Will’s eyes fluttered open to an unfamiliar ceiling of dark, lacquered wood, carved with intricate symbols of ancient Pokémon lore. His ears were filled with a soft, melodious language that danced around him like an unseen breeze. A woman, with tanned skin, dark green hair cascading over her shoulders, and deep brown eyes, was leaning over him, a gentle smile on her lips. Her words were tender, yet alien to his ears.
For a moment, confusion reigned. The last thing Will remembered was the dim light of his small apartment, the TV droning on about adventures in the Kalos region, and the stifling grief that had become his constant companion. Then, sleep had claimed him, heavy and devoid of dreams - or so he had thought.
Confirmed.
'Huh?'
Champion's System Has Been Activated.
'The Fuck!!'
Name: Will Ranger/Ishi Sukauto Level:
1
0/100 Exp
Class: N/A Sub-Class: N/A Strength: 1 Dexterity: 2 Constitution: 1 Aura: N/A Mana: N/A Abilities: Appraisal - Multilingual Available Points: 0
'Ah I get it this is a game, why else would this suddenly appear in front of me?!'
The shock jolted him into action, his voice escaping in a high-pitched scream that seemed to surprise him as much as it did the woman. She simply laughed - a warm, enveloping sound - and soothed him in her strange tongue, her hands comforting as they brushed his hair back.
***
Ishi Sukauto awoke not to the familiar hum of technology but to the soothing whispers of the wind dancing through the leaves of Ninja Mountain. He had long ceased to be Will Ranger, the technical engineer whose world had crumbled back on Earth. Five years had passed since he found himself reborn in this hidden village, cradled by mountains that harboured secrets as old as time.
His back was slightly aching from the familiar hardness of the wood and straw bed. Despite years in this new world, some mornings reminded him of the soft mattress he had left behind. He stretched, feeling the pull of muscles already quite used to the rustic sleeping arrangements, and turned to look out the small window next to his bed.
Dawn had not yet broken over Ninja Village, but the community was already alive with activity. The first hints of daylight filtered through the dense foliage that surrounded the village, casting a mystical glow on the paths below. From his vantage point, Ishi could see the villagers moving about - trainers with their Pokémon, elders heading towards the communal hall, and children sneaking in a few moments of play before their chores.
The village was a cradle of ancient traditions, built from stone and wood, nestled within the embrace of a dormant volcano. Life here thrived on harmony with nature - no electricity, no modern conveniences, just the essence of survival and the mastery of the elements.
The architecture of Ninja Village was a harmonious blend of nature and craftsmanship. Buildings were constructed from the local wood, their roofs thatched with straw, each structure perfectly integrated into the mountainous landscape. Small streams trickled through the village, and the air was filled with the fresh, earthy scent of morning dew and pine.
Pokémon from the Kalos region were integral to village life, though there were a few from other regions he had met like Darmanitan that lived a few houses down or the grumpy old Swampert that never let you play with it, without them the village would fall apart.
As if to prove this a group of Pancham helped organise goods in the market area, showcasing their strength under the watchful eyes of a Pangoro and his trainer. Overhead, a Fletchinder soared through the cooling air, its keen eyes scouting the surroundings, while a Meowstic played a silent guardian, watching over the children with a serene yet alert gaze.
From his window, Ishi watched a pair of elderly trainers practising their morning routines with their Pokémon, a slow, graceful dance that seemed part meditation, part battle training. Their movements were synchronised with their Pokémon, each gesture a silent command responded to with precise actions.
As the sky brightened, the sound of wooden flutes and drums began to rise, the traditional music marking the start of another day. Ishi’s heart is filled with a mix of nostalgia for a lost world and love for the one he had found. This was his home now, a place where every day was a new lesson in the art of living harmoniously with nature and Pokémon.
Feeling a surge of energy, Ishi threw off his blankets and prepared for the day. With thoughts of Pokéball crafting and adventures yet to come, he stepped out of his room, eager to join the rhythm of Ninja Village life.
His first order of business ‘Status’ he thought and in a flash the screen that had been his constant companion appeared in front of his eyes.
Name: Will Ranger/Ishi Sukauto Level:
3
150/400 Exp
Class: N/A Sub-Class: N/A Strength: 5 Dexterity: 7 Constitution: 3 Aura: N/A Mana: N/A Abilities: Appraisal - Multilingual Available Points: 9
He went through his status and smiled, his five year old body wasn’t up for any rigorous training as of yet but his daily hanging with his friends playing tag and a few other games had netted him a few points in Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution. He had also been able to level up this way as the system had given him experience for each game he’d won, with this he also learnt that each level gives him exactly five points and he can use these points to boost the other available points (he'd tested this by boosting his dexterity by one when he was younger). Each of his stats gave pretty much what you would expect; Strength made him stronger, Dexterity made him quicker and more flexible, and Constitution made his body able to adapt faster and fight off illness and injuries.
