Pokénin 019 (Pokemon/Naruto)

Still at the lakeside beach, Team Cynthia were all looking at their teacher as she moved on to Tekai's report. 

“Tekai, you are well adjusted when it comes to speed, strength, endurance, and chakra capacity. You inspired Clair to complete the endurance challenge, and acted as a goal for Zinnia to overcome during the race across the lake. Particularly, your Dragon Dance is exceptional, and speed phenomenal. You also possess the Dragon Rage, a top tier technique of the Ryu Clan. 

When it comes to weaknesses, your taijutsu is rusty, but has a solid foundation. You wield a weapon like a brute, and are prone to acts of berserker rage. Lacking in medium or long range options, I recommend that with your higher than average chakra capacity, and comprehension, that you learn Dragon Breath, or pick up some shuriken skills to supplement your close range combat style. 

As for improving your strengths, I'll have you undertake a similar schedule as Zinnia. Sparring with garchomp will help break your blind rage.” Cynthia nodded at Tekai, and wrote down some notes regarding their training. 

By the time she had finished giving her pointers, it was already late in the evening. The sun was slowly approaching dusk, and some of the Pokémon that only came out at night began to stir within the wilderness. 

“Thank you for your advice, Cynthia Sensei.” Tekai bowed. 

Cynthia had given him a lot to think about. Dragon Breath was something he wanted to learn, but he would put that off for a bit. That was because Tekai was more interested in exploring Dragon Rage. The way the Cubone within the other realm had wielded his flame covered bone-staff was inspiring. 

Tekai imagined he would be able to use his staff as a conduit, and send out the purple-azure ‘flames’ of draconic natured chakra as an attack. Just like how Asuma used his chakra blades to send out wind slices, Tekai wanted to do something similar with his chakra staff. 

But this would probably eat a lot of his chakra, so he had to practice with it some more, and hone in on his chakra control, to figure out how to reduce the strain. 

Therefore, Dragon Breath was out for now, as that was another technique that cost chakra. 

Instead, Tekai figured he would devote a shadow clone to practice shuriken throwing whilst he worked on other things, like initializing the First Gate. 

As Tekai was lost in thought, he felt an arm wrap around the back of his neck, and was surprised to see it was Zinnia. 

“C'mon, we're doing a group photo!” Zinnia grinned, and dragged Tekai over to the edge of the water. 

Clair was standing with her arms crossed, and Cynthia was standing behind them, parasol in hand. 

In front of them, their starters had also been released for the picture. Magikarp, bagon, and horsea.  

A little ways away, Garchomp was standing behind an antique-looking camera, like the ones from the early 1900s. 

“Chomp, Chomp!” 

Tekai smiled, and put a pair of bunny ears behind Clair's head, and wrapped his other arm around Zinnia in a side hug. 

“To Team Cynthia!” Zinnia cheered. 

“To Team Cynthia!” Tekai said, caught up in Zinnia's enthusiasm. 

The two 12 year olds then turned to Clair expectantly. 

“...to Team Cynthia.” Clair eventually relented, and said in a quiet voice. 

A second later, there was a flash, and the group photo had been taken. 

“Thank you, Tekai, Clair, Zinnia, for becoming my students. Your term as my students is to last 2 years. In that time, I intend to teach you the skills & abilities of a chakra warrior. You will learn the duties & responsibilities of a Ranked Official. Finally, I swear as your sensei to protect the three of you to the best of my ability.” Cynthia bowed, and solemnly swore. 

Feeling moved by her words, Tekai bowed back to her. 

The other two girls were quick to follow. 

“So what now?” Tekai questioned. 

Although he was a little tired, he still had plenty left in the gas tank. Feed him some dinner-especially a dinner cooked up by Cynthia-and he'd be ready to train all night! 

“Good question, Tekai, we are done for the day-” 

“Awwww.” Zinnia hung her head in disappointment. 

“But we'll meet back here every morning, training from 7am to 6pm. Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday are to be your rest days. I intend for us to train for a month or two, and then we'll go on a route patrol to see how your skills have developed.” Cynthia openly discussed the broad strokes of their schedule for the next couple weeks. 

“Bravo!” Tekai couldn't help but clap in praise at how transparent Cynthia was. 

Zinnia joined in, and even Clair added some light applause. 

Cynthia hadn't said much, but what she did say was music to his ears. For the millionth time, Tekai was thankful that he had a sensei who cared. 

He had once had a math teacher who didn't give a shit, and had barely passed the class. On the other hand, he once had a chemistry teacher who stayed 2hrs after school to host class for a group of 8 dedicated students. As someone who thought he was bad at chemistry, Tekai had passed that class with flying colors! 

The skills of an educator were half the equation when it came to learning. So far, Tekai could not be more pleased with this sensei of his. 

One who seemed fair, was humble, strong, and didn't have a power trip. Of course it helped that she was beautiful, and shared all the same hobbies as him. 

Looking up at Cynthia, Tekai couldn't help but bow one more time in gratitude. Whilst he couldn't claim to be the most loyal member of the Ryu Clan, people like Cynthia, Clair, and Zinnia were connections that made him see the clan in a brighter light. They gave him a sense of belonging that he hadn’t really felt before. 

“Thank you for the applause, but I am undeserving.” Cynthia graciously held up a hand, halting their clapping. 

“Now, before you depart, I have two things to say. Firstly, you three are welcomed to sleep within my abode any of the days we train-”

“Waah, rooming with big sis is a dream come true!” Zinnia practically vibrated in place, and short circuited from excitement. 

