The week progressed somewhat similarly for Ishi, each day filled with new lessons and rigorous training. His self-study sessions were spent deeply engrossed in his research on subspace expansion techniques, delving into the complexities of spatial manipulation and the application of special seals.
He had also begun experimenting with these techniques, cautiously testing their potential uses. He'd seen little progress in that regard but he still thought that, if he could achieve what he envisioned then the potential they would allow in his training would be astounding. And while he was still a few weeks away from trying anything on his satchel, the prospect of enhancing it kept him motivated.
Physical training sessions were gruelling but rewarding, he had already received a stat point in both dexterity and strength so he could clearly see his efforts paying off. The newly incorporated Ninja Tricks class was rotated daily with shuriken throwing, adding variety to their routines. Because as their sensei had drilled into them over the past week, “Variety and adaptability are the cornerstones of a strong Ninja!”
Each session pushed him and his classmates to their limits, but the progress they made was evident. Perseus, always by his side, engaged in light basic exercises to temper his body and increase his strength. He was joined by a few of his classmates' partners, but most of them just stayed in their pokeball or lazed about watching their trainer.
The weekend approached quickly, and with it his anticipation and barely contained excitement for his first real pokemon training. He had been looking forward to their reserved time at the water battlefield, eager to train with Senpei and their Froakies. On Saturday morning, he woke up with a burst of energy, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day's activities.
"Perseus, today's the day!" Ishi exclaimed as he jumped out of bed, eagerly throwing on his clothes and grabbing all his notes he’d been keeping while preparing for today.
"Froakie!" Perseus croaked enthusiastically, mimicking Ishi's excitement.
Once they were both ready they headed downstairs to find his parents already up, enjoying breakfast with their Pokémon.
"Good morning!" Ishi called out, grabbing a seat at the table. ‘It’s always so homey on the weekends with both of them home,’ he thought with a warm feeling rising in his chest.
"Morning, Ishi," Shion said with a warm smile. "Excited for your training session today?"
"Absolutely!" he replied, stuffing a piece of toast into his mouth. "I've been looking forward to this all week." ‘More like several years at this point but meh who’s counting.’ he chuckled to himself with a small shrug.
Haku chuckled, ruffling Ishi's hair. "Just remember to stay focused and give it your best. And don’t go overboard on your first solo training session, Percy isn’t invincible quite yet!"
“You got it!” He responded energetically, while pushing his hair back the to way he liked it.
Kingambit, Talonflame, Croagunk, Sudowoodo, and Weavile were gathered around, enjoying their own breakfast. Perseus joined in, eagerly nibbling on some berries.
"Ready to show them what we can do, Perseus?" Ishi asked, watching his Froakie with pride.
"Froakie!" Perseus replied once again, puffing out his chest confidently, the look was somewhat nullified by the large amount of food he was currently chewing and had sprayed upon exclaiming. With his cheeks slowly turning bright red, he turned back to his food trying to act like that didn’t just happen.
And of course Ishi and his family being the mature personalities they were all burst out laughing at Perseus, causing the pokemon to go around the kitchen in a huff trying to deny anything happened.
After their quick hearty laugh and breakfast Ishi and Perseus were ready to head out, even if Percy was still a few shades of red by the time breakfast was over. They said their goodbyes and made their way to the academy and the reserved water battlefield, the anticipation building with each step. The morning air was crisp, and the village was already alive with activity.
Arriving at the academy entrance, they saw Senpei waiting with his own Froakie. "Hey, Senpei!" he called, waving as they approached.
"Morning, Ishi!" Senpei replied, a wide grin on his face. "Ready to train?"
"Absolutely," Ishi said, his excitement mirrored in Perseus's eager croaks. "We are gonna kick your ass!’ He thought, grinning at his friend turned portable training dummy.
***
They walked together to the office, their Froakies chattering happily. The academy's corridors were bustling with a lot fewer students than usual, which made sense considering it was a weekend and early in the morning, more than once had they seen a yawn that looked like it could swallow a Rhydon's head. They soon arrived and after a brief wait, they received confirmation of their reservation to use the water battlefield for their training session.
The walk to the battlefield was filled with animated conversation about their plans and strategies. The water battlefield was an impressive sight. With its large pool dominating the centre, and the floating platforms scattered across its surface. The edges of the pool were lined with smooth stones, and the entire area was designed to simulate various water-based combat scenarios.
"Alright, let's get started," Ishi said, feeling a surge of determination. "Perseus, let's show them what we've got!"
"Froakie Fro!" Perseus responded, hopping from his shoulder onto one of the floating platforms with less agility and grace than he probably thought it looked.
