Master Quest: Kanto
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Naruto x ?
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Story Start
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A soft morning light filtered through the windows of Professor Oak's Pokémon Laboratory. The old building, which had stood at the edge of Pallet Town for decades, had recently been refurbished for the annual departure of new trainers. Rows of carefully arranged Poké Balls rested along polished steel countertops, while intricate machines beeped and whirred with quiet efficiency, scanning data about newly hatched Pokémon.
Naruto Uzumaki, a tall figure with spiky blond hair and a subtle but confident stance, stood near the doorway. He wore dark cargo pants that tucked into sturdy, dark orange hiking boots. His torso was clad in a black training vest, heavily pocketed and well-worn. Over that, he had a short-sleeved orange jacket left unzipped, revealing a simple black T-shirt underneath. A dark-blue bandanna was wrapped around his forehead, sporting a unique emblem—a symbol from his distant home or so the rumor went.
Naruto was no ordinary Pokémon trainer—he was a seasoned veteran. Over six years of intensive battles, traveling across multiple regions, had honed his skills. He had embraced aura training, learning to sense the life energy of Pokémon. That skill had made him infamous on the professional circuit. When Professor Oak asked him for a favor—to guide one of the four new trainers about to start their journey—Naruto couldn't refuse. He valued Professor Oak's wisdom and owed the man more than a few favors for all the help he had given in the past.
Around the room, three excited children chatted loudly, each brandishing a newly received Poké Ball. Among them stood Fugiri—nicknamed Leaf—a short, lean girl with shoulder-length brown hair pulled into a single ponytail. She wore a sleeveless green hoodie over a white T-shirt, matched with black cycling shorts and a pair of lime-green sneakers. Her large blue eyes sparkled with determination, darting between the other new trainers. Though she looked nervous, there was an unmistakable spark in her eyes that drew Naruto's attention. He already knew Leaf was the one he was going to take under his wing.
Professor Oak stood at a lab console, his traditional white coat draped over a brown vest and a button-up shirt. He was in the middle of explaining the basics of Pokémon training—how each region's Pokémon League challenge worked, the fundamental rules of battling, and the integral role of bonding with one's Pokémon. But Naruto noticed that Leaf, in particular, was only half-listening to Oak's speech. She was lightly tapping the top of a Poké Ball in her hand, excitement practically pouring out of her. She had chosen Bulbasaur as her starter—a grass/poison-type with a bright green bulb on its back.
When Oak finished his lecture, the other two kids took off. Leaf remained where she was, hugging her Bulbasaur's Poké Ball tight against her chest. That was Naruto's cue.
He stepped forward, voice warm but tinged with authority. "Hey, Leaf. Ready to go?"
Leaf looked up at him, wide-eyed. "Naruto-sensei, I—I'm ready, but…there's so much I feel I don't know." Her voice was breathy, as if overwhelmed by the morning's events.
Naruto nodded. "That's why I'm here. Professor Oak said you had some real potential, and I trust his judgment." He gave a friendly grin that made her cheeks flush with a bit of pride and relief. "But first, let's talk about what our plan is. It's not going to be a normal, easy journey. We're going master difficulty here."
Leaf's brow furrowed. "Master difficulty? I've heard rumors that Gym Leaders sometimes have multiple teams—some are easier for beginners, but they can bring out stronger ones if you challenge them under special conditions."
"Exactly," Naruto said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Usually, new trainers just get the standard challenge, but if you want to become the best, you've got to learn from the toughest battles."
Professor Oak joined them, smiling kindly. "Naruto is quite experienced, Leaf, but it's going to be tough. This route means you'll see the real ferocity and strength Pokémon can display. You have to understand—Pokémon battles aren't just friendly scuffles, especially on this level. They can be dangerous."
Leaf nodded firmly. "I'm not afraid. I chose Bulbasaur because I believe in it, and I want to give it my best."
"That's the spirit," Professor Oak said, then turned to Naruto. "Take good care of her. And do try not to get her involved in anything too…overwhelming, at least not until she's ready."
Naruto chuckled quietly. "I'll do my best, old man." He placed a hand gently on Leaf's shoulder. "Let's head out. We'll talk in detail once we're on the road."
The two left the lab, stepping out into the crisp morning air of Pallet Town. The streets were relatively quiet, with a few Pidgey flitting between rooftops and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the surrounding trees. A young woman who worked as a lab assistant waved them goodbye from the steps of the building. Leaf waved back shyly.
As they walked, Leaf tried to control her enthusiasm. She couldn't help but glance at Naruto's belt, which held several Poké Balls, each worn from use. She wondered about the Pokémon inside. Rumor was that Naruto had been around multiple regions, catching powerhouses. She recalled hearing about him using aura-based techniques to communicate and even coordinate with his team in battle. That kind of synergy was almost mythical to rookie trainers.
