Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! It's been a while since I worked on this story, but I'm back now and I'm glad that so many people have enjoyed this story, along with favoriting and following it. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
The next day after Naruto, May, Max, and Brendan had arrived at Verdanturf Town, along with getting rooms at the Pokémon Center. Naruto had woken up early in the morning in the room that he shared with Max and Brendan, before he got ready and headed out to do some training with his Pokémon. Along with continuing his Shinobi training as well.
Once he arrived at a large enough and hidden clearing near town, the Jinchūriki released his team before having them start working on their training. With Naruto then creating a few dozen Shadow Clones to start his own training, while the original unsealed his Sakabato and the Kubikiribōchō. Looking at the large sword with a frown, Naruto channeled some of the Kyūbi's Chakra into it, causing the blade to once again transform into the scythe form it had gained against Mizuki and Tsubaki.
While Naruto didn't like it, and hoped he'd be able to avoid it, he knew that he'd still have to use the blade and he would still have to kill people. As the incident with Mizuki showed him that there will be those from the Elemental Nations that will target him and those he cares about, for one reason or another. Not to mention, anyone else that could have come here that would target him as well. So, as much the whiskered blonde hoped to never have to kill anyone again, he also knew it was inevitable and couldn't afford to hold back against enemies that wouldn't hesitate to kill him.
'I just hope I don't end going further down that path.' Thought Naruto, remembering the nightmare he had, where he killed everyone and became a full-fledged Manslayer.
He didn't want to be anything like that.
"Zor?"
Hearing this, Naruto looked and saw Zorua, Kirlia, Zigzagoon, Grovyle, and Eevee looking at him in concern, the Pokémon feeling their trainer's unease. Naruto smiled at his team, thankful to have them with him.
"Thanks guys, I'm fine. Just…lost in thought is all." Naruto said, the five looking at him for a moment, before nodding and went back to their training.
Naruto then pulled out his PokéNav Plus, deciding to test out the virtual reality function of it and see what it can do. After figuring out how get to it, Naruto selected the environment and activated the virtual reality function. With him and his team being amazed when light emerged from the device, before the clearing began changing around them. Before soon the clearing was replaced with a large open field.
"Cool." Naruto said, amazed at what the PokéNav was capable of doing, before he put it away as he and his team began their training.
*Later*
After a couple hours of training, along with trying out the different environments that his PokéNav Plus could make, to get him and his team use to fighting in different terrains. Naruto and his Pokémon eventually stopped to take a break and rest, though pleased with the progress they've made. The Uzumaki feeling more confident in his abilities, along with making sure to keep his senses sharp. So he won't be caught off guard, like with Tsubaki, or let himself be lured into a trap again.
Though when they heard the sound of approaching footsteps, they looked and saw May approaching them, the brunette smiling and waving at Naruto.
"Hey Naruto!" May said, since she didn't see him get up with Max and Brendan, before figuring he must have gotten up early to get some training done, with the Coordinator having also gotten her own training done as well, given the Contest will be in a few days.
"Hey May, did you need something?" Questioned Naruto, only for the girl to shake her head.
"No, I just came looking for you, when you didn't come out with the others. I actually just finished doing some training with my team and wanted to see if you finished your own." Replied May, getting Naruto's attention that she had done her own training.
"We finished not too long ago, before taking a rest. I'm guessing you were working on some new combos to use." Naruto said, with May nodding proudly before grabbing Skitty's Pokéball.
"Yep, check this out. Come on out Skitty!" Said May, throwing the Pokéball as it opened and Skitty emerged.
"Skitty!" Skitty jumped and flipped in the air before running up to her trainer, nuzzling against her leg.
"Okay Skitty, let's show Naruto what we were practicing." May said while smiling at the Kitten Pokémon, who nodded before running forward.
"Alright, Skitty use Disarming Voice!" Said May, with Skitty letting out a loud shriek along with releasing a beam of purple hearts that began floating in the air.
"Now jump through the hearts and use Sing!" May said.
"Skit!" Skitty then began singing a soothing lullaby while jumping through the hearts, each of them popping in a shower of purple lights as she did so, soon ending with the Pokémon landing by jumping into the air and falling through the final heart as it exploded around her.
Naruto clapped and smiled at the performance, impressed at the combo May came up with, knowing it'll definitely impress the judges in Contests.
