"Ivysaur's evolutionary path is quite different from Charmeleon's."
Shiroishi walked to the window, where light rain tapped gently against the wooden frame.
When he turned back, his gaze fell upon the Ivysaur nestled behind Nagato.
Its leaves trembled slightly, the bud partially open with a faint glow, as if quietly listening.
"It requires sufficient Chakra to complete its evolution."
Ninja Beasts, or Pokémon... all originate from a very small fraction of the Ten-Tails' split Chakra.
To evolve, they must absorb more energy on their own, allowing the life form to continuously improve.
"Fundamentally, there's no difference between them and human cultivation. Humans strengthen their Chakra through rigorous training and belief, while Ninja Beasts grow through Natural Energy and resonance with their master's heart."
Nagato gently stroked Ivysaur's leaves, his expression soft. "I understand... What Ivysaur needs isn't battle, but accumulation."
Shiroishi nodded slightly.
"Yes. Ivysaur's evolution is completely different from Charmeleon's."
He turned around, his tone slightly somber. "The key lies in continuously absorbing Natural Energy, especially sunlight."
"Unfortunately..." He looked up at the thick clouds. "The sky of the Land of Rain doesn't belong to the sun."
The perpetual rain left almost no sunlight here.
Ivysaur's energy accumulation was extremely slow, which was why it couldn't break through to its next form.
"The reason Charmeleon could complete its transformation was because of Yahiko."
"Yahiko's ideals are like a blazing sun. His conviction is enough to illuminate the sky with flames. That will to change the world resonated with Charmeleon's Fire Chakra, stimulating its evolution at the soul level."
"Ideals and passion shaped Charizard."
He then looked at Nagato, his tone gradually becoming steady. "But you and Ivysaur are different. You don't need that kind of explosive combustion."
"What you need is accumulation, steady and solid progress, step by step absorbing Chakra, letting the roots grow deeper. When quantitative change accumulates to its limit, qualitative change will naturally occur."
Nagato listened and nodded gently.
"Thank you for teaching me another strange thing."
Nagato showed a faint smile, his tone carrying a hint of jest.
"Hah," Shiroishi also chuckled. "However, the environment is about to change."
"The friction between the Land of Rain and the Land of Wind is intensifying."
Nagato's eyes shifted slightly.
"This means Ivysaur will have an ample source of energy."
He turned and walked toward Ivysaur, reaching out to gently touch its bud.
"The Chakra on the battlefield is the most primal Natural Energy. Every ninja who dies contains undispersed life force within them."
Ivysaur swayed gently, as if understanding Shiroishi's words.
"Wood Release is the perfect vessel."
Shiroishi continued to explain, "Converting this Chakra into nutrients is heaven-sent fertile soil."
Nagato remained silent for a moment, his expression complex.
"If Yahiko were here, he would definitely dislike your reasoning."
Hearing this, Shiroishi smiled faintly. "Yahiko naturally wouldn't like these words, but everything is just following the cycle of the world. Life and death have always been two sides of the same coin. Both of us are merely allowing the side of life to endure a little longer."
After a moment, Nagato nodded.
Unlike Yahiko, Nagato was more pragmatic. Since he had chosen to protect his companions, he had to exhaust all means to gain greater power.
Whatever Shiroishi wanted to do, or whatever Yahiko wanted to do, he would unconditionally support them.
"The battlefield..."
The Hidden Leaf Village was unusually bustling this morning.
Sunlight spilled onto the Ninja School's plaza, illuminating the densely packed crowd.
Today was the comprehensive evaluation for all Ninja School students.
From first-years to seniors, every student in the school had been gathered here.
The plaza was packed with people, children wearing brand new ninja uniforms, their faces a mix of excitement and nervousness.
The scale of this evaluation was a rare grand event since the founding of the Ninja School.
"I heard the young masters of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans will personally participate."
"Of course! Even the Hokage himself is coming to observe!"
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
In the center of the plaza, flags hung high with striking characters:
"Hidden Leaf Ninja Academy - Annual Assembly!"
On the surrounding platforms, Hidden Leaf teachers had already taken their positions. The Third Hokage's seat was placed in the center of the main viewing stand, his cloak fluttering gently in the wind.
At the very front of the plaza, two young boys stood facing each other from a distance.
On the left was the dark-haired, stern Fugaku Uchiha, son of the Uchiha clan head, his demeanor steady and composed.
On the right was Hiashi Hyuga, heir to the Hyuga clan.
They stood side by side without exchanging a single word, merely gazing at each other before closing their eyes simultaneously.
These young clan heirs were undoubtedly the center of attention.
Behind them stood their respective clan members, with Hizashi Hyuga positioned behind Hiashi.
Most of those present here were senior students.
Meanwhile, in the junior student area on the other side, the atmosphere was much more lively.
Kushina Uzumaki was huddled together with Mikoto Uchiha, chatting in low voices.
"Hey, Mikoto," Kushina leaned closer and whispered, "I never expected the Hokage to come today?"
Mikoto stole a glance at the distant platform and smiled mysteriously: "Not just the Hokage. I heard Lord Danzo is coming too."
"Danzo? That uncle who always has a gloomy face?"
Kushina wrinkled her nose.
"Shh, keep your voice down!" Mikoto couldn't help but laugh. "From what Brother Fugaku said, this evaluation is very high-level. Even the Three Ninja will serve as chief examiners."
Kushina's eyes widened: "That's amazing!"
As they whispered among themselves, Minato Namikaze, standing not far away, turned his head and chuckled at the sight of the two girls laughing and playing.
Just then, solemn footsteps suddenly echoed across the plaza.
The crowd automatically parted as two figures walked side by side onto the main platform.
On the left was Shimura Danzo.
His expression was as gloomy as ever, his entire being like a piece of cold iron.
On the right was the round-bodied Akimichi Torifu, wearing a simple, honest smile.
He was the current principal of the Ninja School, known for his gentle nature and beloved by students.
The two sat down, taking their seats on either side of the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Seeing their arrival, the Third Hokage slowly took a drag from his pipe, his gaze sweeping across the entire venue to confirm everything was ready.
Immediately after, three figures entered the venue from the entrance.
They were the newly risen Three Ninja of the Hidden Leaf from the recent Ninja World War!
Leading the way was Jiraiya, with Tsunade walking calmly beside him, and Orochimaru last, emanating a mysterious aura with his elegant gait.
Their appearance instantly made them the most dazzling presence in the entire venue.
The students gasped in low voices, unable to resist discussing among themselves.
"Is that really the legendary Three Ninja?"
"Are they going to be the chief examiners?"
The Three Ninja stepped onto the platform and stood behind the Third Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly rose and gently clapped his hands, signaling for everyone to quiet down.
At that moment, the entire square fell into complete silence.
The Hidden Leaf Village at this time appeared prosperous and full of talented individuals!
The Third Hokage's voice, gentle yet resonant, echoed in the wind:
"It has been thirty-eight years since the founding of the Hidden Leaf Village. You are the core seedlings of the third generation. The Will of Fire shall be inherited by you."
Every student straightened their backs. After a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed a benevolent smile.
"Next, I will explain the method for your first round of advancement."
As soon as he finished speaking, the curtain was drawn back.
Twelve Ninja Beast Eggs were neatly displayed inside a transparent energy barrier.
Everyone gasped in astonishment. Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes and said, "This is your qualification for advancement."
It must be said that the Hidden Leaf Village at that time was at the peak of its power.
After the First Ninja World War ended, his teacher Tobirama had died, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, who took on the role of Hokage in a crisis, spent a generation building a completely revitalized Hidden Leaf Village.
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