Senpei's Froakie followed suit, and the two partners faced off on the platforms. Ishi and Senpei positioned themselves at the edge of the pool, ready to direct their Pokémon and guide their training.
"Remember, this is about improving our skills and working together," Ishi said, focusing on Perseus. "Let's start with some basic movements and build up from there."
Perseus and Senpei's Froakie began with simple exercises, hopping from platform to platform and practising their mobility. The water battlefield provided the perfect environment to test their balance and coordination. Ishi and Senpei called out instructions, encouraging their partners and offering tips to improve their techniques.
And that's when he received a new notification from the system.
The training session continued, the exercises became more complex. Percy and Froakie practised their long ranged attacks, aiming at various targets placed around the pool. They worked on strengthening their movements, and being able to shorten the time it takes to fire off the move became the main focus of their first training session.
"Great job, Percy!" Ishi called out. "You're already getting stronger!"
Perseus croaked happily, his eyes shining with determination. Ishi knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together, and he was excited to see what the future held for them.
And with that thought his mind flashed back to a pivotal moment earlier in the week when he had discovered the moves Perseus could use.
***
Under the supervision of Sensei Monji, he had called out various moves to see what Perseus could do.
“Percy, use Water Gun!” He’d first tried to call, and a rather anticlimactic croak of confusion was all he’d got in response. ‘Well that wasn’t the incredible start I’d envisioned,’ he’d thought with a little embarrassment.
“Khmm, Moving right along then” he said, clearing his throat as he felt heat rising up the back of his neck. "Perseus, use Bubble!" He’d then commanded, his eyes focused on his partner. Perseus responded by spitting a stream of bubbles, which burst with a satisfying pop.
‘Haaa, wow! This feels like it could get addictive.’ he thought as he noticed Percy proudly puff out his chest at his first successful attack. ‘I can see why people in this world compete in Pokemon battles until they are in their 80’s, the adrenaline is already pumping!’
"Good, now try Scratch!" Perseus reached forward, his small webbed fingers extended, as he swiped at an imaginary target. ‘Alright! Two in a row!’
"Let's hear your Growl, Percy!" Perseus let out a surprisingly fierce growl, causing some of the nearby students to flinch. ‘Hmm, interesting. Can Growl lower the attack of humans as well as pokemon?’ But he shook his head and turned to Sensei who had stepped forward.
Sensei Monji, who had observed with a keen eye, moved closer, nodding in approval. "Perseus has a solid foundation. Bubble, Scratch, and Growl are all essential moves for a Froakie."
Just as they were about to wrap up, Perseus instinctively reacted to an unexpected movement from another student's Pokémon. His body tensed, and he moved to attack while an orange light briefly surrounded him. But when nothing attacked he calmed down and returned to looking pleased with himself, he clearly wasn’t aware of what had just happened to him.
"Wait a minute," Ishi had said, watching closely. "Was that... fighting energy?"
Sensei Monji stepped even closer, his expression now rather intrigued. "It seems Perseus has the potential to learn Counter. It's an egg move that allows the user to retaliate with double the power if hit by a physical move. That could be incredibly advantageous in battles."
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Ishi had felt a surge of pride and excitement. "We'll work on learning that move, Sensei."
Sensei Monji nodded. "It will take time and practice, but I have no doubt you'll get there. Egg moves are known to the pokemon instinctively, one day they will just be able to use the move perfectly but training will definitely speed up that process."
***
Back in the present, his reminiscing was broken by Senpei calling out, "This place is amazing!" His eyes wide with wonder.
"Yeah, it really is," Ishi agreed. "Great job, Percy! Now, let's see you jump!" Ishi called.
Perseus gathered his strength and sprang out of the water, launching himself into the air. He soared high before landing rather clumsily on one of the floating platforms. Ishi felt a surge of pride as he watched his partner. ‘Gotta work on those landing though.’ He thought with a small wince.
"Keep it up, Percy! You're doing amazing!" Ishi shouted, his excitement mirrored in Perseus's determined croaks. “Remember, try and use your strong legs to absorb the shock of landing!’
Senpei and his Froakie were also hard at work, practising similar drills and encouraging each other. The sound of splashing water and cheerful croaks filled the air as the two friends trained alongside their Pokémon.
Ishi could see the progress they were making, and it filled him with confidence. Perseus was becoming stronger, faster, and more coordinated with each exercise.
"You're really getting the hang of it, Percy," Ishi said during a short break where all of them, including Percy and Froakie, ate a quick snack. "I'm so proud of you."
"Kie Kie!" Perseus replied, his eyes shining with determination and joy. ‘Oh you are just the cutest little thing!’ He thought, grabbing Percy in a tight hug as the little frog squirmed in surprise.
