The moonlight cast an ethereal glow over the village, illuminating the rooftops and pathways with a silver sheen. The ninja, cloaked in shadows, remained undetected, or at least that’s what he believed, his senses attuned to every rustle of leaves and distant murmur. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and earth, a reminder of the natural barrier that protected the village from the outside world. As he watched Ishi and Mr. Suru, the ninja felt a twinge of envy - at the sheer talent and potential at such a young age.

From his vantage point, the ninja could see the soft, warm light spilling from the windows of the workshop, casting long shadows across the front path. Inside, Ishi’s animated gestures and Mr. Suru’s contemplative nods painted a picture of a mentor-student relationship rooted in mutual respect and admiration. The scene was almost idyllic, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within the ninja’s own organisation.

The ninja's presence was masked by the techniques of concealment and silence, honed to perfection over years of training. He watched intently through a small gap in the thatched roof, his eyes fixed on Ishi and Mr. Suru as they worked inside alongside one another.

The ninja's internal dialogue was a mix of curiosity and calculation. He had been given strict orders to monitor the boy, Ishi Sukauto along with the old man Mr. Suru, and report back any significant developments. The recent activity surrounding Ishi had piqued the interest of his superiors in the Ninja Corps, and it was clear why. He was reportedly undefeated in both pokemon battle and one on one combat, which was an almost unheard of record within the academy.

‘So this is the boy everyone's talking about,’ the ninja thought, his eyes narrowing as he observed Ishi's focused expression. ‘He's already managed to craft subspace satchels at such a young age. His potential is remarkable. Though this is only craftsmanship, which isn’t one of the criteria, the leader feels a Ninja should focus on all that much.’

He shifted slightly, ensuring his concealment remained flawless. The ninja's orders were clear: assess the boy's threat level and determine the necessity of his recruitment into the Ninja Corps. The organisation was always on the lookout for promising individuals who could be moulded into powerful assets.

‘The old man's not just humouring him. He's genuinely impressed. That's saying something.’ The ninja's gaze flickered to Mr. Suru, who was scrutinising the satchels with an expression of astonishment and approval.

The ninja couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for Ishi. ‘He's got talent, no doubt about it. And that Froakie... a shiny variant? That's a rare find. He’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.’

As he continued to watch, the ninja's mind raced with possibilities. If Ishi's skills continued to develop at this rate, he could become a formidable force. The potential to harness such talent for the Ninja Corps was tantalising, but there were risks involved. Ishi's close ties to his family and the village could and would certainly complicate matters.

‘Recruitment will need to be handled delicately,’ he mused, his eyes never leaving the boy. ‘It might be challenging to sway him to our cause, not completely impossible though, geniuses can be swayed with certain promises if those promises are enticing enough.’

The ninja shifted his position slightly, ensuring he remained undetected. He watched as Mr. Suru and Ishi exchanged a handshake, sealing their agreement. Ishi's enthusiasm was palpable, and the ninja could sense the pride radiating from the young boy.

‘He's already making connections and gaining favour with influential figures. His threat level is rising. If we can't recruit him, he could become a significant obstacle, more so than he likey already is anyway.’

As Ishi and Percy left the workshop, the ninja's eyes followed them until they disappeared into the night. He remained still for a few moments longer, processing the information he had gathered. The orders were clear, but the execution would require finesse and patience.

‘I need to report back. The higher-ups will want to know about this. Ishi Sukauto is becoming more than just a talented child. He's a potential game-changer.’

With a final glance at the now-empty workshop, the ninja slipped away, his movements as silent as the night itself. The shadows seemed to embrace him as he vanished into the darkness, leaving no trace of his presence. The wheels of the Ninja Corps were in motion.

***

The night had settled in, a blanket of darkness punctuated by the soft glow of lanterns hanging from the eaves of the workshop. Mr. Suru took a deep breath, inhaling the cool night air mixed with the lingering scent of wood shavings and metal filings. The stillness of the evening was a stark contrast to the bustling activity inside his mind, filled with thoughts of Ishi’s incredible potential and the dark undercurrents of the village’s political landscape.

Mr. Suru’s eyes, though weary with age, sparkled with a renewed sense of purpose. The old Bisharp in the corner stirred slightly, its metallic armour glinting in the dim light. The workshop, filled with tools and half-finished projects, felt like a sanctuary - a place where the worries of the outside world could be momentarily forgotten. Yet, the presence of that ninja who was trying to meld into the shadows earlier weighed heavily on his mind.

Mr. Suru stood at the doorway of his workshop, watching as Ishi and Percy disappeared into the night. The cool evening air wrapped around him, carrying the sounds of the village settling into its nightly rhythm. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, the faint traces of a smile lingering on his lips.

"Man, that child... he could have the highest potential of any child I have ever seen," he muttered to himself, shaking his head in wonder. "If I'm not mistaken, his aura capacity increased just from talking to me. Haa, it seems this old man has gained a reason to stick around a little longer. At least until he leaves on his journey that is."

He stood there for a few more moments, the weight of his thoughts grounding him in place. The world seemed both larger and smaller, filled with the promise of Ishi's potential and the shadows of lurking dangers. He turned his head slightly, sensing the presence that had just departed from the roof.

