Summoning Pokémon in Naruto

"One at a time, please," Uchiha Hayato sighed, rubbing his temples. Being the center of attention was both gratifying and exhausting.

He turned to Tsunade with a calculated smile. "Tsunade-nee, you can take the one million ryō—no need to return it. But I have a small request. I hope you'll agree."

Though Hayato wore an amiable expression, his mind was working like a finely tuned machine. Tsunade was a pivotal figure for Konoha's medical reforms, though Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't yet supportive of her ideas. Investing in her future was a guaranteed return.

Tsunade's thoughts raced. No repayment? No demand for ninjutsu training? Just a vague "request"?

Her internal alarms blared.

Could this kid be another Jiraiya? she wondered with suspicion.

"Alright," Tsunade agreed cautiously while taking the money pouch. "As long as your request isn't unreasonable."

As soon as she finished speaking, she turned on her heel and strode off with a spring in her step. Her eyes gleamed with unhidden delight—her destination was clear: the gambling den.

Once Tsunade left, Orochimaru stepped forward unhurriedly, his gaze calm but laced with intensity. "Hayato-kun, it's my turn now, isn't it?"

Jiraiya frowned but said nothing. Orochimaru ignored him and continued, "I'm very interested in your Pokémon."

His golden eyes narrowed slightly, his mind brimming with possibilities. Jiraiya was painstakingly mastering Sage Mode or trying at least, but if Orochimaru could study Hayato's Pokémon, perhaps he could achieve similar feats without relying on Ryūchi Cave's sages. The very nature of Pokémon was an irresistible mystery.

"I can offer my ninjutsu in exchange," Orochimaru said, his voice smooth but fervent. For the first time, a dream beyond mastering every jutsu had taken root in his heart. If Hayato could summon Pokémon, did that mean others could access the Pokémon world?

Hayato pondered for a moment before nodding. He wouldn't stop the wheels of change now that the Pokémon era had begun. Partnering with Orochimaru, despite his ambition, was more beneficial than risky at this stage.

"Alright. When the time comes, I'll select a suitable Pokémon for you. I hope you'll take good care of it."

Orochimaru, satisfied, offered a rare smile and left.

Jiraiya's previously cloudy expression cleared, and he grinned widely. It was finally his turn.

"Hey, kid!" Jiraiya exclaimed, showing off his teeth. "Do you want to become a powerful ninja? Want all the girls at school to swoon over you?"

"Now's your chance! If you become my apprentice, all of that can come true! Opportunities like this don't knock twice!" He coughed and struck what he thought was a dashing pose.

Hayato's lips twitched, and he facepalmed. Really? he thought. If I wanted to learn ninjutsu, I could ask the Third Hokage or study Pokémon skills. Even Uchiha Setsuna would teach me just to tie me closer to the clan.

As for Jiraiya's supposed charm with women? Hayato wasn't impressed.

"Jiraiya, if that's all, I'll be going now," Hayato said, trying to make his escape.

"Wait!" Jiraiya's tone suddenly turned serious. "I need to tell you something important."

Hayato paused, sensing the shift.

"I received a prophecy about you," Jiraiya said gravely. "You're destined to be a figure who changes the shinobi world."

Hayato's eyes widened. "You think I'm the one in the prophecy?"

Two days earlier, Jiraiya had visited Mount Myōboku, where the Great Toad Sage shared a vision:

"You will guide the one who will bring great change to the shinobi world. This disciple will either restore balance or lead it to destruction."

With Hayato's unique abilities and lineage, Jiraiya felt certain the boy was the one.

Hayato felt a headache coming on. Jiraiya has a habit of picking the wrong "child of prophecy." First Nagato, then Naruto. Shouldn't he focus on more practical matters?

Seeing Jiraiya's determined expression, Hayato realized escaping wouldn't be easy.

"Fine," he relented. "But I have a condition—you must take on two more students, like a regular team leader."

Jiraiya hesitated. Hayato was clearly special, but was he truly the child of prophecy? Still, the boy's concern for his companions hinted at a compassionate nature, a trait that reassured Jiraiya.

"Alright," Jiraiya agreed. "Go gather your friends. I'll meet you at the Third Training Ground."

When Namikaze Minato heard the news, his eyes sparkled with excitement. "Jiraiya-sama wants to train us? This brings me one step closer to becoming Hokage!"

Meanwhile, Dekai's reaction was much calmer. "Jiraiya-sama, huh? His taijutsu must be incredible. I wonder how my Lightning Release would fare against him."

"You're not thrilled?" Minato asked, surprised at Dekai's composure.

Hayato sighed at their contrasting reactions. "Stop wasting time and let's go."

At the training ground, Minato introduced himself enthusiastically. "Jiraiya-sensei, I'm Namikaze Minato, and my dream is to become Hokage!"

Jiraiya felt a flicker of pride. Looks like I've still got a bit of popularity.

"I'm Dekai. I enjoy taijutsu training and dislike bullies like my old self," Dekai said with a serious expression.

When the group turned to Hayato, he shrugged. "Uchiha Hayato. I like Pokémon, and my dream is to live happily with those I care about. Becoming Hokage wouldn't be bad, though."

"Alright, let's take our first team photo!" Jiraiya grinned, pulling out a camera. "I prepared this especially for the occasion."

"Shadow Clone, you're on camera duty! Everyone, look this way!"