Rather monotonously three months passed.

The morning light filtered through the thin paper windows, casting a warm, golden hue across Ishi’s bedroom. The gentle rustling of leaves outside mixed with the distant chatter of villagers starting their day. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh dew filled the air, creating a serene backdrop for Ishi's bubbling excitement. His room, though small, was a sanctuary of personal achievements and aspirations. The walls adorned with meticulously crafted ninja tools and ancient scrolls spoke of countless hours of dedication and practice.

Ishi awoke to the soft chime of a notification from the system, his eyes fluttering open as the message materialised before him. He blinked a few times to clear the haze of sleep from his vision and then read the words, his heart skipping a beat.

Progress:

Otherworldly Aura Cultivation Technique - 90.08%

Rewards: + 1 Stat Point To Aura

A broad smile spread across his face as the weight of the achievement sank in. He could feel a surge of joy welling up within him, his heart pounding with excitement. "This is perfect timing, Percy," he whispered, glancing over at his partner. ‘Man, nothing like a quick boost to the aura reserves to wake you up in the morning.’ He thought, with a rueful smile blooming across his face.

And as he then glanced outside, he could see the rooftops of the village bathed in the soft glow of dawn, each tile glistening with the morning dew. The distant calls of Pidgey and the soft cooing of Fletchling added a harmonious soundtrack to the peaceful scene. Percy, with his pristine white Froakie skin, mirrored the bright morning with his own croaks. The two shared a silent understanding, an understanding forged through countless training sessions and a now shared dream. The room felt almost electric with their shared determination and the promise of a day filled with challenges and triumphs.

Percy, now somewhat awake, was mirroring his enthusiasm and melancholy, nodded in agreement. The two of them were almost in sync, their bond now seemed so strong that they moved as one. ‘Boy, if I could tell the old me all that I’ve been getting up to and have planned… Oh he’d be so jealous.’ He snickered to himself while Percy croaked softly, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Today is the day of the mid-term assessments for the advanced class at the academy," He continued allowed, stretching his arms above his head. "We've trained so hard for this." ‘Way too hard according to my parents.. But hey what have parents ever been right about? It’s common sense that the eight year old is fully in the right!’ With a firm nod he stroked Perceus’s he’d in just the right spot , earning himself a few happy coles that never failed to warm his heart.

He glanced around his bedroom, taking in the new familiar sights. The walls and desk were adorned with new ninja scrolls, most were based on the theory and practical notes of his studies in the various fields the academy had been teaching him in the four months since joining the academy. But the rest were various materials and results of his recent tinkering in creating a weighted set of anklets and bracelets for Percy, a testament to his dual passions, based off of his very own weighted clothing straps he wears at all times on his arms and legs.

Countless hours spent studying, practising, and stressing had certainly made his desk cluttered, he could barely make out the actual desk underneath at this point.

The contrast with the scene outside was so starkly different it was a wonder it made him feel so at home and peaceful, especially with his favourite, though still distant, sounds of the village coming to life.

"Can you believe it's already been three months?" He asked Percy, who croaked back in response, as if sharing in the disbelief and also a little relief that the day they had been working so hard for had finally arrived . "These months have flown by, haven't they? Between school classes and our personal training, we've made so much progress."

But with a small wince at the thought of all those damn laps around the training grounds that, at first, had left him with blisters on his feet. And the absolutely ridiculous idea he had come up with to boost his growth with climbing up a rock wall with almost no safety net. ‘Ya know even I can admit that was kinda dumb, if only the system didn’t seem to like to reward me when I do dumb stuff.’

When he’d come up with the idea he had been thinking about the coming of age ceremony when he had fallen down the ravine and how if he hadn’t been somehow teleported/transported/transmitted ,or whatever that Greninja had done to him, he’d have been well and truly screwed. So, of course logically he decided to train for such an event recurring… Right? Well apparently even his sensei thought it was a little overkill, the only problem was when he’d finally completed his first run he’d immediately been met with a quest and a reward he couldn’t just pass up. In short, [Climb this ridiculously high wall + Increase the weights worn gradually + lower the time it takes to climb = delicious stat points + a little Exp as a bonus] So of course he had accepted… and yeah these three months had both been rewarding but also a small kind of hell.

‘But it’s all worth it when you look at this,’ he thought as he pulled up his Status window, eager to see the now complete fruits of his labour. The glowing interface displayed his stats, each one significantly higher than it had been three months ago. His strength, agility, and constitution had all seen substantial gains, but it was his aura that stood out the most. The hellish training regimen he'd put himself through had clearly paid off, especially considering his steady progress in the ‘Otherworldly Aura Cultivation Technique’.

