The storm hit with a ferocity that made the sturdy walls of Ninja Village shudder. Outside Ishi's window, rain lashed against the glass, and lightning streaked across the dark morning sky, illuminating his room in brief, stark flashes. Despite the tumult, Ishi awoke seamlessly, his heart racing not from fear but from excitement. Today was the day he would begin crafting his own Pokéballs.
Confirmed. Quest Progression:
Haku And The Chief have important work They Need To Complete To Protect The Village.
Stay Out Of Their Way!
Reward: 50 Exp
With a brilliant smile breaking across his face, Ishi leaped out of bed. He hurriedly dressed, eager to start his day, and even used his rudimentary 'Ninja Flicker Step' to speed up causing him to move in a blur of movement, appearing downstairs in a fraction of the usual time. The house was still quiet; the rest of his family hadn't stirred yet, no doubt lulled by the rhythmic drumming of the rain.
Seizing the opportunity to surprise them with a prepared breakfast, whilst also using it as an opportunity to not so subtly thank them for the materials they got him the day before at the village market, Ishi set to work in the kitchen. He moved around with practised ease, pulling ingredients from shelves and preparing dishes. He knew exactly what everyone liked, including the family Pokémon.
Although he wasn’t officially allowed to have his own personal pokemon partner, interacting with his family’s Pokémon was perfectly allowed and he knew exactly what they enjoyed eating and couldn’t resist the chance to take care of them. For his mother’s Talonflame, he laid out a mix of spicy berries that would invigorate its fiery nature. For his father’s Bisharp, he prepared a hearty bowl of iron-rich nuts and small metallic bits that helped sharpen its steel body. His parents also had several other pokemon but he rarely got to interact with them as they were usually helping around the village or off in the village catacombs with the rest of their kind and family.
Once the Pokémon's food was set aside, Ishi prepared omletets for the family, humming a tune to match the rhythm of the rain. With breakfast ready and waiting on the table for his parents, he grabbed a quick bite for himself, his mind already racing ahead to the Pokéballs.
With his stomach filled and his energy replenished, Ishi snatched up the satchel full of materials his mother had gathered and raced back up to his room. The storm outside seemed to mirror the whirlwind of activity inside him as he laid out everything on his desk: Apricorns shells, tumblestones to reinforce the pokeballs exterior and interior, and the various strips of pliable metal.
He sat down, took a deep breath, and began. His hands were steady as he followed the instructions Mr. Suru had given, his mind focused solely on the task. Each component was handled with care, each step meticulously followed. Ishi was determined to make his first Pokéball not just functional but a testament to his capabilities and his dedication.
Confirmed. Quest Progression:
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.
Progress:
Pokeball - 2%
Outside, the storm raged on, but inside Ishi's room, there was only the quiet concentration of a young ninja set on forging his path, one careful, crafted piece at a time.
Progress:
Pokeball - 3%
***
As Haku and Shion descended the stairs that morning, they were greeted by the comforting sight of a well-prepared breakfast waiting on the table, and their Pokémon contentedly munching on their favourite foods. Ishi’s attention to detail and care, even in small matters, brought smiles to their faces.
“Talonflame, Bisharp, come looky what we have here” Haku called gently after taking a moment to appreciate the scene. The Pokémon obediently moved to his side, showing their respect and affection towards their owners. The family sat down to eat, the sound of the storm's fury a stark contrast to the warmth inside their home.
They dug into their prepared meal heartily whilst Haku began outlining his day to his most beloved wife. “I’ll need to assist Chief Hanzo today. We have to ensure the village’s safety and manage any issues the storm might cause.” His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of concern given the storm’s intensity.
Shion nodded, understanding the weight of his duties. “And I’ll take the chance to catch up on some housework. Once the storm clears, I’ll need the kid genin at the academy to help with recovery efforts. It’ll be good for them to contribute, learn about responsibility.” She then returned to enjoying her breakfast and began planning her lessons in her head for when the storm passed, thinking up ways of integrating real-life skills with academic learning.
Their conversation gradually shifted to their son, Ishi, busy in his room with his ambitious endeavour to craft a Pokéball. “He’s probably up there right now, trying to figure it all out,” Shion said with a mix of pride and worry.
