"These moves… they're meant for combat, aren't they?"
Itachi focused on the Pokédex entry, immediately catching the key detail.
"That's right," Jiang Shi replied with a nod. "The moves Pokémon learn are primarily used in battle."
"Even though the Pokémon you're holding look cute and gentle, every Pokémon carries a natural fighting instinct."
"These so-called 'moves' are survival techniques honed back in the wild era. Over generations, those techniques became instinct—almost etched into their genes."
"Even now, wild Pokémon still exist. In some regions, they hide in tall grass and may attack humans. To deal with them, people tame other Pokémon and battle under a Trainer's command."
"And that's how Pokémon battling was born."
"It eventually evolved into a widely popular competitive sport in certain regions."
Jiang Shi spoke calmly, like a lecturer giving a well-rehearsed explanation.
"It's similar to javelin throwing or archery. In ancient times, they were tools for survival. Now, they're sports."
Itachi nodded in understanding.
"But won't they get hurt?"
Naruto asked anxiously.
"Pokémon are far more resilient than ordinary animals," Jiang Shi explained. "Even if they're injured during battle, most recover after a short rest."
"I also have professional medical equipment and medicine here. Even serious injuries can be treated quickly."
"On top of that, in professional settings, battles are supported by medical Pokémon such as Blissey and Miltank. Safety standards are very high."
"For Pokémon, battling is like basketball or football. They follow their Trainer's commands while using their own strength and skill."
"And for Trainers, it's a test of observation and decision-making. Like chess—it's mentally exhausting."
He looked at Naruto and Sasuke.
"Enough theory. Why not try it yourselves?"
The boys hesitated.
Pikachu and Vulpix did not.
Both Pokémon stepped forward eagerly, clearly itching to compete.
Like humans, Pokémon also enjoyed the thrill of competition.
"Alright! Let's do it!"
Naruto clenched his fist and looked at Sasuke. "You're not backing out, are you?"
Sasuke scoffed. "Don't cry when my familiar crushes you."
"Pika pika!"
"Vul!"
The two Pokémon called out as if taunting each other.
The mood was set.
---
Jiang Shi led them to the backyard.
The open grassy field had cost him nearly all his savings. He had spent half a month trimming and leveling it into a proper battlefield.
Naruto and Sasuke took opposite sides.
Jiang Shi stood between them and raised his hand.
"The battle continues until one side is unable to fight or surrenders."
He lowered his hand.
"Begin!"
"Kurama, go!"
Naruto pointed dramatically.
Vulpix barked and ran forward—
—then stopped.
She turned her head and looked back at him in confusion.
"Eh? What's wrong?"
Naruto blinked, completely lost.
Sasuke smirked.
"Haven't you ever read manga? You have to call out the move first! How else will it know what to use?"
He thrust out his arm.
"Pikachu! Thunder Shock!"
"Pika!"
Electricity crackled from Pikachu's cheeks, spreading across its body before firing forward as a bright bolt—
Crack!
The lightning shot across the field—
—and struck the ground beside Vulpix.
A miss.
Vulpix had instinctively squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact.
"…First battle nerves," Jiang Shi sighed. "Poor aim."
"Now's our chance! Use Ember!"
Naruto shouted excitedly.
Vulpix inhaled and spat out a small flame that shot toward Pikachu.
"Dodge it!"
Sasuke barked.
Pikachu leapt aside, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Ember again!"
"Keep dodging!"
Very quickly, the battlefield turned into something closer to dodgeball than an epic duel.
"Why can't it hit?" Itachi asked curiously.
"Every Pokémon has its strengths," Jiang Shi explained. "Pikachu is naturally faster than Vulpix."
"If Vulpix can't predict its movement, a small projectile like Ember will have difficulty landing."
"Vul—!"
Mid-charge, Vulpix suddenly coughed, releasing a puff of black smoke instead of flame.
Naruto blinked.
Sasuke burst out laughing. "See? It can't spam that forever!"
"Pikachu! Quick Attack!"
Pikachu launched forward in a blur, kicking off the ground with explosive speed.
Its body streaked across the field like a gust of wind.
But halfway there—
Its leg faltered.
Thud!
It tripped and face-planted right in front of Vulpix.
"…Low stamina," Jiang Shi muttered. "All that dodging drained it."
"Failing to monitor a Pokémon's physical condition is a classic beginner mistake."
After all, this wasn't a video game.
You couldn't just mash skill buttons.
"Why does it feel hotter all of a sudden?" Itachi wiped sweat from his forehead.
"That's Vulpix's Drought Ability," Jiang Shi replied. "When it enters battle, it automatically creates Sunny Day for a period of time."
"Under sunlight, Fire-type moves become stronger."
Naruto's eyes lit up.
"You can't dodge this one! Kurama—Ember!"
This time, the flame shot out cleanly—
—and hit Pikachu directly as it scrambled back to its feet.
Bang!
The impact sent Pikachu flying backward.
It didn't faint immediately, but for a speed-focused Pokémon with relatively low durability, that hit had already sealed the outcome.
Moments later—
A Quick Attack from Vulpix ended the match.
Pikachu collapsed.
Silence fell.
Jiang Shi watched the two stunned boys.
Command timing. Coordination. Physical stats. Experience. Strengths. Weaknesses. Abilities.
What looked simple on the surface contained layers of strategy.
Even though they weren't physically fighting, both Naruto and Sasuke could feel the tension.
The rush of spotting an opening.
The thrill of a counterattack.
It was intoxicating.
Jiang Shi took out a prepared Potion spray and misted Pikachu lightly.
Within seconds, Pikachu's eyes fluttered open. It hopped up, energetic again.
"Boss," Itachi said thoughtfully, a faint smile on his face.
"I'd like to buy a Pokémon as well."
Jiang Shi kept his expression calm.
Inside?
Fireworks.
He had completed his first mission yesterday.
Was he about to complete the second today?
He wondered…
What Mythical Pokémon would he draw this time?