Uchiha Hayato administered a potion to Monferno, watching its breathing gradually stabilize. He exhaled in relief.
The vitality of Pokémon was remarkable—unless afflicted by some strange ailment or fatal injuries, they would slowly recover. Even after taking a serious blow from Uchiha Setsuna, Monferno was only temporarily weakened.
Hayato felt a chill at the memory of Setsuna's killing intent. When the elder grew serious, the pressure alone had been enough to paralyze him, leaving Monferno to intercept the attack.
Surveying the peaceful, quiet street and noting no signs of Uchiha police around, Hayato let out a long sigh and opened his system.
[Mission Complete: The Pokémon Hunter's Demand]
Rewards: Soothe Bell, Low-Grade Fire-Type Energy Cube
Hayato chuckled bitterly. Trying to forcibly take Monferno from him was no different than a Pokémon hunter's behavior.
The Soothe Bell, which increased Pokémon companionship, wasn't immediately useful—his bond with Monferno was already strong. But it would come in handy for raising a Pokémon like Togepi someday.
The Energy Cube, however, delighted him. Comparable to a soldier pill, it restored energy and could offer additional effects when crafted at higher grades.
[Name: Uchiha Hayato]
[Egg Group: Human-like, Field]
[Ability: Blaze]
[Attributes: Fire, Lightning, Water, Yin]
[Skills: Substitution Technique, Transformation Technique, Clone Technique, Sharingan]
With the awakening of his Sharingan, his chakra reserves had significantly increased. He took a deep breath, feeling a cold sensation coursing through his brain and settling in his eyes.
Everything became vividly clear. Every strand of Monferno's fur swayed in minute detail under his enhanced vision.
Now he understood why the Uchiha were so proud. The Sharingan was indeed a source of their pride—but it wasn't without cost.
The icy sensation seemed to suppress other emotions, focusing solely on combat.
Hayato closed his Sharingan, snapping out of his thoughts as a voice called from outside.
"Hello? Is Uchiha Hayato home?"
Earlier
Minato Namikaze scratched the back of his head, looking at the fiery red-haired girl in front of him.
"Uzumaki Kushina, why are you staring at me like that?"
Minato's face was still swollen from earlier, giving him a somewhat comical appearance.
"Minato-kun, could you tell me where Uchiha Hayato lives?" Kushina asked, grinning widely.
"Uh, sure. Why do you want to find him?" Minato asked, puzzled.
"I want to thank him. He was the first one to stand up for me today," Kushina replied, her smile softening. Then, her expression turned fierce. "Of course, I would've dealt with those boys myself if he hadn't. They had the nerve to call me a 'tomato'!"
Minato gulped nervously at the sight of her hair floating slightly as if responding to her anger.
Women are terrifying. Better not provoke her, Minato thought.
"I'll show you the way," he quickly agreed, eager to avoid her wrath.
As they walked, Kushina bombarded Minato with questions.
"So, what's your relationship with Hayato-kun?"
"How long have you known him? What was he like before?"
Minato, ever the kind and sunny personality, smiled as he reminisced.
"Hayato? I guess we're friends. When I first started school, no one believed me when I said I wanted to become Hokage. But he found me after class and told me to believe in myself."
"He's an interesting person," Minato continued. "Sometimes, he feels more like a civilian than a ninja. He talks about wanting to be Hokage, but I think deep down, he just wants a peaceful, ordinary life."
Kushina tilted her head, pondering Minato's words. A strange Uchiha, huh? She could relate—her red hair often drew stares. Maybe oddballs belonged together.
Sneaking a glance at Minato, she compared him to Hayato. Minato's good-looking too, but… he's a bit too soft. Hayato's more my type.
Arriving at Hayato's home, Kushina immediately strode to the door and called out loudly.
"Hello? Is Uchiha Hayato home?"
Present
Minato explained Kushina's reason for coming, shrugging helplessly.
Hayato looked at Kushina and said seriously, "Kushina, there's no need to thank me. I've been annoyed with those guys for a while now. Honestly, I think you could've handled them yourself."
"That's true," Kushina replied, clenching her fists. Then, realizing her outburst, her face turned red. "Still, it felt good to have someone stand up for me. For a moment, I didn't feel so alone."
Hayato noticed the blush on her face and caught Minato's knowing smile out of the corner of his eye. This world is changing because of me. I can't rely on the original plot anymore. If I stay complacent, I'll lose my footing.
[Ding! Main Mission Unlocked: Make Pokémon Great Again]
Hayato smiled faintly. This was just the beginning.