Chapter 217

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Despite everyone's insistence on going together, Infernape's stubborn nature wouldn't allow anyone to defy his decision. His primary concern was the safety of Luffy and the others.

Even though Infernape was less than a year old, he was already very mature. This maturity had nothing to do with his age; it was his naturally steady and firm character. Even as a Chimchar, he had always been like this.

It was precisely because of this personality that Infernape could endure the endless, grueling training every day.

The others weren't happy about it and insisted on going together, leaving Infernape no choice but to take action.

In the end, Infernape defeated everyone, but he, too, ended up on one knee, exhausted.

...

"Hey~"

Early in the morning, Luffy stood outside Naruto's house, calling out.

Naruto, still sleepy, opened the door, wearing a Totoro onesie and staring blankly at the straw-hatted boy outside.

"What are you doing here?"

Naruto was confused for a moment, then suddenly remembered Luffy.

"I need your help with something," Luffy said directly, having long forgotten all of Sabo's lessons about etiquette and subtlety.

"Sure!"

Naruto agreed without hesitation.

"Thank you!"

Luffy shook Naruto's hand earnestly. Though he wasn't the brightest, he could sense Naruto's sincerity.

It could be said that this was the moment Luffy truly remembered Naruto's face and name.

"But what do you need help with?"

"My sister, Hinata—she hasn't come to see us for a while, and we're worried about her. I want Infernape to go with you to school and check on her. Is that okay?"

"No problem! I'm heading out soon, so he can come with me," Naruto patted his chest, then recalled something, "Hinata's been at school these past few days. She seems fine."

"But she hasn't come to see us!" Luffy felt a pang of sadness. "I want to know why."

Anyone who's watched One Piece knows how persistent Luffy can be. From Zoro to Jinbei, Luffy pursued each one of them relentlessly, bringing them aboard his ship no matter the cost.

Even the first time Luffy met Ace, despite being treated roughly, bullied, and nearly beaten to death by pirates, he stubbornly refused to betray Ace and Sabo, even while bruised and crying.

That's Luffy for you.

He couldn't just stand by and watch as his sister, whom he cared about, silently drifted away.

"Alright, I'll bring Infernape with me then. Where is he?"

"Here," Luffy pulled out a Poké Ball from his pocket.

In the next moment, Infernape emerged from the Poké Ball on his own.

These Pokémon, used to their freedom, truly disliked being confined in those Poké Balls. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it felt restrictive.

"Okay, follow me later. I need to wash up and eat breakfast first."

"Naruto! If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask me. I'll definitely help you!"

Luffy took a few steps forward, patted Naruto on the shoulder, and nodded.

"Yeah, you too!"

Naruto nodded back.

Thus, the protagonists of two worlds forged a friendship and bond in a third world.

"Ho ha."

"Alright, I'm heading back. Infernape, be careful! Take the emergency contact token from Typhlosion, and if something goes wrong, run back immediately!"

Luffy, feeling a bit worried, gave Infernape some final instructions.

Infernape nodded, understanding what needed to be done.

Afterward, Luffy left and rejoined Sabo, who was waiting nearby, to return to Mount Gorbo and await news.

Infernape stayed behind, waiting for Naruto to get ready.

Naruto quickly washed up and ate, not making Infernape wait long before heading out.

"Follow me!"

Half an hour later, Infernape stood on the wall of the Ninja Academy, observing the scene inside.

His first impression was that this place didn't compare to the Pokémon Academy in League City. He needed to find a way to get Hinata into the Pokémon Academy. Conveniently, Garp had mentioned that the Pokémon Academy would start recruiting its next class in a month.

Each year, outstanding students could recommend other children for admission, and the school would prioritize these recommendations.

With Garp and Dragon's status, and Sabo and Typhlosion's stellar performance as top students, Hinata's chances of being accepted were nearly 100%.

With Sabo and Typhlosion looking out for her at school, Infernape and the others wouldn't have to worry so much.

"Infernape, Hinata hasn't arrived yet. You can wait here; she should be here soon."

Naruto ran out from the school to inform Infernape, but his classmates, hearing that a Pokémon had arrived, curiously gathered around as well.

"Infernape looks a bit like Hokage-sama's summoning beast, Enma."

