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While the New Year festivities were lively, Dak's focus had temporarily shifted to Konoha.
Hiruzen spent his days holed up in the Hokage's office with his old comrades, discussing various matters.
Many shinobi reported seeing Danzo storm out of the Hokage's office 38 times over the past month.
Rumor even had it that Danzo was so angry that he developed breast cancer. But these were just rumors.
The real issue was that the number of Pokémon in Konoha had increased significantly. Almost every civilian shinobi household now had at least one Pokémon, and most had already signed blood contracts to summon their Pokémon using summoning techniques.
The major ninja clans were more restricted, with each clan allowed only one Pokémon, though they now had the privilege of purchasing multiple Pokémon eggs.
Various Pokémon appeared throughout Konoha, with some newborns unable to control their abilities, leading to the occasional burst of fire, electricity, or poison.
Instead of being frightened or annoyed, the shinobi of Konoha were thrilled, as this showed that their summoning beasts possessed exceptional talent.
Grass-type Pokémon were especially popular in Konoha, with those who hatched a Grass-type often envied by others.
Grass-types reminded everyone of Wood Release, which in Konoha and across the ninja world symbolized the legendary power of Hashirama, the God of Shinobi.
Following Grass-types in popularity were Ice, Ghost, Psychic, Poison, and Steel-types—types that weren't part of the seven main elemental releases in the ninja world.
These types were prized for being rare, much like kekkei genkai, making them difficult to counter in battle.
Fire, Water, Electric, and Ground-types, which corresponded to common elemental releases in the ninja world, were also well-regarded.
However, Normal, Fighting, and Flying-type Pokémon, which didn't show much special potential in their early stages, were less popular.
These Pokémon didn't exhibit any unique abilities early on, leading many to believe they lacked the qualifications to become ninjas.
Even Dragon and Fairy-type Pokémon were overlooked by some shinobi. But, as Dak had anticipated, each world had its preferences.
Just as Water and Flying-types were overwhelmingly popular in the pirate world, the ninja world had its own favorites. Dak had no intention of intervening.
On the streets of Konoha, many shinobi proudly showed off their newly hatched Pokémon, much like parents parading their newborns.
"Kurenai, is that your Pokémon?"
Asuma, who had been waiting near Kurenai's home, finally saw her emerge with her Pokémon.
"Yes, this is my Pokémon, Axew. It's a Dragon-type, and it seems it will gain a Fighting-type when it evolves," Kurenai replied, looking lovingly at the small, warrior-like Axew striding confidently by her side.
"Fighting-type, huh? Looks like you can safely stand back and use your genjutsu," Asuma remarked.
"Yes, I suppose so," Kurenai agreed, though she was uncertain. She adored her little Axew, seeing herself as its mother. As a mother, how could she wish for her child to join her on the battlefield?
At that moment, a sharp tapping sound caught their attention. Both Kurenai and Asuma looked down to see Axew repeatedly striking a nearby rock with the heart-shaped scale on its head, glaring at Asuma.
"What's it doing?" Asuma asked.
"I'm not sure. It seems like it doesn't like you," Kurenai replied, puzzled.
In the current ninja world, understanding of Pokémon was minimal. To learn about a Pokémon, one had to buy the Pokémon Handbook published by the Sarutobi clan. Hiruzen had quickly capitalized on the opportunity, turning the purchased Pokédex into a book to generate profit.
However, the basic information in the handbook was intended for beginner trainers and didn't fully explain each Pokémon's abilities. Understanding would only come through daily interactions and observations.
"Really?" Asuma stepped back, feeling a bit disheartened. "Huh?"
He noticed that Axew's gaze softened and returned to circling Kurenai protectively.
"Maybe I was wrong. It seems like it was just warning you to stay away from me," Kurenai suggested, finally understanding Axew's actions.
"I see. It's a good little guy, brave enough to protect its trainer," Asuma said, feeling more fond of Axew.
It didn't matter if Axew disliked him, as long as it treated Kurenai well, Asuma would like it.
