The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew-covered leaves and the distant echo of morning birdsong.
Ishi, clad in his dark blue and black ninja garb, melded seamlessly with the shadowy underbrush of the forest path that led to their usual meeting spot. He moved silently, a grin spreading across his face as he closed in on his unsuspecting friends.
Senpei and Ivy were deep in conversation, oblivious to Ishi’s approach.
"He’s late again," Senpei grumbled, pacing back and forth. "Ishi knows weekends are for fun. The sooner we start, the longer we can play."
Ivy, arms crossed, was just about to respond when Ishi decided it was the perfect moment to strike. Springing from his cover with all the dramatic flair he could muster, he shouted, "MWAHAHAHA!!”
With pinpoint accuracy, his head connected with the small of Senpei's back, sending the boy tumbling forward into a heap of leaves.
Ivy, startled by the sudden chaos, let out a yelp and tried to leap away. But Ishi was already on the move, his laughter bubbling up as he spun around and swept his leg in a quick, fluid motion, knocking Ivy’s feet from under her. She landed with an oof on her back, staring up at the sky in disbelief.
Standing triumphant, Ishi lifted his chin to the sky and called out, "Ahhhh, revenge! This is life!" His laughter filled the air, contagious and bright.
He glanced back at Senpei and Ivy, both of whom were now sitting up with disgruntled looks plastered across their faces. "Come on," Ishi called over his shoulder, already jogging backward down the path. "The sooner we get going, the sooner the fun starts!"
His words sparked a pair of outraged cries from his friends as they scrambled to their feet and gave chase. Ishi’s maniacal laughter echoed through the village, turning the heads of amused villagers as the trio raced past.
After their raucous start in the village, Ishi, Senpei, and Ivy made their way to the sprawling hay fields that bordered the Village centre. The wide, open space was a perfect playground for young ninjas to hone their skills away from watchful eyes.
The air was filled with the rustle of dry hay as the three friends set up their informal training ground. Senpei, always eager to showcase his flair, took the lead. “Watch this,” he said, his voice thick with excitement. He performed the 'Ninja Leaf Shroud' with a flourish, vanishing momentarily in a swirl of leaves that seemed to conjure from nowhere, only to reappear several feet away, grinning triumphantly.
Ivy rolled her eyes playfully at Senpei’s antics but was quick to demonstrate her own specialty. She focused intently, her expression one of deep concentration. With a swift gesture, she executed a 'Ninja Body Switch,' her form blurring momentarily before swapping places with a nearby scarecrow. “Efficiency and surprise,” she declared, her tone proud but composed as she rejoined the group.
Ishi watched his friends, a mixture of admiration and resolve lighting his features. He knew his own skills were more rounded but less spectacular.
Taking a deep breath, Ishi moved to a clear spot and started with the 'Ninja Water Spout.' With a series of hand signs, he managed to summon a small column of water from a nearby bucket, though it was significantly less impressive than what his friends were able to achieve.
Confirmed. Quest Progression:
You have been born into the Ninja Village, Learn And Master All Ninja Nature Tricks!
Rewards: 50 Exp Per Learned Trick, 1000 Exp per Mastery, Sub-Class (One-With-Nature).
Progress:
Ninja Water Spout - 10%
Ninja Flicker Step - 9%
Ninja Dust Storm - 7%
Ninja Wind Rush - 7%
Ninja Fire Ball - 9%
Ninja Body Switch - 5%
Ninja Leaf Shroud - 8%
He then transitioned into 'Ninja Flicker Step,' a rapid movement technique. Ishi’s form blurred slightly as he moved, not nearly as fast or as stealthy as he would have liked, but enough to draw a nod from Senpei.
"Not bad, Ishi," Senpei called out, “But watch your form on the landing!”
Ishi tried a few more: 'Ninja Dust Storm' stirred up a cloud of dust that was more a puff than a storm; 'Ninja Wind Rush' generated a gentle breeze rather than the powerful gust he intended; and his 'Ninja Fire Ball' was more of a spark than a blaze. Despite the modest outcomes, Ishi remained undeterred.