Finally, they reached a small park-like area on the outskirts of town. A large oak tree stood in the center, offering shade, and a few benches lined the path. Naruto motioned for Leaf to sit on one of the benches, and he sat beside her.
He took a deep breath, then looked her in the eye. "This is going to be an information dump, but it'll give you a serious head start. Are you ready?"
Leaf stood up straight, as if taking an oath. "I'm ready, Sensei."
Naruto couldn't hide a faint grin. "Good. Let's start from the basics—the real basics—stuff that a lot of rookies don't learn until too late. One of the most important concepts in battling is understanding EVs and IVs."
"EVs and IVs?" Leaf repeated, tilting her head.
"'Effort Values' and 'Individual Values,'" Naruto replied, leaning forward, elbows on his knees. "Individual Values are basically your Pokémon's genetic potential—their base aptitude in things like Attack, Defense, Speed, and so on. You can't really control your Pokémon's starting IVs, except by selective breeding, which is advanced. But there are ways to measure them and ways to make the most of what you have.
"Effort Values, on the other hand," he continued, "are like training points your Pokémon gets from battling. If your Bulbasaur fights a bunch of Caterpie, which often grant certain EVs—let's say in Speed—Bulbasaur's Speed stat will grow more as it levels up. By selectively battling or training with certain items, you can direct its growth."
Leaf's eyes widened. "So that's why some trainers seem to focus on fighting specific wild Pokémon repeatedly."
"Exactly. That's the simple explanation. The deeper level is that you can also utilize vitamins like Protein, Iron, and Carbos to help shape your Pokémon's stats. Of course, you can't just rely on vitamins—you have to balance real training, your Pokémon's preferences, and their mental well-being."
Leaf nodded seriously. "I never realized it was so in-depth."
"Trust me, it is. And that's just the tip of the iceberg," Naruto said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You also have to consider your Pokémon's nature, how you raise its friendship, whether it has a hidden ability. It can be overwhelming."
Leaf looked down at Bulbasaur's Poké Ball, rubbing her thumb over it. "My Bulbasaur… I just hope I don't mess this up."
Naruto stood, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder again. "Don't be so worried. Everybody starts somewhere. The fact that you're concerned about doing right by your Pokémon is a great sign. Now, how about we do a preliminary check on your Bulbasaur's nature and possible IV range? I have a portable scanner with me."
They found a small clearing in the shade. Naruto pulled out a sleek, palm-sized device, flipping open a lid to reveal a screen. Leaf released Bulbasaur onto the grass. The little Grass-type blinked as it materialized, looking around. Its large, round red eyes fixed on Leaf first, and it let out a soft "Bulba…" before smiling.
"Awww," Leaf cooed, crouching down to pet the Pokémon's head. "Hi, buddy! We're going to be partners."
Bulbasaur gave a happy cry in response. Naruto stepped closer with the device. "Hold still for a moment, buddy," he said softly, letting a faint aura of trust emanate from his hand so Bulbasaur would remain calm. He then scanned Bulbasaur with the handheld. After a few seconds of beeping, the device displayed data.
"Huh, not bad," Naruto murmured, reading through the lines. "Its IVs are fairly balanced, but it's got a slightly higher potential for Special Attack and Defense. That's typical of Bulbasaur, but it's good to see. Nature: Bold."
"Bold nature? That means what exactly?" Leaf asked.
"That it generally has a slight boost in Defense at the cost of Attack, though each Pokémon's personality can vary. With Bold, you might focus on special moves and tanking physical hits. But you'll adapt as you see how your Bulbasaur grows. And remember, each Bulbasaur is unique despite the categories."
Leaf's face lit up with new excitement. "So that means it's probably going to be good in a defensive or support role, but also with strong special moves?"
Naruto nodded. "That's the textbook approach, yeah. You'll refine that understanding as you go. Now, let's do some baseline training out on Route 1 before we get to Viridian City. The first thing you'll want to do is get Bulbasaur comfortable with real battles, but also condition it so we can direct its EV growth."
Leaf patted Bulbasaur's side. "Hear that, buddy? We're gonna train."
Bulbasaur responded with a spirited, "Bulbasaur!"
Naruto stretched, rolling his shoulders. "We'd better get moving. . For now, just focus on staying aware of your surroundings, how Bulbasaur responds to your instructions, and try to keep a calm and confident mind."
They left the small park area, heading north past the rustic wooden signs that read "Route 1 – Viridian City North". The midday sun was climbing higher, warming the gently rolling fields that spread out before them. Tall grass lined both sides of a dusty path where wild Pidgey and Rattata occasionally popped up, nibbling at seeds and scurrying about.
