Alolan Vulpix

"So, that's how it is. I understand. Basically, you're saying there are no weak Pokémon here, and if they seem weak, it's because they haven't been trained properly, right?" Sasuke frowned as he processed Fuji's words. It felt a bit strange to him, but there wasn't anything wrong with the logic.

"Exactly. You wouldn't want to be outdone by Naruto, right?" Fuji chuckled, slightly teasing him.

"Hmph, how can that fool Naruto compare to me? My Pokémon will definitely be stronger than his," Sasuke scoffed, his expression filled with disdain at the mention of Naruto.

Although Sasuke was curious how Fuji recognized him, he quickly dismissed it. He was quite famous in Konoha, so being recognized wasn't unusual.

"But what if I end up with a Pokémon I don't like?" Sasuke asked.

"Everyone gets five chances a day to draw a Pokémon. If you don't like your first pick, you can try again," Fuji replied with a smile.

"Alright, let's begin." Sasuke nodded, tapping the icon on the Pokédex.

The screen rapidly scrolled, with dark silhouettes of various Pokémon flashing across it. Sasuke clenched his fists in anticipation, mentally hoping for the strongest Pokémon.

Eventually, the scrolling stopped.

"What did I get?" Sasuke muttered, his brow furrowed as he looked at the screen. "It kind of looks like Naruto's Vulpix."

Displayed on the screen was a small, fox-like Pokémon, similar in appearance to Vulpix but noticeably different. Instead of the typical reddish-brown fur, this one's body was mostly white. Its head and tail were fluffy, and its eyes were a gradient of blue and white. The inside of its ears was dark blue, with two thick tufts of fur on the outside. Its paws were light blue, and faint ice particles seemed to glimmer around its curly fur.

This was an Alolan Vulpix.

"Looks like your luck is pretty good, Sasuke. This Pokémon is called Alolan Vulpix, and it's quite a remarkable one," Fuji explained with a grin.

"Alolan Vulpix? Is it related to Naruto's Vulpix?" Sasuke asked immediately, thinking about the connection between the two.

While Naruto's Vulpix was undeniably cute, Sasuke was more focused on its strength. A creature capable of using fire-based attacks was not weak, especially for their current level of training. At the moment, very few academy students could even use elemental jutsu. Even Sasuke himself only knew the Fireball Jutsu.

But by the time they'd face off in the Chūnin Exams a few months later, both Sasuke and Naruto would be far stronger.

"Good question. Alolan Vulpix is still a Vulpix, but it's a regional variant," Fuji began explaining. "In certain regions, some Pokémon adapt to their unique environments, changing both in appearance and elemental affinity. This transformation is called a regional form.

"For instance, this Alolan Vulpix is a variant of the standard Vulpix, specific to the Alola region. Unlike the usual Fire-type Vulpix, Alolan Vulpix is an Ice-type Pokémon."

Sasuke's face was filled with a mix of emotions. On the one hand, he had drawn a Vulpix that was similar to Naruto's, but on the other hand, it wasn't exactly the same.

"So, it's like Naruto's Pokémon, but a little different?" Sasuke muttered, clearly torn between pride and uncertainty.

He wanted his Pokémon to stand out. Yet the idea that he could train this Alolan Vulpix to be stronger than Naruto's Vulpix intrigued him.

"I think this Alolan Vulpix is a great choice. Wouldn't it be satisfying to train this one and prove that you're better than Naruto in every way?" Fuji said, subtly urging Sasuke's competitive side.

"That's true," Sasuke replied, nodding as he considered the possibility. "Very well. I'll take this Alolan Vulpix."

"Great! Please wait a moment," Fuji said with a smile before heading into a back room.

A short while later, he returned, holding the actual Alolan Vulpix. Its snow-white fur looked even more striking in person.

"This is the one?" Sasuke's eyes lit up. Though he tried to maintain his stoic demeanor, his excitement was clear.

The Alolan Vulpix, with its soft, white fur and big, curious eyes, was even more adorable than Sasuke had expected.

"Alolan Vulpix, do you like this young man?" Fuji asked with a smile, gently patting the Pokémon's head.

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