As he practised, Ishi explained his philosophy to his friends. “I know it's not as flashy as focusing on one and making it perfect. But by learning a little of each, I’m building a foundation. One day, I’ll be able to combine them, make something new, something uniquely mine.”
Confirmed. Quest Created:
You have Acknowledged Your Philosophy To Those You Cherish, Prove Yourself And Be One Of The Elite Ninja To Create Their Own Ninja Trick!
(Requires full Mastery Of All Ninja Nature Tricks)
Rewards: 1000 Exp Per Newly Created Trick, 10000 Exp Per Mastered Created Trick.
Accept: Y/N
Ishi read through the new quest that had flashed in front of his eyes and couldn't help but grin, even his eyes were smiling. He quickly accepted the quest and thought how useful this quest would be once he had mastered all ninja nature tricks. Though it wouldn’t help him at the moment it will definitely help him immensely in the long run, which was perfect for Ishi’s goals.
Senpei slapped him on the back, mirroring his grin and replying "That’s the spirit, Ishi! Being a jack-of-all-trades isn’t bad. It’s like being ready for anything! Although I’m still gonna focus on my favourite."
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Ivy nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It’s true. Versatility could be just as powerful as specialisation, in the right hands. It Just happens that you’re both the wrong hands!” punctuating her statement with a playful tongue poke.
This lightened the mood considerably as both Ishi and Senpei took offence to this furiously denying her with Ivy just sticking her fingers in her ears and running off saying “Can’t hear you! Can’t hear you!”
***
Hours of relentless practice and playful challenges later, Ishi, Senpei, and Ivy lay sprawled across the soft, sun-warmed grass of the hay fields, their bodies spent but spirits high. They stared up at the sky, watching the clouds drift lazily above them, shapes morphing slowly as they floated by.
Confirmed. Rigorous Training Has Been Witnessed!
Rewards: +1 Dexterity
Catching his breath, Ishi dismissed the notification with a smile and turned his head towards his friends, his voice filled with determination. “One day, I’m going to stand at the top of the world, as a Champion, and I’m going to protect everyone from the shadows.”
Senpei followed this declaration with his own “One day, I’m gonna be strong enough to stand beside my brothers, defending our village. I want to be someone they can rely on in times of crisis, someone who doesn’t back down.”
Ivy smiled, her gaze still fixed on a particularly fluffy cloud. “I want to explore, see what’s beyond our village. My mom’s travels always sounded so exciting. I hope to meet lots of different Pokémon and maybe find a few that can become part of our village life, help out like mom’s partners do.”
The clouds seemed to spark inspiration in Ishi as he listened to his friends. “I want to travel too, but all around the world. Learn everything I can about being a ninja and a trainer. I want to catch a whole family of Pokémon to share the journey with. I’m going to become the strongest,” he declared with a grin, his eyes twinkling with the vastness of his ambition.
Ivy giggled at his fervour, while Senpei sent him a challenging glare, the competitive spark clearly ignited. “You’ll have to get past me first,” Senpei retorted with a mock growl.
The friendly banter was a comfortable rhythm, but Ishi was eager to share more. “Actually, I’ve got a plan to start on that path sooner than later. I’m going to make my own Pokéballs. Just like Mr Suru showed us in school. I want to prove to the elders that I’m ready to start interacting with Pokémon… And hopefully get my partner sooner.”
His announcement was met with a moment of stunned silence. Senpei sat up, his previous fatigue forgotten, his expression a mix of surprise and intrigue. “Seriously? That’s... actually really cool, Ishi.”
Ivy’s eyes widened with admiration. “That sounds amazing, Ishi! But it’s going to be hard, you know. The elders are strict about the traditions.”
“I know,” Ishi nodded, sitting up and meeting their gazes with a fierce determination. “But I’ve got to try. It’s the first step to realising my dream.”
Moved by his resolve, Senpei clapped a hand on Ishi's shoulder. “Then you’ll have our help, right, Ivy?”
“Of course,” Ivy agreed readily, her usual calm demeanour brightened by excitement. “Whatever you need, we’re with you.”
Grateful for their support, Ishi felt a rush of warmth for his friends. “Thanks, you guys. I’m really gonna need it.”