"That was really awesome May, and you too Skitty." Said Naruto, with May and Skitty both smiling at the praise.
"Thanks, though I have to admit, the combo isn't really…finished. Since I'm still trying to make it, so Skitty's Sing doesn't put anyone to sleep." May replied sheepishly, while Naruto noticed his Pokémon were starting to dose off from the Sing attack, before snapping awake now that it stopped.
"It's still impressive and I'm sure there's room for improvement or adding more to it." Naruto stated, with May nodding in agreement as she also wanted to expand on the moves her Pokémon will use, but knew she'd first need to have them master the ones they're already learning, before expanding on them.
"Yeah. Though I'm planning to use Torchic since I've made the most progress with her moves and combos." Said May, while patting Skitty on the head when she slumped down at not getting to enter the Contest, assuring her that she'll get the chance to enter one later.
"Well, I know you'll do great May." Naruto replied, confident she'll impress the judges and the crowd, making the Coordinator's smile widen.
Soon Naruto had his Pokémon get back to training, with May releasing her own Pokémon to join in as well. Since while she was going to be a Coordinator and focus more on the beauty and style of her team's moves, the brunette also wanted them to be as strong as they could. Plus, it helped them learn to control the strength and power of their attacks, so they didn't accidently go overboard with them during a Contest.
"So, are you excited for your first Pokémon Contest?" Naruto asked while looking at May.
"Yeah, but I'm also kind of nervous. Since while I said I wanted to be a Coordinator, entering the Contest would be taking my first actual step. I'm just worried I may mess up or do something wrong." Said May, since she was on edge at knowing she would be entering her first Contest, wanting to do her best, but was also worried she'll make a mistake.
"Don't worry, you're gonna be great. And it's fine to be nervous, I was nervous during my battle against Roxanne." Naruto said, surprising the brunette.
"You were?" May asked, since he definitely didn't look nervous battling the Gym Leader.
"Yeah, as it was my first Gym Battle and I wanted to do my best, but it was still pretty nerve-racking. Though I was able to get through it, knowing my friends were there to support me. Just like we'll be there supporting you in each of your Contests. So, no matter what, just remember we're there with you, so you have nothing to worry about." Naruto replied while smiling at May, who returned the smile along with feeling thankful at his words.
"Thank you Naruto, and the same goes for you. We'll be there during your battles and challenges as well." Said May before they looked back at their Pokémon training, before she got an idea.
"Hey Naruto, how about we have a battle, to see how much our trainings paid off." May said, wanting to see how much her teams improved in an actual battle.
"Sure, that sounds good." Replied Naruto, nodding in agreement as they went over to their Pokémon to stop their training, before returning all of them until only Zorua and Torchic were left.
Going to opposite sides of the field, Naruto and Zorua stood across from May and Torchic, as they waited to see who would make the first move.
"Torchic use Ember!" May said, with Torchic rushing towards Zorua before jumping into the air.
"Tor-chic!" Torchic released a stream of embers towards Zorua.
"Zorua dodge and use Scratch!" Said Naruto, with Zorua jumping off to the side as his claws glowed.
"Use Peck Torchic!" May said quickly.
"Tor!" Torchic dived down at Zorua and began pecking him repeatedly, with the Tricky Fox Pokémon crying out as its attack was stopped and he crashed into the ground.
"Get away quickly Zorua and then use Feint Attack!" Naruto said, with Zorua managing to jump away before Torchic could peck him again and began running to the left and around Torchic.
"Zor-rua!" Once Zorua was halfway around Torchic, he immediately took a sharp turn and tackled the Chick Pokémon before it could react, knocking Torchic back towards May.
"Torchic use Growl!" Said May, with Torchic letting out a loud, piercing cry, making Zorua flinch as its attack was lowered.
"Two can play at that game, use Leer Zorua!" Said Naruto, leading to Zorua narrowing his eyes as they glowed red, with Torchic shivering as her defense went down now.
"Well here's something you should be familiar with, Torchic let's use our Burning Hearts Combo!" May said, wanting to test out her combo in battle.
"Chic!" Torchic winked as Zorua launching several hearts at him, before igniting the hearts with Will-O-Wisp, hoping to burn and infatuate Zorua.
