Chapter I: The Chakra of Pokémon

"The practice of focusing our chakra in order to perform tasks that are beyond normal human abilities originates from a formerly popular practice of Pokémon training. Pokémon are essentially animals that have learned how to use chakra in such a powerful way that it even changes their appearance over time so they are noticeably different than even utilitarian ninja animals. Pokémon are hard to find now due to quickly expanding human populations especially in the five kingdoms and many of the ones that are seen are usually owned by Trainers.

"Trainers specialize in Pokémon combat and instruction and are also usually affluent in the knowledge having to do with how to raise a Pokémon. Pokémon require special care and must spend time in human made devices called Pokéballs in order to properly channel their chakra. Wild Pokémon are not usually as strong as human trained Pokémon for this reason amongst the instruction from the human. Approach wild Pokémon with extreme caution if at all for many can be very territorial and will attack intruding humans."

"Takuma! You're going to be late!" Jarred from his thoughts, Takuma glared at his mother. "You're suppose to meet with the Hokage today and you're not even packed! I'm proud of you for being a Pokémon expert and all, but please hurry!"

"I am confident Shou will get me there on time. Try not to worry, I will get going soon."

Takuma closed his book and put it in his red backpack. He then took eight cherry sized red and white spheres from his desk and put all but one in a separate pouch which he hung from his waist. When he got outside, he pushed the button in the middle of the one remaining in his hand and it grew to fit the size of his hand.

"Shou, let's go!" The sphere popped open and a red light burst out from within, landing on the ground and forming a distinct shape before other colors and solidity took its place. Takuma was face to face with a bright orange dragon-like creature with large wings and a burning flame on its tail.

The Pokémon grunted as Takuma easily climbed onto its back, hanging on by a makeshift saddle he had made especially for Shou. They took off easily as Takuma pointed his Pokémon in the right direction. Shou roared with delight and Takuma smiled. He knew Shou loved to fly so he used him for his travels as frequently as he could. Shou let out a gleeful roar as he glided across a warm air current. Takuma smiled, if only it were that simple to please his other Pokémon.

The ride went slowly for an hour and Takuma let down his shoulder length dark brown hair. He spent his time looking at the trees, silently wondering if there were any Pokémon left in the forest. He was sure if there were, they would probably shy away from any humans. Perhaps while he was near Konoha, he would search the surrounding forests. He had all but exhausted the forests around his home and he had a collection of the commonly found Pokémon.

Suddenly, Takuma spotted something glinting out of the corner of his eye. Apparently Shou saw it too because he spun in the air quickly to get out of the path of the kunai that was flying towards them. Takuma barely caught a glimpse of a cloaked figure in the forest to the right below hopping from branch to branch.

"We're under attack! Lose him, Shou! Smokescreen!" Shou roared and a stream of black smoke spewed from his mouth. The smoke spread quickly, engulfing the large Pokémon and the surrounding area in the sky. Takuma had to breathe through his shirt in order to keep from choking, but it was better to lessen the chances of an accurate attack.

"Okay, Shou, quickly, to the left!" The dragon Pokémon under Takuma quickly shifted its wings and circled through the smoke before a powerful flap accelerated it out of the coverage and into the open air.