The morning sun had just begun to filter through the thin shutters of Ishi’s room, casting a gentle glow on his sleeping form. Suddenly, he felt a movement against one of his arms, and his eyes snapped open. The Froakie egg was shaking, at first they were just small tremors of vibrations, but became increasingly strong and soon tiny cracks formed on its smooth pale blue surface. His heart raced with excitement and anticipation, and despite trying to stay calm, he was totally freaking out on the inside. He had been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever.

“It’s time,” Ishi whispered, his voice trembling with anticipation. ‘Come on little guy, just a little further , you can do it!’ He mentally cheered, egging on his future partner.

The cracks spread, and the egg wobbled more vigorously. He watched, holding his breath barely allowing himself to make a sound, as the shell began to slowly break apart. Slowly,far too slowly in his opinion but it couldn't have been more than a few seconds, a small pastel blue, almost white, head poked through the shell, followed by two large and immediately curious eyes. The rest of the shell fell away, revealing a tiny, perfect looking Froakie. Its nearly white skin glistened in the morning light, and it blinked up at Ishi, its eyes wide and full of wonder.

‘Oh Oh Oh!! Holy Shit it was shiny, I didn’t want to believe it when I noticed the difference between mine an Sepei’s eggs! Hell yeah a shiny starter pokemon as my partner, don’t mind if I yes!’ He didn’t express these thoughts as his gaze was captivated on the pokemon in front of him.

‘MWAHAHAHAHA, Oh yes this will definitely do.’ Luckily for Ishi, the Froakie had chosen that moment to look around its surroundings and didn’t witness the Evil smile displayed across his face as he laughed maniacally in his head.

Ishi felt an immediate, powerful connection with the tiny Pokémon. He had been talking to the egg every day for the past two weeks, sharing his hopes, dreams, and excitement for their future together. Now, Froakie gazed at him with recognition and trust after curiously observing its new surroundings, seeing Ishi as its parent and protector.

“Hello, Froakie,” Ishi said softly, his eyes filling with happy tears. “Welcome to the world.” ‘Appraisal’ He thought quickly, using his system skill on the newborn Froakie.

Appraisal: Froakie (Male) (Shiny Variant) - It secretes flexible bubbles from its chest and back. The bubbles reduce the damage it would otherwise take when attacked. It protects its skin by covering its body in delicate bubbles. Beneath its happy-go-lucky air, it keeps a watchful eye on its surroundings.

Nature: Bold

Ability: Protean, (Conditions not yet met)

This Shiny Froakie is recently hatched and is yet to be fully used to its new body! It also seems to hold a unique lineage.

‘Hell yeah, he’s got the protean ability!' He thought in excitement, as it has the potential to temporarily change the user's type energy for a short period of time to make the attack either more effective or allows it to tank damage easier. 'And this (Conditions not met) is probably the battle bond ability, I knew my cheat hacks system wouldn’t lose out to Ash’s. Only problem is I have no clue what these conditions are.’ This pondering all happened in the space of a few seconds and after deciding that he’d worry about it later he refocused on his new partner in front of him.

Froakie chirped in response, its voice a soft, melodious croak. After giving its happy greeting without hesitation, it began to consume the remnants of its eggshell, a natural behaviour that provided it with essential nutrients for its first moments of life.

Ishi watched with fascination and pride as Froakie started eating the shell. Once it was done, Froakie looked up at Ishi again, its eyes shining with affection and curiosity, and obviously pleased with its now full stomach.

“We’re going to be the best team ever,” Ishi said, reaching out to gently stroke Froakie’s head. “Would you like to be my first partner?”

Froakie chirped happily and nodded, its eyes never leaving Ishi’s face. The bond between them was already strong, and Ishi felt an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude flow off both himself and the newly born Froakie.

Ishi reached into his satchel that he’d strategically placed on his bedside table just in case, and pulled out the first Pokéball he had ever made, the one he had crafted with so much care and dedication. The black and blue ball with white accents, matching his ninja attire and the shiny Froakie’s appearance. ‘Well who would have thought, but this ball feels like it was purposefully made for this very moment and pokemon.’

“Froakie, would you like to be caught in this Pokéball?” Ishi asked, holding it out. Froakie nodded again, croaking softly in agreement. With a deep breath, Ishi gently tapped the Pokéball against Froakie’s forehead. The ball opened with a flash of red light, and Froakie was enveloped in a warm, glowing energy. The ball wiggled in Ishi’s hand once and only once before it clicked shut with a satisfying chime. ‘critical capture huh, yeah that's how I feel about you two.’ It seemed the two of them had both felt the strong connection from when Froakie had first emerged from its egg.