"Pretty good May, I see you've been working on that combo. But it won't help here, Zorua dodge and turn invisible!" Naruto said, with Zorua managing to dodge the flaming hearts before using his ability to turn invisible.
"Hey! That's not fair for you to have Zorua turn invisible!" May said in annoyance that she couldn't see Zorua.
"Sorry May, but I don't always play fair. Or maybe I just think you look cute when you get upset." Naruto said teasingly, making the brunette blush before she smirked.
"Then let's see how you like me when I win this battle. Torchic use Ember on the ground!" May said, Torchic shooting out a large amount of embers on the ground around her, kicking up some dust, before zeroing in on something moving through the dust.
"Torchic!" Torchic shot out more embers, pleased when she succeeded in hitting Zorua, disabling the invisibility and throwing the Tricky Fox Pokémon back.
"You alright Zorua?" Naruto asked, with the Dark type nodding before focusing on Torchic with narrowed eyes.
"Alright then, use Scratch!" Said Naruto, with Zorua rushing and leaping towards Torchic with his claws glowing.
"Dodge to the side Torchic!" Said May, with Torchic jumping away, avoiding Scratch as Zorua's claws struck the ground.
"Not so fast, now use Pursuit Zorua!" Naruto said.
"Zorua!" Zorua immediately gained a dark aura surrounded him before rushing towards Torchic.
"Torchic quickly, jump high into the air!" Said May, with the Fire type doing so before jumping as high as she could.
"Now spin around and use Peck!" May said.
"Tor-chic!" Torchic dived down towards Zorua while spinning around, increasing her speed and the power of her Peck once it connected with Zorua's Pursuit, resulting in a small explosion in the air as they clashed against each other.
With Zorua and Torchic falling out of the smoke, Naruto and May seeing their Pokémon were starting to get tired. The two Trainers also starting panting lightly, as they felt exhausted from how in sync they were with their Pokémon. Though despite that, they still smiled at each other, along with starting to feel slightly warm as they looked at each other.
"Copying my moves now May?" Said a smirking Naruto, which the Coordinator returned.
"What can I say, you have shown me some great moves." May replied while winking at him.
"You haven't seen anything yet or what I can really do." Naruto stated.
"Oooh, are you offering to show me?" May asked eagerly.
"Maybe another time, maybe after I win this battle!" Replied Naruto.
"You mean after I win! Torchic use Attract!" Said May, knowing that while it seems like Zorua's taken more damage, she wasn't going to risk Naruto pulling any tricks out of his sleeves.
"Tor!" Torchic winked at Zorua launching more hearts at the Dark type.
"Nice try, but I learned from when you hit Treecko with that! Zorua dodge and use Copycat!" Naruto said, with Zorua jumping out of the way of the hearts, before he was surrounded by a dark aura.
"Zor!" Zorua gave Torchic a wink of his own, sending hearts at the Chick Pokémon, catching May and Torchic off guard at their attack being used against them.
Leading to Torchic getting hit by the hearts before looking at Zorua with hearts in her eyes.
"Come on Torchic, snap out of it!" May called out to snap her partner out of her infatuation.
"Now use Pursuit!" Said Naruto, with Zorua rushing towards Torchic with a dark surrounding it.
"Zor-Zor-Zor-Zor-Zor-ua!" Zorua rushed towards Torchic, with Naruto being surprised when the dark aura suddenly converged around his head as Zorua, rather than tackling Torchic, instead headbutted her.
"Woah, that was Sucker Punch?! Way to go Zorua!" Naruto said, smiling at seeing his starter unlocked one of his Egg Moves, figuring he headbutted rather than punch Torchic, since Zorua didn't have hands.
"T-Tor-chic." Torchic twitched from her spot on the ground with swirls in her eyes, making May sigh before returning her to her Pokéball.
"You did great Torchic, get some rest." Said May while smiling at the Pokéball, since despite being disappointed that she lost, she's still proud of how Torchic did.
"You return too Zorua, you did awesome pal." Naruto said, returning Zorua as well, before walking up to May.
"That was a really great battle May." Said Naruto as they smiled at each other.
"Thanks and congrats on winning, but don't think this'll happen next time. Since I don't intend to lose to you again." May replied competitively, wanting to defeat Naruto the next time they battle each other.