"Where's your Pokémon?" Kurenai asked.
"Here," Asuma said, pulling back his ninja robe to reveal a round, fuzzy head.
"Pancham!"
The little Pokémon in Asuma's arms let out a cry before retreating back into his robe.
"This is Pancham. The little guy is afraid of the cold," Asuma explained, glancing up at the snowy sky.
"He's adorable, and he looks a lot like you," Kurenai commented, recalling Pancham's tuft of fur and the leaf it chewed on, which reminded her of Asuma's cigarette.
"Does he?"
"Just don't teach him any bad habits," Kurenai lightly punched Asuma before looking wistfully at Axew.
"What's wrong?"
Asuma noticed Kurenai's expression and quickly asked.
"I'm just a little envious that you can hold your Pokémon. Axew won't let me hold it," Kurenai admitted. She longed to cuddle the little Axew.
"Why not?"
"Because Axew's scales are so hard. It's worried it might hurt me, so it won't let me hold it. It doesn't mind being petted, though," Kurenai explained, squatting down to gently stroke the heart-shaped scale on Axew's head.
"It's just looking out for you," Asuma said, his opinion of Axew improving even more. He felt Axew was just like him—brave, gentle, and most importantly, fond of Kurenai.
"You two are as close as ever, I see."
"Today is another day full of youth and passion!"
The street's usual duo passed by—Kakashi with a book in hand and Might Guy giving a thumbs up.
"Hey, Kakashi and Guy. Speaking of close relationships, you two are the real deal."
"So, have your Pokémon hatched yet?" Kurenai and Asuma asked, curious about their friends' Pokémon.
"Of course! Come out, my partner, Riolu!"
"Riolu!" Guy's shout was answered by a small, blue, humanoid dog Pokémon jumping out from behind him.
"Wow, what a handsome little guy," Asuma said, giving Riolu a thumbs up.
Riolu mimicked the gesture, earning a chuckle from Kurenai. Unlike most Riolu, who were typically calm and rational, Guy's Riolu was full of energy, likely because it had spent so much time absorbing Guy's burning passion.
"And yours, Kakashi?" Asuma asked.
"Over there," Kakashi said, pointing to a nearby tree branch where a blue frog-like Pokémon sat.
"Froakie, one of the nine elite starters," Asuma said, recognizing the Pokémon.
"Quite the ninja-like Pokémon, fitting for Kakashi," Kurenai remarked. She had forgotten about Froakie's final evolution; otherwise, she wouldn't have been surprised. Greninja was, after all, a ninja frog.
Froakie, perched on the tree, didn't respond to their conversation, maintaining a cool demeanor.
"The village is filled with more and more Pokémon," Kurenai mused, looking down the bustling streets of Konoha. Nearly every third shinobi was carrying a Pokémon, and even civilians had begun raising them.
"It's a good thing," Asuma said, reflecting on the situation as the Hokage's son. He knew more than most. "With how quickly Pokémon grow, even without special training, they can surpass a genin's combat power within a month."
"Soon, even if all the village's shinobi are out on missions, the village will have the strength to fend off enemies," Guy said, bouncing on his toes with excitement. He was genuinely happy to see the village growing stronger, and his joy was contagious.
"Suddenly gaining such power…" Kurenai seemed more worried. As part of the Yūhi clan, which was closely aligned with the Sarutobi clan, she had heard whispers of the situation from her father, Shinku.
"If nothing changes, war is coming soon," Kakashi voiced Kurenai's concerns. As an ANBU, he was well aware of Konoha's current state. "For the first time, Konoha will be the one to initiate a ninja world war."
Among the group, only Guy seemed oblivious to the gravity of the situation.
"If it happens quickly, it'll be within three months; if it takes longer, within a year. It all depends on whether my father or Danzo can convince the other," Asuma said, taking a deep drag on his cigarette, his eyes reflecting the smoldering embers.
Only by unifying the ninja world could true peace be achieved.
(End of Chapter)