"That guy didn't feel like any of the Chief's men," Mr. Suru thought, his eyes narrowing. "I'll have to talk to Hanzo about this..."

With a resigned sigh, he turned back to his workshop, still holding the subspace satchel in his hands. The craftsmanship was impeccable, a testament to Ishi's dedication and skill. "I can't believe he actually completed my old work from back when I was a Kid Genin. Remarkable... don't you think?"

He directed his question to the old Bisharp that lay in the corner, who had seemingly returned to its snoozing. The Bisharp's eyes flickered open briefly, offering a small scoff in response before closing again. Mr. Suru chuckled, the sound warm and filled with pride.

"Yeah, I agree, remarkable," he said, his smile widening.

He wandered back into the workshop, his mind drifting to the requests Ishi had made. The gloves designed to hold a special stone, the saddles for future mount Pokémon - these were no small tasks. Mr. Suru found himself scoffing at how easily he had agreed to help.

"How old have I gotten to become so soft?" he mused, shaking his head. "That boy... he's got a way about him, that's for sure." ‘And the stone he’s talking about… that’s highly secret Ninja knowledge, I’d be surprised if Haku even knew. So if what he is implying means what I think it means… how on earth did he come across this information?’ He frowned slightly at the question he couldn’t answer.

As he set the satchel down and began to tidy up, his mind drifted back to the shadowy figure that had been watching them. The unease settled in his gut, a reminder that the world was always shifting, always changing. But for now, in this moment, Mr. Suru found comfort in the simple act of creation, in the promise of a new generation rising to meet the challenges ahead.

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"Haa," he sighed again, a mixture of weariness and resolve. "Guess I'll just have to stick around and see what happens next."

With that, he turned off the lights in the workshop, leaving the faint glow of the moonlight to illuminate the space. The night was calm, but the undercurrents of change were unmistakable. And in the quiet of the workshop, Mr. Suru felt a sense of peace, knowing that he had a part to play in the unfolding story of Ishi Sukauto.

***

The forest was alive with the sounds of nocturnal Pokemon, the rustle of leaves and distant calls creating a symphony of the night. The ninja moved through this natural concert with practised ease, his footsteps silent against the forest floor. Each shadow seemed to beckon him forward, a reminder of his mission and the stakes involved. The path he took was winding and treacherous, known only to a select few within the Ninja Corps.

As he approached the rendezvous point, the ninja’s senses sharpened. The clearing, bathed in the soft light of the moon, appeared serene but was filled with an underlying tension. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, a stark contrast to the sterile, controlled environment of the village. The ninja’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one laced with the gravity of his report and the potential consequences.

His steps were as light as a whisper in the wind. The moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting a patchwork of shadows on the ground. His mind raced with thoughts of the report he was about to deliver and the implications of Ishi Sukauto's potential.

‘Ishi's threat level and need for recruitment have increased significantly,’ he thought once again, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. ‘The boy's intelect capacity alone is remarkable, and with his crafting skills... he's a force to be reckoned with.*

He thought about Shigeru, the spy they had planted in the academy. ‘We need to gather more information on the individuals of interest. Shigeru's reports have been useful, but we need more. We need to understand their strengths, their weaknesses, and how we can manipulate them to our advantage.’

The ninja's thoughts then turned to the Chief, Hanzo. ‘Things would go a lot smoother if the Chief would stop getting in the way of our plans, even if it's seemingly unintentional. He's always one step ahead, always managing to thwart us at the last moment.’

He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. ‘And then there's Haku, the Chief's right-hand man. Leading him into a trap could be the key to breaking the village's defences. But it's going to be hard to recruit Ishi if anything happens to his father. They're close, and Haku is the only ninja in the village with a Kingambit. It's going to be a costly battle if it comes to that.’

As he approached the rendezvous point, a small clearing hidden deep within the forest, he sensed his contact waiting for him. The ninja stepped into the clearing, his eyes locking onto the figure standing in the shadows.

"Report," the contact said, his voice low and gravelly.

"Ishi Sukauto's threat level has increased," the ninja began, keeping his voice steady. "He's shown remarkable skill in crafting subspace satchels, something even experienced crafters struggle with. His intelect capacity is also noteworthy."

The contact nodded, absorbing the information. "And the boy's connections? Any potential allies or obstacles?"

"He's close to his father, Haku. If anything happens to Haku, it will prove difficult to recruit Ishi. The boy's also well-liked in the academy, and his friends, Ivy and Senpei, show potential as well, even if it’s not quite on the same level as Ishi. We need to keep a close eye on them."

"Shigeru's reports?" the contact asked.

"They've been useful, but we need more detailed information. We need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these individuals if we want to manipulate them effectively."

The contact grunted in acknowledgment. "And the Chief?"

The ninja sighed. "The Chief continues to be a problem. He has an uncanny ability to thwart our plans. We'll need to find a way to neutralise his influence without drawing too much attention."

The contact considered this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Continue your surveillance and report any further developments. And be careful. We can't afford any mistakes."