"I look forward to when you can beat me, which will be a long, long, long ways off. But I'm sure you'll have a good chance, eventually." Said Naruto with a competitive smirk.
"Oh trust me, the next time we battle, I'll be sure to have on your back by the end of it." Stated May with a wink.
"If anyone will end up on their backs, it'll be you." Naruto replied, making the brunette smile slyly and lean in close to him.
"Are you offering?" May asked, with the whiskered blonde smiling and leaned in as well.
"Only if you're asking." Said Naruto, as they looked at each other.
Though they soon realized just how close they were standing to each other, along with May's hands now being placed on Naruto's chest while Naruto's own had moved to May's hips. The realization snapping them out of their post-battle heat and quickly backed away, with matching blushes on their faces.
"A-anyway, we-we sh-should h-head back to the Pokémon Center and get o-our teams healed and rested." Naruto said, with May nodding in agreement.
"Y-yeah, l-let's go." Replied May as they turned and headed back to the Pokémon Center, neither noticing just how close they were walking next to each other.
*Later*
After getting their Pokémon healed and at the Pokémon Center, Naruto and May had headed out again, stopping at a café to get some lunch. Before the brunette had dragged Naruto off to a clothes store, as she wanted to get an outfit that she'll be wearing in Contests. Given how Coordinators usually had spare outfits to wear in Contests or always dressed in something eye-catching.
'I'm just thankful it's not more bikinis.' Thought Naruto as he sat outside the dressing room, relieved May didn't take him to get more opinions on swimsuits, not sure he'd be able to survive going through that a second time.
Along with being thankful that so far, they hadn't gone swimming anywhere or that May would have an excuse to wear one of the ones she'd bought.
"Well, what do you think Naruto?" May asked as she exited the dressing room, getting Naruto's attention only for his eyes to widen at what May was wearing.
The Coordinator was now wearing a pearl-pink veil which has a green gem at the top, a pink crop top with saffron borders and a heart on the chest area along with exposing her midriff, lilac-purple skirt, saffron-colored necklace with a red heart-shaped gem, pink fabric in her waist, and brown flip-flop shoes with toe rings.
Naruto had to take back his previous statement, as while May looked hot in all the bikinis she tried on, now she simply looked gorgeous.
"So? Do I look ready to enter a Contest?" Asked May while doing a twirl to show off the outfit.
"You look…amazing May, and look more than ready for any Contest." Naruto said, smiling at the brunette, which she returned, pleased that he both liked the outfit and that it'd be perfect for contests.
"Then I guess I've found which one I'll be getting." May stated.
"No complaints here." Muttered Naruto to himself while looking May up and down.
'Yeah, definitely getting this one.' Thought May having heard what Naruto said, pleased he liked her in this outfit.
After purchasing her Contest outfit, the two decided to look around the stands that had been set up for the Pokémon Contest, intrigued to see what was being sold. Especially since Verdanturf seemed to be rather luxurious and wealthy, so it'd be interesting to see what was being sold at stands.
"Do you think I should see about getting some accessories for my Pokémon?" May asked while looking at Naruto, wondering if she should get some stuff for her Pokémon to wear in Contests.
"If you do, go for something simple yet can still catch plenty of attention." Said someone, getting Naruto's and May's attention.
It was a man that looked to be in his twenties, with long blonde hair that fell past his shoulders, with two bangs framing his face, blue eyes, and wearing black dress shoes, lavender dress pants, a white dress shirt, a maroon coat, and an orange scarf.
"Forgive me for the interruption, but I couldn't help but overhear your comment miss, about getting accessories for your Pokémon. Can I presume that you are a Coordinator?" The man asked, with May nodding.
"Yeah, well actually, I've only recently become a Coordinator and am planning to enter the Pokémon Contest. I'm May." Introduced May.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto said, with the man smiling and shaking their hands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. My name is Robert, and I'm a Top Coordinator." Replied Robert, making May's smile widen at getting to meet her senior as a Coordinator.
"Wow, you must have entered a lot of Contests then. Do you plan to enter the Verdanturf one?" Naruto asked, only for Robert to shake his head.
"No actually, I'm only here to watch. Though Verdanturf Town is actually a good place for beginner Coordinators, as the town usually holds one every other week. So while the stands won't be anything too extravagant, it's a good place to find some hidden gems among those that enter. What about you Naruto, are you also a Coordinator?" Robert questioned.