Haku sighed, his utensil pausing mid-air. “It’s going to be tough for him. The first few tries might not go well. We should prepare ourselves to console him.” His tone was sombre, acknowledging the hard road ahead for their son.
Shion’s expression softened as she considered the challenges Ishi faced. “It’s true. Making a Pokéball isn’t just about following steps. It requires channelling raw energy, something Ishi hasn’t learned yet. Without that knowledge, his success is unlikely.”
They shared a look, a silent communication filled with understanding and mutual concern. “It feels cruel to let him struggle… but it is a necessary part of learning,” Shion continued. “He needs to realise on his own when to ask for help. It’s something he’s always resisted.”
Haku nodded in agreement. “Yes, and learning to ask for help is as important as trying to do things on his own. This experience, while difficult, will help him grow. It’s about finding balance.”
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Their breakfast finished, they stood and shared a quick kiss, a promise of affection and mutual support amidst the challenges. “Be safe today,” Shion murmured, her eyes conveying the depth of her concern given the storm outside.
“Always,” Haku replied with a reassuring smile, before each headed off to their respective tasks, ready to face the day’s demands, all the while keeping an ear out for the sounds of success or struggle from upstairs.
***
In the quiet sanctuary of his room, Ishi sat hunched over his desk, his face a mask of intense concentration. The storm outside seemed to mirror his inner turmoil as he meticulously followed the instructions Mr. Suru had provided. Despite his efforts, the object taking shape under his hands was distinctly different from the flawless example their guest lecturer had demonstrated.
Progress:
Pokeball - 89% Failed!
Dismissing the notification with a frustrated huff, "This isn't right," Ishi muttered to himself, his brows furrowing deeper into frustration. He had been working for hours, far longer than Mr. Suru had taken. "No matter," he whispered, steeling himself with determination. "Perseverance is what's going to make or break this."
Progress:
Pokeball - 1%
With renewed focus, he continued, assembling the pieces, carving the delicate designs, and polishing the exterior. Time seemed to blur as he worked, his entire world narrowing to the materials in front of him.
Finally, he placed the last piece, stepping back to survey his work. The item looked like a Pokéball, its surface smooth and the seams nearly perfect. Yet, as he picked it up, Ishi felt the hollowness inside. It was just a shell, devoid of the energy and functionality of a true Pokéball.
Progress:
Pokeball - 90% Failed!!
Brushing his hands through his deep blue hair in vexation, he sighed deeply. "I must have gone wrong somewhere," he conceded, scrutinising the shell. "I followed the instructions to the letter, but there must be something I missed or did wrong.”
Setting the incomplete Pokéball to one side of his desk, Ishi stood and stretched, his muscles stiff from sitting too long. Resolved not to dwell on his frustration, he decided to clear his mind with some exercise. He performed his routine of incline and decline push-ups, followed by sets of sit-ups and squats, allowing the physical activity to soothe his restlessness.
Feeling refreshed but still hungry for success, Ishi made his way downstairs to grab a quick snack and a drink. The house was quiet, the storm's rage having settled into a steady patter against the windows. He quickly ate, his mind already racing with ideas on how to improve his next attempt at the Pokéball.
With a glass of water in hand, Ishi returned to his room, his determination renewed. "I'll figure this out," he affirmed, looking at the Pokéball shell. "If it’s not perfect this time, I’ll just keep trying.”
The hours slipped by as Ishi toiled in his room, the storm outside waxing and waning as it mirrored the tumult of his efforts. By the time the rain began to ease and the clouds started to part, Ishi had produced not one, but three more shells of what were supposed to be Pokéballs. Each one lay on his desk, a testament to his dedication - and to something elusive that he had yet to grasp.
Confirmed. Quest Has Been Completed:
Haku And The Chief have important work They Need To Complete To Protect The Village.
Stay Out Of Their Way!
Reward: 50 Exp
Although he recognised the notification in front of him he continued to stare at his desk, finally letting out an exasperated breath, he picked up each shell in turn, rotating them over in his hands. They were perfect in form, smooth and well-crafted to the eye, yet hollow and lifeless in function. A string of curses slipped from his lips, his usual patience worn thin by the repeated failures.