Naruto and Leaf walked side by side, Bulbasaur trotting between them. After a few minutes of comfortable silence—punctuated only by the chirping of nearby Pidgey—Leaf spoke up.
"Sensei, you mentioned aura. Could you…explain how that works?"
Naruto took a moment to consider how to begin. "Aura is essentially life energy. Some people have a knack for sensing it—like me. In some regions, there are entire orders of aura guardians who've mastered it to communicate with Pokémon, even read their emotions or sense their movements. In battle, it can give me a small edge. Most can predict an opponent's action a split second before they do it, or sense a Pokémon's mood. It's more about empathy and heightened awareness."
Leaf's eyes widened in awe. "That's amazing! So… could you read my aura right now?"
Naruto chuckled. "I'm not trying to pry into your head. Generally, I keep it passive unless we're battling or if there's danger. But if a threat shows up, I'll know."
She nodded, a bit relieved. "Understood. That's probably for the best."
They continued walking. Occasionally, a wild Rattata or Pidgey would dart out, and Leaf took the opportunity to let Bulbasaur engage them, supervised by Naruto. Bulbasaur used Tackle with enthusiasm, quickly learning to dodge and move. Leaf did her best to give concise, clear commands.
"Bulbasaur, circle around and use Tackle from behind!" she'd call out.
The little Grass-type would dart around, slamming into its foe's flank with a determined grunt. The wild Pidgey or Rattata, feeling outmatched, would often retreat after a short exchange. Naruto stepped in whenever a fight seemed like it might get too rough, ensuring Bulbasaur didn't push past safe limits.
"It's important to let your Pokémon get used to actual combat scenarios," Naruto explained as Bulbasaur finished another short scuffle with a wild Rattata. "Your instructions, your tone, the connection between you—it all matters. Try to avoid giving too many frantic commands. Pokémon sense your energy, too."
Leaf wiped a bit of sweat from her brow. "This is more intense than I imagined."
Naruto nodded. "That's the seriousness we talked about. Real battles can be dangerous. But you're doing fine. Just keep an eye on Bulbasaur's stamina and morale. If it starts looking fatigued or nervous, back off."
She glanced at Bulbasaur, who seemed to be happily trotting along, panting just a bit. "Hey buddy, want to take a short rest?"
The Pokémon shook its head, as if to say, "I can keep going!"
Leaf and Naruto laughed softly. "He's got some spunk," Naruto remarked. "Let's do one more encounter, then we'll let him rest."
They continued up the route, encountering a few more wild Pokémon. Each skirmish sharpened Leaf's command style. Naruto corrected her stance and posture—reminding her to stand firm yet relaxed, so her body language wouldn't confuse Bulbasaur. He also started introducing more advanced concepts, like using the terrain to her advantage.
"Notice how the tall grass can hamper a Rattata's line of sight? You could use that to your advantage by maneuvering behind it. Or how if the ground is a bit uneven, Bulbasaur can root itself for more stability when launching Tackle."
Leaf absorbed every word, her admiration for her mentor growing by the minute. Naruto sensed her eagerness and found himself impressed by her willingness to learn.
By late afternoon, the low buildings of Viridian City appeared on the horizon. Larger than Pallet Town by a considerable margin, Viridian City was known for its Pokémon Center and the legendary Viridian Gym—though rumors had it that the Gym Leader was often away or somewhat elusive. The city's outskirts were lined with shops, small apartment complexes, and training fields for local trainers to spar with one another.
As they entered the city proper, Leaf glanced around in awe. "It's been so long since I've come here," she murmured. "I was just a kid last time."
Naruto gestured toward a large, red-roofed building. "That's the Pokémon Center. First stop for any trainer. We'll heal up Bulbasaur, maybe grab a quick bite, then find a place to stay the night."
Leaf gave an enthusiastic nod, returning Bulbasaur to its Poké Ball. "Right."
Inside the center, the cool air was a welcome respite from the warmth of the day. Trainers of all ages milled about, some chatting while others waited for Nurse Joy to finish healing their Pokémon. Nurse Joy, clad in her trademark white apron and cap, offered them a friendly smile as they approached.
"Hello there, welcome to the Viridian City Pokémon Center," she said softly. "How may I help you?"
Naruto stepped aside so Leaf could speak. She approached the counter and placed her Poké Ball down. "Hi, can you please heal my Bulbasaur?"