Ishi felt a rush of joy and accomplishment. “We did it, Froakie!” he exclaimed, holding the Pokéball up triumphantly. He couldn’t contain his excitement any longer and jumped for joy.

“Froakie, I choose you!” Ishi shouted, tapping the button on the top of the Pokéball gently and pointing it back onto his bed. It opened with a burst of white light, and Froakie reappeared, landing gracefully in front of him.

Congratulations! Achievement Conditions Met!

You have successfully Caught Your First Team Member!

Rewards: Pokeball Inventory Activated!

‘Woah, inventory huh? That's gonna be helpful, though what's this about it only being a pokeball inventory?’ After a few quick observations he noticed when he pulled up his status a new ability had been added next to Appraisal and Multilingual called Poketory. When he activated it it only had 16 slots, ‘Kinda disappointing honestly, but still I can do so much with this!’ After a few tests he found that empty pokeballs stacked on top of one another but pokeballs with a pokemon inside do not stack, which made a lot of sense considering. It also seemed to have a stasis ability as Froakie didn’t seem to realise it had been placed in the inventory at all after being taken back out. “Ok that's enough tests for now,” he muttered as he closed his status screen.

Froakie looked up at Ishi with shining eyes, and Ishi knelt down to embrace his new partner. “Welcome to the team, Froakie,” he whispered. “We’re going to have so many adventures together.”

As Froakie chirped happily in response, Ishi knew that this was just the beginning of their journey. The bond they shared was already felt unbreakable to Ishi, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, side by side.

***

After the excitement of hatching and capturing Froakie, along with the new ability his system had gifted him, Ishi could hardly contain his enthusiasm. He gently picked up the Pokéball and Froakie, cradling the tiny Pokémon in his arms while placing the pokeball into the satchel and the rest of his other pokeballs he'd crafted over the years into his new poketory.. “Come on, Froakie. It’s time to meet my parents and introduce you to the rest of the family, well at least not when you're an egg” he said with a smile. Froakie chirped happily, snuggling closer to Ishi. Together, they made their way downstairs. As they descended, Ishi’s heart raced with anticipation.

“Mom, Dad!” Ishi called out, his voice echoing through the house. His parents appeared from the kitchen, their expressions quickly shifting from curiosity to amazement as they saw the small, nearly white Froakie in Ishi’s arms.

“Ishi, is that… a shiny Froakie?” his mother exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. His father, equally stunned, stepped closer. “I’ve never seen one in person. They’re incredibly rare. This is amazing, Ishi!”

Ishi beamed with pride, holding Froakie up for his parents to see. “Meet my new partner, Froakie,” he said, his voice filled with joy. Froakie croaked softly, looking around with its large, curious eyes. It sensed the warmth and kindness in Ishi’s parents and relaxed in Ishi’s arms.

“This is incredible,” his father said, gently ruffling Ishi’s hair. “You’ve done an amazing job, son.” Ishi’s mother reached out to softly stroke Froakie’s head. “Welcome to the family, Froakie,” she said with a warm smile.

Just then, Kingambit, who had been observing from the corner, stepped forward. The imposing Pokémon’s presence filled the room, its eyes focused on the small Froakie. Ishi gently placed Froakie on the ground, giving it a reassuring pat.

“Froakie, this is Kingambit,” Ishi said. “He’s a very important member of our family.” Froakie looked up at Kingambit, its eyes wide with wonder and a hint of nervousness. Kingambit, sensing Froakie’s apprehension, slowly lowered itself to the ground, extending a golden plated hand in a gesture of peace.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Froakie hesitated for a moment, then hopped forward and placed its tiny hand in Kingambit’s. The larger Pokémon gave a nod of approval, and Froakie chirped happily, sensing the acceptance.

Ishi’s parents watched the interaction with smiles on their faces. “They’re going to be great friends,” his father said, his voice filled with pride. “I should go find Senpei and Ivy,” Ishi said, looking at Froakie. “They’ll be so excited to meet you.”

***

With their blessing, Ishi and Froakie headed out to find his friends. The village was bustling with activity as they made their way to the usual meeting spot. Ishi spotted Senpei and Ivy in the distance, their Pokémon playing nearby.

“Hey, guys!” Ishi called out, waving as he approached. Senpei and Ivy turned to see Ishi with Froakie perched on his shoulder. Their eyes widened in surprise as they took in the sight of the shiny Froakie.

“Is that…?” Senpei started, his jaw dropping. “A shiny Froakie!” Ivy finished, her voice filled with awe. “Ishi, that’s incredible!” Ishi grinned, lifting Froakie down to introduce it to his friends. “Everyone, meet my partner, Froakie,” he said proudly.

