Ishi lay in his bed, on the eve of his Coming of Age ceremony, and found himself reflecting on the whirlwind of growth and change that had defined the last few years of his life. The village around him, once a sprawling maze of mysteries and adventures, now felt like a familiar embrace, each corner filled with memories of his journey from a curious child to a skilled young ninja.
***
His journey through junior ninja school, for him it was the equivalent of his years in reception and nursery all the way up to year 3 in his past world and he could say with full confidence he had spent his time in those years a hell of a lot better than last time, crossed his mind with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
He wasn't just at the top of his class academically; he had become a cornerstone of support for his friends and classmates. Though he had predominantly spent most of his time hanging out with his two friends, he still did try to spend a little time with the rest of the class. He knew he would never be overly close with any of them, they were just way too immature for him and made him feel like an old man in comparison.
But he had made the effort, which was a win in his book, and no it wasn’t just because of the quest to “Better Your Peers” he had received a few months after Kingambit had evolved and the villages outlook on pokemon and the ancient scrolls left behind by their ancestors were scoured through to try and find other hidden gems.
They hadn’t been successful, but when Ishi had met back up with Mr. Suru, he had been questioned on where he had actually come across his knowledge. While Mr. Suru had covered for me for the most part he had displayed keen interest in him afterwards and Ishi would find him watching him far closer than before. It had taken him a few more level ups and points in his aura stat to figure out the possible reason why… Mr. Suru had aura… and I mean A LOT of it.
When Ishi had first sensed it it felt so overwhelming it had brought him to his knees. Only when Mr. Suru had controlled his expelling aura had he been able to recover, but the shock was so great that he passed out a few moments later. He remembered waking and seeing the old man's face staring down at him with an appraising eye, “Aura!” Ishi had croaked out of his dry throat. This had caused Mr. Suru’s eyebrows to rise in surprise, ‘Still the most emotion I've seen off the guy’ he mused, and then turned serious asking Ishi where he had heard about that information as it was not common knowledge.
He had told Mr. Suru the word just felt right to him, a half truth but he couldn’t exactly reveal everything to the guy, and this had elicited a scoff at that but he hadn’t asked for more details.
Ishi then remembered how his days spent with Mr. Suru in the workshop had changed and how he had been taught the basics of aura manipulation. He had noticed that even though Mr. Suru was extremely aura sensitive he couldn’t sense when Ishi used his “Otherworldly Aura Cultivation Technique” which had made him extremely happy considering he would have absolutely no idea what to tell the old man. The lessons had exponentially sped up his mastery of the technique and now after just over two and a half years he was nearly 40% mastery in the technique.
He pulled up the quest just to see just how close he was.
Progress:
Otherworldly Aura Cultivation Technique - 39.92%
Oh boy did that bring a smile to his face thinking of the rewards he would be getting in the morning. You see Ishi had gotten to the point where he could literally instinctively use the technique in his sleep, so every morning he was greeted with a tiny bit of progress ranging from 0.01% - 0.1%. He was sure that the following morning he would be able to claim the rewards for the 40% mastery, the only problem was he just couldn't get to sleep at all.
As his mind continued to wander he pictured the countless afternoons spent helping Senpei grasp complex ninja strategies, or guiding Ivy through the intricate details of stealth techniques. His ability to explain concepts in a way that made sense to his friends not only bolstered their skills but also deepened their bond. ‘Though admittedly they were a little tedious at times,’ he thought to himself ‘This grown man in a kid's body shtik could be a pain in the ass at times.’
His parents and teachers often expressed their pride in his academic achievements and his generosity in helping others, this had been a main driving factor because he knew first hand what it felt like to have your parents taken from you too soon and just seeing their pleased faces gave him all the warm fuzzies he could wish for.
His mum would smile at him across the dinner table, her eyes sparkling with pride as she talked about the feedback from his teachers, praising his leadership and empathy. His dad would in turn often clap him on the back, telling him that a true ninja was not just skilled but also honourable and supportive of his community.
Ishi’s own skills in ninja signs had flourished remarkably. Where once he struggled to perfectly execute the Ninja Water Spout or the Ninja Leaf Shroud, he now demonstrated them with a fluidity and precision that impressed even the seasoned instructors. His dedication to practise and his keen understanding of the physical and tactical applications of each sign had made him a standout student, one who not only excelled personally but also lifted up those around him. They still weren’t mastered but oh was he close to gaining all that delicious Exp, and he would finally be able to get a Sub-Class.
With no reason not to he also pulled up his other progression quest.
Progress:
Ninja Water Spout - 79%
Ninja Flicker Step - 63%
Ninja Dust Storm - 58%
Ninja Wind Rush - 72%
Ninja Fire Ball - 70%
Ninja Body Switch - 60%
Ninja Leaf Shroud - 74%
Oh they were getting close and would net him a thousand Exp a piece. The Evil grin returned to his face, but luckily his parents and most of their pokemon were asleep. Weavile however glowered at Ishi’s room, it was on watch and did not appreciate the wickedness that seemed to come rolling off Ishi.
