Summoning Pokémon in Naruto

No one knew that Uchiha Hayato and Chimchar were secretly practicing dangerous techniques.

Hayato was like a catfish dropped into a school of sardines, stirring the calm waters of Konoha in an instant.

[T/N: Refers to the catfish effect, a concept in human resource management. This effect occurs when a strong performer is placed in a group of weaker performers, motivating the entire group to improve their performance.]

The Pokémon Guild had been officially established, and Minato's task was to spread the concept of Pokémon among the children of the ninja academy. These young minds, still unformed, were destined to become the crucial supporters of Hayato's dream to become Hokage.

Among the students, there were mischievous troublemakers and promising seeds of future ninja talent. During this time, Hayato also got to know the future leaders of the Ino-Shika-Cho clan. Time passed quietly yet steadily.

Unknowingly, two years had gone by since Kushina first arrived in Konoha.

Two years ago, she thought she would spend her days in Konoha alone, destined for a life of solitude. Now, not only had she found someone she liked, but she had also made a few friends.

Her only concern: she'd prefer these friends not compete with her for Hayato's attention.

Ruri's figure had become curvier, causing Kushina to harbor a hint of jealousy over her mature physique. She had also become close friends with Uchiha Mikoto. Despite her suspicions about Mikoto's relationship with Hayato, Mikoto's gentle demeanor complemented Kushina's fiery temperament.

As for Nono, she seemed harmless, but Kushina often felt like she was subtly inching closer to Hayato under the guise of friendship.

Deep down, Kushina wanted to monopolize Hayato's attention. But watching everyone get along, she sometimes thought perhaps this kind of life wasn't so bad.

Kushina's smile carried a trace of worry—this time, about herself. She had recently learned the true purpose of her coming to Konoha: to become the next Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.

She hesitated to tell Hayato. Becoming a Jinchuriki meant she might never return to Uzushiogakure. Worse, the hatred and violence contained in the Nine-Tails might cause others to shun her, treating her as a monster. This fear gnawed at her, especially when she wondered how Hayato might view her.

"The power of science is truly amazing!"

A middle-aged man marveled aloud as he walked down the street.

Kushina leaned over the balcony, gazing at the bustling roads below. Konoha was now teeming with Pokémon—Poochyena, Meowth, and even Machoke assisting with the village's expansion projects.

Her eyes casually scanned the scene until she spotted a familiar figure hurrying toward the Hokage's office.

An ominous feeling gripped her, and she quickly left her home to follow.

What was going on?

"Lord Third, I beg you to send reinforcements to save Uzushiogakure!"

A young girl stood before Sarutobi Hiruzen, her voice urgent.

"What? Uzushiogakure is under attack?" Hiruzen was shocked. Uzushiogakure was close to the Land of Fire. If enemies could sneak past the Uzumaki clan's sensory barrier, Konoha itself could be at risk.

"They have sensory-type ninja with them, wearing Rain Village headbands. But I'm certain they aren't Rain ninja. The Land of Rain is too far," the girl said, her voice trembling with anger.

"Our clan's Kagura Mind Eye detected them 60 kilometers away, but we are no match for them. The village is holding out with a barrier, awaiting reinforcements."

Her words weighed heavily on Hiruzen. Despite her youth—barely older than Kushina—she bore the burden of this grave mission.

Should Konoha send reinforcements? Uzushiogakure was their ally, and aiding them was the right thing to do. But sending troops could escalate the conflict into a full-scale war.

Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "I'll discuss this with my advisors and arrange reinforcements."

The girl's face darkened. She understood his caution but couldn't suppress her disappointment. She lowered her head and left quickly.

"Kushina? What are you doing here?"

Hiruzen spotted Kushina approaching, his heart sinking. Uzushiogakure's situation was delicate, and he had to tread carefully.

Kushina's face darkened further when she recognized the girl.

"Azako, what's going on in Uzushiogakure?"

The girl's expression shifted from surprise to coldness. "You're with Konoha now. Why do you care about the clan's affairs?"

Kushina's temper flared. "What do you mean? I'm an Uzumaki! Uzushiogakure will always be my home. Now tell me what happened!"

Azako's eyes dimmed. "Even if you knew, what could you do? Uzushiogakure is under attack by powerful ninja. It may soon be destroyed."

Kushina felt a chill run through her. She had been restless for days—was this the reason?

She thought of her promise to Hayato, about visiting Uzushiogakure together one day. But now, that promise might never be fulfilled.

As a genin, tied to Konoha, what could she possibly do?

Unless… Hayato. He always had a way.

Kushina's eyes lit up as she dialed Hayato's number.

"Hayato, where are you? I need to talk to you about something important."

A slightly lazy voice answered through the communicator.

"Kushina? I'm at home. Come over if you need to talk."

Hiruzen overheard the conversation, his worry deepening.

"Keep an eye on Uchiha Hayato. Don't let him do anything rash."