Froakie hopped down and greeted Senpei and Ivy’s Pokémon, Snivy and Froakie. The three Pokémon sniffed each other curiously, then quickly began to play, chasing each other around the clearing.

Senpei shook his head in amazement. “Ishi, this is amazing. Froakie is so cool!” ‘Heh eat your heart out Senpei,’ he thought with a smirk as he looked at the two Froakies getting a feel for one another.

“I can’t believe you have a shiny Froakie,” Ivy added, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “It’s so beautiful.” Ishi watched with a smile as Froakie played with its new friends. The bond between them was clear, and Ishi knew that their journey together was going to be something truly special. And he could also already sense a little rivalry brewing between the two Froakie. ‘That’s good, a little competition is gonna help them grow up fast and strong.’ He thought with a small nod of approval.

The day passed, filled with surprises and joy, and as the stars began to try and push their way onto the night sky. Ishi felt a deep sense of contentment. With Froakie by his side and his friends around him, he knew that they could face any challenge that came their way, together.

Ishi, Senpei, and Ivy sat together, watching their Pokémon play and watching stars finally get their way as night prevailed over day. They had talked excitedly about their future adventures and the unbreakable bonds they were forming with their new partners, again there was talk about who would win in a battle but they were under strict instructions to not make their new pokemon do anything strenuous for the first few days after hatching.

***

Those few days passed in a blur of excitement and preparation. The bond between Ishi and Froakie grew stronger with each passing day, and they quickly became inseparable.

Now, it was the morning of Ishi's first day at the Ninja Academy. He woke up with a mixture of excitement and nerves, his mind racing with thoughts of what the day would bring. As he got ready, Froakie was right by his side, mirroring his emotions. Ishi could feel Froakie's anticipation and curiosity, which helped to calm his own nerves.

Ishi took a deep breath and adjusted his forehead protector in the mirror, making sure it was perfectly in place. "Today's the day, Froakie," he said, his voice filled with determination. "Our first day at the Ninja Academy."

Froakie chirped in agreement, its eyes shining with excitement. Together, they headed downstairs, the sound of breakfast being prepared greeting them as they entered the kitchen.

"Hurry up and have breakfast, Ishi, so we can head off," Shion called from the stove, her back turned to them as she cooked. She turned around and smiled warmly at her son and his new partner. "You don't want to be late on your first day."

Ishi nodded, quickly taking a seat at the table. "Right, Mom. I'm so excited, but also a little nervous," he admitted, glancing at Froakie, who hopped onto the table and looked around curiously.

Shion placed a plate of food in front of Ishi and ruffled his hair affectionately. "It's normal to feel that way. Just remember, you and Froakie are a team now. You'll support each other."

Ishi nodded, feeling a bit more reassured. He quickly ate his breakfast, feeling Froakie's emotions of eagerness and solidarity bolstering his own. Once they were done, Ishi stood up, ready to face the day.

"Mom, you won't be my instructor, right?" Ishi asked as they got ready to leave.

Shion shook her head with a smile. "No, I'll be teaching the older Genin. Those who are too strong to be Kid Genin but not quite ready for the Chunin rank. You'll have a different instructor who specialises in training new students."

Ishi nodded, understanding. "Got it. Well, I'm ready!"

As they walked towards the Ninja Academy, Ishi and his mother chatted about various things. They discussed the weather, the recent activities in the village, and what Ishi could expect from his new classes. But all Ishi really wanted to talk about was Froakie. He felt a bubbling excitement inside him every time he thought about his new partner.

"I can't wait to start training with Froakie," Ishi said, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "We've already started practising a few basic moves, and Froakie is so quick to learn!"

Shion smiled at her son's excitement. "That's wonderful, Ishi. Froakie is a special Pokémon, and I can see that the two of you will achieve great things together."

As they walked, the path to the academy was clearly well-trodden, with signs of countless students having walked it over the years. The ground was worn smooth, and there were faint markings where students had practised their ninja techniques. Trees lined the path, providing shade and a sense of tranquillity.

"You know," Shion said, "you'll be meeting some of the elders' grandkids today. They weren't in your class with Mrs. Tanoshi because they had private tutoring in their respective houses."

Ishi felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "I hope they aren't as stuck up as I think they'll be," he muttered.

Shion chuckled softly. "Give them a chance, Ishi. Sometimes people surprise you. They might become good friends and valuable allies." ‘Uh huh, fat chance of that,’ he thought to himself but nodded at his mothers words.

