"Ruri, are you really not going to find Uchiha Hayato?"
Yakushi Nonou looked at her friend, worried about her future.
She heard that the Hyuga Family had always intermarried within the Family since ancient times, and Hyuga Ruri caring so much about an outsider, she didn't know if it was good or bad. But, she unconditionally stood by her friend's side.
"I saw him and Kushina together this weekend."
"What does them being together have to do with me?" Hyuga Ruri said sourly. "I've become stronger under my mother's training, and I'll defeat him sooner or later."
Hyuga Ruri shamefully lied, or rather, didn't completely tell the truth.
That day, when Hayato's Sharingan and killing intent were so close to her, although she didn't want to admit it, the warmth in her lower abdomen told her that if she didn't deal with it soon, she would wet herself.
Fear and shame intertwined, making her recall that day whenever she saw Hayato, and she had never dared to face him.
After telling her mother about the training, her mother, instead of comforting her, praised Uchiha Hayato, which made Hyuga Ruri's rebellious spirit grow even stronger.
However, the desire to defeat Hayato also existed. He's only temporarily stronger than me, isn't he? Once I learn Gentle Fist Taijutsu, I will definitely surpass him.
At that time, Uchiha Hayato would be kneeling at her feet, bowing to her, the Byakugan girl fantasized.
The Hyuga Family is the strongest in Konoha!
"However, it's okay to secretly check on Uchiha Hayato's training progress. I don't want to improve while he's still standing still; that way, even if I defeat him, it won't mean anything."
Yakushi Nonou nodded, perhaps sensing Hyuga Ruri's insincerity.
"Hmm, are they not here?"
The two came to the outdoor training ground where Hayato used to train frequently, but now he was nowhere to be seen.
Yakushi Nonou climbed a large tree, looked around, and pointed towards the depths of the forest.
"Ruri, they might be in that direction; I saw some movement over there."
Hyuga Ruri kicked a stone on the ground, full of resentment. What the heck, they actually changed locations.
When the two arrived at the source of the commotion, they were stunned by the scene before them.
The clearing in the forest was four times the size of the previous training ground. Kushina stood in front of a dog she had never seen before, throwing a ball into the distance, which landed at their feet.
"Hahaha, good doggy, go fetch it for me."
A deep orange puppy with black markings ran up to Hyuga Ruri, staring at the unfamiliar people, letting out a hostile growl.
"Woof…"
A subtle aura spread from it, making both their hearts stop.
Intimidate!
"Alright, Growlithe, they are people I know, don't be like that." The red-haired girl was startled and picked up the Poké Ball from the ground.
"Oh, it's you two. Are you here to train with us again?" Kushina's words clearly indicated she considered herself the hostess, which made Hyuga Ruri a bit annoyed.
"I'm here to defeat Uchiha Hayato, is there anything wrong with that?"
Hyuga Ruri was arrogant; the legacy of Konoha's prestigious Family prevented her from showing weakness in front of others.
"Pfft, pffft." Kushina covered her stomach and burst out laughing. "Hayato, come quickly, the Hyuga Family's young lady says she's here to defeat you."
"How is that even possible?" Kushina's smile was bright. "Although I don't want to discourage you, you're no match for Hayato."
In the distance, Uchiha Hayato looked at Minato with an apologetic gaze.
"Sorry, Minato, let's fight later."
Minato was helpless, his eyes filled with fighting spirit: "It's a deal, we must fight again later."
Am I leading Minato astray, Hayato thought to himself.
The current Minato could be described as a battle maniac; aside from occasionally showing a gentle side, the rest was training and fighting.
Thinking about it carefully, it was quite logical. A person's personality is formed by nature and the influence of their surroundings. With him in this world, Minato also had an opponent, and becoming more aggressive was only natural.
He looked towards the entrance of the new training ground. Hyuga Ruri and Yakushi Nonou had arrived again. He wasn't very familiar with the two of them and wasn't interested in playing games with little girls.
Kushina's Pokémon Egg had finally hatched.
[Name: Growlithe]
[Gender: Female]
[Ability: Intimidate (Releases an aura upon entry to intimidate enemies)]
[Type: Fire]
[Held Item: None]
[Moves: Glare, Ember, Howl, Rage]
It was a Growlithe. Coincidentally, Hayato had a Fire Stone in his backpack. When the time was right, he would give the Fire Stone to Kushina to allow Growlithe to evolve.
Growlithe is a very loyal Pokémon, very brave when facing enemies, and often acts as a police dog in the Pokémon world.
The evolved Arcanine also has considerable combat power. With it protecting Kushina, he felt very relieved.
"Yakushi Nonou, Hyuga Ruri, is there something you need from me?"
When Uchiha Hayato actually walked in front of Hyuga Ruri, she, who had intended to declare a challenge, chickened out: "Hmm, I just came to see how your training is going, don't overthink it."
Hayato shrugged, no longer bothering with the two of them. He passed Dekai, who was training Taijutsu, and showed an appreciative look.
Dekai wore two red bracers on his hands, and a bright white light shimmered around him.
"Dekai, it seems you're about to master it."
"Hayato, I owe it all to you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have known I could achieve this much." Dekai said with emotion. With this magical item Hayato lent him, his progress had been rapid.
[Power Bracer: Wearing it slows speed, but increases strength gained from training]
This was originally an item used to increase a Pokémon's Attack Effort Value, and it had the same effect when used on a Ninja.
"You continue training." Hayato returned to Minato's side. "Minato, do you really want to fight again? You have to make significant progress in a short time, otherwise, you won't be able to beat me."
"I'm really looking forward to fighting you." Minato was full of energy. "If we don't confirm our results through battle, neither Pikachu nor I will be satisfied."
"Right, Pikachu?"
"Pika!"
The electric mouse was on all fours, fully prepared for battle.
Is that so? It seems Minato has made great progress. "Xiao Yan, we can't lose either."
"Minato, I have a suggestion." Uchiha Hayato said with a smile, stating his plan. "Let's first battle in a Trainer's style, to familiarize ourselves with our Pokémon's cooperation. Pikachu and they also want to know who is stronger, right?"
"Pikachu." Looking at the spirited Chimchar standing opposite him, Pikachu's cheeks also sparked with electricity.
"I understand. I can't ignore Pikachu's wishes."
"Then, after the battle, our Pokémon will have an understanding of each other. At an appropriate moment, we will join the battle." Hayato said. "We are Ninja; relying solely on our Pokémon isn't enough. Doing this is equivalent to four people fighting, and it also tests our timing."
"Good, that suits me perfectly." Minato's expression was somewhat excited.
"Then Kushina, you'll still be the referee." Uchiha Hayato said.
Kushina looked at Minato with ill intent in her eyes. If Hayato got hurt, she wouldn't be easy to deal with.
"I understand. Then, next, Chimchar and Pikachu will begin their battle."