With a final nod, the ninja melted back into the shadows, his mind already racing with plans and strategies. He took a different route back to the village, ensuring he left no trace of his presence. The night was quiet, but the undercurrents of danger and intrigue were palpable.

As he moved silently through the forest, his thoughts remained focused on the task at hand. Ishi Sukauto was becoming a significant player in the future unfolding drama, and the ninja knew that every step, every decision, could tip the balance in their favour or lead to their downfall. The game was just beginning, and the stakes had never before been higher.

***

The cave was a labyrinth of stone corridors and hidden chambers, the walls covered in markings that spoke of a time this cave was used as a training ground. Torches flickered, casting dancing shadows that seemed to whisper in the darkness. The air was cool and damp, a stark contrast to the heated discussions taking place within. Each masked ninja, an almost silent sentinel, contributed to the atmosphere of near calculated menace that seemed to permeated the space.

Kagetomo’s presence was commanding, his Haxorus mask adding an air of intimidation to his already formidable demeanour. The table around which they gathered was rough-hewn from the very rock of the cave, used as a symbol for their enduring strength and resilience. And as the ninjas debated and strategized, the air was charged with a palpable tension, each word became a potential trigger for action and reaction.

In the dim, flickering torchlight of a hidden cave, Kagetomo sat, resting his head on his fist as he watched over the debate from the head of the stone table, his expression inscrutable behind the menacing mask. Heidayu, wearing his distinctive Lairon mask, stood to his right, while other masked ninja of the corps filled the chamber.

The contact, that the ninja whom had observed Ishi and Mr. Suru earlier, knelt before Kagetomo, having just delivered his report and the cause of the raucous discussion. Kagetomo’s eyes, hidden behind the mask, gleamed with interest as he considered the implications and the ideas being voiced by the officers.

"So, the boy's potential continues to grow," Kagetomo mused, his voice a low rumble that echoed off the cave walls. "And with a shiny Froakie, no less. How interesting."

Heidayu nodded thoughtfully. "His crafting skills are remarkable, even if it's not a quality we particularly look for in our recruits, especially for his age. If we can recruit him, he could be a valuable asset."

"Recruitment will not be easy," another masked ninja, wearing a Sharpedo mask, interjected. "The boy is closely tied to his father and the village. We need to approach this delicately."

Kagetomo's fingers drummed on the table. "What about the possibility of neutralising Haku? He remains a significant threat to our operations."

The room fell silent as the ninjas considered this. Heidayu spoke first, his tone cautious. "A frontal assault on Haku is too risky. His Kingambit alone would make such an endeavour costly, and if we fail, the village’s vigilance will increase exponentially."

A ninja in a Bisharp mask leaned forward. "What if we lure him into a trap? Isolate him from the village and his allies. We could then either eliminate or capture him."

Kagetomo shook his head. "The risk remains high. Haku is not easily fooled, and any overt action might alert the Chief. My master is many things, but a fool is not one of them. If we come up with a plan it has to be a plan that weakens them without drawing immediate suspicion or a reduction in our own forces. Which is unlikely with our current forces."

Hearing this Heidayu crossed his arms, thinking. "We should focus on increasing our power base first. Recruit more ninja, strengthen our ranks, and gather intelligence. Simultaneously, we can look for opportunities to subtly undermine Haku and the village’s defences. Ishi has to be put off for now, besides if we complete our plan he will become a part of our forces when Kagetomo becomes Chief."

Kagetomo nodded slowly. "I agree. Patience is key. We must weaken our opponents while avoiding any sacrifices that would tip our hand. We cannot afford to escalate the conflict until we are completely certain of our victory."

A ninja in a Golbat mask chimed in, her voice thoughtful. "What about the other children in Ishi's class? If we can identify and target those who might become threats or assets, we could strategically influence their development."

Kagetomo's eyes gleamed with approval. "Yes, we should gather more intelligence on Ishi’s classmates. If any of them show promise, we can consider recruitment. And those who pose a threat... well, we can deal with them accordingly."

The ninja in the Sharpedo mask leaned back, his posture relaxed. "Shigeru's reports have been useful, but we need more detailed information. We need to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and potential loyalties."

Kagetomo’s voice was decisive. "Continue the surveillance. Report any developments immediately. We must stay ahead of the village’s defences and be ready to strike when the time is right."

The room buzzed with quiet determination. Each ninja understood the stakes and the delicate balance they needed to maintain. The shadows on the cave walls seemed to pulse with the weight of their plans and the tension of the decisions yet to come.

As the meeting concluded, Kagetomo stood, his presence becoming even more commanding. "Remember, we are the future of this village. We will reclaim our rightful place, but we must be smart, strategic, and relentless. Dismissed."

The ninjas dispersed silently, their minds already working on the tasks ahead. Kagetomo and Heidayu remained, discussing finer details of their plans in hushed tones. The cave, with its ancient stone walls and the faint echo of dripping water, seemed to hold its breath, a silent witness to the machinations within.

Kagetomo's eyes, hidden behind his mask, narrowed as he gazed into the shadows. "One day soon," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. "When we will make our move. The village will be ours."