Ino observed Infernape closely, whispering to Shikamaru beside her.

"Infernape! Do you know any cool ninjutsu? Can you show us?" Kiba, along with Akamaru, who was naturally sociable, ran up to Infernape, asking excitedly.

The Inuzuka clan, having lived with canine companions for generations, had a high acceptance of Pokémon, especially those of the canine variety.

Infernape scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. Normally, he wouldn't bother with these little kids, but considering Naruto had just helped him and these kids were Naruto and Hinata's classmates, he reluctantly nodded, deciding to show them something.

"Yay!"

"Woof!"

Kiba and Akamaru jumped with joy, eagerly awaiting Infernape's display.

Infernape waved his hand, signaling them to step back.

The other students noticed the crowd and curiously gathered around as well.

Realizing that if this continued, even the teachers might come over, Infernape decided not to delay any longer and prepared to show something simple.

But then he had a thought.

He was here as Hinata's older brother. If he displayed great power, it might earn Hinata some respect and keep those pesky kids and that blond brat away from her.

The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. So Infernape discarded his original idea of using a simple 'Ember' and decided to try something more impressive.

"Ho ha."

'I'll use that move Ace talked about.'

Infernape pondered for a moment, deciding to execute Ace's idea.

Using a combination of Fire Punch and Flamethrower, he formed the 'Fire Fist.'

Without further ado, under the watchful eyes of the students, Infernape's right fist suddenly ignited with scorching flames, and he punched upward.

As his fist extended, a powerful pillar of flames shot from his hand into the sky.

"Wow!" The kids' eyes followed the flames upward, unable to contain their awe.

Infernape felt a bit embarrassed by the attention but secretly enjoyed it, deciding to show one more move.

Combining Flame Wheel with Fire Spin, he created the 'Flaming Rasengan.'

Infernape leaped into the air, spinning his body like a wheel while flames engulfed him. At the same time, he breathed out rings of fire, forming a vortex around him.

However, Infernape didn't launch the attack, worried it might harm the kids. He simply displayed the move and then stopped.

Even so, the students were left in awe, their eyes filled with admiration for Infernape.

"That was amazing!"

"So that's a Pokémon? No wonder my dad takes such good care of that Pokémon egg."

"These moves are as powerful as B-rank or even A-rank Fire Style ninjutsu!"

The students couldn't stop talking about it. For them, this was their first real introduction to the power of Pokémon.

From that moment on, every kid wanted their own Pokémon partner.

"Infernape, Hinata's here!"

Naruto's voice snapped Infernape out of his moment of showing off.

Infernape immediately focused and looked in the direction Naruto pointed.

Sure enough, he saw a little girl with white eyes, obediently carrying her school bag as she approached.

"Ho ha?"

Infernape noticed two men with white bandages wrapped around their heads following Hinata.

He remembered Sabo's words and nodded to himself.

Hinata really was a young lady, a noble.

Thinking this, Infernape was even more convinced that Hinata's family might have been the ones to lock her up.

"Infernape-nii?!"

Hinata, now closer, spotted Infernape among the crowd and exclaimed in surprise.

However, she quickly understood why he was there.

For some reason, despite all the hardships at home, Hinata could endure them, but seeing Infernape made her nose sting with emotion.

"Ho ha."

'Luffy misses you.'

Infernape gestured to Hinata, but unfortunately, their bond wasn't strong enough for Hinata to fully understand his meaning.

"What is this thing?"

One of the branch family members behind Hinata frowned, stepping forward to block her from Infernape.

Their duty was to protect Hinata, so they wouldn't allow anything strange to get close to her.

"Idiot, that's a Pokémon. Watch your mouth," the other branch family member, who was more knowledgeable, quickly pulled his companion back.

Pokémon were gaining popularity in Konoha Village, and even the Hokage greatly admired them. He didn't dare cause trouble now.

Especially with the rumors of a powerful group patrolling the village to protect the Pokémon, the villagers were even more cautious about not harming them.

"Ah?"

The other man, startled, quickly bowed to Infernape, "I'm sorry for the disrespect."

Say what you will, the Hyūga branch family's ability to read the situation was honed by their training under the main family. They knew when to bend and when to stand firm.

(End of Chapter)