"Of course," Nurse Joy replied. She pressed a button, and a small section of the counter slid open, revealing a tray to place the Poké Ball on. Leaf complied, and Nurse Joy slid the tray into a large machine behind the desk, which whirred to life with gentle lights. A minute later, the tray returned. "Your Bulbasaur is healthy and fit for battle. Take care!"
Leaf gave a polite bow. "Thank you so much." She turned to Naruto, smiling sheepishly. "Let's grab some food now?"
They found a small cafeteria inside the Pokémon Center, typical of most bigger city centers, where trainers could eat basic meals for free—courtesy of the Pokémon League's trainer support program. Naruto picked a simple curry dish, while Leaf chose a bowl of noodles. They sat at a table near a window, the afternoon sun making silhouettes of passing trainers outside.
"So, Leaf," Naruto began between bites, "tomorrow we'll head through Route 2, then into Viridian Forest on our way to Pewter City. That's where we'll find Brock's Gym. That means your first real Gym challenge."
Leaf swallowed a mouthful of noodles and tried to calm the flutter of nerves in her stomach. "I'm ready for it, I think. But you said we're doing the toughest version of each Gym, right? Brock's known for rock-type Pokémon, but he might have a stronger lineup than what normal rookies face."
Naruto gave a short nod. "He could bring out Graveler, Onix, or even a Rhydon he sometimes trains with. You'll be at a type disadvantage initially, because Bulbasaur doesn't have access to strong grass-type moves yet. But we can work around that. Bulbasaur's vine-based moves should develop soon if we focus on consistent training."
Leaf sipped her drink, her mind swirling with battle strategies. "I'll need to work on resisting Rock Tomb or Rock Throw. Maybe Bulbasaur could dodge using Vine Whip?"
"It's possible. Don't forget that rock-type moves can be slow but pack a punch, so timing is everything. Also, watch out for status effects, like confusion if Brock's Pokémon know any ground-shaking moves. We'll go step by step."
They finished their meals, and Naruto paid with a trainer's pass for any extras they had taken.
In the lobby, a few trainers—likely older than Leaf—were discussing their day's battles. One wore a dark green jacket with the hood pulled up, and another had dyed red hair. Leaf caught snippets of their conversation, sounding like they'd been thoroughly beaten by the local Gym Leader's advanced Pokémon.
"I'm telling you, that Onix was unstoppable," the red-haired trainer said, shaking his head. "Had to forfeit. My poor Sandshrew nearly got crushed."
The hooded trainer sighed. "I thought rookie trainers had it easier. But apparently, if you ask for the advanced challenge, Brock holds no punches."
Leaf felt a wave of excitement and nervousness. Naruto caught her expression and gently elbowed her. "We'll be fine."
Outside, the sky was beginning to turn a soft orange as the sun dipped toward the horizon. They headed over to a modest motel near the edge of the city. It wasn't luxurious, but it was clean and quiet—a perfect place to rest for the night.
After checking in, they each took a single-bed room. The halls were lined with faded wallpaper depicting various grass-type Pokémon silhouettes, and faint elevator music drifted through the corridor.
Standing outside their rooms, Naruto handed Leaf a small pamphlet. "This is a schedule for tomorrow. Basic plan: wake early, do some warm-up exercises with Bulbasaur, maybe some practice matches if we find local trainers, then head to Route 2. We'll probably camp halfway, or we might push straight through the forest to Pewter if we make good time."
Leaf scanned the pamphlet. It was neatly typed, listing not only time frames but also potential wild Pokémon they might encounter on Route 2—like Pidgey, Rattata, and occasionally Nidoran or Mankey. There were even tips on possible EV yields, which Naruto must have compiled himself. She looked up at him, her admiration growing.
"Thank you so much," she said softly, bowing a little. "I'll do my best to follow your schedule."
Naruto ruffled her mint-green hair in a playful manner. "Relax, Leaf. I'm not a taskmaster. This is just a guide so we don't lose track of what we need to do."
She grinned, tucking the pamphlet into her hoodie pocket. "I appreciate it anyway."
They both said good night, retiring to their rooms. Leaf lay on her bed, Bulbasaur's Poké Ball resting on the nightstand. She felt a surge of determination. I'm really on my journey now, she thought, drifting to sleep with a smile on her face.
Morning broke with a cool breeze drifting through Viridian City. Leaf woke to her alarm, quickly got dressed in her usual green hoodie and black shorts, and hurried out into the hallway with Bulbasaur's ball in hand. She met Naruto in the motel lobby. He looked already wide awake and energized—though it was barely dawn.
He waved her over. "Morning, Leaf. You ready for a quick warm-up outside before we eat?"
"Sure," she said, stifling a yawn. "I'm awake… I think."
