While Brock's intent was purely to get close to Aya, it actually gave Ash a great idea.
Before he could even mention it, Aya suggested, "Ash, why don't you try being an exchange student for a day? I'm sure you'll gain a lot from it. Don't you agree, Principal?"
Such a request naturally required the Principal's approval. Having witnessed Ash's battle and being particularly impressed by his Scyther, the old man wasn't about to refuse.
"I'll permit your enrollment as exchange students. You can stay as long as you like!"
This was a massive favor. Most students here had worked tirelessly for a long time just to earn the right to study ninjutsu. Soon, the four of them changed into the academy's specialized ninja uniforms. The designs were sleek and made them look incredibly sharp.
Misty's blue ninja outfit, in particular, traced her silhouette beautifully, making her look quite charming. Ash and Molly both wore red, giving them a bit of a "matching family" look. Brock, meanwhile, was in yellow.
The uniforms were tapered at the wrists and ankles, making movement effortless. As Ash's physical coordination continued to improve, he felt a strong urge to ask Aya for a set to take home.
According to the introduction, the Red Uniform was for the Tactics Department, focusing on Pokémon battles. The Yellow Uniform was for the Technical Department, aimed at leveling up move proficiency. The Blue Uniform belonged to the Cosmetic Department, focusing on grooming and health.
"Wait a second, I never said I wanted to enroll!" Misty suddenly panicked. Trying on the clothes was fine, but studying ninjutsu seemed like...
"That's a shame," the Principal said with a sigh of regret. "The Cosmetic Department is currently running a special experiential course. By taking this class, beautiful people become even more beautiful, and those with... lesser features... can see improvements!"
Misty, who previously had zero interest, was suddenly all ears. "Beautiful people becoming even more beautiful? This department was practically made for me!"
"Uh, Misty, you might want to reconsider," Ash interjected, feeling an ominous premonition about their "beauty methods." "I saw a training session over there where they control Starmie to glide on water. I think you should try that instead!" Come to think of it, Starmie's shape really did look like a ninja's shuriken.
"Is that so?" Misty looked at Ash, thought it over, and nodded. "I'll go check it out after the beauty class ends." As a Water-type trainer, that was a skill she could definitely use. "With this, my beauty will reach a whole new level!"
And so, Misty's tragedy began. Ash's premonition came true. Their "beauty treatment" involved using a Spinarak's spider silk to wrap up one's head like a facial mask. Misty sat there, frozen in terror as a Spinarak approached her.
Brock's situation was even worse. Aya wasn't even in the same class as him—wasn't her outfit red? All his plans had fallen through.
"Miss Aya, I have a small request!" Ash followed Aya to the Tactics Department's field. The trainers here were clearly quite strong.
"Go ahead."
"I want to challenge the entire Jujitsu Academy!"
Are you sure that's a 'small' request? Aya was stunned. She was even more shocked when Ash walked directly up to the Tactics instructor and declared loudly, "I'm not targeting anyone specifically, but none of you here are my match!"
"Kid, where did you crawl out from?" Naturally, someone couldn't sit still after that.
"Let's battle!" Ash threw out Scyther's Poké Ball!
"Fine by me!" Since this was a practical combat class, the opponent immediately accepted, summoning a Houndour.
A Fire-type! Super effective against Scyther! However, the opponent had no way of knowing that Ash's Scyther had been trained by his very own Houndoom back at the lab.
"Very well, the match between Ash's Scyther and Sasuke's Houndour begins now!" the instructor announced. The opponent's name was actually Sasuke—how fitting.
"Houndour, Fire Spin!"
If one were to use ninja terminology, this would be Fire Style: Fire Spin! It looked pretty cool. The flames surged to envelop Scyther, forming a vortex that would cause continuous damage.
"Hmph, talking big only to be frozen by fear!" Sasuke acted as if he had already won.
"Swords Dance!"
This was the same tactic Bug-type Gym Leader Bugsy used to ward off fire! The shockwaves of sword-energy dispersed the Fire Spin while simultaneously boosting Scyther's Attack significantly.
"Ninjutsu: Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Ash shouted the command with a hint of "chuunibyou" flair. Scyther transformed into dozens of copies, surrounding Houndour. Its right blade dipped—preparing for a Cut!
"Houndour, use Smokescreen!"
Escaping through smoke—now that's a well-learned ninja art! The smoke obscured Scyther's vision, interrupting the Cut attack.
"Houndour, use Faint Attack!"
As the smoke began to clear, Houndour lunged, only to find Scyther's position empty. Its canine nose twitched, and it immediately looked up.
Scyther was directly above it!
"Cut!"
A strike from the heavens landed, dealing a massive blow. But Scyther wasn't done. As it landed, it crossed its twin blades and slashed into Houndour again.
"X-Scissor!" A Bug-type move!
"Houndour!" Sasuke was dazed. He had the advantage just a moment ago, yet now his Pokémon was unable to battle.
"Endure, find an opening, and once you have it, strike with everything you have for a one-hit kill—that is the essence of a true ninja!" The Principal had appeared behind the instructor at some point.
"Principal!" Aya walked over to him. "What do you think of Ash?"
"Aya, if possible, I would like to have this Scyther stay here for a while. What do you think?" The Principal's eyes were glowing as he watched Scyther. Aya realized how extraordinary Ash's Scyther was, but this put her in a difficult position. It was clearly Ash's trump card; how could he just leave it behind?
"I'm not trying to take it. I just want to teach this Scyther everything I know about ninjutsu. I'll return it before Ash enters the Silver Conference!" The Principal explained with a smile, sensing her hesitation.
If that were the case, this was a golden opportunity for Ash. He wouldn't refuse.
"Ash, what do you think?" Aya asked after Ash had defeated three more trainers.
"I see..." Ash glanced at Scyther. Seeing it nod, he replied, "Of course. It would be my honor. Thank you, Principal!"
"I have my own selfish reasons too. With your strength and character, Ash, you will surely shine in the future. If your Scyther can make a name for itself using my ninjutsu, it benefits both me and the Academy!" To put it simply, the Principal was making an investment. It was the same logic as a bike shop owner giving the protagonist a free bicycle.
"Then I won't decline! I'll make good use of your ninjutsu!" Ash patted Scyther on the shoulder. "But before that, there's one more thing!"
Scyther: 195 / 215