Chapter 130

Dear Readers,

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! After a long hiatus, the Pokémon fanfiction will finally resume with regular updates from now on. I apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

I want to reassure you that this resumption will not disrupt the release schedule of the other two fanfictions that I am currently working on. You can expect updates for all three stories to continue as planned.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for my writing. I can't wait to dive back into the world of Pokémon with you all and continue the adventures together!

Warm regards,

[Silent_stiele]

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Deep within the ocean's abyss, Kazuki's lithe form danced through the dark waters, locked in a frantic battle with a colossal Megalodon. Stripped of his usual arsenal, he relied solely on his physical prowess, every muscle straining against the relentless force of the sea. With Shiro-sama's decree, even his trusted blade remained sheathed, leaving him to confront the behemoth with only his bare hands.

The ocean's immense pressure pressed down on him, threatening to crush him beneath its weight. Yet, guided by the pulsating rhythm of the Tenseigan, Kazuki navigated the currents with a grace born of necessity. Each movement was calculated, each strike precise, as he danced on the fine line between survival and oblivion.

Beside him, Shiro-sama and Kuro watched with an air of detached amusement, their sleek forms gliding effortlessly through the water. To them, this was merely another spectacle, a test of their protege's mettle.

"Shiro-sama!" Kazuki's voice echoed through the watery depths, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "How am I supposed to defeat such a creature with just my physical strength?"

His words hung in the water, swallowed by the abyss. But before he could receive an answer, Kazuki's momentary lapse in concentration proved costly. With a swift and savage motion, the Megalodon lunged forward, its jaws gaping wide, to claim its prey.

For a fleeting moment, panic seized Kazuki as he struggled against the suffocating grasp of the sea. In his desperation, he forgot himself, inhaling a mouthful of water that sent him into a fit of coughing. With every ounce of strength, he fought to break free, to breach the surface, and to reclaim the precious air denied him.

But the Megalodon was relentless, its massive form looming ominously overhead. With a final surge of determination, Kazuki summoned every last vestige of his resolve. With a swift twist, he evaded the beast's jaws, narrowly escaping its deadly embrace.

Gasping for breath, Kazuki surfaced, his chest heaving with exertion. Yet, even as he struggled to regain his composure, he knew that this battle was far from over. In the depths below, the Megalodon circled hungrily, its predatory gaze fixed upon its elusive quarry.

"Hahaha, Kazuki-kun, you sure are pathetic." Shiro-sama's voice echoed through the watery depths, dripping with scorn. "I told you earlier you weren't ready yet, but no, you had to be stubborn. Now, look, what's happened? See how Kuro-kun will deal with this matter. Learn from him. If we compare lifespans, he is a juvenile, even younger than you."

With a dismissive flick of her hand, Shiro-sama sent the massive Megalodon spinning away like a mere plaything. Her mocking laughter reverberated through the water, taunting Kazuki with his perceived inadequacy. Yet, amidst her derision, a transformation began to unfold.

Little Kuro's form started to swell and expand, rapidly increasing in size until he matched half the dimensions of the massive Megalodon. The once diminutive wolf now stood as a formidable adversary, a pitch-black Hell beast ready to face the sea beast twice its size. The Megalodon regarded its new challenger warily, its instincts warning of the danger posed by the creature that had accompanied the human.

As the two titans of the deep locked eyes, a primal battle ensued. Kuro moved with a fluid grace, his movements mirroring the ebb and flow of the ocean itself. With each powerful stroke, he propelled himself forward, his muscles rippling with latent power. In the underwater arena, he was a force to be reckoned with, a master of his domain.

Kazuki watched the spectacle unfold with rapt attention, his Tenseigan attuned to every nuance of the battle. In Kuro's relentless assault, he saw more than just a clash of beasts; he witnessed a symbiosis between creature and environment. Kuro had become one with the sea, seamlessly integrating himself into its unforgiving embrace.

In that moment, Kazuki realized the significance of Kuro's transformation. He had achieved a level of harmony with nature that surpassed mere physical prowess. Like a fish navigating the currents, Kuro moved with purpose and precision, his every action a testament to his mastery of Senjutsu.

In the swirling depths of the ocean, the battle between the titans raged on with fury unmatched. The Megalodon, a behemoth of ancient might, clashed violently with the black Hell beast, Kuro, in a struggle that shook the very foundations of the sea.

With jaws like serrated blades, the Megalodon lunged forward, aiming to tear through its adversary with unrelenting force. Yet, Kuro was swift and agile, dodging the lethal jaws with ease. Like a shadow in the water, he weaved and darted, always one step ahead of the massive predator.

In response, Kuro launched his own attacks, his claws slashing through the water with deadly precision. Each strike was fueled by primal instinct, guided by the innate knowledge of centuries past. With every blow, he sought to weaken his opponent and drive it back into the depths from whence it came.

The clash of titans echoed through the water, a symphony of violence and power. The sea churned and roiled as the combatants danced their deadly dance, locked in a struggle for supremacy. Blood mingled with the saltwater, staining the ocean crimson as the battle reached its crescendo.

