Author's note: I know it's shorter than the previous one, but I felt like the last line was a good way to end this chapter. The next chapter should be longer again!

Thanks to the following reviewers: PinkiePieParty122894; leighd1314; Pen-Woman; swordsmanwielder; Iraheta 127; rntobi; Kalos

Warnings: nothing special

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Kishimoto owns it. I also don't own Pokémon, that belongs to Satoshi Tajiri and The Pokémon Company.

I hope you'll like this chapter despite the length!

Chapter 17

Tsunade's face lit up. "I didn't expect to see you here! How's your journey going?"

He approached her so that they wouldn't have to keep raising their voices. "It's going well. What are you doing here?"

"Visiting an acquaintance of mine," she answered. "I was just about to - "

"Is this the kid you mentioned before?" An elderly lady, slightly hunched over and clutching her cane fiercely, hobbled into view. Her dark eyes were narrowed as she peered into Naruto's direction.

"This is Naruto, yes," Tsunade confirmed.

Naruto was a bit surprised. Tsunade talked about him to other people? Why?

"Naruto, this is Chiyo. We have known each other for quite some years now," Tsunade introduced them.

"Are you also a professor?" he asked curiously, thinking that must be how she and Tsunade had met.

Her harsh snort took him by surprise. "Far from it! No, boy, never fancied being a professor. That's the fastest way to grow old and look like it too!"

Tsunade's left eye twitched. "I have been a professor for nearly two decades now and I don't look old," she smiled thinly.

Chiyo regarded her critically. "Mah, give it around ten more years and you'll look as old as I do. Can't wait to see your face then."

"You'll be dead by then," Tsunade said flatly.

"Ah, if Arceus is willing," the elderly lady sighed wistfully, making Naruto stare at her. She clucked her tongue and lifted her wrinkled hand to beckon them inside. "Come on, might as well get inside, the both of you. It's not exactly the weather to keep chatting outside."

"I was leaving, remember," Tsunade reminded her with a sigh. "I have to - "

"Yes, yes, yes, duty calls," Chiyo cut her off. "But you can't do much in the dark, can you? I wouldn't advise it anyways, given the situation. You might as well stay the night here and leave in the morning. You too, boy. No sense in setting up your tent in the forest when you can spend the night underneath an actual roof."

"Erm …" Naruto glanced between the two women, unsure of what he should do. When he had approached the professor, he hadn't expected an invitation to spend the night in the old woman's house.

"We might as well," Tsunade grumbled. "The old bat is crazy enough to send one of her Pokémon after us if we don't."

"It's called hospitality, dear," Chiyo snarked and hobbled deeper into the house. "Well, what are you waiting for? A written invitation?"

Tsunade sighed and gestured for Naruto to follow her. Accepting he didn't really have another choice – and truthfully sleeping in a house did beat sleeping in a tent he still had to put up – he entered the house after her, taking note of the many pictures of various Pokémon adorning the walls. These didn't appear to be just pictures of Chiyo's Pokémon, he realised soon. Some of the pictures did show her with a female Pyroar, a Yamask and even a Banette, but the majority of them portrayed a lot of different Pokémon, ranging from Ghost Types such as Dusknoir to Water types like Golduck and dual types like Klefki. Some photos showed nothing but a glimpse of an indiscernible Pokémon; the form too far away from the camera and too indistinct to hazard a guess who the Pokémon might have been.

"I know the pictures are nice, but I've got some tea and biscuits here," Chiyo's voice called out from the nearest room.

The room turned out to be a small living room with the walls entirely hidden behind bookcases, which were filled to the brim with heavy books, old tomes and threadbare notebooks. Two windows were crammed between the bookcases, but the blinds had already been lowered. There was one couch, large enough for two people, and an armchair, which Chiyo was currently occupying. In front of her and forming the centre piece of the room was a wooden table upon which a silver platter had been placed. Three cups were already waiting with a steaming pot of tea near them. A plate of chocolate biscuits completed the ensemble.

Right as Naruto wondered how on earth Chiyo had managed to make the tea so quickly, a Medicham popped its head into the room.

"That'll be all, Medicham. You can go rest. Thanks again for helping," Chiyo told it.

Medicham seemed to smile, inclining its head, before it disappeared from view. Not long after, the sound of creaking steps was audible as Medicham appeared to make its way upstairs.

"Feel free to eat as many biscuits as you want," Chiyo said before patting a metal box that balanced on the arm chair. "Got more where those came from."

"Thank you," Naruto said and took a seat next to Tsunade. "If you're not a professor, how did you two meet?"

"I'm a researcher," Chiyo replied. "Being a professor would entail having to deal with brats the whole time and I didn't want to put myself through all that suffering. I love Pokémon, though, so I became a researcher in order to record everything about them."

"We met during a conference," Tsunade took over. "She might have the grace of a Stunfisk, but her knowledge is incredible. Ninety percent of the information contained in the Pokédex can be attributed to her efforts."

