Chapter 209

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Baltigo, the Island of White Earth.

Dragon had already received Sengoku's message. Regarding how to handle Hiruzen, Dragon's attitude was aligned with Sengoku's, especially after hearing about the situation in the ninja world. Dragon frowned deeply.

Simply put, Dragon's sense of helping others was awakened, and he wanted to bring peace to the ninja world and end the wars.

Dragon's thoughts were aligned with Yahiko's, but the difference was that Dragon had the power and a more mature, less naive mindset, making his chances of success higher.

Dragon-Type Gym

The challenger wasn't just anyone; it was Admiral Aokiji, Kuzan, who had recently completed the mission to eradicate the 'Golden Lion' Shiki and was now taking a self-imposed vacation.

Kuzan, who originally came to earn his final badge, received a task from Navy Admiral Sengoku this morning.

After understanding the details, Kuzan sighed.

Another day without peace.

By the time Hiruzen arrived, the battle in Baldigo had already begun.

"Is this a gym battle?"

Hiruzen, sweating slightly, pointed to the icy battlefield, which bore the marks of explosions everywhere.

"Yes, of course. This is not just an ordinary gym battle."

Sengoku, unperturbed, nodded. "The challenger is one of our Navy Admirals, Aokiji Kuzan, and the other is one of our eight gym leaders, the Dragon-type gym leader, Monkey D. Dragon."

". . . This... won't cause problems?"

"Of course not. This is a type of challenge known as a 'wild battle,' where trainers and their Pokémon fight together."

Sengoku continued matter-of-factly, "Don't worry. Our eight gym leaders are all top-notch fighters on the sea, and they know how to control their power."

"There are eight gym leaders of this level?"

Hiruzen raised a hand, showing eight fingers.

"Yes, eight."

Sengoku also raised eight fingers.

". . ."

Hiruzen swallowed hard.

The Dragon-type gym leader's strength seemed on par with a Navy Admiral's, yet there were eight such powerful figures?

Hiruzen felt uneasy. A single Navy Admiral would be more than Konoha could handle.

And now, the Pokémon Alliance not only had numerous Pokémon but also these formidable human forces beyond their capacity.

"What do you think, Hokage, do you want to see more places?"

"No, if possible, I'd like to rest in the village first."

"As you wish."

That evening, after returning, Hiruzen used his Pokédex to inform Dak that they needed to renegotiate the previous agreement.

When Dak heard this, he knew that things were now settled, and the store opening in the ninja world could proceed smoothly.

The next question troubling Dak was whether to open branches in other places.

Dak worried that if other villages acquired Pokémon, they might become restless.

Not just other villages, Hiruzen was already showing signs of unease.

Overall, Dak felt that the emergence of Pokémon in the ninja world might accelerate the onset of war.

And the outcome of this war depended on how Hiruzen chose to proceed.

If Hiruzen could stay patient and let Konoha nurture Pokémon for three to five years, Konoha would inevitably unify the ninja world, then they would only need to focus on the Akatsuki.

If Hiruzen acted rashly, or if Danzo incited him to start a war within a year or two, Konoha would face a four-front battle and potential interference from the Akatsuki, leading to an uncertain outcome.

After much consideration, Dak decided it was necessary to open branches elsewhere.

But where exactly required further deliberation.

Even after Hiruzen agreed to Dak's terms, Dak didn't immediately hand over 100 Pokémon eggs to the Sarutobi clan.

The usual protocol applied.

First, only one egg would be given. They needed to understand what Pokémon were, how to nurture and interact with them. Only with a basic understanding would Dak proceed with large-scale sales.

Meanwhile, Zephyr also requested a Pokémon egg for Naruto.

Interestingly, it was a Vulpix egg.

The next day, when Hiruzen returned to Konoha, the villagers once again saw the green-haired man on the main street. If Hiruzen hadn't been beside him, they would have fled.

Dak and Hiruzen were selecting a suitable location for the store.

Hiruzen took this matter very seriously, personally suggesting locations.

Eventually, they chose a spot right in front of the Sarutobi residence.

". . ."

Dak squinted at Hiruzen.

"Ahem, well, does Alliance Master Dak need manpower? I can find excellent craftsmen."

Hiruzen, feeling awkward under Dak's gaze, quickly offered.

"No need. Our alliance has its own engineering department capable of building a suitable breeding house."

Dak declined Hiruzen's offer.

"Oh, alright. This is my son, Asuma."

Hiruzen gestured to the man beside him. "Asuma, greet our guest."

"Hello."

Asuma nodded, considering it a greeting.

Though he looked older, Asuma was only 26. His feelings towards Hiruzen were still complicated.

Listening to Hiruzen felt uncomfortable for him.

"Hello. You will be the first to hatch a Pokémon egg for the Sarutobi clan."

Dak nodded and handed Asuma a Pokémon egg, which he accepted, bewildered.

"Uh, thank you."

Asuma looked puzzled, then glanced at his father.

Hiruzen just shook his head, recognizing Dak's favorable view of Asuma, which was good.

Hiruzen's guess was correct.

Dak indeed favored Asuma, not for his combat abilities.

In terms of combat, few in the ninja world impressed Dak, maybe Might Guy and future Naruto and Sasuke. Characters like Obito, Madara, and Kaguya might be strong, but their personalities had flaws.

Asuma had a solid character.

After retiring from the Guardian Shinobi Twelve and returning to the village, Asuma was mature, calm, and did not hesitate to fight when necessary.

He was a gentle teacher, allowing each student to grow freely. Asuma's competence as a teacher could be seen in how Choji treated the reanimated Asuma.

Choji, though kind, knew not to show mercy to enemies. Yet, he couldn't harm the reanimated Asuma, proving Asuma's worthiness as a teacher.

Most importantly, Asuma truly embodied the "Will of Fire," willing to sacrifice himself without hesitation.

Like Guy, Asuma was the kind of man one would want as a partner.

"Feel free to visit the store if you have any questions about Pokémon. We have experts to assist you."

"Okay."

Asuma, still dazed, nodded and then asked, "By the way, I have a girlfriend..."

"Kurenai, right? She can also have one. The cost is covered by your father."

Dak had no reason to refuse.

Kurenai might not have been extensively portrayed in the original series, but being with Asuma indicated good character.

"Great, I'll pay for it."

Asuma didn't hesitate and bought another Pokémon egg from Dak.

"Wait, Master Dak, the Pokémon from these eggs..."

Hiruzen, anxious, asked, worried the Pokémon might not suit his son and daughter-in-law.

"Your son's versatile fighting style can adapt to any Pokémon. As for his girlfriend, she specializes in genjutsu, so I chose a Pokémon skilled in close combat to ensure she can cast her genjutsu without interference."

"I see, thank you."

Hiruzen, reassured by Dak's explanation, was still curious about the Pokémon that would hatch.

(End of Chapter)