The air after the rain carried a faint scent of damp earth.
Shiroishi stood with the other three at the edge of a spacious valley, where the ground shimmered with a weak green light from the energy released earlier by Ivysaur.
At the center of that radiance, a dazzling flame was gradually igniting.
Charmander's body was enveloped in a pillar of light.
Yahiko raised a hand to shield his eyes, yet a strange thrill stirred within him.
As the light stabilized, Charmander's silhouette began to change.
Its body elongated, its limbs growing more solid and powerful.
The outline of its head sharpened in the play of light and shadow, gradually sprouting a horn-like protrusion. Its pointed mouth parted slightly, revealing glimpses of sharp teeth, like a natural-born warrior.
Intense flames swirled around its body, the fire on its tail suddenly burning higher.
Sparks crackled in the air, accompanied by a fierce roar!
Evolution complete.
In that instant, the flames erupted violently, sending waves of heat surging outward.
Even the air trembled under the intensity of the temperature.
When the fiery glow subsided, an imposing Charmeleon stood before them.
It held its head high, its tail blazing with blade-like flames, eyes gleaming with combat spirit and confidence.
Charmeleon opened its mouth and unleashed a spinning Fire Vortex—the first new technique it performed after evolving.
The flames spiraled through the air at an astonishing speed, scorching waves of heat sweeping in all directions, leaving charred marks on the ground.
Yahiko's eyes widened as he murmured in awe, "Flame... restraint?"
Charmeleon had mastered two new skills: Cut and Fire Vortex!
Combined with its previous Dragon Breath and Metal Claw, its entire arsenal was now purely offensive.
Just then.
Charmeleon abruptly swung its claws!
A crescent-shaped energy slash sliced through the air, trailing scorching heat waves, and instantly cleaved a rock in front of it—the cut surface as smooth as a mirror.
Yahiko's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but laugh. "This guy... is getting stronger and stronger!"
Hearing the praise, Charmeleon lifted its head higher, the flames on its tail burning even brighter.
It snorted, a hint of pride in its gaze, and even gave Yahiko a light shove, as if showing off.
Yahiko stumbled from the push, grinning as he patted its shoulder.
"Alright, alright, I know you're amazing, Charmeleon."
His tone carried both pride and a touch of brotherly tenderness.
Standing not far away, Shiroishi narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the intense Chakra Wave emanating from Charmeleon.
This energy wasn't just the pure power of Fire Release; it also carried a restless ripple of lightning attributes—
a unique aura born from the resonance between Dragon Breath and Fire Vortex.
Charmeleon's power was pure and aggressive.
At that moment, a faint "Wah~" sounded near Shiroishi's feet.
He looked down to see Poipole floating over.
Its silver body trembled slightly in the air, its small eyes filled with grievance.
It gently bumped its head against Shiroishi's knee,
as if protesting.
Why could everyone else evolve, while it remained unchanged?
Shiroishi couldn't help but smile, reaching out to stroke the top of its head.
"You, always so impatient."
Poipole let out a soft "Pururu~," sounding almost like it was whining.
"You were born later, and your body is still accumulating energy. Once your toxins fully merge with Chakra, you'll evolve and become very strong."
Poipole tilted its head, seeming to understand only partially, but it quieted down under Shiroishi's soothing.
Yahiko watched the scene and smiled. "So childlike."
Shiroishi returned the smile. "He really is just a child. Though to be fair, you're not much older yourselves."
Yahiko paused briefly at this, then chuckled. "Maybe so, but we're growing stronger."
The rain began falling again, carrying a chill in its descent.
Charmeleon stretched its claws, sensing the new power coursing through it, its Tail Flame flickering in the damp air.
Truthfully, the slow evolution of their Ninja Beasts was connected to their four masters still being in their growth phases.
If they were adults like Orochimaru and Jiraiya, their Ninja Beasts' evolution cycles would be much faster.
Take Mudkip for instance - Shiroishi could already sense it was nearing evolution, and even without World Tree energy assistance, it could complete its evolution relying solely on Jiraiya's Chakra.
Elsewhere, dark clouds churned as the rain pattered down.
In a desolate valley, two familiar figures stood facing each other in silence.
Jiraiya's cloak clung to his body, soaked through by the rain, his white hair thoroughly drenched.
He narrowed his eyes, his expression unusually grave as he stared at Orochimaru's cold smirk not far away.
An indescribable tension hung heavy in the air.
"...So you really have been following me."
Jiraiya's voice was low, as if suppressing anger.
Orochimaru's lips curved slightly upward, his snake-like eyes glinting with amusement in the rain.
"Heh, Jiraiya, you're just noticing now."
His tone was lazy, carrying that familiar mockery as if he had no intention of explaining anything.
Jiraiya took a deep breath, shifting his stance as water splashed around his feet.
"What are you doing in the Land of Rain?"
His tone had lost all levity, replaced by genuine wariness.
Orochimaru didn't answer immediately, instead looking up at the rain-obscured sky.
A dangerous glint flashed through his narrow eyes.
"No comment."
He uttered the two words flatly.
He turned to leave.
But at that moment, Jiraiya's Chakra suddenly erupted!
"Earth Release: Rock Barrier Technique!"
The earth surged upward, mud and stones tumbling as a barrier blocked Orochimaru's path.
Jiraiya's voice turned cold for the first time. "Don't even think about leaving. What exactly are you planning in the Land of Rain?"
Orochimaru stopped, glancing sideways at him, that unsettling smile still playing on his lips.
"Heh, I'm just looking for some useful materials. Corpses, for instance."
The air grew completely cold at that moment.
Jiraiya's pupils constricted sharply, his fist tightening slightly.
"Corpses..."
Orochimaru let out a soft breath, his tongue flicking out to lick his lips.
Internally cursing Jiraiya for being a fool - he really was just collecting corpses.
But facing Jiraiya, Orochimaru still wanted to assert his superiority, unable to resist continuing his mockery.
"How tedious, Jiraiya. In this world, all living things will eventually decay. I'm merely helping these decaying lives find new value."
"Value?"
Seeing Jiraiya's expression, Orochimaru laughed, his laughter tinged with derision.
"You're still so naive. Tell me, Jiraiya, in this world filled with corpses, who exactly can your beliefs save?"
The rain grew heavier, wind whipping mud between the two men.
The atmosphere thickened almost to substance.
Jiraiya remained silent for a moment, their gazes clashing in the rain.
Suddenly, Jiraiya spotted the Sprite Egg behind Orochimaru!
His expression shifted sharply: "You've been to the Breeding House? The corpses you mentioned came from there?"
At that moment, Jiraiya's aura became terrifying.
Damn.
He's serious now.
Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged: "Heh, so what if I have?"
In an instant, Chakra surged violently!
With an angry roar, Jiraiya formed hand seals as the ground beneath him suddenly swelled upward, crystalline rocks instantly forming a defensive wall around him.
Wide Guard!
Seizing the momentum, he leaped forward, his fist carrying astonishing force as it slammed directly into Orochimaru's face!