Chapter VII: Ino Meets Kaoru
"As a Pokémon's abilities increase and its attacks get stronger, many Pokémon are known to change their appearances. This sudden process is known as 'evolving'. For most species of Pokémon, evolution is known to be directly related to age, skill level, and training intensity. Many Pokémon are known to evolve in the wild as well as with their trainers.
"Some species, however, require certain conditions in order to evolve. Evolution stones are a fine example of specified conditions. For example, the Electric type Pikachu cannot evolve into Raichu unless it is touched by a Thunder Stone. There are many kinds of evolution stones, each usually having to relate to a Pokémon's type. These are: Fire, Water, Leaf, Thunder, Sun, Moon, and Ever stones. Ever stones function differently; they keep a Pokémon from evolving instead of causing an evolution."
"Takuma-san! I'm ready!" His writing once again interrupted, Takuma managed to force a smile. He did not like girls. Especially not aggressive and outgoing girls like he knew Ino to be.
Well he had never exactly met Ino…but now he knew his assumption was correct. Others might think she was attractive with her tall, skinny form. But he did not. Did she not realize that the midriff look did not fit her at all? Yes, he much preferred Hinata's attire.
"I've been looking forward to getting a Pokémon of my own ever since Hokage-sama said you would be coming! I can't wait to see what Pokémon you've picked out for me!"
"First of all, this one I didn't really pick out. He just kind of found me on the way here…"
"But what is it? I've been reading up on Pokémon legends and the different types. Is it a Fire type? Water? Dragon?!?!" And this is exactly why he didn't like girls.
"No, no…nothing like that…it's much easier just to show you anyway." Takuma sighed and threw a Pokéball up in the air, revealing a familiar Oddish. He still had slight bruising where the bandages had been before, but he looked a lot better.
"Oddish odd!"
"His name is Kaoru."
"Aw, he's so cute!" Ino immediately lifted up the Oddish and held it close. "I think he's a Grass type, because of the leaves growing out of his head, right?"
"That's right." Maybe she isn't as dumb as she looks…
"So you're name means 'fragrance'…" If only she knew why (hint: Gloom) "So you'd love my garden! You know, my family owns a flower shop and you'd be perfect to help me run it! And to help me train to be a ninja of course…I'm a medic nin. I wonder if you give out seeds or flowers…"
"Oddish! Dish dish odd!"
"I can't understand what you're saying, but you're so cute! I'll take good care of you. Promise!"
Well, at least Kaoru seemed happy, Takuma noticed. Perhaps they were a good match after all.
"Do you like the flowers, Kaoru-kun?"
"Oddish odd!" The small Pokémon rode in Ino's arms after a failed attempt to keep up with her fast pace. Perhaps it had to do with the girl's long legs. Ino brought Kaoru to each bouquet in the store, allowing him to sample each arrangement. He seemed to especially enjoy the scent of jasmine, she noticed.
She decided tomorrow she would make him some jasmine incense…that should get him ready and pumped up for a day of training! It sure would help her…she silently wondered if Shikamaru would be able to give her any tips about how to work with her Pokémon.
Ino prepared a small bed in her room; she had read it wasn't good for a Pokémon to spend too much time in its Pokéball so she wanted to limit that time as much as possible. That included staying out at night.
"Aw, don't worry, Kaoru. I'm right here…" She cooed softly, trying to get the Oddish to settle down for the night. But whenever she left his bedside to get in her own bed, the young Pokémon would start crying. She stroked his top leaves softly, momentarily soothing him and quieting him down.
"Here, come on," Ino muttered, lifting up the Oddish, "you can come sleep with me tonight. Don't be afraid, little guy."
After a while with Ino's soft strokes and soothing whispers, Kaoru fell asleep.