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November 30, Year 1 of the Alliance Calendar.
Under the World Tree, the new city was under construction at a leisurely pace. Since no one was yet to settle there, the process was unhurried. The engineering department had received orders to prioritize building the underfloor heating system and train tracks.
With the new year approaching, the world would soon transition into winter. The architectural style of this new city had already been decided upon, featuring a blend of traditional Japanese elements and a touch of fantasy.
Known also as Jibe City or Yggdrasil, the city would inherit the responsibility of protecting the World Tree.
As for who would inhabit this city, there was no rush. Whether from the pirate world or the ninja world, many people would undoubtedly want to move in and become part of the Pokémon Island.
Meanwhile, as the leisurely construction of Jibe City continued, the branch store in the ninja world was ready and officially opened.
The store manager was Admiral Candidate Tokikake, known as "Chaton," also Gion's admirer. He was assigned because his strength was formidable, comparable to Hiruzen, making him a "Kage" level in this world. His presence meant that no powerful Pokémon were needed to guard the store.
Chaton was not without partners. His Pokémon were a Raticate and a Bibarel, both of which bore some resemblance to him. Though these Pokémon only had blue-tier potential, Chaton had his way of nurturing them, raising their levels to 30-40 in just six months, which in the ninja world, equates to Jōnin level.
The inspection team sent by the Alliance was led by Gin. In the future, Bellamy would oversee the inspection team in the pirate world, while Gin would handle the ninja world.
Gin's strength wasn't exceptionally high, even after consuming the Ancient Zoan South American Giant Beast Dragon Fruit.
He only had the strength of a newly promoted Vice Admiral due to his laziness. However, Gin was a very skilled trainer, excellent at coordinating with his Pokémon in battle. His Haxorus, at level 55, fought like a war god.
Together, Chaton and Gin formed a formidable team, ensuring that no one would dare cause trouble at the branch store.
On the first day of the store's opening, Chaton was shocked by the crowd outside the store. It was a scene reminiscent of the opening in Water 7, though the crowd in Konoha was smaller, only a few hundred, as many ninjas were on missions.
"It seems Hiruzen has notified those clans close to the Sarutobi clan," Chaton observed.
He had not been idle while the store was under construction. Dak had given him a detailed overview of Konoha's various factions and their relations, which he studied and memorized.
For instance, he recognized the Byakugan of the Hyūga clan, the pineapple hairstyle of the Nara clan, and the large physique of the Akimichi clan. From his observation, many representatives from the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and the Hyūga clan were present, along with some ANBU and independent Jōnin.
"Boss, give me a Pokémon egg! I've been waiting for twenty years!" someone shouted.
"What nonsense, twenty years? Move aside, we Yamanaka were here first!"
"We Hyūga suggest you Yamanaka move back."
As soon as the door opened, the clans began arguing over who should get the first Pokémon egg.
Hiruzen hadn't given them much information, as his secretive nature prevented him from revealing the true power of Pokémon. But he also didn't want them to miss out on this resource, crucial for his plan to unify the ninja world.
Hiruzen left them with one key phrase: "These are spirit beasts that can be passed down through the clan."
That was enough to make everyone eager to buy, fearing they might miss out. Few clans had their own summoning beasts, and now there was a chance for everyone to have one.
"Everyone, calm down. Our store has rules. There's no need for this commotion," Chaton calmly said as he pulled out a nail clipper and started trimming his nails.
No matter who showed up, everyone had to follow the store's rules. Backgrounds didn't matter, and neither did money.
With his strong backing, Chaton could speak with authority. Although he was depicted as Gion's admirer and somewhat sleazy, Chaton had another side. He was well-loved by the people, akin to Issho, and though he might look unsavory, he was a competent marine and part of Kizaru's faction.
"What's the rule?" asked a Hyūga elder, arms crossed and exuding arrogance.
"Each clan can buy only one Pokémon egg on their first purchase. After a month, if they've successfully hatched and cared for it, they can buy more."
"And the purpose of this rule?"
"To prove you can hatch and care for a Pokémon properly."
Pokémon required affection and care to thrive. Chaton's Pokémon reached their levels because of his genuine effort and care.
This was a common-sense concept for the ninja world, where nurturing summoning beasts followed similar principles. Unlike the pirate world, where humans and other beings were more separate, the ninja world already had a foundation of summoning beasts.
Chaton, however, viewed these ninja clans through the lens of the pirate world's norms, maintaining a strong sense of superiority.
"We can pay more money."
"Even if you give me your house, rules are rules."
Chaton remained firm. Borsalino had taught everyone in his faction to stick to their duties and follow the rules precisely.
"Does the Hokage know about this?"
"Even Hiruzen can't break our alliance's rules."
Chaton put away his nail clipper and looked at the ninja who mentioned Hiruzen, unimpressed.
Before coming, Alliance Leader Dak had already told him that the Hokage, Hiruzen, was comparable in strength to him. Knowing this, Chaton had no reason to fear him.
"Pay up."
The Hyūga elder, though arrogant, was polite to outsiders. He was the first to comply, paying and leaving with a Pokémon egg.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio, loyal to Hiruzen, followed suit. Seeing this, the independent ninjas had no choice but to comply as well.
Of course, there were always those who wanted to test the limits and see for themselves.
(End of Chapter)