While Brock's primary motivation was to get closer to Aya, his actions had given Ash a great deal of inspiration.
Before Ash could even bring it up, Aya made a suggestion. "Ash, why don't you all try enrolling for a day? I'm sure you'll find it very rewarding. Don't you agree, Principal?"
For a trial enrollment, they naturally needed the consent of the elderly Principal. Having witnessed Ash's battle earlier and being particularly impressed by his Scyther, the Principal certainly had no reason to refuse.
"Then I grant you permission for a trial enrollment. You may stay as long as you like!"
This was a significant privilege for Ash. Most students there had worked for a long time just to earn the chance to study Ninjutsu at the academy.
Soon, the four of them changed into the academy's specialized ninja uniforms. The style was quite striking, making everyone look exceptionally sharp. Misty, in particular, wore a blue ninja outfit that perfectly traced her figure, making her look quite charming. Ash and Molly both wore red ninja suits, giving them a bit of a matching sibling look. As for Brock, he wore yellow.
The uniforms were designed with tight bindings at the wrists and ankles, which was very conducive to movement. With Ash's physical skills improving daily, he felt a sudden urge to ask Aya if he could keep a set.
According to the introduction, the red uniforms belonged to the Tactical Department, which specialized in Pokémon battle tactics. Yellow was for the Technical Department, focusing on raising the level of Pokémon moves. Blue was for the Beauty Department, where students learned about aesthetics and weight loss.
"Wait a minute, I didn't say I wanted to enroll?" Misty stammered. Trying on the ninja outfit was one thing, but actually studying Ninjutsu felt a bit...
"That's a shame!" The Principal said with a look of regret. "The Beauty Department is currently running a special experience course. By taking this course, beautiful people become even more radiant, and those with less than ideal looks can see significant improvements!"
Misty, who previously had zero interest in Ninjutsu, was suddenly hooked. "Beautiful people becoming even more radiant? This department was practically made for me!"
"Uh, Misty, I think you should reconsider," Ash said, suddenly getting a bad feeling about this department's methods. "I saw them over there training a Starmie to do water-gliding control. I think you should try that instead."
Come to think of it, Starmie's shape really did resemble a ninja's shuriken.
"Really?" Misty looked at Ash, thought about it for a moment, and nodded. "Then I'll go check that out after the beauty class ends."
As a Water-type Trainer, that was a skill Misty could definitely master. "This way, my beauty will reach the next level!"
Unfortunately, it turned out to be a tragedy for Misty.
Ash's premonition was spot on. The "beauty treatment" here consisted of using Spinarak's silk to wrap the head tightly, serving as a sort of face mask. Misty sat there, frozen in terror as she faced a Spinarak.
Brock's situation was even more tragic. Aya wasn't in the same class as him at all; wasn't she wearing red? All his calculations had gone to waste.
"Aya, I have a small request," Ash said as he followed her to the Tactical Department's training grounds. The Trainers here were clearly not weak.
"What is it?"
"I want to challenge the entire Pokémon Ninja School!"
You call that a small request? Aya was stunned. She never expected Ash to walk straight up to the tactics instructor and declare, "I'm not targeting anyone specifically, but none of you are a match for me!"
"Hey kid, where did you crawl out from?"
As expected, someone couldn't sit still after that.
"Let's settle this!" Ash yelled, throwing out Scyther's Poké Ball.
"You're on!" This was a practical application class, after all. His opponent immediately accepted and summoned a Houndour.
Fire-typeit was super effective against Scyther. However, the opponent didn't know that Ash's Scyther had been trained by a Houndoom!
"In that case, the battle between Ash's Scyther and Sasuke's Houndour will now begin!" the instructor announced. Ash was amused to find that this handsome guy was actually named Sasuke.
"Houndour, use Fire Spin!"
If one were to translate this into Ninjutsu terms, it would be a Fire Style technique. Fire Style: Fire Spin! It looked pretty cool. The flames ruthlessly enveloped Scyther, forming a vortex around it that dealt continuous damage.
"Hmph, talking so big and now you're too scared to move!" Sasuke acted as if he had already secured the victory.
"Swords Dance!"
This was the tactic used by Bugsy, the Bug-type Gym Leader of Azalea Town, to resist Fire-types! A wave of sword-qi dispersed the Fire Spin while significantly boosting Scyther's attack power.
"Ninjutsu: Shadow Clone Technique!"
Ash shouted the command with a bit of "chuuni" flair. Scyther transformed into dozens of copies, surrounding Houndour. Its right blade hung slightly low as it prepared a Cut!
"Houndour, use Smokescreen!"
Using a smoke screen to escapethat was a well-learned ninja trick. The smoke obscured Scyther's vision, naturally interrupting the Cut.
"Houndour, use Feint Attack!"
As the smoke began to clear, Houndour launched its assault, only to find that Scyther was nowhere to be seen. Its canine nose twitched, and it immediately looked up! Scyther was right above its head!
"Cut!"
A descending strike hit home, dealing a massive blow, but Scyther wasn't finished. As it landed, its twin blades crossed in front of its body and slashed into Houndour with momentum. It was X-Scissor, a Bug-type move!
"Houndour!" Sasuke was bewildered. He had the upper hand just a moment ago, and now his Houndour was unable to battle.
"Patience, seeking an opportunity! Once the chance arises, strike relentlessly for a one-hit kill. That is the mark of a true ninja!" Without anyone noticing, the Principal had appeared behind the instructor.
"Principal!" Aya walked over to him. "What do you think of Ash?"
"Aya, if possible, I would like to keep this Scyther here for a while. Do you think he'd agree?" The Principal's eyes were practically glowing as he stared at Scyther.
Aya could also see that Ash's Scyther was extraordinary, but this put her in a difficult position. It was clearly Ash's ace; how could he just leave it behind?
"I'm not trying to take it from him. I simply want to teach this Scyther my understanding of Ninjutsu. I'll make sure it's returned to him before the Silver Conference," the Principal explained with a smile, sensing her hesitation.
If that were the case, it was an incredible opportunity for Ash. He likely wouldn't refuse.
"Ash, what do you think?" Aya asked after Ash had defeated three more Trainers.
"Is that so?" Ash looked at Scyther, and seeing it nod, he replied, "Of course. It would be my honor. Thank you, Principal!"
"I have my own selfish reasons as well. With your strength and character, Ash, you are bound to shine in the future. If your Scyther can make a name for itself using my Ninjutsu, it will bring prestige to both me and the academy!"
Simply put, the Principal was making an investment. It was the same logic as a bicycle shop owner giving a protagonist a free bike in a game.
"Then I will accept your kindness! I'll make good use of your Ninjutsu!" Ash patted Scyther. "But before that, there's one more thing!"
Scyther: 195/215
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