Ishi's internal alarm clock had him stirring before dawn, the quiet of the house wrapping around him like a familiar blanket. Determined to make amends for yesterday’s mischief, he slipped out of bed and into his ninja outfit, the fabric feeling like a second skin after so many years of wear and adventure.

He headed downstairs to the heart of his home, the kitchen, with it still only dimly lit only by the light of the sun's early peeking over the horizon, and filtering through the windows. Ishi moved around the kitchen with ease, preparing breakfast as head the day before only as an apology this time as opposed to a thank you, with careful attention to each of his family’s preferences. By the time the aroma of cooking filled the air, everything was nearly ready.

As he was finishing up making his own breakfast he chose this time to check his status as over the past few days he had completed a few minor quests and he could almost feel his stats on the brink of rising.

Name:

Will Ranger/Ishi Sukauto

Level:

3

350/400 Exp

Class:

N/A

Sub-Class:

N/A

Strength:

5

Dexterity:

8

Constitution:

3

Aura:

N/A

Mana:

N/A

Abilities:

Appraisal - Multilingual

Available Points:

9

He sat down to eat and mulled over the implication that he was only 50 Exp away from the next level, ‘I just need to complete even one of my current quests to level up, wonder which one I should focus on’ tapping the table as he thought and came to the conclusion that the one that would be the most beneficial would be Mrs. Tanoshi and Mr. Suru’s tutorship. Both of them had wealths of knowledge he would need to fulfil his dream, as well as the fact that the knowledge Mr Suru had would be the key to unlocking his aura.

Coming out of his thoughts he heard the familiar barely audible creak of the stairs and looked up to see his parents descending. The surprise on their faces, with this being the second day in a row they had their breakfast made for them by their son, quickly turned to smiles at the sight laid out before them.

“I love you,” Ishi chirped brightly, his way of saying sorry without the words.

Haku chuckled as he ruffled Ishi's hair, teasing, “You’re such a suck up.”

Pouting just a bit for effect, Ishi continued eating, but his mind was already on the next part of his plan. Once breakfast was finished, he darted upstairs to grab the failed Pokéball shells from his room. Holding them in his hand, he returned to the kitchen, where his parents were still enjoying their morning coffee.

“Mum, Dad,” he started, a bit hesitant, “do you think it would be a good idea for me to ask Mrs. Tanoshi and Mr. Suru for tutelage on the Pokéball problem?”

Both Shion and Haku exchanged a look before smiling warmly at him. “Yes, that sounds like a very good idea,” Shion encouraged, her voice soft yet earnest.

“And we’re proud of you for asking for help,” Haku added, his pride evident.

The praise made Ishi blush, and he quickly changed the subject. “Okay, I better get going then,” he said, rushing toward the door as laughter followed him out. He ignored it, his heart light and his steps quick as he made his way towards the school.

On the path, he met up with Ivy and Senpei, who, to his surprise, were actually on time. Ishi briefly wondered if his early start had somehow influenced their punctuality, but he dismissed the thought with a shake of his head. It was surely a coincidence. He was far too responsible to be the cause of their usual tardiness.

The walk through the village to school was a quiet one, with each step taking them closer to the inevitable confrontation with Mrs. Tanoshi. As Ishi, Senpei, and Ivy entered the classroom, they braced themselves for the cold stares they were sure to receive.

Mrs. Tanoshi did not disappoint, her gaze sharp enough to cut brick and even had Senpei wince slightly.

However, as the class began, the familiar rhythms of lessons and learning gradually softened Mrs. Tanoshi's demeanour. Ishi and his friends threw themselves into their studies with added zest, perhaps as a way to make amends for their previous mischief. They volunteered to read aloud, helped distribute materials for activities, and were particularly active in discussions, answering questions with an eagerness that was hard to ignore.

Ishi, always curious and keen to understand the world, engaged fully with the lesson content, answering any questions Mrs. Tanoshi posed with thoughtful insights. His hands shot up so often to answer questions or to volunteer assistance that even Mrs. Tanoshi’s stern features softened into what could almost be described as a smile.

By the end of the class, the normal classroom dynamics seemed restored. Mrs. Tanoshi’s initial frostiness had thawed considerably, replaced by the usual, more neutral expectation of diligent work and respectful behaviour.

As the bell rang signalling the end of the school day, most students hurriedly packed their bags, eager to enjoy their freedom. Ishi, however, lingered behind, gathering his courage just as he had done on the day Mr. Suru had visited. He approached Mrs. Tanoshi’s desk slowly, rehearsing his questions in his mind.