Adding to that bundle of future Exp, the creation of the custom Pokéballs for his friends was another milestone that had filled Ishi with a sense of accomplishment. He had taken great care in designing each Pokéball to suit his friends' personalities and potential Pokémon partners. For Senpei, he crafted a Pokéball with a vibrant blue and white pattern, mirroring the energy and spirit of his friend. Ivy’s was adorned with a soothing blend of green and orange, reflecting her love for nature and vibrant life.
When he presented the Pokéballs to them, the gratitude and joy in their eyes were unmistakable. Senpei had laughed, punching the air in excitement, claiming that he had the coolest Pokéball in all of Ninja Village. Ivy had hugged Ishi tightly, thanking him for such a thoughtful and beautiful gift, whispering about how it was just perfect for her future Pokémon partner.
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Each acknowledgment from his peers, each nod of approval from his elders, and each smile from his parents were reminders that his path was true, not just as a ninja or a Pokémon trainer, but as a valued and beloved member of his community. He had set out to make a pokeball for all other members of his class that wanted one, most had agreed but some had told him that their parents had it covered and not to bother. Though he was fine with that as it still gave him cause to go see Mr. Suru and perfect his aura and crafting skills.
Pokémon had also become part of his daily life. Living in a house filled with such diverse creatures, from the majestic Kingambit to the mischievous Croagunk, offered Ishi invaluable lessons every day, not just in care but in understanding the unique personalities and needs of each Pokémon.
Learning about each of their diets from his parents and the help of Mrs. Tanoshi, Ishi had immersed himself in the preparation of ninja recipes that could increase energy or heal poison. His mother taught him how to mix herbs and natural ingredients to create effective remedies for her team members specific typings of Ice and Dark as Weavile was an especially picky eater. This knowledge not only deepened his bond with the Pokémon but also prepared him for any challenges he might face on his journey.
Ishi also discovered that each Pokémon with its own palate and dietary requirements were essential to keep them strong and healthy. This understanding was crucial, Ishi realised, for anyone aspiring to be a great Pokémon trainer. Knowing what each Pokémon needed could give a huge advantage with; aiding in their recovery, and overall, enhance their well-being. ‘Damn Ash, always having a rich gym leader with him to create all the food his pokemon could ever want, Brocks the real MVP not you!’
His thoughts wandered back to his parents, especially concerning his dad. For his dad, the evolution of his Bisharp into Kingambit marked a significant milestone in his career as a trainer. It elevated his reputation and instilled a renewed sense of pride and responsibility. He was now seen as a pioneer, someone who had ventured into the unknown and emerged with a discovery that challenged the village's understanding of Pokémon evolution. This recognition brought Haku not just acclaim but also a deeper commitment to explore further possibilities in Pokémon training and care, setting an example for his son and other trainers.
Particularly impactful were the Bisharp evolution ceremonies. Following the precedent set by Haku's Bisharp's evolution, these ceremonies had become highly anticipated events. They were not only a test of strength and leadership among Bisharps but also a celebration of the village's rich culture of competitiveness and excellence in Pokémon training. Each ceremony drew large crowds, filled with spectators eager to witness another potential evolution into Kingambit.
The competitive spirit fostered by these events had also led to an increase in trainers seeking out the elusive Leader’s Crest, the key item needed for the evolution. This quest had injected a vibrant, albeit competitive energy into the village, as trainers undertook missions and expeditions to locate such rare items, each hoping to replicate Haku's success.
The village itself buzzed with a newfound enthusiasm for Pokémon training. Kingambit's presence was a constant reminder of the potential that lay in further exploring Pokémon evolution. Trainers, both young and old, were motivated to delve deeper into their training techniques, hoping to unlock other possible evolutions or strengthen their bonds with their Pokémon.
The elders and the Chief of Ninja Village, recognizing the importance of this discovery, had instituted more structured competitions and training sessions. These events were designed not just to harness the competitive spirit but also to foster a community that thrived on shared knowledge and mutual growth. The discovery had opened up new dialogues about traditional practices and modern approaches to Pokémon training.
For Ishi, this change in the village atmosphere was both inspiring and motivating. Seeing his father respected and celebrated as a leader and an innovator pushed him to dream bigger and work harder. He absorbed the lessons of dedication, strategy, and persistence demonstrated by the community around him, applying them to his studies, his crafts, and his interactions with Pokémon. The competitive yet communal spirit of the village shaped Ishi's approach to becoming not just any Pokémon trainer but a trainer who thrived on challenges and was driven by a deep love for Pokémon and his community.
As Ishi stood on the threshold of his own journey, the transformed village - with its heightened focus on discovery, competition, and collective growth - served as the perfect backdrop for the next chapter of his life. The legacy of Kingambit and the vibrant culture of Ninja Village promised to propel him into a future rich with possibilities and adventures.