“A most gracious offer, but I shall be training nights with my grandfather.” Clair said in thanks, but declined. 

“Yeah, I might spend a few nights here if the training is particularly tough. The lake is sure to be beautiful at night too. Thank you for the opportunity, Cynthia Sensei.” Tekai thanked, but also signaled by the tone in his voice that he was declining her offer

If he was going to do some intense-noisy-training, his apartment, or the small clearing out back weren't going to cut it. He could very easily forsee himself living here full time. 

“It is no problem. As sensei, I want us all to be close, and learn together. Now, if you wish to clap at something worthy of your adoration, perhaps you would indulge me in my hobby before departing for hom?” 

“Yeah, sure, go for it.” Tekai shrugged his shoulders, and spoke for the other two. 

Cynthia gave a small smile, and then pulled out a sealing scroll. 

Seconds later, a poof of white cloudy smoke revealed a bench alongside a grand piano. 

Tekai felt his heart tighten at the thing, wondering if Cynthia was going to play one of her iconic themes. 

Taking a seat, Cynthia pushed back her bangs, and began to play a tune. 

As the sun set, and dusk met its end, the moon slowly rose over the horizon. Classical music permeated the air. 

The wind, water, distant Pokémon, all became background noise, or utterly disappeared into nothingness as Tekai focused on the beautiful melody. 

It was a piece that heavily resembled Chopin - Nocturne op.9 No.2. 

In less than 5 minutes, it was over. 

Finding his vision blurry, Tekai was quick to wipe his eyes of tears. 

He had lived for 12 years in this land, and rarely if ever did he have time to listen to music. As someone who spent every free minute at home, or in the car listening to music, this feudal lifestyle felt like a prison at times. 

Now, someone was playing a song that carried heart and soul to it. 

When it came to an end, Tekai didn't raise to clap his hands, but was lost in sadness as the piano had triggered memories long lost of a time that would never be again. 

“Karp, Karp!” 

‘Together. Family. Strong.’ Gil sent through their connection in an attempt to comfort him. 

Clutching his magikarp close, Tekai smiled as he silently thanked the mon for his companionship. 

Looking up, Tekai realized he wasn't the only one clapping, as both Clair and Zinnia were also bawling their eyes out. 

Cynthia had a wistful look, and was staring off into the moonlit water. 

Tekai felt his heart constrict when he saw the pale silver glow reflect off her blonde hair. 

“Thank you sensei. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for caring about us. Just as you have promised to teach us, and protect us, I swear that I'll do my best to learn from you. I heard rumors that you're in some competition with my brother, but I don't care about any of that. As you put in your best efforts to train us, I'll do my best to make you proud.” Tekai stated. 

“M-me too. I'll fight for you, big sis Cynthia!” Zinnia said a beat later. 

“...big bro Lance is kind of…” Clair whispered to herself, and looked away with a red face. 

Cynthia glanced back, and ever so slightly nodded. 

“You three are free to go. I think I'll stay here a while.” Cynthia said, then turned back to her piano, and began to play another song. 

Tekai dearly wanted to stick around and keep listening to her performance, yet tonight he had to get home. 

If he wanted to get started on his shurikenjutsu, he'd have to buy some shuriken first. Plus, he wanted to check out the clan library for a staff technique. 

Checking his pocket watch, it was 6:50pm. He still had an hour before the weapons shop closed for the night. 

Blackthorn had a curfew for ordinary citizens. Only a few select streets were allowed to operate businesses at all hours of the day. Maybe there were other shops that stayed open later, but Tekai was only familiar with the one. 

“I'll see you tomorrow, Zinnia, Cynthia Sensei.” Tekai waved at the pair, then turned to Clair. “Let's go back to Blackthorn together?” 

“....sure, you lead the way.” Clair reluctantly agreed. 

Tekai chuckled a bit to himself, wondering if she didn't know how to find her way back. 

It was kind of dark, but with the moon in the sky, and his bloodline helping him see in darkened places, it wasn't all that bad. 

But of course, he now had a decision to make. Should he swim along the shoreline, or take the path through the forest. 

Swimming was the fastest method of travel. 

However, the forest route was actively patrolled, and well travelled by the villagers who lived along the lake. At the same time, the trees blocked vision, making potential ambushes easier. 

Considering the ruckus Tekai had made the other day, what with the whole Rising Dragon thing, he decided to avoid the known path, and swim home. 

“Alright Clair, let's go.” Tekai nodded at her, then hopped in the water with Gil. 

“In the cold?” Clair said disapprovingly. 

“C'mon, we're Ryu, we were made for the sea and sky. Don’t tell me your secondary chakra nature isn't Water when you were drawn to a horsea as your starter.” Tekai said in a joking tone. 

“Sea, sea!” Horsea-for the third time that day-ignored Clair, and jumped in the water, following Tekai's lead. 

“Horsea!” Clair hissed in disbelief. 

“Come on, we both have things to do, and this is faster. Don't let some water scare you. It was waay darker, colder and scarier in the Dragons Den anyway.” Tekai this time pivoted away from joking, and openly mocked. 

Hitting Clair where it hurt-her pride-Tekai was pleased when the blue haired girl grit her teeth, and jumped in after him. 

“Very nice. Now trust me, and do the Dragon Dance. It's good exercise, and will work on your stamina. Now let's go!” 

Taking the lead, Tekai set off for home, for Blackthorn City. 

~~~~~~~~~

AN: Surely nothing bad will happen to them on the return home, right?