“Mrs. Tanoshi,” he began, his voice steady but showing a hint of nervousness, “Can I ask you something about making Pokéballs? I’ve tried to make some based on Mr. Suru’s instructions, but... something’s not working.”

Mrs. Tanoshi looked up from her papers, her expression turning inquisitive. “I see. And what exactly seems to be the problem?”

Ishi pulled out the shells from his bag, displaying them on her desk. “They look right on the outside, but they don’t function. They’re just... shells. I think I’m missing something important, something not in the instructions.”

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Observing the shells and then Ishi’s earnest face, Mrs. Tanoshi’s demeanour softened further. “I’m glad you came to me,” she said, pushing her glasses up her nose. “Making a functioning Pokéball isn’t just about following physical instructions. There’s an element of channelling energy, something that isn’t easily conveyed through words. It’s something that must be taught directly.”

Ishi listened intently, his earlier discouragement morphing into a focused interest. “Could you teach me?” he asked, hopeful.

Mrs. Tanoshi considered him for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, I think we can arrange some extra lessons especially if you show these too Mr. Suru. You’ve shown a lot of initiative, Ishi. It’s important to guide that properly.”

Feeling a surge of relief and excitement, Ishi thanked her profusely before finally packing up his things to leave, a smile spreading across his face.

In the quiet of the now empty classroom, Ishi and Mrs. Tanoshi discussed the details of their upcoming tutoring sessions. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow that seemed to underscore the importance of the moment.

Confirmed. Quest Progression:

You And Your Friends Have Come To The Correct Conclusion That The Sneaky Adults Of Your Village Have Hidden Something From You. Search And Find Both Mr. Suru And Mrs. Tanoshi And Have Them Tutor You!

Progress:

50%

“So, we’ll meet every other day after school for the sessions,” Mrs. Tanoshi explained, her tone serious but encouraging. “This arrangement will, of course, depend on you staying out of trouble and showing a genuine eagerness to learn. Do you think you can manage that, Ishi?”

Ishi’s response was immediate and enthusiastic, his face lighting up with a beaming smile. “Yes, Mrs. Tanoshi! I’ll do my best. I really want to learn how to make a working Pokéball, but I'm also eager to learn pokemon medicine and even medicine in general if you could tutor me in that as well.”

Mrs. Tanoshi nodded, pleased with his commitment. “Good. Run along then, and we’ll begin after school tomorrow. Please let your parents know about our arrangement.”

“Will do! Thank you so much!” Ishi said, his gratitude evident. With a respectful bow, he turned and left the classroom, his steps quickening with excitement as he thought about sharing the news with his friends.

Outside, the school grounds were bustling with students enjoying the last few moments before heading home. Ishi scanned the crowd and soon spotted Senpei and Ivy waiting for him by the school gates, their expressions curious.

“Hey, guys!” Ishi called out, rushing over. Their heads turned, and they immediately noticed the excitement in his stride.

“What happened? What did Mrs. Tanoshi say?” Ivy asked, her voice full of anticipation.

Ishi couldn’t hide his grin. “She agreed to tutor me! We’re going to have sessions every other day after school to work on making a real Pokéball and she also said she’d give me a few lessons on Pokemon medicine. I just have to stay out of trouble and be really eager to learn, which won’t be hard!”

Senpei slapped him on the back, laughing. “That’s awesome, Ishi! But staying out of trouble? That might be your biggest challenge yet!”

Ivy elbowed Senpei playfully. “Don’t jinx it! This is a big deal. Congratulations, Ishi! We knew you could do it.”

As the trio walked away from the school, chatting excitedly about the future, Ishi felt more determined than ever.

***

Within the dimly lit chamber where the village elders gathered, Haku stood respectfully before Chief Hanzo, his posture firm yet deferential. The atmosphere was heavy with tradition and the weight of many decisions that had shaped their community through the years.

"Chief Hanzo, esteemed elders," Haku began, his voice steady despite the sea of sceptical faces before him. "I come before you today to discuss a matter concerning my son, Ishi.”

Murmurs filled the room, a mix of curiosity and doubt. Haku continued, undeterred. "Ishi has embarked on a project to craft his own Pokéball, a feat he believes will demonstrate his readiness to interact with his very own partner Pokémon, even at his young age."

A round of scoffs rippled through the chamber, scepticism evident in the dismissive shakes of heads. However, Chief Hanzo, seated at the head of the table, remained silent, his expression thoughtful.

"The rules are in place not only because of tradition but also because of safety," Hanzo finally spoke, his voice carrying a calm authority that quieted the room. Nods of agreement followed his statement, the principle of safety resonating with everyone present.

