Naruto: As Rasa

"Yes, I'm absolutely sure—the potential of these Pokémon far surpasses any in their respective species," Rasa declared confidently, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "The Pokémon Realm is unimaginably vast, with at least several hundred spirit-beast tribes. Among them, there are even spirit beasts of the Shadow Tier—and beyond that, beings far more powerful than the legendary Three Sanctuaries we know."

He continued, "The Pokémon Realm isn't merely a spirit sanctuary; it's an entire world—a world inhabited solely by Pokémon. This realm has been sealed off since ancient times, with virtually no contact with the outside world. No records or legends exist about them… until now. Today, I stand as the sole contract-holder of the Pokémon Realm."

Rasa met his master Shagu's steady gaze with a mix of earnestness and mischief, fabricating grandiose claims to impress him. Shagu listened intently as Rasa laid out his carefully rehearsed spiel.

"So, in your vision, all three of these Pokémon will one day become Shadow-tier powerhouses. And you're saying that other ninjas, too, can form contracts with spirit beasts?" Shagu's voice quivered with excitement as he grasped the key point.

"Exactly, Master. Although I'm the only one who currently has free access to the Pokémon Realm, that doesn't mean others can't obtain Pokémon. In fact, the Pokémon we see are quite different from the spirit beasts we once knew. To contract with them, a medium is needed—enter the Pokémon Ball."

Rasa held up the Pokémon Ball he had just used, giving it a little shake. "This Pokémon Ball is crafted from materials exclusive to the Pokémon Realm—materials that the outside world can't obtain. And since I can freely traverse the Pokémon Realm, it is my mission to bring these balls into our ninja world."

Shagu's eyes lit up as the implications sank in. "So, you're saying that for a ninja to contract a Pokémon, they must first acquire a Pokémon Ball from you?"

"Precisely! That's why Sunagakure will be the first to harness the power of Pokémon and become truly formidable. But I'm only six years old, and there's much I cannot do alone, Master. I need your support."

Shagu's expression softened as he considered Rasa's bold vision. "How many Pokémon Balls do you have on hand? I can help distribute them properly."

Rasa grinned, "Actually, Pokémon Balls are secondary. The true value lies in the trainer. A great trainer can nurture even a mediocre Pokémon into a true champion, while a poor trainer can squander even the most gifted Pokémon. Trainers must also provide for the Pokémon's daily needs—food, healing agents produced from the Pokémon Realm, and specialized training methods."

He continued with fervor, "I currently have 50 Pokémon Balls ready for the village's use. But we also need to set up a dedicated Pokémon Store to cater to all their needs."

Shagu paused, then voiced his concern, "Ninjas here know little about Pokémon. If they learn that training a Pokémon requires substantial investment, few might want to become trainers."

"That's where your role as the Third Kazekage comes in, Master!" Rasa leaped into Shagu's arms, pouting playfully. "I'm only six—cuteness is my strength! For the sake of our future supremacy, I'm all in!"

Shagu's eyes softened as he remembered the day Rasa first arrived at the Kazekage Office—over twenty-five years of service had taught him to trust the boy's determination. "Alright then. I'll handle my affairs tomorrow and set out the day after to capture the strongest Pokémon from the western reaches of our village. Let's publicly challenge one of our elite Jōnin to a battle. That way, everyone will see the true value of Pokémon."

Rasa, perched on Shagu's lap, replied eagerly, "That's exactly what I had in mind! The strongest among them is a Fire Camel I've researched—its potential already rivals that of an Elite Jōnin. The system's map shows that the mightiest creature in Moses Habitat is indeed a Fire Camel. Even though its base stat total is only 460 and it's rated green, it can eventually reach Elite Jōnin level. Once it mega evolves, even if it can't outright defeat a Shadow-tier opponent, it can certainly stall one long enough to change the tide of battle."

Shagu's excitement was palpable. "Elite Jōnin, you say? I'll prepare my schedule—once I finish my tasks tomorrow, I'll set out immediately."

"Master, you must accompany me as my guide; otherwise, you might not find it!" Rasa insisted.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Shagu agreed. "Very well—but you must promise to stay by my side."

"Of course!" Rasa replied, wrapping his arms around Shagu as he felt a comforting warmth in his mentor's reassurance. He recalled fondly the memory of their first meeting in the Kazekage Office on March 29—Rasa's birthday—a day Shagu never missed, always returning home early and placing a little cap on Rasa's head as a symbol of his destined inheritance as the future Fourth Kazekage. With that gesture, every ninja in Sunagakure knew that Rasa was their "crown prince."

From that day on, Rasa personally delivered dinner to the Kazekage Building every evening, vigilantly ensuring that Shagu never skipped a meal. Over time, they truly became like father and son—the only family in this vast, challenging world.

Later that evening, as they finished their meal, Rasa handed Shagu 50 Pokémon Balls along with a temporarily purchased Pokédex from the shop, explaining how to use them before heading off to his room to sleep. The three little Pokémon—Larvitar, Roggenrola, and Shuckle—had long since curled up together, so Rasa gathered them and carried them back to his room.

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