They spent a while longer under the sky, talking excitedly about the future, each dream weaving into the next. As the shadows lengthened and the first stars began to twinkle in the evening sky, they made their way back to the village, their hearts full of plans and promises.
***
Ishi burst through the door of his home with the boundless energy that only a day filled with adventure and dreams could bring. His mother, Shion, was in the kitchen, the sounds and smells of dinner preparation filling the warm space.
"Hey, Mum!" Ishi called out, dropping his gear by the door and rushing over to where she stood by the stove.
"Hello, Ishi," Shion said with a smile, turning from the pot she was stirring. "How was your day?”
"It was awesome! We practised our ninja techniques, and I even told Senpei and Ivy about my Pokéball plan!" Ishi's enthusiasm was palpable as he helped himself to a piece of chopped vegetable and popped it into his mouth.
Shion laughed softly, her eyes crinkling at the edges. "I’m glad you had fun. And I have some good news too. Today I was in the village square, where Chief Hanzo was announcing the storm coming tomorrow, and I made sure to gather all the materials you'll need to make your Pokéballs. This way, you'll have plenty to keep you busy while the storm passes.”
Ishi's eyes lit up as he turned to see a satchel resting on the nearby chair, bulging with various materials. Rushing over, he peeked inside, his imagination already running wild with the possibilities.
Confirmed. Quest Created:
The Materials have been Collected By Your Loving Mother, Put these Materials to good use!
Rewards: 100 Exp Per Created Pokeball, Unlocking Of The Aura Stat.
Accept: Y/N
As he read through the new quest that had appeared in front of him he was shocked and delighted by what he saw for the rewards, ‘Unlocking Of The Aura Stat!!?’, ‘I’ve been trying to unlock that ever since I came to this world with absolutely no luck!!’ He quickly accepted the quest.
In ishi’s first years in this world, where he had been confined to his cot, he had tried all he could; meditation, training his spacial awareness, even that one near death experience when he’d climbed over the side of his cot and fallen over the edge only to be caught by his mums ninja reflexes hadn’t unlocked his aura stat. And when he had gotten old enough to be taught the ninja nature tricks by Mrs Tanoshi he had thought that he would unlock the stat as these may require him to use aura, unfortunately he had no such luck with this either.
So to suddenly see the reward for this quest to be the unlocking of the stat he was absolutely elated. The only thing that confused him was how the creation of pokeballs even related to aura in the first place, although he didn’t dare question it for fear that the Champion's system would take it back.
"Mum, you’re the best!" he exclaimed, wrapping Shion in a tight hug.
Shion hugged him back, her heart full at her son’s happiness. "Anything to help you follow your dreams, my dear.”
Together, they set about finishing the dinner preparations. Not long after, Haku walked in, greeted by Ishi’s excited chatter about the materials and his plans for the next day.
"Look, Dad! Mum got everything I needed! I can’t wait to start!" Ishi beamed, holding up pieces of apricorn shells and other crafting essentials such as tumblestones and various pliable metals that are used to create the contraption inside the pokeballs.
Haku exchanged a knowing smile with Shion over Ishi's head, pride and a hint of amusement mingling in his expression. "Well, it sounds like you’re all set for a productive day tomorrow, Ishi. I look forward to seeing what you create."
The family sat down to dinner, filling the room with laughter and stories of their day. Ishi talked animatedly, his energy seemingly endless until the plates were cleared and bedtime neared.
By the time Ishi climbed into bed, his body was exhausted from the day's activities, but his mind buzzed with anticipation for the crafting he would begin tomorrow. As he was falling to sleep he quickly checked his status screen and the rewards he had yet to accept.
Name:
Will Ranger/Ishi Sukauto
Level:
3
150/400 Exp
Class:
N/A
Sub-Class:
N/A
Strength:
5
Dexterity:
7 -> 8
Constitution:
3
Aura:
N/A
Mana:
N/A
Abilities:
Appraisal - Multilingual
Available Points:
9
Rewards: +1 Dexterity
He accepted the reward and saw his Dexterity increase and felt his body change slightly to accommodate his new found flexibility, smiling at this he closed his status along with his eyes. And as sleep finally claimed him, his last thoughts were of Pokéballs and the adventures they would one day enable.