Haku nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, Chief. Safety is paramount. However, it seems that Ishi is on a path to becoming a great Ninja. If - and only if - he is able to create a working Pokéball, one that is uniquely his own, and proves without a doubt that he made it, might there be a consideration for him to interact with his very own Pokémon under supervision?”

The chamber fell silent, the elders looking to Hanzo for guidance. After a moment, the Chief let out a thoughtful "hmm," the sound seeming to weigh the potential risks and benefits.

"If your son can meet these conditions, prove his capability and responsibility, I will permit him to interact with more Pokémon only under strict supervision, but he will still only be allowed his own partner the same age as the rest of his class" Hanzo decided, his decision clear and firm. "This is to ensure the boy's safety and to maintain the integrity of our traditions.”

Relief and gratitude washed over Haku, he knew that this was as good as he would get with Ishi not having proved himself fully to the elders yet. He bowed deeply, his respect for the chief and the traditions of their village evident. "Thank you, Chief Hanzo, esteemed elders. I assure you, Ishi will understand the seriousness of this opportunity and the conditions attached to it."

With his part in the meeting concluded, Haku left the chamber, his heart lighter than when he had entered. As he made his way home through the quiet village paths, lit by the soft glow of lanterns, he rehearsed in his mind how he would share this news with Ishi. The challenge was great, but he knew his son’s determination and creativity would likely rise to meet it.

Arriving home, he found Ishi eagerly awaiting any news. Seeing his son’s expectant face, Haku couldn’t help but smile broadly as he relayed the Chief’s conditions and his permission. Ishi’s reaction was everything he hoped for - excitement, determination, and a deep appreciation of the trust being placed in him.

***

Ishi’s eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and delight as his father relayed the news from Chief Hanzo. Without a moment’s hesitation, he rushed forward, throwing his arms around his dad in a tight hug. “Thank you, Dad! Thank you!” he exclaimed, his voice muffled against Haku’s shirt.

Haku chuckled, returning the hug with equal warmth. “It’s all you, Ishi. You’ve earned this chance. Just remember, it comes with big responsibilities.”

Confirmed. Quest Created:

You Have An Extremely Loving Father Who Has Convinced The Chief Of The Village To Bend The Rules Slightly Just For You. Take Advantage Of This As Much As You’re Able!

Rewards: 20 Exp Per New Pokemon Appraised Within The Village!

Accept: Y/N

Pulling back, Ishi nodded seriously, fully aware of the weight of the opportunity. “I know, Dad. I won’t let you or Chief Hanzo down.” His mind raced with the possibilities now open to him especially with the quest that had popped up in front of him. It wasn’t a complete game changer though as Ishi had gone around the village when he was younger, using appraisal on anything and everything including Pokemon, so there wasn’t likely many new pokemon within the village he was unable to appraise. He still accepted it as every little bit helps… ‘Heh references’.

He then remembered his own news he was yet to share. “Oh! Mrs. Tanoshi is going to give me extra tutoring sessions after school to help with making the Pokéball and pokemon medicine” he added the last part with less eagerness than the first part but still excited as he was able to see his father’s reaction.

“That’s wonderful news!” Haku beamed, genuinely pleased. “It sounds like you’re putting in the effort needed to meet this challenge at every angle you can, very ninja-like of you.”

With pride and excitement filling the room, Ishi and his dad joined Shion at the dinner table where she had prepared a meal that filled the kitchen with inviting aromas. As they settled in to eat, the conversation flowed easily, filled with Ishi’s plans and the support of his parents.

“So, when do these sessions start?” Shion asked, passing Ishi a dish of his favourite food.

“Tomorrow after school,” Ishi replied, his enthusiasm barely contained. “And I can’t wait to learn what I’ve been missing and actually make a working Pokéball from Mr. Suru, I’m gonna track him down and have him tutor me as well!”

Haku exchanged a smile with Shion. “Just remember to balance your studies and your ninja training too,” he advised, though his tone was light and teasing.

“I will, Dad. I’ll manage everything, don’t worry,” Ishi assured him, though he knew the challenge would be steep.

Dinner continued with more light banter, the family enjoying this rare moment of collective relief and anticipation. After the meal, Ishi helped clear the table quickly, eager to get upstairs and prepare for the next day, his mind buzzing with the tasks ahead.

“Don’t stay up too late!” Shion called after him as he took two stairs at a time.

“I won’t!” Ishi called back, though they all knew he was too excited to think about sleep just yet.

Once in his room, Ishi tried to settle down for bed, his thoughts racing. The possibility of interacting with Pokémon, crafting his own Pokéball, and learning directly from both Mrs. Tanoshi and Mr. Suru all swirled in his mind, blending into dreams of what might come as he finally drifted off to sleep.