"No, while Contests seems interesting and cool, I'm actually a trainer and challenging the Gym Leaders to enter the Hoenn League." Replied Naruto, with Robert nodding in understanding at this.
"If you don't mind me asking Robert, do you have any advice on what to do in Contests?" May asked, wanting to get as much advice and help as she could before entering the Contests.
"I'd be happy to help. I'm sure you already know this, but the main focus of Pokémon Contests isn't the strength or power of a Pokémon, but their style, skill, and appearance. Though that's not to say strength and power don't play a part, as it's important that when performing, your Pokémon have the power needed to pull off eye-catching displays. Another thing is that not all performances need to be large or impressive, it can be something simple as well, yet still something that would impress the judges." Explained Robert, with the brunette nodding in understanding.
"So, something like just a Pokémon performing a few tricks with a move or two used." May said, as Robert nodded in agreement.
"Exactly, and as I said before, Coordinators can sometimes have their Pokémon wearing accessories, or even entire costumes, to further add to their appeal. With some even wearing outfits to match their chosen Pokémon." Robert replied, before looking at Naruto.
"This can also be used in Gym Battles Naruto, since by having your Pokémon perform tricks, it would add an unexpected flair to catch opponents off guard. Along with creating combos that are better suited in battles than in Contests." Added Robert, with the Jinchūriki nodding in thanks for the advice, since that'd certainly be useful against Gym Leaders, knowing they'd be tough to beat.
"And one other thing Naruto, be careful about expressing your desire to enter the Pokémon League or who you tell it to." Robert warned, confusing the two teens.
"Why? I've seen plenty of Trainers that talk about entering the Pokémon League." Said Naruto, not understanding why he should be careful.
"Is it something bad?" May asked in concern.
"No, no, it's nothing bad. But there's a…rivalry I suppose you could say, between Trainers and Coordinators, with some taking it more extremely than others. Given that nine-out-of-ten times, the Trainers are usually the ones who would come out on top, since Coordinators tend to sacrifice strength and power for style and appeal. With their only being a few exceptions, like Wallace." Robert clarified.
"Wallace?" Naruto asked, not recognizing the name, while May felt like she's heard it before.
"Yes, Wallace was actually the eighth Gym Leader of the Hoenn Region, before his former mentor Juan eventually retook the position. Along with having succeeded as a Coordinator and a Trainer, having found a good balance between strength and glamour. He had even become Champion for a time, before returning the title to the previous Champion, with him now being semi-retired. Though he still makes appearances at Pokémon Contests and Pokémon Battle Tournaments on occasion." Said Robert, much to their amazement.
"Wow, he sounds amazing to be a Trainer and Coordinator." May said, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, it'd be awesome to get the chance to meet him and even battle him." Said Naruto, knowing Wallace must be a powerful Trainer to have been Campion at one point.
"If you keep up with that attitude, I won't be surprised if you get the chance. Especially since the Wallace Cup will be hosted in a year or so in the Sinnoh Region. It's a special Pokémon Contest that's hosted and sponsored by Wallace himself." Robert revealed, much to their surprise before Naruto and May smiled at each other.
"Guess we know what Region we'll be going to next." Said Naruto, knowing where they'll be going next once they're done in Hoenn.
"Oh yeah." May said in agreement, liking the idea of entering Contests in Sinnoh and getting the chance to meet Wallace.
The two then traded farewells with Robert before going their separate ways, with Naruto and May continuing their unofficial date as they headed for the park.
Only for Naruto to soon tense and instinctively reach for his weapons when he sensed three Chakra signatures nearby. Something May noticed as she inched closer to Naruto, in case they were attacked.
"Naruto?"
Hearing his name, Naruto's eyes widened as he looked to see who it was, only to be shocked when he saw Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru. The three looking just as surprised to see him here.
"So, you're here to, great. And here I was hoping I only had to deal with one troublesome blonde." Shikamaru said, sighing, before Ino smacked him on the head while giving him a glare.
"U-uh, ye-yeah, I-I'm surprised th-th-that y-you g-guys a-are here." Naruto said nervously at seeing Team Ten again, since while he knew the other Rookies were here after talking to Iruka, he'd also hoped not to run into them, given how he left and what happened after he did.
