Our heroes have left Lumiose City after successfully recovering the Lumiose gym. Determined to win his next badge, Ash decides to train his pokemon on the go.
"Let's take a break here," He declared, already brimming with energy. He unclipped three Poké Balls, and Pikachu bounded onto his shoulder while Froakie and Gabite stretched, ready for whatever Ash had in mind.
Ash pointed toward the open space near the falls. "Gabite! Fire off your attacks, one after another. Pikachu, Froakie, you two practice dodging! Think of this like a battle where the opponent won't let up!"
Gabite grinned and launched a Draco Meteor, the glowing orbs scattering like falling stars. Pikachu darted left and right, Froakie flipped and rolled, each of them narrowly avoiding the blasts. Ash nodded approvingly as Gabite transitioned into Breaking Swipe and Scorching Sands, keeping his teammates sharp.
Satisfied with their progress, Ash pumped a fist. "Nice! You guys are getting better every time!"
But before anyone could bask in the moment, a voice echoed across the forest.
"You're getting complacent."
Froakie stiffened, his eyes narrowing. He leapt forward, launching frubbles toward a nearby tree.
"Impressive," the voice came again, this time clearer. "To think a Froakie could detect me."
The camouflage dissolved, revealing a teenage boy clad in blue shinobi attire. A short sword rested at his back, and his eyes were sharp, watchful. He clasped his hands together.
"Ninja Leaf Shroud!"
In an instant, his form blurred and vanished.
"W-what?!" Serena gasped.
Froakie stayed alert, firing frubbles into a bush. They bounced back toward him, forcing him to leap away. From the smoke stepped a Frogadier, poised and unflinching.
"Frogadier..." Serena whispered, quickly flipping open her Pokédex. The voice confirmed: "Frogadier, the Bubble Frog Pokémon. The evolved form of Froakie. Its speed is unmatched, allowing it to strike swiftly and vanish without a trace."
The boy reappeared beside Frogadier, bowing slightly. "I am Sanpei. A ninja-in-training. This is my partner."
Ash's eyes lit up, his excitement palpable. "If you're that strong, then battle me!"
Sanpei shook his head calmly. "Froakie and you would be no match for Frogadier. You are too unrefined."
Froakie croaked indignantly, frubbles popping at his fingertips. The look in Frogadier's eyes, cold and dismissive only stoked his anger.
Sanpei sighed, dismayed by the lack of awareness, and then the battle began.
"Froakie, Bubble! Then close in with Pound!" Ash commanded.
Froakie sprang forward, bubbles bursting around him before he swung with glowing hands. Frogadier sidestepped each strike effortlessly, his movements like water flowing between rocks.
"Too slow," Sanpei said calmly. "Frogadier, Smokescreen."
A thick black cloud spread across the field, cutting off visibility. Froakie coughed, peering through the haze.
"Stay sharp, Froakie!" Ash called. "Use Water Pulse! find him!"
Froakie hurled the attack into the smoke, hitting a silhouette. But the form burst apart, only a decoy. Frogadier blurred behind Froakie with Quick Attack, striking cleanly.
"Now, Bubble and Water Pulse together!" Sanpei ordered.
Twin blasts tore forward, slamming into Froakie despite his desperate counterattack. Ash's partner skidded backward, gasping for breath.
"Come on, Froakie!" Ash urged, but his Pokémon stumbled.
Sanpei raised a hand. "Finish it! Quick Attack."
Frogadier dashed forward, faster than Ash could react. But just before impact, Sanpei's eyes softened. He flicked his wrist, and leaves spiraled, whisking Froakie out of harm's way.
"The battle is over," Sanpei declared firmly. "Pushing further would only harm your partner. You overreached."
Ash froze, staring at Froakie's battered form. For the first time since arriving in Kalos, he had been completely outmatched. His fists clenched as he bowed his head. "You're right... it's my fault Froakie got hurt."
Moved by Ash's sincerity, Sanpei knelt and pulled out a small pouch. He placed a bitter-smelling pill in Froakie's mouth. Energy surged through the little Pokémon, and he sprang upright again, rejuvenated.
Sanpei turned to leave, but Ash stopped him. "Wait! Please! Teach Froakie Quick Attack! I have never seen a pokemon with a better quick attack!"
Froakie croaked in agreement, his eyes blazing. Clemont nodded too. "Indeed. That Quick Attack was like nothing I've ever seen before. If Froakie learns it, it could be a huge step forward."
Sanpei studied the trainer and Pokémon, their shared determination unshakable. Finally, he sighed. "Very well. But my training is strict. Both of you must work together, as one. That is the way of the ninja."
Bonnie clapped her hands, stars in her eyes. "Ninja training?! Count me in!" Serena, amused, quickly stitched a makeshift ninja costume for her, much to Bonnie's delight.
Training began at once.
"For speed," Sanpei instructed, "your muscles must be like springs."
Clemont grinned, revealing his "Muscle Mass Magnifier Machine". "With these, you'll bounce faster and stronger!"
