupted, when Brendan, who was also dressed up for the festival as well, walked up to them.
"Hey guys. How are you enjoying the festival?" Brendan asked.
"It's been great." Naruto answered with a smile, which May shared, as she nodded in agreement.
"What about you, Brendan?" Asked May.
"It's been really fun. I ran to Max earlier, he said you guys are heading to Verdanturf Town, then going to Mauville, Slateport, and finally Dewford. Is that true?" Brendan asked.
"Yeah, I'll be participating in the Pokémon Contests held in Verdanturf and Slateport. While Naruto will get the Gym Badges from Mauville and Dewford." May answered.
"Cool. I was also wondering if it'd be alright if I traveled with you guys to Mauville, since it'd be a good chance to get my badge there, as well." Brendan said.
"That'd be great, we'd be happy to have you joining us, Brendan!" May said, happy to have her old friend joining them.
"Yeah, happy to have you." Said Naruto with a strained smile, while suppressing his jealousy at Brendan traveling with them.
"Great thanks. Well, I'll let you get back to the festival, see ya!" Brendan said, waving at them, before walking off.
Though Brendan also had another reason for wanting to travel with the trio. He wasn't oblivious to the attraction between Naruto and May, and Brendan wanted to take the time to see what type of guy Naruto is. Given Brendan saw May and Max as his surrogate siblings, since they grew up together, and wanted to make sure that Naruto really is the right guy for May.
But something told Brendan that he didn't have to worry about Naruto ever hurting May. If anything, he should be worried for anyone that tries hurting her, with Naruto around.
So, what did you think, good. Yep Naruto is still worried of the chance of him falling and being consumed by his own darkness even with the Sakabato, but we also see his friends will be there for him. We then see Naruto's team have learned some new moves along with meeting Brendan, a childhood friend of May and Max, and the son of Professor Birch. We then start off the tournament with Naruto being able to defeat his first two opponents before going against Brendan in a touch battle. Though this also leads to Treecko evolving into Grovyle when it went against Brendan's own Grovyle, which also gave him the strength to win the match. Finally it's the festival with Naruto and May going on an unofficial date, with Brendan also tagging along on their journey to Mauville. Now onto the Omake!
Omake: Cats and Dogs and Bugs
"This place isn't really that big is it. Nothing here is really that big, either." Kiba said, looking around at Gateon Port, the only known port in the Orre Region.
"Well, from what we've learned, the Orre Region isn't home to a Pokémon League, like many other Regions. It could be considered more of a pit stop for people traveling to one of the larger and more well-known Regions, or even a hiding spot for more unsavory characters." Stated Shino, while pushing up his sunglasses.
The two former members of Team Eight had arrived in Orre, a few weeks ago. They had originally hoped that Hinata would come with them, wanting their team to stay together, but she had wanted to stay with her sister and cousin. At least until she and Neji could get their Starter Pokémon, along with finding Hanabi a stable place to stay. Something neither of them could fault her for, given what's happened, so they had gone off on their own.
When they had first read up on the Server Regions, Kiba had been excited at the prospect of catching Pokémon and battling. While Shino had been intrigued at all the different types, particularly Bug type Pokémon. Though when they had arrived in the Orre Region, Kiba had been disappointed at how lackluster it was, when compared to some of the other Regions, even worse was that there were hardly any cities or towns.
Not to say it wasn't all bad, with both boys having gotten their Starter Pokémon. With Kiba having gotten a Growlithe, who got along very well with Akamaru, while Shino chose a Paras.
"Hey Shino, you think we could find a place to trade our Ryo for the money used here?" Kiba asked, since neither of them had the currency used here, only the Ryo they brought with them.
Before Shino could respond, they heard a loud hiss, before Kiba cried out as something suddenly jumped up, and started clawing at his face.
"AH! Get it off, get it off!" Kiba shouted, as Akamaru barked at what was attacking his partner.
"I believe that's a Meowth." Shino stated, having recognized the Pokémon.
"I don't care what it is, just get it off!" Said Kiba, while grabbing the Meowth and ripping it away from his face, before throwing it away, making the Meowth hiss even more, while Akamaru jumped down and growled.
"What're you doing to Meowth?!" Someone shouted, getting Kiba and Shino's attention, as they saw two girls their age, with one of them carrying an Eevee.
Seeing the girls, Meowth perked up, before running towards one of them and leaping into her arms, purring as it did.
"Are you this Meowth's trainer?" Shino asked, with the girl nodding as she petted Meowth.
"Yes, this is my Meowth. Are you alright buddy?" She asked, while looking her Pokémon over.
"Meowth." Meowth uncurled its tail, with the girl narrowing her eyes, when she saw it looked crooked, before glaring at Kiba and Shino.
"Which one you stepped on Meowth's tail?" She demanded.
"Forget the damn cat's tail! Look at what it did to my face!" Kiba said, pointing to all the scratch marks that Meowth left.
"Hmph, you deserve nothing less, you mangy mutt!" Retorted the girl.
"Says you, crazy cat girl!" Stated Kiba.
"What did you just call me?!"
"You heard me!"
Shino blocked out the rest of the arguing, and looked at the second girl.
"Please forgive my friend, he has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth." Shino said, with the girl chuckling sheepishly.
"It's fine, Tamaki can be the same, when it comes to anyone who hurts cats. By the way, I'm Shiho, and that's Tamaki. Nice to meet you." Shiho introduced.
"Likewise, I am Shino Aburame, and that is Kiba Inuzuka." Replied Shino, while pushing his glasses up.
"Meowth use Furry Swipes!"
"Growlithe use Ember!"
Hearing this, Shino sighed, knowing this was likely the beginning of several problems for them.
And with that all of the rookies are now accounted for. Now then as I said above this is an important AN. Some of the reviews from chapter 12 have been saying that I'm going to pair Hinata with Naruto or make him and Ash love rivals for her, well I'm just going to say that is never going to happen. Sorry to those that were expecting that, but no Hinata is not being paired with Naruto nor will he be a love a rival. That's all I wanted to say and to stop any assumptions. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out