Within the Hidden Leaf Village camp.
Sakumo Hatake sat alone in a corner. On the small wooden table before him, the recently hatched white insect Nincada lay quietly.
Unlike most Ninja Beasts, its aura was faint yet surprisingly stable, like a wooden stake driven into the earth—unremarkable but firmly rooted.
Split Evolution.
It was an unfamiliar yet particularly unique concept.
In the Pokémon World.
During its evolution, the main body would divide into two—one transforming into a swift ninja, the other into a hollow-like specter.
Nincada's awakened skill was Mind's Eye.
The next moment, Nincada's small black eyes gently closed. An extremely subtle Chakra Wave connected directly with Sakumo Hatake's own perception.
Mind's Eye.
It wasn't true sight, but rather the elimination of noise and interference to lock onto a target.
Once activated, no matter how an enemy concealed themselves or changed form, as long as they moved within range, the next strike would never miss.
Sakumo Hatake slowly closed his eyes.
The footsteps of patrolling ninjas in the distance, the faint crackle of oil lamps burning, the gentle flapping of tent cloth lifted by the wind.
Yet under the enhancement of Mind's Eye, all these receded into the background, becoming a blurry gray haze.
Leaving only... himself and his blade.
His fingers touched the hilt, giving it a slight shake.
The moment the blade left its sheath, it was faster than usual.
The air was sharply cut open by the White Fang Blade, as if even the night itself had been split in two.
Sakumo Hatake opened his eyes, his pupils still retaining the calmness born of extreme focus.
"So that's how it is."
The Nincada on the table lifted its head slightly, its small green wings trembling gently, as if responding to its Trainer.
This time, the White Fang's blade, enhanced by this skill, would become even more terrifying.
...
Meanwhile, deep within the World Tree in the Land of Rain.
Massive roots wrapped tightly around the entire Land of Rain like a neural network.
With the main structures of the Viridian, Vermilion, and Saffron Dojos completed, Shiroishi stood on the Tree Heart platform, pressing his hand against the bark.
"Begin."
The deep structures of the World Tree roared to life.
White Zetsus were dispersed across various nodes as blank vessels. Now, three White Zetsus were drawn into the core, participating in the ritual of personality descent.
The Ditto Cells within the White Zetsus began the next stage of fusion with their bodies.
These continuously infected White Zetsu soldiers had all come from Uchiha Madara's side.
Three distinct balls of light bloomed above the Tree Heart.
The first ball of light crackled with explosive electric arcs and rough combat intent, like a thundercloud pressing down, making one's chest feel heavy.
The White Zetsu's body was forcibly expanded, its muscle lines becoming thick and heavy. Its skin took on a bronze hue, with short golden hair standing on end. The entire figure resembled a lightning weapon ready to activate at any moment.
He laughed loudly while clenching his fist, electric traces still lingering on his arms.
"Vermilion Dojo, Lt. Surge!"
The moment Lt. Surge appeared, he looked around before glancing at Shiroishi: "Pokémon development in a new world? Interesting."
The second ball of light was completely different, carrying distorted psychic waves that subtly bent the surrounding space like lenses.
White Zetsu's features rapidly sharpened, black hair cascading down as a pair of purple eyes exuded an intensely chilling pressure.
When she opened her eyes, a wave of psychic energy swept through the Tree Heart, causing even distant White Zetsu to instinctively crouch and shield their heads.
"Saffron Dojo, Sabrina."
The girl's voice was calm, yet it made one unconsciously hold their breath.
Boundless psychic power generated a formidable pressure, symbolizing Sabrina's mastery over unique mental abilities.
The final cluster of light differed from both the flamboyance of lightning and the cold sharpness of psychic energy.
It carried an aura mingled with ambition and nature.
White Zetsu's form elongated, a touch of profundity appearing between his brows.
Simultaneously, tiny roots extended from beneath his feet, connecting to the depths of the World Tree. His pulse synchronized with its rhythm, and his breathing grew deep and steady.
The scent of earth, the moisture of the forest, and a certain craving for dominion merged in that moment.
He didn't rush to introduce himself, merely lifting his head to survey the entire Tree Heart space before taking a deep breath.
"Viridian..."
Shiroishi watched him, his gaze tinged with scrutiny.
Just then, vibrations traveled from a distant root of the World Tree—a signal transmitted from the Pewter Gym stationed near the Land of Earth.
Shiroishi lowered his eyes, lightly tapping his fingertips against the bark.
"Brock at the Pewter Gym won't hold out much longer."
He remarked calmly, "The Third Tsuchikage has reached the frontlines, and the Four-Tails Jinchuriki will arrive soon."
A brief silence fell within the Tree Heart.
Lt. Surge crackled with electric arcs at his shoulder, "Should I go?"
Sabrina merely tilted her head slightly, seemingly disinterested in such direct warfare.
Finally, the one from Viridian spoke.
From the darkness, he chuckled, his voice low and steady, "Do you want me to provide support, or should I take the Jinchuriki along as well?"
Shiroishi pondered briefly before answering frankly, "Seize it."
As his words fell, the branches deep within the Tree Heart trembled faintly.
For the World Tree, Tailed Beasts were excellent nourishment—a lesson already demonstrated by the precedent of the Two-Tails.
The figure in the shadows spoke plainly, "You intend to reshape the world's mythological landscape after capturing the Tailed Beast, don't you?"
Then, with an intrigued tone, he added, "This world is fascinating."
Openly and brazenly seizing a Tailed Beast from a major nation was in itself a declaration, though the current state of affairs was chaotic.
"Last time it was the Two-Tails," Shiroishi said slowly, "This time, it's the Four-Tails."
"The Tsuchikage, Ōnoki... along with a Jinchuriki?"
The World Tree's glow dimmed momentarily before brightening once more across the entire Land of Rain.
Openly seizing a Tailed Beast from a major ninja village was more severe than the previous capture of the Two-Tails.
Yet, with the Land of Rain now at the eye of the storm, defeating the Jinchuriki and seizing the Tailed Beast could serve as a deterrent.
As the Gym Leader of the Viridian Dojo.
The figure in the shadows finally revealed a smile, his voice deep and resolute:
"Then, leave the Land of Earth battlefield to me."
The light from the depths of the World Tree cast layered outlines upon him, while the auras of Lt. Surge and Sabrina gradually receded, remaining within the Land of Rain to guard the nascent core of the Pokemon League alongside Konan.
With Gyms securing the borders and three powerful figures holding the interior, the Land of Rain had truly stabilized its foundation.
Finally, the shadowy figure gradually clarified under the light.
The crisp cut of his suit, the stern arch of his brows, and the oppressive aura of a natural-born ruler—beneath the perfectly groomed hair lay eyes brimming with ambition and calculation.
As the wind howled through the World Tree, the name echoed within the Tree Heart: Giovanni.
Former leader of Team Rocket.
The focus of Viridian Dojo.
When Giovanni awakened in this world, he instantly grew fond of it.
Because this was the perfect stage for him to shine.
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