***
Ishi and Senpei continued their training at the water battlefield, pushing their Froakies close to their current limits. Perseus and Froakie swam tirelessly, jumping from platform to platform, each leap slightly more controlled than the last. The boys called out encouragement and instructions, their excitement infectious.
"Great job, Percy! You're really getting the hang of it!" Ishi cheered as Perseus executed a near flawless jump, landing fairly gracefully on a floating platform.
Senpei echoed his enthusiasm. "Keep it up, Froakie! You're doing awesome!"
Then, an idea struck Senpei. "Hey, Ishi, how about we have our first Pokémon battle? We've been training hard, and it would be a great way to cap off today's session!"
Ishi's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's a great idea! Percy, are you up for our first battle?"
"Fro Kiee!" Perseus croaked, hopping about energetically.
Senpei's Froakie mirrored Perseus's enthusiasm, ready for the challenge. The two friends repositioned themselves on opposite sides of the water battlefield, their Froakies poised for battle, each on a different floating platform.
"Alright, Percy, let's give it our all!" Ishi called out, his heart racing with anticipation.
"Froakie, let's show them what we've got!" Senpei echoed, determination in his voice.
“Alright the battle will begin once this pebble hits the water!” Ishi called, and after seeing Senpei’s nod threw the small pebble into the air.
Time seemed to slow as the pebble began its arch, and with a small plop the battle began. Both Froakies leapt from platform to platform, trying to gain the upper hand or an opening. Perseus launched a series of low powered Bubble attacks, sending the streams of bubbles towards Senpei's Froakie, aiming for where the Froakie was about to land. Senpei's Froakie countered a little slower with its own Water Gun attack.
The bubbles burst upon contact with the water, creating little ripples and small waves that rocked the floating platforms. Both Froakies used the platforms to their advantage, jumping and diving to avoid attacks and gain better positioning.
"Percy, get closer and use Scratch!" Ishi commanded.
Perseus lunged forward, claws extended, but Senpei's anticipated the move and called for Froakie to dodge, and counter with a Growl. The Growl momentarily threw Perseus off balance. ‘Damn, that's lowered Percy’s attack power!’ Ishi thought with a small wince, but he recovered quickly, “Percy, still try to get in closer!”
"Good job Froakie! Now use Water Gun to keep Percy at bay!" Senpei called.
Water slowly erupted from the small Froakie, hitting Perseus head-on. Perseus stumbled but quickly regained his footing, shaking off the attack.
"Don't let it get to you, Perseus! Use Bubble!" Ishi shouted. The bubbles popped loudly on contact, sending droplets of water flying into the air, and sending Senpei’s Frokies sprawling into the water. ‘Damn that would have been stronger if Percy hadn’t been hit with that Growl!’ he thought with a frown as he tried to locate the now water bound Froakie.
Perseus kept up the pressure and continued to send its Bubble attack into the water, the bubbles bursting around Senpei's Froakie, doing yet more damage even if it wasn’t particularly effective.
The platforms bobbed and swayed with each impact, adding an extra challenge to maintaining balance. The two Froakies exchanged a few more blows, each using the environment to their advantage. Perseus leaped from platform to platform, his movements far more fluid and precise than when they’d been training a few minutes ago.
"Percy, get in close and use Scratch again!" Ishi commanded, having formed a small plan.
Perseus darted forward, claws flashing, but Senpei's Froakie leaped out of the way once again, landing on a nearby platform. The platform wobbled under its weight, but Froakie quickly regained its balance.
"Froakie, regain some distance again with Water Gun!" Senpei ordered.
The water stream flew towards Perseus, but this time, Ishi was ready. "Percy, jump!"
And Perseus leaped into the air, avoiding the attack just barely, and landing gracefully on the same platform as Senpeis Froakie. Seizing the opportunity, Ishi called out, "Now, Scratch, then follow it up with Bubble!"
Perseus used its momentum to scratch its extended paws straight into the face of the off-balance Froakie, sending it tumbling backwards. He then sent a follow up Bubble attack, the stream of bubbles hitting Senpei's Froakie directly on the back of its head, the attack wasn’t nearly as powerful as at the beginning of the match due to the pent up fatigue, but it was enough.
The impact knocked Senpei's Froakie flying, it fell into the water with a splash, unable to continue.
Senpei rushed to Froakie's side, diving into the water and helping it back onto the platform. "You did great, Froakie," he said softly, patting his partner on the head.
Ishi approached the pair, Perseus at his side, visibly exhausted and on the verge of collapse. "That was an amazing battle, Senpei. Your Froakie is really strong, it nearly had us."
Senpei smiled, shaking Ishi's extended hand. "Thanks, Ishi. Perseus is incredible. Though don’t get too high up on your Ponyta, we'll get you next time."