They headed to a small park near the motel—much quieter than the Pokémon Center. A small pond glimmered in the early sunlight, and the grass was still glistening with dew. Naruto showed Leaf a series of stretches. He demonstrated how a trainer's physical conditioning also mattered in a serious battle environment.
"I can't stress this enough," he said, arms raised over his head as he stretched. "If you're out of shape, you'll get fatigued quickly in a tough battle. Coordinating with your Pokémon requires you to be alert. And if you're traveling on foot through forests, mountains, deserts—you name it—you need stamina."
Leaf nodded, trying to follow his stretches. "Got it. I can see why you're in such good shape, sensei."
He smiled, finishing his stretch. "I've had a lot of practice. Now, let's do some quick training with Bulbasaur."
Leaf released the Grass-type onto the damp grass, and Bulbasaur shook its bulb, yawning widely.
"Morning, Bulbasaur," Leaf said, gently scratching under its chin. "Ready to do some light practice?"
The Pokémon gave a soft "Bulba," half-asleep but willing.
Naruto walked over to a small cluster of training dummies set up near some trees. They were simple straw targets shaped vaguely like bipedal Pokémon. "Use these for target practice. Bulbasaur's main moves right now are Tackle, Growl, and possibly Vine Whip if it's developed enough to sprout them. Let's see what it can do."
Leaf nodded. "Alright, Bulbasaur—try Tackle on that dummy!"
The Grass-type jumped forward, ramming into the straw figure. It wobbled but remained standing. Bulbasaur landed somewhat awkwardly, skidding a bit. Leaf grimaced. "I need to work on your landing. Maybe we can circle around for better momentum."
They repeated the drill, with Naruto offering pointers:
"Have Bulbasaur angle itself slightly for a side impact—less likely to get stuck on a full head-on collision. Also watch the ground for dips that might trip it up."
Eventually, Bulbasaur seemed to move with more confidence, Tackle landing harder each time. "Bulba-saur!" it cried, panting but looking proud.
Leaf patted its head. "Good job, buddy."
Naruto chuckled. "You two work well together. Now, try focusing on where Bulbasaur's vines might emerge. Encourage them."
Leaf crouched in front of Bulbasaur. "You can do it, Bulbasaur. Think about those vines—feel them extend from inside your bulb. We're going to try to strike that dummy from a distance."
Bulbasaur closed its eyes. A faint glow seemed to pulse around the bulb on its back. Slowly, two thin vines emerged, wavering in the air. Leaf let out an excited gasp. "There they are! Bulbasaur, you did it!"
Naruto placed a hand on Bulbasaur's side. "Good. Now, Leaf, have it lash out at the dummy. But be gentle, or else you might strain the vines if they're not used to it yet."
"Okay… Bulbasaur, Vine Whip at half strength!"
The vines whipped forward, striking the straw figure with a soft thwap. Leaf could see Bulbasaur's eyes narrow in concentration as it tried to control the motion.
"Yes!" Leaf shouted, clapping. "That's awesome, Bulbasaur!"
Bulbasaur looked quite pleased with itself, though the vines receded quickly, indicating the move still required more practice.
They repeated the action a few times, each attempt smoother than the last. After about half an hour, Naruto noticed Bulbasaur panting and called for a break.
"We don't want to overtax it," he advised. "It's only morning. Let's get some breakfast and then hit the road."
They gathered their belongings and returned to the motel. After a quick meal of toast, eggs, and juice (with a side of special Pokémon food for Bulbasaur), they checked out and made their way toward Route 2.
A large sign welcomed them to Route 2, indicating that Viridian Forest was just beyond. The path was wider than Route 1's, with thicker trees lining the sides. The land was more varied here: small hills, patches of dense grass, and the occasional pond where Poliwag or Psyduck might linger.
Naruto took the lead, scanning the horizon. "There's a spot up ahead where some serious trainers like to hang out for morning battles. If you're up for it, we can see how you fare. This'll be your first time battling an actual trainer, right?"
Leaf gulped. "Yeah… but I want to try."
He grinned. "Good. Remember, real battles have a different vibe than wild Pokémon encounters. Another trainer is actively strategizing to beat you, and they might not hold back if they're advanced. But we'll see what level they're at."
As they ascended a small incline, they spotted a trio of trainers gathered near a wooden fence. One was a boy wearing a blue cap and matching jacket; another was a tall girl with a sleek ponytail dressed in athletic gear; the third was an older teen, maybe fifteen or sixteen, wearing a hooded sweatshirt with a Poké Ball design on the front.
The boy noticed Naruto and Leaf first. He waved them over. "Hey there! You guys looking for a match?"
Naruto glanced at Leaf, who nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, she is," Naruto said, stepping aside as if to present Leaf.
