"Boom!!"
"What?!"
After being struck by Ash's Yasaka Magatama, Gengar let out a shrill scream. Its crimson eyes flashed as dense shadows gathered between its hands, rapidly forming a Shadow Ball, which it hurled straight toward Suzie.
"Yata Mirror."
Without hesitation, Ash raised the mirror again. Just as before, the moment the Shadow Ball collided with it, the attack was violently deflected, rebounding away from him.
"Ten Fist Swords."
The instant he blocked the attack, Ash followed up. However, Gengar froze the moment it sensed the technique. The Ten Fist Swords of the Susanoo were something it remembered all too well.
They were super ancient Pokémon, sealed within divine weapons—but that did not mean they were blind to the outside world.
How could Gengar forget the terror of the Ten Fist Sword's seal? Back then, it, along with the other two super ancient Pokémon, had been suppressed together. That kind of fear was etched deep into its instincts.
"It seems you finally understand the situation."
Ash crossed his arms calmly, looking at the now-motionless Gengar.
"This isn't a place where you can run wild. Those who sealed you in the past could do it… and even now, there are people who still can."
His gaze sharpened.
"How about it? Become my partner, and reach the pinnacle of the world with me."
Gengar hovered in place, breathing heavily. The earlier Yasaka Magatama had not been a bluff—it had caused real damage.
"You should also understand this," Ash continued coolly.
"Even a Legendary Pokémon can fight evenly with me."
"Those who sealed you before needed the combined power of many. I need only myself."
"Among humans and Pokémon alike, my strength stands at the top. Becoming my Pokémon is nothing to be ashamed of."
"Ha…"
Gengar let out a low laugh—then nodded.
Ash's strength was undeniable. Even if Gengar joined forces with the other two super ancient Pokémon, victory was far from guaranteed.
"Welcome aboard," Ash said lightly.
"Rest in the Poké Ball for now. I'll summon you when needed."
A Master Ball flew from his hand.
Gengar did not resist. A flash of red light engulfed it as it was drawn inside. The ball shook a few times—then went still.
Ash smiled.
"The other two can keep watching," he murmured, pocketing the ball.
"For now, Gengar is enough."
With that, he expanded the surrounding space, flooding the alternate dimension with endless seawater—erasing all remaining traces of the battlefield.
Seven Years Later
Time flowed quietly.
Seven years passed—and the true story was finally about to begin.
Much had happened during that time.
First was the ten pairs of Sharingan Ash had collected. After more than five years of research, he had gained nothing of real value.
Frankly speaking, the eyes were troublesome.
No wonder Orochimaru in the original timeline had coveted the Sharingan yet ultimately targeted Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke directly.
In the end, Ash resealed the remaining three pairs of Sharingan.
As for the Mangekyō Sharingan obtained separately—he did not attempt to decipher it at all. His current strength was already sufficient. That eye was merely kept as a reserve.
After all, a Mangekyō was far too rare to casually discard.
Meanwhile, Deidara, who had joined the organization, finally broke through to Kage level during these seven years. His Explosive Clay techniques grew increasingly refined and lethal.
Ash himself also crossed the final threshold—together with Konan.
When he claimed her for the first time, Ash was indescribably pleased.
If nothing unexpected happened, she would soon be utterly conquered—body and soul.
In a dense forest, Hatake Kakashi led his three students toward the Land of Waves, carrying out their assigned mission.
"Mr. Dazna," Sakura Haruno asked as they walked, looking at the bridge builder who was the client for this mission, "does the Land of Waves have ninja of its own?"
"Sakura," Dazna replied, "the Land of Waves doesn't have any ninja."
"Although cultures and customs differ from country to country, most nations do have ninja villages. However, not every country has the economic strength to support one."
"For mainland nations, a ninja village is essentially a country's military power," Kakashi added calmly. "They rely on ninja strength to maintain balance with other nations."
"Even though ninja villages are supported by a country's economy," he continued, "they aren't directly controlled by the state. The relationship is cooperative—just like the one between Konohagakure and the Land of Fire."
"The Land of Waves is an island nation, surrounded by the sea. There's no real need for a ninja village here," Kakashi said, glancing ahead. "Among all existing ninja villages, only five stand at the top."
"Konohagakure, Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure."
"These five villages are vast and exceptionally powerful. They are known as the Five Great Ninja Villages, and the leaders of these villages stand at the pinnacle of the ninja world."
Kakashi patiently explained the current structure of the ninja world, answering Sakura's curiosity.
"Ah… then is Lord Third Hokage really that strong?" Sakura asked after hearing this, still a little doubtful about the elderly Hokage's strength.
"That's obviously exaggerated," Kakashi replied lazily. "How could the Third Hokage be that powerful? One of my lure techniques would knock him down instantly."
Before Kakashi could finish speaking, a blond-haired boy suddenly jumped out with a smug grin.
"That's right! The Third Grandpa isn't that amazing at all!"
It was Naruto Uzumaki, the so-called Child of Prophecy.
Kakashi glanced at Naruto and Sakura, easily guessing what was going through their minds. He could only sigh helplessly.
As the group continued chatting, two shallow puddles of water suddenly appeared on both sides of the road.
A faint chakra fluctuation seeped out from them.
Only Kakashi noticed.
...
TN:
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