The two friends laughed. They congratulated their Froakies, proud of their efforts and eager to battle again soon.
"Perseus, you were awesome!" Ishi said, kneeling down to his partner. "How are you feeling?"
"F-froakiee," Perseus croaked, looking extremely tired but still rather pleased with his performance.
Senpei leaned down to his Froakie. "You did great too. How are you holding up?"
"kiee," Senpei's Froakie replied, giving a tired but content nod.
The battlefield showed signs of their battle, with water splashed everywhere and the platforms slightly off-kilter. The reflections of the sun sparkled on the rippling water, adding to the dramatic scene of their first Pokémon battle.
And that's when he finally received the notification he’d been anticipating.
Confirmed. Quest Created:
You Have Embarked On your First Ever Pokemon Battle And Emerged Victorious! Continue To Battle With Your Pokemon Partners And Become As Strong As Possible!
Rewards:
Current Streak: 1
Current Rewards: 100 EXP
(EXP Rewards Based On Win Streak For Each Battle)
Accept: Y/N
‘Hell Yeah! Now that's what I’m talking about!’ He thought after reading through the quest and the rewards ‘So I just need to keep winning to keep this streak up and I’ll reap all the EXP! Oh yeah, this could definitely get addictive!’ he mused, the evil grin dancing across his face.
"Alright, I think that's enough for today," he said aloud after accepting the quest. "We've overworked them a little it seems, let's head to the medical centre and get our partners checked out," he suggested.
Senpei nodded in agreement. "Yeah, they absolutely deserve a good rest after all that hard work."
The boys scooped up their exhausted partners and made their way to the academy's medical centre. The centre was a well-equipped facility, staffed by skilled medics who specialised in treating both humans and Pokémon, and they were open 24/7 so there was no need to use your own resources to heal up your pokemon while you were in the academy. They handed their Froakies over to the staff and found a spot in the waiting area to sit and chat.
"That was a great session," Senpei said, leaning back in his chair. "Our Froakies are already way stronger than before this morning. I kinda wish we could do this sort of thing every day though"
"Definitely," Ishi agreed. "Froakie and Percy did amazing. I can't wait to see how much more we can improve. And yeah, once we get stronger I’m sure they’ll let us use the battlegrounds during our self-study periods before class."
As they waited, the boys talked about their training plans and shared tips on different techniques, the conversation helped pass the time quickly. Before long, the medic Ninjas returned with their revitalised Froakies.
"Your Pokémon are in great shape," one of the medics said with a smile. "Just make sure they get plenty of rest for a while."
"Thank you!" Ishi and Senpei replied in unison, taking their partners back. Perseus croaked happily, looking much more energetic.
"Alright, let's go see if Ivy has arrived at the forest battlefield," Ishi suggested.
"Good idea," Senpei agreed.
They headed towards the forest battlefield, the path taking them through the lush greenery that surrounded the battlefield. When they arrived, they found Ivy just beginning to start her training with Snivy.
"Hey, Ivy! Hey, Snivy! " Ishi called out, waving.
Ivy looked up, her face breaking into a smile. "Hey, guys! How was your training?"
"It was great," Senpei replied, a blissful smile spreading across his face. "Our Froakies worked so hard!"
"Yeah, and they did amazing," Ishi added in agreement. "How about you and Snivy, you girls gonna give it hell?!"
"Oh absolutely, there's no way we are gonna be bested by the likes of you!" Ivy said, glancing at her partner. "Plus Snivy over here is a fast learner."
The boys then offered a few words of encouragement, cheering on Ivy and Snivy as they began their training.
"You're doing great so far you two," he called. "Just keep at it."
"Thanks, Ishi," Ivy replied, her eyes shining with determination. ‘Hmm, looks like me and Percy won’t be able to slack off at all with that look in her eyes!’
After a bit more chatting, they discussed their plans for the rest of the day.
"I think I'm going to search for some materials for my satchel's subspace expansion," He told them with a nonchalant shrug. "I've got a few ideas I want to try." ‘And besides, my new Poketory is really a one trick pony so this will be a necessity.’
"I'm going to see if I can bug my brothers for any more training tips," Senpei said with a grin.
"I'm going to keep training with Snivy," Ivy said. "There's a lot we want to work on. We are just starting so there's a lotta ideas I wanna try out, you boys have fun with your plans though."
"Welp good luck, you two!" Ishi called out as they began to part ways.
"Yeah, see you both tomorrow!" Senpei added.
"See ya later!" Ivy waved, turning back to her training.
With their spirits high and their goals set, Ishi, Senpei, and Ivy headed off in different directions.