Chiyo waved her hand dismissively. "Ah, if I hadn't done it, someone else would have gathered the information. You doing the Gym Challenge, kid?"

"Yes, defeated three Gyms so far," Naruto smiled proudly. "We're making our way to the fourth one."

Chiyo's eyes sharpened as they fell on his belt. "Three Gyms, but already a full team of six? Impressive." She leant slightly forwards, cradling her cane between her hands. "Usually you see that amount only after the fourth or fifth Gym."

"Already having six Pokémon is impressive, Naruto!" Tsunade praised him, making him flush and duck his head, scratching the bridge of his nose. "You mind showing us your team?"

"If that's okay with you?" He looked questioningly at Chiyo, because this was her home after all. She might not like a bunch of strange Pokémon popping into it.

"Fine with me, unless you have a giant like Gyarados or Onix? In that case, please show us outside. The insurance won't cover another collapsed ceiling, I'm afraid," Chiyo said dryly.

A collapsed ceiling? What?

Not deeming that question important enough to ask, he reassured her, "No, no, they're not that big. Here they are."

One by one he threw his Pokéballs into the air, aiming for the free space between the table and the bookcase. Mimikyu was the first one to appear, followed by Vulpix, Pidgeotto, Vaporeon, Riolu and lastly Toxtricity, who towered over the rest until Pidgeotto took flight and settled on top of one of the bookcases; his sharp eyes taking in their surroundings.

"You already know Mimikyu, of course. Mimikyu, this is Professor Tsunade, remember?" Naruto grinned.

Mimikyu glanced at Tsunade, offering her a quick nod before he shuffled over towards Naruto. He bumped into his legs and from underneath his cloth two shadowy tendrils rose up, reaching out to Naruto as if in a silent question to be picked up. Naruto obliged easily, bending down to pick up Mimikyu and place him on his lap.

Aware of the piercing stare Chiyo was favouring Mimikyu with – and Mimikyu resolutely not looking back at her – Naruto continued to introduce the others.

"Vulpix joined us pretty soon after we started our journey. Pidgeotto was next, followed by Vaporeon. I got Riolu from an egg after helping out a woman with her berry farm and Toxtricity joined us recently!" he proudly introduced his team.

"You have a Toxtricity," Tsunade said blankly, gazing at Toxtricity warily.

Toxtricity returned the stare, wholly unimpressed.

Vaporeon was more nervous, hovering closely near Riolu while Vulpix was idly perusing the room, wandering around whilst sniffling.

"Interesting," Chiyo murmured, looking away from Mimikyu in favour of studying Toxtricity. "I didn't think they could be find near these parts. He recently joined your team, you say?"

"Yeah, less than a week ago," he confirmed. "He was a special case, I guess you could say. He'd taken up residence in an abandoned house in the nearby town."

"I'm surprised you managed to catch him at your level," Tsunade wondered as she looked at the rest.

He supposed that reaction was justified considering the rest of his team weren't yet at Toxtricity's level exactly. Close to it, yes, but at this point Toxtricity was clearly the strongest when it concerned the level.

"Ah well, I didn't really catch him, so much as he asked to join our team," Naruto laughed sheepishly and scratched the back of his neck.

"He asked to join your team," Tsunade repeated flatly. "Are you serious."

"Yep, he asked and I didn't see a reason why he couldn't join, so now he's here! Obviously," he chuckled awkwardly.

"Very interesting," Chiyo muttered and something akin to amusement flitted across her face. "Did you catch the others then?"

"Well, erm, Vulpix wanted to join us after I helped dress her wounds. Vaporeon was abandoned by his previous Trainer and I offered him to join our team if he wanted to," he started to explain and as he talked, he realised just how idiotic this was starting to sound. "Riolu came from an egg like I mentioned earlier, so I technically got him from someone else. Toxtricity was also abandoned by his former Trainer after he evolved. But I did catch Pidgeotto, though!"

"So two out of six Pokémon were actually caught, the rest just clung to you," Chiyo snickered.

"Well, Mimikyu was my first Pokémon and he suggested teaming up," he admitted bashfully.

That had the elderly lady cracking up completely. "One out of six! I think you must be the first Trainer who gets adopted by Pokémon instead of being the one to catch them!"

"It's just how it ended up working out," he said helplessly.

Sure, it wasn't traditional, but he couldn't be the only Trainer who put together his team in this manner!

"Well, it is definitely an interesting way to put a team together," Tsunade smiled faintly. "And this way you won't ever have trouble training them."

"I have to say I'm intrigued that your first Pokémon was a Mimikyu," Chiyo said after she had calmed down. "I know Tsunade mentioned you started your journey later than others, but she didn't tell me your Starter Pokémon was not a traditional one either."

"Mimikyu is a great Pokémon," he retorted instantly, feeling defensive about his Pokémon. "It's unconventional, sure, but so is me starting my journey a couple of years later. Nothing wrong with Mimikyu being my Starter."