Name:

Will Ranger/Ishi Sukauto

Level:

11

8140/17500 Exp

Class:

Kid Genin

Sub-Class:

One-With-Nature

Strength:

26 (27.04)

Dexterity:

24 (24.96)

Constitution:

15 (15.6)

Aura:

12 (12.48)

Mana:

N/A

Abilities:

Appraisal - Multilingual - Poketory

Available Points:

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

37

"Oh yeah! We're so ready, Percy," He said, his voice filled with determination and joy. "Today's the day we show everyone what we've been working towards." ‘All those who laughed at me… you’ll soon regret it’ he thought, the Evil smile blooming as he recalled the faces of those that had scoffed and laughed at his over the top training.

With a final stretch, he finally rose from his bed, feeling the familiar tingle of anticipation coursing through his veins. The day was just beginning, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As he and Percy prepared to leave the room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement for what the future held. The mid-term assessments were just the next step on their journey, and he was more than ready to take it. ‘We’re gonna crush it!’ he thought with a smirk.

"Let's go, Percy," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "Today's the day we prove ourselves."

So, after he got dressed, with no small amount of reverance given what they could potentially achieve in todays exams tied his forehead protector tight around his head. Then, two of them moved in near perfect harmony with one another, with their steps light and their spirits high. The world outside awaited them, filled with opportunities and challenges alike. And as they ventured forth, Ishi felt a deep sense of confidence and excitement, knowing that together, they could achieve anything.

***

Ishi and Percy descended the stairs, their excitement palpable. As they reached the bottom, they were greeted by the familiar and comforting sight of his parents, Haku and Shion, seated at the breakfast table. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm, golden light across the room, making the wooden surfaces gleam and adding a cosy glow to the entire space.

Haku looked up from his plate, a broad smile spreading across his face as he saw his son. "Good morning, Ishi. Percy," he greeted warmly. His eyes twinkled with pride as he took in the sight of his son, who had grown taller and more toned over the past three months. "You look ready to take on the world today." ‘Was it really not yesterday that Shion told me she was pregnant? Haa, time sure flies.’ he thought with a nostalgic smile on his face.

Shion, who was busy setting down a steaming pot of tea, turned and beamed at them. "Good morning, my cuties. Have you been sleeping hard?" she asked, though the answer was evident in their confident demeanors.

Ishi felt a surge of warmth at his parents' words. ‘They've always been so supportive,’ he thought, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Good morning, Dad, Mom," he replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "We've been training non-stop, so yeah we certainly slept like rocks last night. Today’s the mid-term assessments, and I think we’re ready."

Percy croaked in agreement, his bright eyes reflecting the same determination. He hopped onto a chair, his pristine white skin a testament to his unique and shiny status. Haku and Shion exchanged a glance, both marvelling at how much their son and his partner had grown.

Haku’s mind wandered as he watched his son. ‘He’s come so far in such a short time. I can hardly believe this is the same boy who was just starting at the academy a few months ago.’ His thoughts were filled with pride and a hint of nostalgia from his earlier thoughts, remembering the early days of Ishi’s training in Mrs. Tanoshi’s classroom.

Shion, too, was lost in thought for a moment. ‘Ishi’s not just growing physically, but he’s also maturing in ways I didn’t expect so soon. His dedication and perseverance are truly remarkable. I knew I was raising a genius!’ She felt a deep sense of contentment and pure joy in knowing that her son was on the right path, even if it was certainly going to be filled with challenges.

They all soon sat down to breakfast, the room filled with the delicious aroma of fresh food. Plates of eggs, rice, and grilled fish were passed around, accompanied by bowls of steaming miso soup. The family Pokémon, Talonflame, Kingambit, Weavile, Croagunk, and Sudowoodo, each had their own meals and greeted Ishi and Percy with affectionate gestures.

Percy and Weavile, always competitive, quickly turned their breakfast into a race. Weavile, with its nimble claws, made quick work of its meal, while Percy struggled to keep up, even if this time the race was far closer than it had been just three months ago, causing him to chuckle at the sight.

Haku watched the interaction with a smile. "You’ve both grown so much," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Not just in strength, but in spirit too. It’s clear you’re both ready for today’s challenges."

Shion nodded in agreement. "Remember, Ishi, no matter what happens, we’re proud of you. And Percy, you’re a remarkable young ninja. You’ve both worked so hard."

Ishi felt a swell of emotion at his parents’ words. He looked around the table, at the faces of his loving family and their Pokémon, and felt a deep sense of gratitude. "Thanks, Mom, Dad. We won’t let you down."

As breakfast came to an end, he and Percy prepared to leave for the academy. Haku and Shion walked with them to the door, their faces glowing with pride and love. "Do your best," Haku said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And remember, we’re always here for you."

Shion leaned down to pull Ishi into a family hug with herself and Haku, her voice soft and reassuring. "Good luck today. I know you’ll do great. And don’t forget, no matter the outcome, we’re proud of you."

Ishi hugged his mum and dad back tightly, feeling their warmth and strength. "Thanks, Mom. I’ll make you proud." The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the scent of pine and blooming flowers.