Then, in a moment of sheer brutality, Kuro seized the advantage. With a ferocious roar, he lunged forward, his jaws clamping down on the Megalodon's head with bone-crushing force. The sea erupted in a frenzy of thrashing tails and snapping teeth as the two beasts grappled in a final, desperate struggle.

With a sickening crunch, Kuro's powerful jaws closed around the Megalodon's head, tearing it from its massive body in a gory display of dominance. Blood gushed forth in a crimson tide, painting the water in hues of red as the lifeless carcass of the sea beast sank into the abyss.

In the aftermath of the brutal battle, silence descended upon the ocean depths, broken only by the ragged breaths of the victorious Hell beast. Kuro floated amidst the carnage, his form bathed in the glow of victory, a testament to his indomitable strength and ferocity.

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Meanwhile, within the confines of Konoha academy's bustling combat training grounds, the students found themselves at the mercy of Zenitsu's unorthodox teaching methods. With a few clan children already well-versed in basic combat techniques, Zenitsu had arranged a spar among the students to assess their skills.

"Sensei, we have no combat training. Why don't you let the clan children spar amongst themselves? Do we really have to participate?" A civilian child dared to voice his apprehension, knowing all too well the daunting prospect of facing off against the more experienced clan members.

Zenitsu, however, understood the underlying hesitation among his students. "Listen closely, young ones," he began, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Combat is not just about skill; it's about instinct. Who's to say there aren't hidden talents among you waiting to be uncovered? The worst that can happen is a bit of pain and humiliation, but it's better to face that here than on the battlefield."

His words struck a chord among the students, their whispers rippling through the training ground. Zenitsu's unconventional approach challenged the traditional teachings of the academy, pushing the boundaries of what they thought they knew.

"Remember, you are all aspiring Shinobi of the Leaf," Zenitsu continued, his eyes gleaming with determination. "For those who seek greatness, there is no substitute for heart. Some learn through reason, others through experience, and some through necessity. Regardless of where you fall, know that I will tailor my guidance accordingly."

With a deliberate motion, Zenitsu brandished a wooden blade, his grip firm and resolute. "I hope your bodies can withstand the trials ahead, for it's through adversity that true growth occurs."

A chill settled over the students as they absorbed Zenitsu's words, uncertainty clouding their expressions. Even those who had fancied themselves as prodigies couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt, unsure of where they truly stood in the grand scheme of things.

"Sensei, who are we sparring against?" Kiba's voice cut through the anticipation, his Inuzuka instincts tingling with excitement. Despite not being a standout academic, he knew his prowess in battle was nothing to scoff at.

As the rest of the children echoed Kiba's curiosity, five figures approached the combat grounds. Leading the group was none other than Minato Namikaze, known far and wide as the legendary "Yellow Flash," accompanied by the esteemed Maito Guy. Trailing behind them were three familiar faces: Tenten and Lee, followed by the stoic Neji.

The sight of their upperclassmen left the first-year students wide-eyed with surprise and admiration. It was a rare treat to spar with such esteemed individuals.

"Here, children." Zenitsu's voice broke the silence, drawing their attention. "I present to you the legendary 'Yellow Flash' of the Leaf, Minato Namikaze, who will be joining us for the day, and he has graciously spared a few of his best students as the homeroom teacher for the second year for today's sparring session. And standing beside him is our elite Jonin, Maito Guy, your head physical trainer during your time at the Ninja Academy."

Gai, ever the flamboyant one, couldn't resist adding his own flair. "Greetings, youthful warriors! I am the mighty Blue Beast of Konoha! Should you ever doubt your physical prowess, fear not, for I shall be your guiding light in the path of strength!"

Meanwhile, Minato maintained his reserved demeanor, his presence alone commanding respect. The children, eager to approach him for autographs, held back under Zenitsu's watchful eye. It was a sight to behold—a mix of reverence and excitement filling the air as the spar was about to commence.

"Fine, let's not waste any time. For those who want to interact with the Yondaime, you can do so after the session is done," Zenitsu said with a smirk, gesturing for the three second-year children to step forward. "Today's sparring session will be simple. You won't spar among yourselves but instead pick one opponent from the second year and face off against them. This way, you'll truly understand your strengths and weaknesses."

As Zenitsu explained the format, Tenten's eyes scanned the first-year students, searching for her little brothers and sisters to challenge. Naruto, Shikamaru, and the others couldn't help but sweat, realizing they might be her targets. Shikamaru, in a stroke of strategic genius, subtly pushed Naruto to the front just as Tenten found their group. With a wide smile, she greeted Naruto and his friends eagerly.

Observing the scene, Minato couldn't help but chuckle. Tenten's bossy nature reminded him of Kushina, and he imagined his late wife would have enjoyed teaching someone like Tenten. Perhaps she would have even considered taking Tenten as her apprentice.

Just then, Zenitsu's voice broke through the chatter. "So, who's going to be the first challenger?" he asked, scanning the surroundings. To everyone's surprise, Sasuke Uchiha stepped forward, his demeanor confident and determined.

"So, who do you want to challenge, Uchiha kid?" Zenitsu inquired, already anticipating his choice.