The boy smiled at Leaf. "Cool! I'm Kai. I'm training up my Poliwag for the Pewter Gym. Want to do a one-on-one?"
Leaf swallowed her nerves, stepping forward. "Sure. I'm Leaf, and this is Bulbasaur."
Kai tossed out his Poké Ball, revealing a small Poliwag with its signature swirl pattern. It bounced on its tail, eyes gleaming. "Ready, buddy?" Kai called out. Poliwag responded with a high-pitched squeak.
Naruto moved to the side, crossing his arms. "All yours, Leaf."
Leaf gave him a quick nod, then called out Bulbasaur. The Grass-type materialized on the grass, letting out a determined cry.
The tall girl in athletic gear stepped in between them. "I'll referee. Is this a single Pokémon battle, no items?"
"Yep, single Pokémon, no items," Kai confirmed. "Let's do this!"
"Battle, begin!" she said, stepping back.
Kai pointed forward. "Poliwag, Water Gun!"
The Poliwag inhaled, then shot a jet of water from its mouth toward Bulbasaur. Leaf reacted on instinct. "Bulbasaur, dodge left and use Vine Whip!"
Bulbasaur jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding the stream of water, then whipped out its vines. However, because the vines were new to it, they only grazed Poliwag's slick body.
Kai smirked. "Not bad! Poliwag, Double Slap!"
Poliwag rushed forward, tail wagging, and spun around to smack Bulbasaur repeatedly. Leaf bit her lip. We need to get some distance!
"Bulbasaur, back off and Tackle from an angle!" she commanded.
Bulbasaur took a couple of hits but managed to leap backward, then lunged with a side Tackle. It crashed into Poliwag's side, sending the water-type rolling on the ground. Poliwag wobbled, but got back up.
"That's the way," Naruto muttered under his breath, watching Leaf's technique.
Kai called out, "Water Gun again, Poliwag, keep up the pressure!"
Another blast of water whooshed toward Bulbasaur. Leaf clenched her fists. "You can do it, Bulbasaur! Jump and Vine Whip!"
Bulbasaur leaped, vines extending in midair. This time, they hit more solidly, catching Poliwag on the head. Poliwag was forced to stagger back, disrupted enough that its Water Gun went wide, spraying harmlessly into the grass.
Kai's confidence wavered. "Poliwag, Hypnosis!"
Leaf's eyes widened. "Bulbasaur, close your eyes!"
Bulbasaur shut its eyes, but Poliwag's swirling gaze still had some effect—Bulbasaur swayed, obviously fighting off drowsiness.
"Quick, Tackle again!" Leaf shouted. Bulbasaur forced itself forward, crashing into Poliwag before Hypnosis could fully take effect. Poliwag rolled onto its back, eyes spiraling, fainted.
The tall girl referee raised a hand. "Poliwag is unable to battle. Bulbasaur wins!"
Leaf let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt an elated rush spread through her limbs. She ran forward, hugging Bulbasaur. "We did it!"
"Bulba!" the Pokémon chirped, looking just as thrilled.
Kai sighed, returning his Poliwag. "Good battle, Leaf. Your Bulbasaur is pretty tough."
Leaf grinned. "That was all Bulbasaur—and some good advice from my mentor." She glanced over her shoulder, but Naruto only gave a subtle thumbs-up, a half-smile on his face.
The older teen with the hooded sweatshirt stepped forward. "I'm Taro. I've got a Spearow. Care for another match?"
Leaf hesitated, glancing at Naruto. "Should I?"
Naruto shrugged. "Your call. But remember, Spearow's a flying-type and has an advantage over Bulbasaur. If you want the challenge, it'll be a good learning experience."
Leaf took a deep breath. "We'll do it," she said, looking down at her Pokémon. "Ready for another one, Bulbasaur?"
Bulbasaur hopped in place, clearly still pumped from the last match. Taro tossed out a Poké Ball, and in a flash, a small, sharp-beaked Spearow appeared, squawking aggressively.
The athletic girl referee stepped up again. "All right, same rules. Begin!"
Taro wasted no time. "Spearow, Peck!"
The bird shot forward at surprising speed, beak glinting in the morning sunlight. Leaf shouted, "Bulbasaur, dodge and use Vine Whip to keep it away!"
Bulbasaur tried to sidestep, but Spearow was too quick. The Peck connected with Bulbasaur's shoulder, eliciting a pained yelp. The Grass-type staggered, vines failing to lash out effectively.
"Spearow, Leer!" Taro commanded. The bird glared fiercely at Bulbasaur, lowering its defenses. Leaf felt a pang of concern.
"Bulbasaur, Tackle it out of the sky!"
