Renji Takahashi smiled bitterly as the familiar, blinding light enveloped the Pokémon in his arms. Of course he knew what was happening.
Evolution.
He hadn't expected it to happen so soon—not here, not now, and certainly not in front of Yuhi Kurenai and the others.
Eevee's intimacy had already maxed out. With such a strong emotional bond between them, evolution was inevitable. He had hoped the others would discover the evolution mechanic on their own, through training and effort. But fate had a different plan.
The others looked at him anxiously, unsure of what was unfolding. Before Renji could say a word, the radiant light around Eevee began to fade. Its small body shifted and shimmered, its form rapidly changing in front of their eyes.
All eyes locked on the scene in awe.
"Boo... Boo!" came a gentle but more refined cry.
The transformation completed. The light vanished. In Renji's arms now rested a new creature—sleek, elegant, glowing faintly under the daylight sun.
Yuhi Kurenai's eyes widened. "This… this isn't the same Pokémon! Boss, what just happened?"
Everyone turned to Renji, their expressions a mixture of wonder and unease.
He sighed softly, brushing a hand over the newly evolved Pokémon's smooth fur. "This… is evolution. It's one of the most unique and powerful traits that Pokémon possess."
"Evolution?" Kurenai echoed, confused.
Renji nodded. "Yes. Many Pokémon have the ability to evolve into stronger forms. Their strength, skills, even their elemental attributes can completely change. Some evolve through leveling up, others through special items. But the most complex type is evolution based on emotional bonds—like this one."
The group fell silent, their pupils gradually dilating as the implications settled in.
Pokémon were already powerful as they were... but now there was something beyond that?
Kiba leaned in. "So you're saying… even our Pokémon can evolve?"
Renji gave a calm nod. "Yes. Kakashi's team didn't trigger evolution because their Pokémon haven't reached the required conditions yet. But they will, in time."
Kiba scratched his head. "Then what kind of conditions are we talking about, exactly?"
Renji tapped his chin. "Most evolutions happen at certain levels. If your Pokémon keeps gaining experience, they'll evolve naturally. Some need items—stones, metals, or rare materials. Then there's emotional evolution, like Eevee's. It requires deep trust between the Pokémon and its trainer. That's the hardest one to achieve."
He paused, then added, "I'll compile a guide later. You can all study it if you're serious about progressing."
Yuhi Kurenai's eyes returned to the evolved Pokémon. "This is the same Eevee, right? Just… evolved?"
Renji nodded. "Correct. Eevee has many evolution paths. Since its intimacy with me was already full and it's daytime, it evolved into Espeon, a Psychic-type."
Kurenai blinked. "So Eevee and Espeon… they're not the same species?"
"Technically, no," Renji replied. "But they're deeply connected. Evolution changes everything—from type to temperament."
She looked like she had more questions, but eventually just nodded, stunned into silence.
Renji shifted the topic. "Alright. Since my Eevee has evolved, let's move to the next step. You'll be choosing your own partners now."
The group perked up immediately. Even Hinata and Shino, quiet until now, looked visibly excited.
Renji led them to a clearing behind the wooden cabin. Once there, he turned to the towering figure beside him.
"Dragonite," he said calmly, "please gather the others."
The large, gentle dragon nodded. With a flap of its stubby wings, it vanished into the forest in a flash.
Yuhi Kurenai gasped softly. "So fast…"
Her eyes were still locked on the spot where Dragonite had stood. If that speed had been directed as an attack… I wouldn't have had time to react. The realization sent a chill down her spine.
Renji caught her expression and smiled knowingly. Even someone like Madara would be shocked by Dragonite's top speed, he thought.
Minutes later, Dragonite returned from the woods with four Pokémon trailing behind him: Squirtle, Rattata, Pidgeot, and Caterpie.
"Thanks, Dragonite," Renji said. The dragon nodded once, then silently took his post beside him like a guardian.
"These are the available Pokémon right now," Renji explained. "If you see one you like, you can choose."
The four Pokémon lined up, each letting out their respective cries:
"Squirtle!"
"Ratta-ta!"
"Pidgeot!"
"Piiiii!"
Kiba frowned slightly. "Boss… are these the only four?"
Renji raised an eyebrow. "What, don't like what you see?"
Kiba scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "It's not that. I was just hoping for something more... wild, y'know?"
Renji chuckled. "Fair enough. I haven't had time to summon more since Kakashi's group finished their picks. If you want different ones, you'll have to wait a bit."
"Got it!" Kiba nodded. "I'll wait."
Renji turned to the others. "What about the rest of you?"
Yuhi Kurenai's eyes flicked to the elegant Espeon in Renji's arms. "Boss… can I choose that one?"
Renji's gaze sharpened for a moment. "No. Espeon is mine. It's not available for selection."
Did she really just try to claim my partner? he thought with a wry smile.
Kurenai looked a little disappointed but nodded. "Okay. Then I'll wait too. Maybe something more compatible with me will show up later."
Renji turned to Hinata. She stiffened slightly under his gaze.
"I-I'll wait as well…" she said in a hushed tone.
Then it was Shino's turn. He examined the Caterpie with careful interest.
"Boss," he said calmly, "I'll take this one."
Renji gave an approving nod. "A good choice. Caterpie may look simple, but it has great potential."
Shino silently approached the small bug Pokémon, who looked up at him with wide, curious eyes.
And just like that, the selection continued.