Amidst the giant trees of Verdanturf City.
The pixelated Ninja Boy raced across the thick tree branches like a Vigoroth, moving at lightning speed.
His agile movements made Baimu sigh with amazement—
"Is he really eight years old?"
Yet, with a physique like that, embarking on a journey at eight years old to participate in the Challenge Alliance was hardly unique.
No.
More than physical prowess, what really needed attention was whether Ninja Boy could take care of himself.
Traveling at the age of ten was already quite absurd.
Eight years old...
Baimu squinted slightly, while the simulated Ninja Boy dashed into the Pokémon Center, ran up to the front desk, and loudly declared to Miss Joy his grand ambitions.
[Your shout attracted the attention of those around you, but you didn't mind and eagerly sought advice from Joy]
Faced with the barrage of noisy questions, Miss Joy appeared troubled and summoned two Nurse Blisseys with a raised hand.
They captured Ninja Boy with arms like powerful soldiers.
Poof!
A sudden cloud of smoke billowed up.
The captured Ninja Boy turned into a falling wooden log, while his actual body appeared on the other side.
[You used the Substitution Technique to break free from Nurse Blissey's hold]
Substitution Technique!
Baimu's eyes brightened; the conditions for the Ninja's Book seemed unreliable, but the teachings imparted to Ninja Boy appeared genuine.
Looking forward to the ultimate reward from the simulation.
And the escaped Ninja Boy pestered Miss Joy once more, his dogged persistence piquing Baimu's curiosity as to why he didn't consult his family.
Could it be...
Pokémon Edition of Naruto Uzumaki?
Recalling the previously selectable talent called Hot-blooded Youth, he fell silent, then shamelessly began doubting Ninja Boy's family situation and the motive behind his desire to become a ninja.
He also pondered whether the Pokémon World contained ninjutsu similar to Reincarnation of the Filth; like magical skills used to resurrect friends...
The young ghost seemed to evoke a sense of déjà vu too strongly.
On screen, Ninja Boy wobbled out of the Pokémon Center, appearing quite despondent.
[You learned from Miss Joy that the Challenge Alliance tournament is indeed a big deal, but you haven't reached the minimum age to challenge a Gym]
Minimum age?
He googled curiously, discovering that most regions restricted Trainers under ten from challenging Gyms, and this rule remained unchanged till now.
Indeed, competing in the tournament at eight was somewhat absurd.
Do you think you're Boppi?
On the screen.
The dejected Ninja Boy meandered into a treehouse, rested a while, then seemed to make some sort of resolution.
He ventured out again, arriving at a hospital situated independently, separate from the giant trees, stealthily entering a ward and grasping the hand of the elderly man on the bed.
[You told Grandpa about becoming an Apprentice Ninja, also expressing you're close to becoming an official ninja, hoping he can wake up as promised when the time comes]
Ah.
It all makes sense now.
In Baimu's gaze towards Ninja Boy, there emerged empathy.
Adults afflicted with incurable illnesses often set nearly impossible goals for their kids, telling them if achieved, the condition may improve.
This behavior could unintentionally cast a deeper psychological shadow on children.
Much likely, Ninja Boy was told that once he becomes an official ninja, Grandpa on the sickbed would awaken.
—It isn't that simple!
Yet, Ninja Boy believed it.
Baimu lightly shook his head, then saw images shift; Ninja Boy went back to pestering Joy several times, sought others, before the background turned to inky night.
He sneaked into a house with a blue roof and white walls.
[Upon investigation, you discovered that if you alter the age on your birth record, you could proceed to challenge the Gyms and the Alliance tournament]
Baimu: "!"
Which little genius taught him that?
Electronic records can't be altered without proper authorization... huh!? Could it still be an era of paper records!
How long ago was that!
He looked shocked as Ninja Boy entered a room full of records, quickly found and pulled out one.
[You successfully found your birth record and meticulously began erasing and correcting it with your homemade pen and correction fluid]
This was eight years old?
Baimu barely restrained from spitting out water, seriously doubting if Ninja Boy was reborn or transmigrated, otherwise it couldn't explain his professionalism.
And most adults don't have such skills, right?
What did the Ninja's Book actually teach?
Consider the versatile Rocket Team trio and the ninjutsu just showcased by Ninja Boy, skills surpassing common sense one after another.
In comparison, sneaking into the police station and altering records seemed trivial.
Would this really work?
Baimu watched suspiciously as Ninja Boy amended his birth records then quietly left the archive room, honestly thinking if Ninja Boy altered all the records here, it would count as a major feat.
But alas, the little ghost firmly believed Joy's words, solely determined to challenge the Alliance tournament.
By the way.
Where was Ninja Boy's first Pokémon?
He recalled choosing Koffing before the simulation started, with nearly five minutes gone, why hadn't it shown up?
Was it uncaptured yet?
Under Baimu's curious gaze, Ninja Boy returned home.
[You quickly packed your luggage, left a farewell letter for your parents, and officially embarked on the journey to challenge Gyms and the Alliance tournament]