"Relax Naruto, we're not going to attack, if that's what you think. Besides, that'd be way too troublesome and I'm not interested in getting my ass kicked." Shikamaru stated through a yawn.
"Yeah, besides, we're all here for the same reason, to start over. So, we aren't angry about you leaving, and besides, I've gotten to try so many new kinds of food!" Said Choji with fire in his eyes at all the new types of food that were available in the Server Regions.
Naruto relaxed slightly hearing this, glad they weren't angry at him for abandoning the village, right before an invasion.
"Well, I'm glad you're all safe and enjoying yourselves. Though what're you doing in Verdanturf?" Questioned Naruto, with Ino smirking.
"We're here so I can enter my first Pokémon Contest." Ino revealed, eager to enter her first Contest, while May looked at her in surprise.
"You're a Coordinator? And I'm actually entering this Contest to, though I plan to win it." Stated May, smirking, which Ino returned.
"If anyone's winning, it's going to be me. But I suppose we'll just have to see who shines brighter." Replied Ino.
"Yes, we will." May replied as they looked at each other with challenging gleams in their eyes.
"Uh…is she always like this or have you been rubbing off on her?" Choji asked while looking at Naruto.
"I really hope not, it'd be such a drag dealing with two competitive girls." Muttered Shikamaru.
Naruto then began catching up with Shikamaru and Choji, learning more of what they've been doing since arriving in the Server Regions. While Ino pulled May aside for some girl talk.
"So, you like Naruto huh?" Ino stated with a knowing smirk, with the brunette blushing at that.
"Wh-what, n-n-no, o-o-of course n-no-not, w-we're j-ju-just fr-friends!" May stuttered, with the Yamanaka not looking convinced.
"Oh please, I can see the way you look at him and your expression says it all." Said Ino, causing May to slump forward at how quickly Ino could figure out her feelings, yet it seemed Naruto couldn't, even when she's all but screamed that she likes him.
"Let me give you some advice, Naruto's dense, like really dense. Back home, there was a girl name Hinata, and she was crazy for him. Yet could never get the courage to actually approach Naruto due to her shyness, and he was never able to pick up any of the times she was able to approach him. So, if you want to get with Naruto, before someone else does, then you better make your move and, in a way, where even he will get the message and know how you feel." Ino said, surprising May before she began pondering her words and her feelings.
The only reason she hasn't made a move was out of worry of ruining her friendship with Naruto, on the off chance he didn't feel the same. And how her father would react to finding out she has a boyfriend.
'Not to mention Roxanne.' May thought, frowning as the image of the beautiful Gym Leader flashed in her mind and how she kissed Naruto.
May realized that Ino was right and that if she wanted a chance to be with Naruto, then she couldn't holdback anymore and needed to tell or show him how she felt.
'After the contest, I'll tell him after the contest.' Thought May, determined to tell him how she felt.
"By the way, has Naruto been working out or had he been hiding that body under that jumpsuit?" Ino asked, glancing at Naruto appreciatively, causing May to narrow her eyes at her.
'Oh, you are going down!' May thought, swearing to crush Ino if they face each other in the Contest, not seeing the other girl's smirk.
'That should give her the push she needs.' Thought Ino, just making sure May didn't chicken out of telling Naruto how she felt.
Though part of her also couldn't deny, Naruto did look very…handsome, she dare say, in his new clothes.
"Well May and I should probably be heading back to the Pokémon Center, since our friends are there. But it was good to see you guys again and glad you made it here safely." Naruto said, with the InoShikaCho trio nodding in response, before looking down solemnly.
"You too Naruto, I just wish Sakura could have been here with us." Ino said sadly, remembering how her friend died, right when they had been rebuilding their friendship as well.
With Naruto looking down as well at the reminder of his teammates' deaths.
"I'm sorry, if I stayed, maybe there's something I could have done." Naruto said, believing he could have done something to save Sakura and Sasuke.
"It's not your fault Naruto, there's no way you could have known something like that would happen." Said May, putting a hand on his shoulder, while Team Ten nodded in agreement.
"She's right, even if we somehow learned about the invasion, there's nothing you or any of us could have done against Gaara. The only thing that would have happened is us being dead too." Shikamaru added.