With Percy by his side, Ishi waved goodbye to his father and the other family Pokémon, who all chirped, croaked, and growled their farewells. He and Shion then began their walk to the academy, the morning air cool and refreshing. The path was familiar, with him swearing he could make this walk while blindfolded after being thrown into a whirlpool attack, lined with trees whose leaves rustled gently in the breeze.

The village around them was now getting into full swing and coming to life, with shopkeepers opening their stores and other villagers going about their daily routines. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted nuts wafted through the air, making Ishi's stomach grumble slightly despite the hearty breakfast he had just enjoyed. He chuckled and patted his stomach. "We’ll grab a snack later, Percy," he promised, earning an extremely enthusiastic croak of assent from his partner.

Laughter, the clinking of tools, and the occasional chirping of wild Pokémon from the surrounding trees. The familiar sights and sounds brought a sense of comfort and anticipation, a reminder of the supportive community they were a part of. It was a scene of calm and normalcy, a stark contrast to the excitement bubbling within Ishi. He looked up at his mother, who walked with purpose and confidence. She was an inspiration, a reminder of what he could achieve with hard work and dedication, along with his father.

Finally, the academy came into view, its imposing structure a symbol of the challenges and opportunities that awaited inside. Ishi felt a surge of determination. ‘This is it,’ he thought. ‘Time to show sensei what we’re really made of!’

With a final nod from his mother and a squeeze of his hand, he and Percy stepped through the gates of the academy, ready to face their mid-term assessments with everything they had. The day was just beginning, and the possibilities were endless.

***

The academy itself stood like a fortress at the base of the cliffside, its ancient stone walls a testament to the village's rich history, and to the new history he was about to write inside when he crushed this mid-term. The blend of old and new architecture created an imposing yet welcoming structure, which seemed to stand out even more today.

The courtyard was alive with activity as students from all years prepared for their own assessments. The leaves on the nearby trees rustled gently, and the scent of pine and earth was invigorating. The academy's large wooden doors, intricately carved with symbols of knowledge and strength, stood open, inviting them into a day filled with challenges and opportunities.

At the academy gates, Ishi saw his friends gathering. And as He and his friends gathered, the cool morning air became filled with their excited and nervous chatter. Senpei was already there, his Froakie perched on his shoulder, looking as eager as ever. Ivy was chatting animatedly with Ayame and Haruka, their partners - Fletchling and Spritzee - flitting around them.

"Hey, Ishi! Percy!" Senpei called out, waving them over. "Ready for today?"

He grinned at his seemingly nerve free best friend, his nervousness momentarily forgotten. "You bet! How about you guys?"

"Excited and a bit nervous," Ivy admitted, her Snivy coiling a little tighter around her arm. "But we’ve been training hard, so I’m confident we’ll do great."

Raion, with his Litleo at his feet, nodded. "Yeah, it’s just another challenge. We’ve all faced and completed sensei’s worst in training, right?" ‘Oh you son of a bitch!’ Ishi thought in alarm ‘You’ve just doomed us all!!’ And after giving a silent prayer to Arceus that his young friend didn’t know what he was saying and to disregard that last statement as if it never happened.

And so, as they walked towards the classroom, the group continued to chat, their camaraderie now far more evident in their playful teasing and banter. "Bet you can’t beat me in the obstacle course later, Ishi," Senpei challenged, his eyes gleaming with his ever competitive spirit.

"Oh, you’re on!" he shot back, his grin widening. "But don’t cry when Percy and I leave you in the dust!"

They all laughed, the sound easing some of the tension they still felt. And now despite the nerves, there was an undercurrent of excitement and determination in the air. They now all felt more certain that they were ready to prove themselves.

When they finally reached the classroom, their sensei, Mr. Monji, was waiting for them. His arms were crossed, and an absolutely sinister grin spread across his face. The sight made them all freeze in their tracks.

"Good morning, class, my dear students," Mr. Monji said, his voice carrying an obvious tone of mischief and just plain pure evil. "Ready for your mid-term assessments?"

A collective gulp echoed through the room. Ishi could feel the tension begin to rise once again as his classmates exchanged nervous glances. He glanced at Percy, who gave him an encouraging nod. ‘We’ve got this,’ he reminded himself, taking a deep breath.

Mr. Monji’s grin widened, and Ishi couldn’t help but think, ‘Oh shit, what has this bastard prepared for us!’ and with a vengeful glare at Raion he and the rest of his classmates took their seats.

The anticipation and fear mingled within him, but he knew they were ready to face whatever challenges came their way. After all, this was just another step on their journey to becoming true ninjas… Right?

The room buzzed with a mix of nervous energy and excitement. Ishi glanced around, taking in the previously determined but now fear covered faces of his friends and classmates. They were all here to prove themselves, to show how far they had come. And with Percy by his side, Ishi knew he was ready for whatever lay ahead.