"I don’t understand what I’m missing," he muttered to himself, pure frustration and annoyance evident on his face. He had pored over Mr. Suru's instructions countless times, each step meticulously followed, yet the outcome was always the same. It was as if there was a vital piece of the puzzle just out of reach, something fundamental that he was not aware of.
The realisation that he might be missing a crucial piece of knowledge was disheartening, he had really been looking forward to unlocking his aura stat. But he knew that continuing to use up materials would be futile, like trying to solve a riddle without all the clues. With a heavy sigh, Ishi stood up, the excitement and energy that had fueled his morning now replaced by a weary resignation.
He shuffled dejectedly downstairs, where the comforting smells of dinner and the soft sounds of his mother moving in the kitchen greeted him. The contrast between his failed attempts and the normalcy of home was stark, and for a moment, Ishi felt the full weight of his disappointment.
"Hey, Mum," he greeted softly as he entered the kitchen. Shion looked up from where she was stirring a pot on the stove, immediately noticing the slump in his shoulders and the downcast expression on his face.
"Oh, Ishi," she said, her voice full of concern. "How did it go?"
Ishi managed a small, resigned shrug. "Not good," he admitted, unable to mask the annoyance in his voice. "I made five shells, but that’s all they are - shells. They’re not real Pokéballs. There’s something I’m not getting, something I’m missing.”
Shion wiped her hands on her apron, moving over to give him a comforting hug. "You’re learning, Ishi. That’s what matters. These things take time and yes, sometimes they take a bit of failure to see the way forward."
Ishi leaned into the embrace, grateful for the support. "I guess I need to figure out what I’m missing," he mumbled into her shoulder.
"And you will," Shion reassured him, pulling back to look him in the eyes. "You’ll find the missing piece. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Maybe find some time to talk to Mr. Suru or Mrs Tanoshi.”
Ishi slumped into a chair at the kitchen table, his spirits as deflated as the storm clouds outside. Noticing his mood, Shion decided to lighten the atmosphere with tales from her day.
“So, there I was, facing the biggest pile of debris you’ve ever seen,” she began, her eyes twinkling as she saw Ishi's attention pique. “And just as I was about to start, a giant gust of wind swept it all away... into the neighbour’s yard!” Her playful exaggeration brought a reluctant grin to Ishi’s face.
“Really, Mum?” Ishi laughed, his earlier failures momentarily forgotten.
“Well, maybe it wasn’t all that dramatic,” Shion confessed with a laugh. “But it felt like it! Tomorrow, I’ll have to organise a cleanup effort. It's going to be quite the task.”
Ishi, now smiling more genuinely, was quick to offer his and his friends' help. “Senpei, Ivy, and I can come help too. It’ll be fun!”
Shion shook her head, her smile affectionate. “That’s sweet of you, but no need, Ishi. The kid genin in my class will handle it. It’ll be good training for them, help them practise their Ninja Tricks along with giving their partner pokemon a workout.”
Confirmed. Quest Created:
Your wonderful mother has decided to enlist your village's kid genin to the cleanup crew. Help them with the task of boosting morale the way you do best!! ;)
Rewards: 50 Exp
Accept: Y/N
Ishi almost wanted to burst out laughing at the notification in front of him, ‘The system is practically telling me to prank the hell out of my seniors!’ he thought with an internal chuckle followed by a sigh and he accepted.
Returning back to the conversation with his mum, Ishi nodded, impressed by his mother's approach. “That sounds great, Mum. Maybe I should talk to Senpei and Ivy about my Pokéball troubles too. They might have some ideas.”
“Talking it through can help,” Shion agreed, stirring the pot on the stove once more. “But for now, why don’t you take it easy? Relax a bit before dinner. Your dad will be home soon, and you can talk to him too.”
Accepting her advice, Ishi stood up. “Thanks, Mum. I think I’ll do just that.” He headed upstairs, feeling a bit lighter. The thought of discussing his challenges with his friends—and possibly gaining new insights - rekindled his optimism.
As he settled into his room for a short rest, the sounds of the settling house around him, Ishi felt reassured. The day hadn’t gone as planned, but tomorrow was another chance to try again, bolstered by the support of his friends and family.