Mimikyu chirped softly, looking incredibly pleased as he cuddled up against Naruto's stomach.

Toxtricity leant against one of the bookcases, keeping a sharp eye on Chiyo. Pidgeotto had settled more comfortably, but his gaze was sharp as well and Riolu and Vaporeon had taken to following Vulpix around the room, conversing quietly amongst each other.

"Never said there was anything wrong with a Mimikyu, boy, I never bought into that whole bullshit that so many other people did," Chiyo chided. "You just don't often see people with unconventional Starters, that's all."

"You all look really comfortable with each other, though," Tsunade smiled, not even flinching when Vaporeon cautiously sniffed her coat.

"We are, we make a great team," he said immediately.

Unconventional, yes, but a great team nonetheless.

"You know, looking at Mimikyu, I might have something that could help him expand his move set," Chiyo stated out of nowhere, tapping her fingers thoughtfully against the wooden knob of her cane.

"Oh, what's that?" Naruto asked curiously.

Mimikyu perked up as well, turning around to finally face Chiyo.

"There is this move called Dazzling Gleam," Chiyo started, pursing her lips slightly. "It's a Fairy type move, but that shouldn't be a problem given Mimikyu's dual Type. It's quite powerful and its aim is fully accurate. It could give you an edge against future Gyms. I can have my Hattrem teach the move to your Mimikyu if you want. I don't think it would take too long to teach him."

A new move for Mimikyu? Interest piqued, Naruto looked down at Mimikyu, who turned around to face him again.

"What do you think, Mimikyu? You interested in learning a new move?"

"Mimi!" Yes!

He didn't even have to think twice about it. His obviously enthusiastic reply had Chiyo snickering and even Tsunade cracking a smile.

"That's settled then," Chiyo said cheerfully. "Tomorrow Hattrem can teach your Mimikyu how to use Dazzling Gleam. Just keep in mind that emotions have to be kept in check. Hattrem has grown more tolerable near strong emotions, but triggering her still isn't a smart idea."

"We'll be careful," Naruto promised.

"Good." She nodded and slowly rose up, using her cane to keep her balance. "Now this old lady is all tuckered out. Feel free to take the couch or set up your bed in this room. Tomorrow you can start your training."

Humming quietly to herself, she slowly walked out of the room, nodding cheerfully at Toxtricity, who simply snorted and looked away.

"You can have the couch," Naruto reassured Tsunade, but he was just quick enough to catch her troubled look before her face smoothed over. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, why would there be something wrong?" she smiled, but this time her smile carried an edge. She appeared more weary all of a sudden, as if Chiyo's absence had her lowering her guard a bit.

There would be no reason for her to look so tense, close to being upset, if she had been here just for a simple visit.

"Your visit here – that wasn't just to catch up or so, right?" he surmised slowly, aware of his Pokémon coming closer to the couch.

She pursed her lips before releasing a loud sigh, running her hand through her hair. She must have done that often tonight, because her usual pigtails were in disarray, several strands having escaped the ties.

"Not exactly," she answered begrudgingly. "But it's nothing for you to worry about."

"Maybe I can help?" he suggested uncertainly.

"I'd rather you didn't," she said sharply.

He reared back slightly, surprised by her harsh tone. Mimikyu stiffened and one of his tendrils creeped from underneath his cloth, ready to lash out. Naruto stopped him by gently placing his hand across the tendril. It was nothing more than smoke, cool and airy against his skin, but Mimikyu stilled nonetheless, even as he kept looking upset at Tsunade.

The professor flicked her eyes between Naruto's hand and the tendril slowly disappearing underneath the costume and groaned, rubbing over her eyes.

"Sorry, didn't mean it like that," she muttered. "It's just …" she trailed off before a grim look settled on her face. "You know what? You probably should know about this, just to keep you safe."

"All right?" He hadn't expected the conversation to tread into danger territory to be honest.

"You know the facilities where Pokémon who are out of control are kept?" she questioned in a low voice, but she already knew the answer.

He nodded nonetheless, frowning slightly.

Riolu and Vulpix stopped talking at once, drawing closer to the couch.

Her mouth tightened to a thin line before her breath escaped her in an explosive sigh. "I received word that a Tyranitar escaped such a facility two days ago."

Naruto's eyes widened and even Toxtricity tensed up.

A Tyranitar escaping a closed facility – this was incredibly bad news.

AN2: I always teach my Mimikyu Dazzling Gleam. Figured it'd be a nice move set for Naruto's Mimikyu too :)

I didn't end up having three updates after all, for which I'm sorry, but I'm hoping to have the final chapter for The Dotted Line finished soon! Please bear with me a little longer ^^;

Please leave your thoughts behind in a review; should you spot any mistakes, please point them out to me.

I hope to see you all back in the next chapter! Please stay safe and take care of yourselves!

Cuddles

Melissa

P.S. For more information about my upcoming and posted stories, please visit my profile.