His 'Abilities' Appraisal and Multilingual also did as one would expect; Appraisal allowed him to analyse people, pokemon, materials, food, clothes basically anything he looks at can be appraised, and Multilingual also does as advertised and allows him to understand all languages, the only drawback is he is still unable to understand Pokespeak.
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Feeling satisfied with his stats he closed the screen and got himself dressed for the day, he wore a traditional ninja outfit tailored for a child but with modifications for functionality and style. The base of his outfit is black, helping him blend into shadows during his stealthy and often naughty escapades. Dark blue accents line the edges of his attire, adding a touch of vibrant contrast that ties to his unique hair and eye colour. Around his waist, he wore a utility belt that held various ninja tools, signalling his readiness for any challenge. His footwear consists of lightweight, durable boots suitable for silent movement. In short he wore his signature ninja wear that he’d had to bug his parents about to have them tailor it to his requests.
In Ishi’s new life he is under the care of Haku and Shion - his parents in this world. Haku was the right hand of the village chief, Hanzo, a stern yet wise leader, while Shion taught at the Ninja Academy, training young minds in the arts that blended Pokémon training with ancient ninja disciplines.
As Ishi descended the wooden stairs, the savoury aroma of breakfast filled the air. His parents, Haku and Shion, were already in the midst of their morning routine, but they paused as he entered the kitchen.
“Ah, there he is! The young master finally awakens,” Haku teased, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
Shion, stirring something in a pot, shot a playful glance over her shoulder. “I was beginning to think we’d need to send Talonflame to wake you, Ishi. The sun’s nearly a hand above the horizon!”
Ishi rubbed the back of his neck, grinning. “I would’ve been up sooner, but someone forgot to invent the alarm bell in Ninja Village.”
“Oh, is that a challenge?” Shion quipped, her hands on her hips. “Perhaps you can create one. Just make sure it’s not too loud, or you’ll scare off the Panchams outside.”
Haku chuckled, covering his mouth with his hand to hide his laughter. “Your mother’s got a point. We wouldn’t want to disrupt the peace. How about something that wakes you with a gentle breeze instead?”
“Or maybe a small electric jolt?” Shion suggested, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she gently clipped Ishi behind the ear.
“Hey!” Ishi exclaimed, ducking away with a mock scowl. “With you around, who would even need a bell?”
“That’s right, you keep that in mind,” Shion laughed, her tone light and affectionate. “Now sit down and eat. You’ll need your strength if you’re going to be revamping the village.”
Ishi joined his parents at the table, the playful banter continuing. “So, what’s on the agenda for today’s world-saving?” he asked, spooning some eggs onto his plate.
Haku, still smiling from the earlier exchange, grew a bit more serious. “The chief has called a meeting. There’s talk of a storm coming through the mountain pass. We might need to check on the village defences, to make sure everything is secure.”
As Haku spoke, Ishi received a new quest from his system.
Confirmed. Quest Has Been Created:
Haku And The Chief have important work They Need To Complete To Protect The Village.
Stay Out Of Their Way!
Reward: 50 Exp
Accept: Y/N
Ishi quickly accepted, there was no way he’d turn down what was basically free experience.
Shion reached out to ruffle his hair, smiling warmly. “Just try to keep out of trouble, Ishi.”
As they finished their breakfast, the laughter and light-hearted teasing provided a warm, loving start to the day. Ishi felt energised and ready to tackle whatever challenges came his way.
As Ishi left he kept an eye out for those he shared his adventures with. Two inseparable friends - Senpei, a spirited boy with a knack for mischief, and Ivy, the group’s voice of reason, sporting vibrant pink hair and a stern frown that barely concealed her affection for her friends. They were a trio bound by a promise to stand by each other, come what may, they also absolutely loved to sneak up on each other and prank one another.
He hadn't gone far when he heard the familiar shouts and laughter that signalled the approach of his friends.
“Wait up, Ishi!” called a breathless voice. Turning, Ishi saw Senpei sprinting towards him, a wide grin plastered across his face. His steps were uneven, dodging a playful Pancham that seemed determined to trip him up.