Bulbasaur charged forward, but Spearow simply fluttered back, staying airborne.
Naruto watched carefully from the sidelines, his expression unreadable.
Leaf grit her teeth. We need to ground it somehow. "Bulbasaur, aim your Vine Whip upward, quick as you can!"
The vines shot toward Spearow, but the bird soared higher. Taro smirked. "Now, Peck again!"
Spearow dived at Bulbasaur with frightening speed. This time, Bulbasaur tensed, expecting to get hit. Leaf felt her heart drop. There's no way to dodge in time…
Suddenly, Naruto's calm voice drifted from behind her, low enough that only she could hear. "Command a mid-air Vine Whip when Spearow connects. Make it pay for the hit."
She blinked, then nodded. "Bulbasaur, brace for impact—then Vine Whip!"
Spearow's Peck jabbed Bulbasaur on the side. Bulbasaur howled, but instantly lashed out with its vines at close range, catching Spearow's wing. The bird squawked as it was flung sideways, landing roughly on the ground.
"Now Tackle!" Leaf cried.
Bulbasaur mustered its strength, slamming into Spearow before it could take flight again. The blow hit hard, and Spearow rolled across the dirt, battered.
Taro looked alarmed. "Spearow, Fury Attack!"
The bird struggled, pinned under Bulbasaur's weight. It pecked wildly, but Bulbasaur hopped backward just in time. With a wobbly rise, Spearow tried to get airborne, but its wing seemed injured.
Leaf seized the moment. "Bulbasaur, Vine Whip, finish it!"
The vines struck Spearow's chest, knocking it out cold. The referee lifted her arm again. "Spearow is unable to battle. Bulbasaur wins!"
Leaf exhaled shakily. Her Pokémon had taken some hits—she could see small bruises forming on Bulbasaur's hide—but it had managed to come out on top. She ran forward, kneeling beside Bulbasaur. "You okay?" she asked softly, hands trembling with adrenaline.
"Bulba," it replied, wincing a bit but nodding. Leaf gently rubbed its head, smiling in relief.
Taro returned his Spearow. "That was impressive, Leaf. You turned that around fast."
Leaf stood up and gave a polite bow. "Thanks. You were really strong too."
The trainers parted ways, each continuing on their journey. Naruto walked over and gave Leaf a gentle pat on the back.
"Well done. You adapted quickly." He crouched beside Bulbasaur, examining the bruises. "We should get Bulbasaur a quick healing. Nothing serious, but it'll need a potion at least."
Leaf dug into her bag and pulled out a small spray bottle, labeled Potion. Naruto showed her how to apply it properly—spraying in short bursts, gently rubbing the healing mist into the Pokémon's hide. Bulbasaur winced at first, then sighed in relief as the potion took effect.
After a short rest, they continued down the route. The tall grass rustled in the breeze, and the midday sun warmed their backs. They passed a couple more trainers who seemed too engrossed in their own battles to notice them.
When they came upon a fork in the path—one going around a small pond, the other cutting through denser woodland—Naruto paused.
"All right, we can either skirt around and avoid some of the heavier wildlife, or we can cut through and face stronger opponents. I'm leaning toward the tougher path, obviously, but it's up to you."
Leaf swallowed hard. "I'm in. I want to do the tougher route."
He nodded approvingly. "Good. Let's go, then."
The woodland trail was thick with trees, vines, and uneven ground. A sign at the entrance read: "Beware of Wild Pokémon—Recommended for Experienced Trainers." Leaf caught a hint of concern in Naruto's gaze, but he pressed on, confident in their abilities.
Before long, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant Pokémon cries enveloped them. They spotted bug-types like Weedle, Caterpie, and the occasional swarm of Beedrill flitting deeper in the canopy. Naruto remained alert, aura senses open, scanning for any immediate danger.
"Stick close," he advised Leaf. "If a swarm of Beedrill shows up, we'll want to move carefully. They're protective of their territory."
Leaf nodded, gripping Bulbasaur's Poké Ball. "Got it."
They hiked for about an hour, the sunlight filtering in patches through the thick foliage, creating a dappled pattern on the forest floor. Moss-covered tree trunks rose on either side. Here and there, the remains of old webs hung from branches—likely from Spinarak or possibly Butterfree cocoons.
Suddenly, Leaf heard a rustling ahead. Out from the underbrush stepped a young man wearing a black sleeveless shirt, camo pants, and a bandana across his forehead, reminiscent of a soldier. His toned arms and stern expression indicated a serious trainer.
He noticed them and stood tall. "You two are traveling through this section? It's dangerous for rookies."
Naruto remained calm. "We know. We can handle ourselves."