The moon was almost full, painting the sky in hues of cool blues and pale whites, the peaceful rustling of the hay and the familiar, comforting presence of the tree provided a perfect backdrop for reflection.
Startled, Ishi blinked and focused on the small pink cat he could see in the distance that seemed to be staring at the moon. It seemed surreal to him what was Mew doing all the way out here? The swirling questions in his head only quieted as Mew vanished in a blink of teleport.
Once it did, he answered without hesitation, “A Froakie.” His voice held a note of longing; Froakie, with its potential to evolve into the formidable Greninja, had captured his imagination since he first learned about them.
The answer brought him back to the conversation he had had with Ivy and Senpei the day before.
Senpei, had chimed with enthusiasm, “I think a Froakie would be awesome, I mean you’ve heard the legend of the Greninja who saved the village!”
Ivy, on the other hand, had different preferences. “I’m leaning more towards a grass type starter,” she said thoughtfully, imagining a partner that would complement her calm and nurturing nature.
He hadn’t really contributed to the conversation at the time as he was undecided, but not anymore he would do anything to find his future partner that was somewhere in the catacombs on the other side of the village.
He remembered what had happened after his time with his friends had come to an end. Walking home, Ishi's thoughts had churned with excitement and a hint of anxiety. He rehearsed the steps he might take in the catacombs, imagined the puzzles he would solve, and fantasised about the Pokémon he might meet. By the time he reached his house, the butterflies in his stomach were fluttering wildly.
As he had opened the door, he was immediately greeted by the warm and comforting presence of his family and their Pokémon. Talonflame was perched near the entrance, its fiery feathers glowing softly in the dim light, while Kingambit stood majestically a little further inside, offering a reassuring nod as Ishi entered.
"Back from strategizing with your friends?" his dad had asked with a smile, watching his son kick off his shoes and join them in the living room.
"Yeah, trying to guess what kind of puzzles and challenges will be in the catacombs," Ishi replied, sinking into a comfortable chair. "It’s kind of nerve-wracking, thinking about tomorrow."
Sensing her son’s growing anxiety, chimed in cheerfully. "Just remember, whatever happens, you've prepared as much as you can. And no matter what, we’re all proud of you.”
Croagunk hopped over to Ishi, playfully nudging his leg, while Sudowoodo mimicked a comforting pat with its branch-like arm, causing Ishi to chuckle. "Thanks, guys. I guess I have a whole team backing me up, huh?"
"You sure do," Haku agreed, sitting down next to him. "Besides, I bet those catacombs haven’t seen a ninja as clever as you in a long time. Those puzzles won’t know what hit them."
Their light-hearted banter had continued, with each family member and Pokémon contributing to the relaxed atmosphere. Weavile, always more reserved, sat close to Ishi, its presence a silent support. As the evening wore on, the family shared a light meal, laughter mingling with the clatter of dishes and the occasional chirp from Talonflame.
As bedtime approached, Shion had given him a warm hug. "Get some good rest tonight. Big day tomorrow," she whispered.
Ishi then nodded, feeling the knot of nerves in his stomach loosen thanks to his family's encouragement. "Good night, everyone," he called out as he headed to his room, feeling more prepared and supported than ever.
***
In his room, surrounded by the quiet of the night and the steady breathing of his family and their Pokémon friends who chose to sleep nearby, Ishi felt a peaceful calm settle over him. His mind finally quieted as he drifted off to sleep, dreams of Pokémon and adventures filling his thoughts, ready to face whatever the ceremony would bring.
He steered his thoughts back to the specifics of the ceremony. Over the past few years, he had pieced together bits of information from overheard conversations and subtle hints dropped by elders and past participants. He knew that the ceremony was not just a formality but a true test of a young ninja’s skill, intellect, and compatibility with Pokémon.
The ceremony would begin with each participant entering the catacombs beneath the village, one at a time. These catacombs, a network of ancient, stone-laden paths filled with challenges and mysteries, were designed to test the mettle of the village’s youth. Participants would need to navigate physical obstacles and solve puzzles, using both their ninja training and their sharp minds to move forward.
Once they located the Pokémon they hoped to make their partner, they faced a trial. Much like the trials in the Alola region, these tests were meant to prove if the young ninja was worthy of the Pokémon’s partnership. Success meant impressing or besting the Pokémon, which would then grant an egg to the trainer - a symbol of new beginnings and mutual respect.
Holding the egg of his chosen Pokémon would mark the start of Ishi’s journey as a Pokémon trainer. As he contemplated this, excitement bubbled within him, mixing with nerves and anticipation. The challenge of the catacombs, the mystery of the trial, and the chance to finally meet his first Pokémon partner - it all seemed like the culmination of every lesson, every dream he had nurtured since childhood.
‘Tomorrow Finna be Awesome!’ he thought before peacefully drifting off to sleep.