"I would like to challenge him, Sensei," Sasuke declared, pointing his finger at Neji, who stood alongside Lee.

"Oh, you want to challenge a fellow Jinchuriki? Not a bad choice, but are you sure you can beat him?" Zenitsu's question hung in the air, his doubts about Sasuke's attitude evident. Yet he remained confident in his ability to mentor the young Uchiha, drawing parallels to past encounters with arrogant youths like Sakumo's son.

Zenitsu's gaze shifted to Neji, gesturing for him to step forward. "Alright, Neji, you're up. And remember, both of you," he warned, his voice firm, "no channeling into your bijuu chakra. If you do, I'll make sure to string you from the post for a day as punishment."

Neji nodded in understanding; his expression was serious. Sasuke, on the other hand, smirked confidently, taunting Neji. "Don't worry, I won't need any bijuu chakra to beat you," he boasted, his arrogance evident.

As the spar was about to commence, Sasuke couldn't resist further provocation as he realized he was facing a Byakugan user, reminding Neji of the Hyuga clan's fall from grace. "The once mighty Hyuga clan has fallen so low," he sneered, not realizing the weight of his words on Neji, who had recently emerged from trauma. With each taunt, Neji's anger simmered, and his fists clenched in frustration.

Despite the tension brewing between the two young Shinobi, none of the adults intervened. In moments like these, where character could be molded and lessons learned, Zenitsu made a mental note to address Sasuke's behavior later on.

On the sidelines, Hinata watched with growing concern as her brother endured Sasuke's taunts. Unlike in the canon, Hinata had become fiercely protective of her family after the Hyuga tragedy. Influenced by Kazuki, whom she harbored a crush on, she was shedding her old shell and finding her voice. With a glare at Sasuke, Hinata vowed silently to stand up for her brother.

Sensing Hinata's distress, Ino instinctively placed a comforting hand over her friend's shoulder. Unlike in the canon timeline, where their friendship took longer to blossom, Ino and Hinata had become close friends early on, thanks to their interactions with Kazuki. Ino's supportive gesture reflected the bonds they had formed.

Unlike many other girls who had formed a fan following for Sasuke, Ino's perspective was different. Having encountered geniuses like Kazuki, Sasuke didn't shine as brightly in her eyes. His arrogance and demeanor didn't impress her as much as they did others, and she found herself more drawn to Hinata's quiet strength and resilience.

"Tch, the kid sure is asking for a beating," Tenten muttered to her best friend, Lee, who observed the proceedings with a gleam in his eyes. He couldn't wait for his turn to spar, knowing that his Sensei, Gai, had mentioned the presence of several geniuses among the new year's students.

These were kids personally trained by one of Gai's students, who also had a hand in training Tenten. Despite his superior physique, Lee had yet to best Tenten in combat, a fact that drove him to push himself even harder in his training under Might Gai's tutelage.

Lee had been under Might Gai's guidance for more than a year now, and he owed this opportunity to Tenten's big brother, Kazuki, who had introduced him to Gai-sensei.

Minato offered to be the referee for the spar, which excited the kids, who were eagerly waiting for their turn. With Minato's guidance, both Sasuke and Neji completed the initial gestures and etiquette before the start of the spar. If Sasuke's demeanor was like raging flames, Neji was like the calm sea. "Begin!" Minato shouted, and with that command, both kids surged forward to clash against their opponents.

As the spar commenced, Neji wasted no time in demonstrating the fruits of his rigorous training under Maito Guy. With lightning speed, he closed the distance between him and Sasuke, his movements fluid and precise. Sasuke, taken aback by Neji's sudden onslaught, barely had time to react.

Neji unleashed a barrage of strikes with his Gentle Fist technique, aiming to disrupt Sasuke's chakra flow and immobilize him. His strikes were like lightning, each one precise and calculated. Sasuke, relying on his Uchiha agility, attempted to evade Neji's attacks, but Neji's relentless assault left him with little room to maneuver.

Despite Neji's dominance, Sasuke refused to back down. He countered with swift movements of his own, deflecting Neji's strikes with well-timed kunai throws and shuriken launches. However, Neji's mastery of the Gentle Fist allowed him to redirect Sasuke's attacks effortlessly, turning Sasuke's own weapons against him.

As the spar intensified, Sasuke decided to unleash one of his signature techniques. With a series of hand seals, he summoned forth "[Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu]" (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique), a massive fireball aimed directly at Neji. The flames roared towards Neji with ferocity, but the Hyuga prodigy remained calm.

Sasuke was confident in this technique because this was something that he had learned from his brother after he had pestered him continuously, despite his elder brother's continuous warnings not to underestimate anyone. Sasuke thought that his brother was playing around because he did not believe anyone who started Academy or even someone who had just finished their first year of Academy could match him, but the little Uchiha could not be more wrong.

With impeccable timing, Neji executed one of the Hyuga clan's signature techniques, "[Hakkeshō Kaiten]" (Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven), creating a spinning barrier of chakra around himself. The fireball collided with the barrier, dissipating harmlessly into the air. Neji then seized the opportunity to close in on Sasuke once again, his movements swift and precise.