In Naruto, the System Asks Me to Entrust Pokémon

As Orochimaru walked halfway up the mountain, he licked his lips as he observed the Pokémon around him. "What a fascinating group of creatures. I'd love to dissect and study them—see where their power comes from."

The thought reminded him of the information Danzo had passed on to him earlier.

A sinister smile curled on his lips. "Danzo might actually be useful this time. I should have a chat with him soon."

Shaking his head, he continued his search.

He knew why he was here—it wasn't just to capture a Pokémon for research.

Along the way, Orochimaru encountered many Pokémon, but none particularly piqued his interest. He glanced at them briefly before moving on.

After what felt like an eternity, his eyes suddenly gleamed with excitement.

Floating ahead of him was a peculiar creature, its mouth curled into an eerie grin.

Strangely enough, it was phasing straight through trees as if they weren't even there.

"A spirit?"

Orochimaru's eyes burned with fascination, his mind racing.

Having only just begun researching Edo Tensei, he was obsessed with anything related to souls.

And now, seeing a being that appeared to be pure spirit, how could he not be interested?

He pulled out his Pokédex and scanned the floating Pokémon.

"Oh?"

Reading the entry, Orochimaru's eyes trembled with excitement. "Gastly? A Ghost and Poison type? I didn't expect to find a creature like this."

Closing the Pokédex, he stepped closer to the unsuspecting Gastly.

"Haa-scaah~"

Sensing Orochimaru's approach, Gastly turned and let out a wary sound.

"Amazing… According to the Pokédex, Gastly is essentially a living gas, possessing both consciousness and life itself."

Orochimaru muttered to himself as he examined the creature with burning curiosity.

His eyes gleamed with an almost predatory hunger.

"Haa-scaah!"

Seeing that Orochimaru was ignoring its warning, Gastly became agitated. Its gaseous body flickered and flared like ghostly flames.

"Interesting, very interesting."

Orochimaru nodded in approval, then stopped his observation and spoke. "Gastly, is it? How about coming with me?"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out an Energy Cube, holding it out as an offering.

"Haa-scaah?"

Gastly hesitated, its large eyes filled with doubt.

"If you follow me, you will become stronger."

Gastly studied Orochimaru carefully before nodding and taking the Energy Cube, beginning to eat.

Seeing this, Orochimaru smiled. "You won't regret this decision."

"Shaa-hah~"

Gastly nodded and lightly tapped the Poké Ball in Orochimaru's hand, allowing itself to be captured.

Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Such a small ball, yet it can store a living creature inside… Truly fascinating."

The thought of dismantling the Poké Ball to study its inner workings briefly crossed his mind.

But he knew now wasn't the time.

With one last glance around, he turned and made his way back down the mountain.

—

Pokémon House

Ryo was chatting idly with Cynthia when she suddenly asked, "Ryo, can we go watch the Chūnin Exams?"

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Some ninja customers had just been discussing the upcoming exams, and Cynthia had become intrigued.

Hearing her request, Ryo thought for a moment before nodding. "Sure, we can go when the time comes. But no rush—it'll be a while before we can see anything interesting."

"Huh?"

Cynthia frowned. "But didn't that ninja just say it's happening in a few days?"

"The Chūnin Exams are starting soon, yes. But the exams have three parts, and we'll only be able to watch the third round."

Of course, he could go watch the earlier parts if he wanted—Konoha wouldn't stop him.

But what was the point?

A written test and a bunch of Genin running around in a forest? Boring.

If he was going to watch, it had to be the final battles.

Besides, that was the part where Hiruzen Sarutobi would die.

Cynthia nodded but then gave Ryo a puzzled look.

Ryo blinked. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Cynthia furrowed her brows. "Ryo, how do you know all this? That ninja didn't mention anything about different rounds."

"Uh…"

For a moment, Ryo was at a loss.

But he quickly recovered. "Of course I know. The Chūnin Exams have always been like this. You're just new here, so you wouldn't know."

Cynthia thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

Ryo let out a small sigh of relief. That was close.

But then Cynthia suddenly asked, "Ryo, why aren't you a ninja?"

Hearing this, Ryo felt a pang of irritation. He rolled his eyes. "Why do you care?"

Did she think he chose not to be a ninja?

It's not like he had the talent for it!

If he could, he would want to become a ninja. At the very least, learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu would make his life a whole lot easier.

Cynthia, however, didn't notice the change in Ryo's expression. She gazed outside, lost in thought. "Ryo, do you think I could become a ninja?"

"Hmm?"

Ryo turned to her, puzzled. "Why? Do you want to be a ninja?"

Cynthia nodded without hesitation. "Of course! Who doesn't want to be strong? In my previous world, I always admired those who awakened special powers."

Ryo observed her closely. It was the first time he had seen Cynthia like this—so eager, so determined.

After a brief silence, he finally said, "Cynthia, I'll find a way to help you."

After all, he had summoned her here.

In her original world, she had her own life, her own future. Because of his selfish desires, she had ended up in this one—with no certainty of ever going back.

So, if there was something he could do to fulfill one of her wishes, he wouldn't refuse.

"Really? I can?"

Cynthia's eyes sparkled with surprise and excitement, but then she hesitated. "But… wouldn't that be too much trouble?"

Ryo shook his head. "It's not a big deal. But becoming a ninja isn't guaranteed—it depends on your talent. If you don't have the aptitude, you simply won't be able to become one."

Cynthia suddenly narrowed her eyes at him. "Ryo… you wouldn't be saying that because you don't have the talent, would you?"

Ryo's lips twitched, and his expression darkened.

Did you have to say that out loud?

Can't you at least pretend not to notice? What about my dignity?!

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