"Mom, I’ve been thinking about giving Froakie a name," Ishi said, glancing at the little Pokémon who was perched on his shoulder. "Something that signifies strength and water."

Shion nodded, smiling. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Have you thought of any names yet?"

Ishi looked at Froakie thoughtfully. "Well, I was thinking of names like Splash, Aqua, or Ripple."

Froakie scoffed at each of those suggestions, shaking its head with a disdainful croak.

Ishi laughed. "Okay, okay, I get it. Those names aren’t quite right. How about Poseidon?"

Froakie tilted its head, considering the name but then shook its head again, not entirely convinced.

Ishi thought for a moment, then a smile spread across his face. "How about Perseus, or Percy for short? Perseus was a hero so strong he was feared by the gods. I believe you will become just as strong, and be even more feared by the gods."

Froakie's eyes lit up with excitement, and it immediately jumped at the name, chirping happily in agreement.

"Perseus it is, then," Ishi said, beaming with pride. "From now on, you’ll be known as Percy."

Percy chirped again, clearly pleased with his new name. Ishi’s heart swelled with joy as they continued their journey to the academy.

***

As they neared the academy, Ishi's eyes widened in awe. The Ninja Academy stood as a majestic testament to the village's rich history and dedication to the art of a Ninja. Nestled against the rugged mountainside, the academy seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, creating a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and modern design.

The building itself was an architectural marvel. The lower half of the academy was carved directly from the mountain’s ancient stone, giving it a timeless, enduring appearance. The stone was weathered and covered in patches of moss and ivy, suggesting centuries of resilience against the elements. Intricate carvings adorned the stone façade, depicting legendary Pokémon and historic battles that were integral to the village’s lore. These carvings told a story to all who passed by, a silent testament to the village’s valour and heritage.

As the structure ascended, it transitioned into beautifully crafted wooden architecture. The wood was polished to a fine sheen, its natural grains highlighted in the warm light of the sun. This woodwork was a symbol of the village's ongoing commitment to growth and progress, standing in stark yet harmonious contrast to the stone below. The upper levels of the academy featured large, arched windows, each pane meticulously stained with vivid colours that depicted various Pokémon and ninja techniques. When the sun shone through these windows, it cast a kaleidoscope of colours onto the academy grounds below, creating an inspiring and almost mystical atmosphere.

At the forefront of the academy was a grand entrance, guarded by imposing stone statues symbolising protection and strength. These statues, with their fierce expressions and dynamic poses, set the tone for the importance and seriousness of the training that took place within the academy’s walls. A wide, stone-paved pathway led up to the entrance, flanked by meticulously maintained gardens. These gardens were filled with rare and beautiful flora, some of which were native to the surrounding mountains, adding to the serene yet powerful ambiance of the setting.

The academy's roof was a masterpiece in itself, constructed in the traditional pagoda style with upturned eaves. The roof tiles were dark and glossy, shimmering in the sunlight. At each corner of the roof, small, detailed carvings of Pokémon stood guard, their vigilant eyes ever-watchful.

Upon approaching the academy, one could see the expansive training grounds that stretched out on either side of the main building. These grounds were designed with a variety of terrains and obstacles to simulate different environments and challenges. There were rocky outcrops for practising stealth and climbing, lush green fields for physical training and battles, and even a small artificial lake for water-based training exercises.

Around the perimeter of the training grounds, tall wooden poles with ninja symbols carved into them stood as markers. These poles were used in various training exercises, such as agility drills and target practice. The sound of shuriken and kunai hitting their marks was a constant symphony in the background, a testament to the rigorous training the students underwent daily.

At the heart of the academy was a large open courtyard, often used for assemblies and special ceremonies. This courtyard was paved with smooth stone tiles and featured a beautiful fountain at its centre. The fountain, designed in the shape of a majestic Gyarados, was both a tribute to the strength and fluidity that every ninja aspired to and a gathering place for students to relax and reflect.

Overall, the Ninja Academy was a place of immense grandeur and significance. It stood as a beacon of knowledge, strength, and tradition, inspiring awe in all who laid eyes upon it. For Ishi and his fellow students, it was the starting point of their journey to becoming formidable ninjas, a journey that would shape their futures and the future of the village.

Ishi glanced at Percy, who was perched on his shoulder. The little Pokémon's eyes were wide with wonder, mirroring Ishi's own feelings. They shared a look of awe, both realising the significance of this moment.

"This is it, Percy," Ishi whispered. "Our new beginning."

As they approached the gates of the academy, Ishi felt a surge of determination. With his partner by his side and the support of his family and friends, he knew that they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they stepped forward into the future, ready to embrace the adventures and growth that awaited them.