"Yeah, even Sasuke couldn't beat him and he was able to pierce through his defenses with some new jutsu that Kakashi taught him." Said Choji, knowing none of them would have stood a chance against Gaara.
Naruto sighed, but nodded in understanding, but still didn't like it, but also knew he couldn't wallow in self-pity or think about "what ifs".
With that, the group exchanged farewells, before Naruto and May returned to the Pokémon Center, where they picked up their recovered Pokémon. Along with being greeted by Max and a suspicious Brendan.
"Hey guys! Where've you been all day?" Max asked, having only seen his sister when she got up, but hadn't seen Naruto at all.
"Yeah, where've you both been all day? Alone and together?" Questioned Brendan with narrowed, suspicious eyes looking between the two.
"Relax, we were just hanging out." May replied while rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, we just got some training done and checked out the stands that were set up." Naruto said with a shrug, though Brendan still looked at them for a moment before nodding slowly.
The four then headed back up to their rooms to get some rest.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto training himself and his Pokémon, before we see him bonding some more with May, along with having a battle to see how much they've improved, which also has the affect of getting them a little too excited before they snap out of it. Then we see them having another unofficial date, with May also getting her Contest outfit, along with them meeting Robert who gives them some advice and tips. Next we see Naruto and May then encountering Team Ten, with their thankfully being no hard feelings, and May getting her own rival in Ino and some advice on revealing her feelings to Naruto, before things become solemn at the reminder of what happened after Naruto left, with May and Team Ten assuring him there's nothing he could have done. Finally we see them returning to the Pokkemon Center, being greeted by Max and a suspicious Brendan. Now then, it's time for the Omake!
Omake: A Steel Flower
"We've finally arrived Mawile." Said Shizuka as she and her starter Pokémon got off the ferry that just arrived in Slateport City.
"Mawile." Mawile looked around before looking up at her Trainer.
"Yeah, I know, it'll be a while before we find him, but I know Jiraiya's here." Shizuka replied, knowing the Toad Sage was in Hoenn.
Personally, Shizuka would have preferred to be back in her village, but had left at the behest of her mentor, mother, and the rest of the villagers. Knowing that the oncoming war would likely result in the destruction of the entirety of the Elemental Nations, and they at least wanted their future leader to survive.
Shizuka had been stubborn though, not wanting to abandon them, only being convinced after the issue of her potential betrothal was brought up, that she would be engaged to the student of Jiraiya. That's why she had agreed to go, so that she could finally settle the compromise once and for all.
Having learned that Jiraiya had originally been in the Johto Region, only to then learn he'd eventually left for the Hoenn Region.
"If I had to guess, then his student is likely here as well, so I could potentially find them as well." Shizuka said.
"Maw." Mawile crossed her arms, not liking how her Trainer could be engaged to some random human.
"Don't worry, it's nothing official, besides him and his Pokémon would still have to beat us." Said Shizuka, having decided that if and when she found Jiraiya's student, he'd not only have to beat her, but her Pokémon as well with his own.
"Now let's get going, we have targets to hunt down." Shizuka stated as they headed out to begin their search.
*With Naruto*
Naruto suddenly felt a shiver run up his spine, as he looked around warily which got the others attention.
"Something wrong Naruto?" Max asked.
"I'm…not quite sure. I suddenly felt…a disturbance." Said Naruto, as May suddenly scowled.
"I just had the sudden urge to strangle someone, preferably a toad." May muttered while holding her hands up as if to do just that, make the boys back away slowly from the angry girl.
*With Jiraiya*
Meanwhile, said Toad Sage giggled as he peeked into a hot spring, only to suddenly freeze and look up.
"I just got the feeling someone wants to strangle and/or murder me." Said Jiraiya.
"AAAAAAAAH!"
"Someone's spying on us!"
"Where's my Pokéballs!"
"Break his legs!"
Paling at the sudden shouts as he accidently revealed himself, Jiraiya tried to make a break for it, only to attacked by a mob of angry women and their Pokémon.
And it seems Naruto now has another pursuer in the form of Shizuka and her Mawile, who's tracking him and Jiraiya down, something they both sense, while May now has the urge to strangle a certain toad, who's once again getting attacked by angry women and Pokémon. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out