“Slow down, would you? You’re going to startle the Pidgeys again!” came another voice, smooth and admonishing. Ivy walked more calmly, a serene contrast to Senpei’s chaotic energy. Her pink hair was pulled back in a practical braid, swaying gently with each step.
Catching up, Senpei clapped Ishi on the shoulder, nearly knocking him off balance. “Guess what? I’ve perfected the new stealth move I was telling you about!”
Ivy rolled her eyes. “If you spent half as much time on your studies as you do on your pranks, you might actually pass Mrs. Tanoshi’s tests without cheating off Ishi.”
Senpei stuck his tongue out at her. “What’s the point of being a ninja if you can’t disappear when it counts?”
Ishi laughed, feeling the familiar warmth of friendship wash over him. “Let’s see this move then. Maybe you can disappear before Mrs. Tanoshi notices you’re late to her class again.”
“I’d like to see that,” Ivy chimed in, her voice laced with amusement. “Come on, we’d better hurry. We don’t want to be late, and I don’t fancy running.”
The trio quickened their pace, their steps synchronising as they navigated the winding paths of Ninja Village. Around them, the village was coming to life; the sounds of morning activities mingling with the calls of wild Pokémon. Overhead, a Fletchinder with a few Fletchling soared through the clear blue sky, a reminder of the freedom and adventure that awaited them beyond the day’s lessons.
Mrs. Tanoshi, the village assigned teacher of kids who were too young to join the academy but too old to be contained by their parents, was a figure of great authority to the trio. Her silver hair was always pulled back into a tight bun, accentuating her sharp, thoughtful eyes that seemed to miss nothing. Her traditional robes, often in shades of deep blue and green, swirled around her as she moved with quiet grace through the classroom. Her presence was calming, and her voice carried a melody that held the attention of every student.
Today was special. Ishi had zipped through his morning lessons of maths and writing, he also gained Exp for this and while it was appreciated it was only a minimal amount so he didn’t really feel bothered by it, eager for the afternoon’s unique lesson. Mrs. Tanoshi, their teacher, had announced a guest lecturer on ancient crafting techniques - specifically, the art of making Pokéballs from natural materials found in the mountain and in the village.
As the children gathered in the classroom, Mrs. Tanoshi introduced the guest, Mr. Suru, a master craftsman known for his Pokéballs that were rumoured to bond more deeply with Pokémon. Mr. Suru, the guest lecturer for the day, contrasted sharply with Mrs. Tanoshi’s serene demeanour. He was a burly man, with a broad smile framed by a thick black beard that seemed to hide half his face. His arms, as thick as tree trunks telling stories of his travels and experiences. His voice boomed through the classroom, filled with enthusiasm and a deep passion for his craft.
As Mr. Suru was introduced, Ishi received a notification signalling a new quest.
Confirmed. Quest Has Been Created:
Mr. Suru is a renowned master craftsman and is willing to impart his knowledge. Absorb and note down all of his teachings.
Reward: 100 Exp, Mr. Suru crafting techniques
Accept: Y/N
Ishi quickly accepted and prepared to take down all the notes he could and absorb all he could from this master craftsman.
And once Mr. Suru began his speech and demonstration Ishi had also begun scribbling notes furiously, his mind whirring with the possibilities. His engineering background mingled with newfound knowledge, sparking ideas of innovation in Pokéball design.
Confirmed. Quest Has Been Completed!
Reward: 100 Exp, Mr. Suru crafting techniques
Received!
After the class, while others hurried home, Ishi lingered, his curiosity getting the better of him. “Mrs. Tanoshi, could I really make my own Pokéball if I gather the right materials?” he asked, barely containing his excitement.
With a knowing smile, she replied, “It requires patience and precision, Ishi. But I see that spark in your eyes. Why don’t you try? Talk to your parents about gathering acorns and minerals from the mountain paths.”
Bolting out of the classroom, Ishi’s mind raced with plans. He barely noticed Senpei leaping out from behind a bush, intent on scaring him. Ishi’s startled yelp turned into a laugh as he tripped and rolled, plotting his playful revenge. Ivy, quick as ever, caught them both by the ears, her stern look dissolving into giggles as she towed them back towards their homes.
As they parted ways, Ishi’s thoughts returned to the Pokéballs. This was more than a craft to him; it was the beginning of a journey. He might have been reborn into this world as a child, but his ambitions and dreams were as vast as ever. With a determined grin, he whispered to the wind, “This is just the beginning. I will be ready, for whatever comes my way.”
With his heart set on mastering the ancient craft, Ishi didn’t just prepare for a journey - he prepared to change the world, one Pokéball at a time.