After hearing Ryo's suggestion, Tsunade's eyes lit up.
Even though she had only recently captured a Pokémon herself, she already understood how expensive it was to train one.
Just as Ryo said, it wasn't something the average household could afford.
If they followed Ryo's plan, it would give those who wanted to capture a Pokémon—but lacked the means—the opportunity to do so. That way, Konoha would no longer suffer from manpower shortages.
However, after thinking for a moment, Tsunade frowned. "But Konoha's finances are tight. We can't afford to sustain this for long."
Energy Cubes weren't cheap. With only a few people, they could manage for a while—but if too many joined, the village would go bankrupt.
Ryo rolled his eyes. "Then limit the number of recruits. Also, these Pokémon users aren't limited to just tedious tasks. They can take on D-rank missions just like genin."
Tsunade's eyes lit up again. "Ryo, I get it now—thank you! I'll treat you to some sake next time!"
With that, she hurried out.
Watching her leave, Ryo shook his head and got up to head to the backyard for training.
But as soon as he arrived, he sensed a powerful chakra approaching fast.
He frowned. "What's going on today? Why so many guests?"
Shaking his head, he teleported to the entrance of the Pokémon House and looked up with wary eyes.
Whoever was approaching wasn't even trying to conceal their presence—clearly not here with good intentions.
Whoosh—
Under Ryo's gaze, a figure flew rapidly toward him, soon hovering overhead.
Rustle—rustle—
Deidara and Sasori, sensing the energy, came out from inside.
Soon after, Gardevoir and Dragonite also appeared at Ryo's side.
"Pain (Leader)!"
Seeing the figure in the sky, Ryo, Deidara, and Sasori were all visibly surprised.
Why was Pain here?
"Are you the one who captured members of the Akatsuki?"
Hovering above, Pain looked down at Ryo with a cold, emotionless gaze.
Ryo's face darkened. He nodded. "That's right. Got a problem with that?"
It was clear from Pain's attitude that he wasn't here for a peaceful discussion.
"Heh…"
Pain sneered. "Interesting. What's your dream?"
Ryo froze—he hadn't expected that.
What the hell? That cold, detached face asking about dreams?
"What are you getting at?"
Ryo frowned.
Pain didn't answer directly. He continued, "Have you ever felt pain? Have you ever experienced the agony of losing loved ones?"
Ryo looked over at Sasori and asked dryly, "Has your leader always been this terrible at conversation?"
Even Sasori was speechless. Covering his face, he had no idea how to respond.
Not just Ryo—even he found Pain's words cringe-worthy.
Ryo shook his head. "Forget it. You clearly didn't come here to talk. So what do you want?"
Pain replied, "Your strength is impressive. Join the Akatsuki."
Now it made sense.
Ryo rolled his eyes. "Do you really think that's going to happen?"
"Heh…"
Pain sneered again. "If you refuse, then I'll have to kill you. I will not allow any power that could hinder my goal to exist."
Ryo stared at Sasori again. "Is he always this confident?"
Sasori now seemed utterly embarrassed to be associated with this man. He couldn't help questioning why he ever joined this organization in the first place.
Pain's eyes narrowed. "So you refuse… then you'll have to taste true pain."
"Dragonite. Knock him out of the sky."
Ryo rubbed his temples, not even bothering to argue anymore.
Is this guy insane? What's with all the philosophical nonsense?
"Rooaaar!"
Dragonite nodded. With a flap of its wings, it launched itself toward Pain.
Pain's eyes widened at the speed.
He had been skeptical of Obito's claims about Ryo being "beyond Kage-level."
To him, there was a huge gap between a Kage and a "super-Kage"—a gap too vast to imagine without firsthand experience.
He had assumed Obito was just exaggerating and that Ryo was simply a top-tier Kage-level shinobi, like himself.
But now, seeing Dragonite's speed, he was beginning to believe it.
Not even his current body could match this speed.
Just as he was stunned, Dragonite reached him and swiped with its claws.
Pain quickly reacted. "Shinra Tensei!"
Chakra surged out to repel Dragonite's attack.
The blast hit Dragonite squarely, knocking it back slightly.
Even at its current power, Dragonite couldn't completely shrug off the repulsion force.
Its eyes turned serious.
Pain, on the other hand, was shocked. His Shinra Tensei had landed cleanly—yet Dragonite was completely unharmed?
He began to regret picking a fight.
With strength like that, even summoning the Gedo Statue might not be enough.
Whoosh—
Dragonite came in again. This time, energy gathered in its tail as it struck.
"Super Shinra Tensei!"
Sensing the danger, Pain activated his ultimate move.
Dragonite felt the immense force coming its way. Its eyes sparkled—not with fear, but excitement.
Ever since its breakthrough, it had never fought at full power.
Finally—someone worth battling. Even though it couldn't go all out yet, this would be a real fight.
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