The man nodded. "I'm Ryo. I train bug-types. If you're going deeper, I recommend you do so with caution. The Beedrill swarm can be aggressive this time of year."
Leaf looked at Naruto, and he shrugged. "We appreciate the warning. Actually, maybe you can tell us about the route ahead."
Ryo crossed his arms. "I don't mind, but how about a quick battle first? That'll show me if you can handle what's ahead."
Leaf felt her pulse quicken again. Another battle… Bulbasaur is still somewhat tired. But I've got potions, and we've proven ourselves so far. She nodded resolutely. "Let's do it."
Ryo smirked. "Impressive confidence. Let's see if it's warranted." He reached to his belt and tossed a Poké Ball. A large Beedrill emerged in a flash of light, buzzing menacingly, twin stingers gleaming. "Hope you're ready."
Leaf's eyes widened. A fully evolved Beedrill? That's at least level 10 or above…
Naruto placed a hand on her shoulder. "Focus. You can do this."
She nodded, summoning Bulbasaur once more. It appeared, wincing slightly but standing firm. She whispered, "We'll be careful, okay?"
Bulbasaur responded with a determined nod, eyes locked on Beedrill.
Ryo pointed forward. "Beedrill, Poison Sting!"
The large insect whirred its wings and darted at Bulbasaur, its needle-like arms flashing purple with venom. Leaf reacted quickly, "Bulbasaur, Vine Whip to keep it at bay!"
Bulbasaur lashed out with vines, but Beedrill moved with startling agility, weaving around them. It managed to graze Bulbasaur's side with a stinger, causing Bulbasaur to grunt in pain.
"Bulba…" it hissed.
Leaf cringed. "Bulbasaur, Tackle from below! Try to slam it upwards!"
Bulbasaur lunged, attempting an undercut Tackle. Beedrill soared higher, avoiding the hit. "Fury Attack!" Ryo commanded.
Beedrill dived, stingers slashing repeatedly at Bulbasaur. Each strike hammered home, and Bulbasaur stumbled backward, battered. Leaf clenched her fists, heart pounding. "Hang in there, Bulbasaur! Defense is key—use Growl to lower its attack!"
Bulbasaur let out a fierce Growl, a wave of intimidating energy radiating out. Beedrill slowed slightly, the next strike less potent. Leaf seized the moment.
"Now, Vine Whip as it withdraws!"
The vines snapped out, catching Beedrill's leg. The bug-type screeched, losing balance for a moment.
Ryo narrowed his eyes. "Twin Needle!"
Beedrill's arms glowed with a greenish hue, and it struck downward in a double-blow fashion. Bulbasaur yelped, vines retracting to shield itself. The attacks landed, but the reduced power from Growl helped. Bulbasaur remained on its feet—barely.
Leaf remembered Naruto's advice: Sometimes you have to be bold. "Bulbasaur, Tackle—full power!" she yelled.
Bulbasaur roared and hurled itself forward, catching Beedrill in the abdomen. The bug-type was thrown back, smashing into a tree trunk. It crashed to the ground, wings buzzing erratically.
Ryo watched his Pokémon struggle to rise. "Beedrill, we're not done yet!"
But the bug-type was on the brink of fainting, wings beating feebly. It tried to stand, only to collapse, eyes swirling.
Bulbasaur teetered, likewise at its limit, but it remained standing. Leaf let out a shaky breath. We did it…
Ryo returned his Beedrill. "That was an impressive comeback. I underestimated you."
Leaf fell to her knees, hugging Bulbasaur gently. "You were amazing. Let's get you healed up right away." She pulled out another Potion and carefully tended to Bulbasaur's wounds.
Naruto gave her a proud nod. "You handled a fully evolved bug-type with minimal experience. Good job."
Ryo approached, arms no longer crossed in a defensive manner. "All right, you've proven you can handle yourselves. Let me warn you about the upcoming path. Around a half mile in, there's a clearing where the local Beedrill swarm congregates. If you disturb them, they'll attack mercilessly. But if you circle around to the right, there's a narrower, more difficult trail that avoids their main hive."
Naruto nodded gratefully. "Thanks for the intel, Ryo."
The bug-trainer tipped his bandana. "Safe travels. And keep up the good work, kid." He gave Leaf a thumbs-up before disappearing into the denser part of the woods.
Leaf sighed, exhausted but triumphant. She recalled Bulbasaur into its ball for a well-earned rest, then stood up slowly. Naruto waited until she caught her breath.
"You're doing great," he said simply.
She blushed slightly, her cheeks warm. "Thank you, Naruto-sensei. I'm just trying my best."
"Your best is enough," he replied. "Now, let's keep moving. We'll circle around that swarm area Ryo mentioned. Safety first."