He strapped them on and took one step... then shot skyward, disappearing into the trees with a scream. "Looks like... the springs... were too strong!"
The group sweatdropped as a distant crash echoed.
[Line Break]
The forest was quiet except for the rush of water tumbling from the high cliff. Ash stood at the riverbank, Froakie by his side, still burning from the sting of their earlier defeat. Sanpei, arms folded, watched them with steady eyes, while Frogadier crouched lightly on a nearby branch, poised like a shadow ready to leap.
"Quick Attack isn't just about speed," Sanpei said at last, his voice carrying over the steady crash of the falls. "It's about precision. The body must be honed into a spring, tight, controlled, ready to release in an instant."
He gave a small nod, and Frogadier blurred forward, a streak of motion. In a blink it was across the clearing, landing soundlessly atop another rock. Ash clenched his fists, eyes wide with determination.
"Alright, Froakie! We can do this too! Ready?"
Froakie croaked defiantly, crouching low. He sprang forward, trying to mimic Frogadier's pace, but his movements were uneven. Instead of a blur, he skidded across the grass and nearly toppled. Sanpei shook his head.
"Too rigid. Froakie needs to move with the flow of his own body. Forcing speed only breaks rhythm."
Froakie observed Frogadier, who kept moving across the rocky terrain smoothly. Ash too observed Sanpei who was mirroring his Frogadier's movements. The two then looked at each other and a silent agreement was passed. Froakie started slow, and Ash followed. They gradually built up speed, which allowed Froakie to learn to change directions quickly, while it also worked to strengthen his hind muscles.
The training continued. Sanpei ordered Frogadier to weave between trees at breakneck speed, each movement flowing seamlessly into the next. Froakie followed, stumbling at first, but Ash ran alongside him, calling encouragement with every step.
"Keep your body loose! Just like Frogadier!""Focus, Froakie! You've got this!"
With each round, Froakie grew steadier, sharper. His leaps no longer ended in clumsy crashes; his landings became lighter, more controlled. Sweat dripped from Ash's brow, but he never slowed, matching Froakie's pace as best as he could.
Finally, Sanpei raised his hand. "Enough. The legs are only half the lesson. A ninja is nothing without awareness."
He gestured to the towering branches above. Frogadier vaulted effortlessly from one tree to the next, like a blue phantom. Ash gulped.
"We're going up there?"
Sanpei gave a small, almost teasing smile. "If you're serious about learning."
Ash and Froakie climbed the trunk together. At first Froakie slipped, but Ash was there, steadying him. Then the exercise began. Froakie bounded between branches, each jump carrying him farther. Ash tried to follow, his landings unsteady, but he refused to back down.
"Look two or three steps ahead," Sanpei called. "Don't just see where you are, see where you're going."
Ash narrowed his eyes, focusing on the path of branches ahead. With a grunt, he leapt, his feet hitting the wood with more certainty. Froakie mirrored him, and for the first time, they moved in rhythm.
The momentum carried them forward too far. Ash landed hard on one branch, only to realize the next was gone; before him yawned a gorge, deep and merciless.
"Whoa—!"
Sanpei's rope lashed out, wrapping Ash's waist and yanking him back to safety. Ash panted, shaken, as Sanpei pulled him upright. "Thanks, you saved me there!"
"Never let momentum blind you," the ninja warned. "A ninja survives because he reads his surroundings before his surroundings consume him."
Ash nodded breathlessly. "Got it... I'll be more careful."
Sanpei gave a short approving nod, then turned toward the river.
Frogadier stepped onto the water, its movements light and rhythmic. With each step, ripples spread, but the Pokémon never sank. Ash's jaw dropped.
"That's amazing!"
"Speed and rhythm," Sanpei explained. "To run across water, you must strike before it swallows you."
Froakie leapt forward eagerly, landing with a splash that sent him tumbling into the river. He surfaced, croaking in frustration, frubbles sticking to his head. Ash laughed nervously.
"Don't worry, Froakie—you'll get it, now it's my turn!" And with that Ash ran into the water, trying to mimic Frogadier's light and quick footsteps. However he only drowned into the water, before Sanpei explained it. "This exercise is not meant for us. Naturally humans cannot do this."
Ash let out an annoyed harrumph, his voice gargling due to his mouth being under water. "Couldn't have told that earlier, could you?" He walked out of the water and cheered his partner. "I know you can do this Froakie!"
Encouraged, Froakie tried again. His first steps broke the surface, but he slipped after three strides, splashing back into the water. Still, Ash cheered louder than ever.
"You did it, Froakie! That was amazing!"
Sanpei's eyes softened ever so slightly. "Progress comes not in leaps, but in steps. Today, Froakie learned to take his first across water."
Ash looked at his partner, who shook off the river water with a determined cry. "We'll keep going, Froakie. We'll get stronger together."
With each try, Froakie got further and further, until finally, it was able to cross over to the other side.
[Line Break]
By the time the first stages of training ended, sweat clung to Ash's brow and Froakie's breaths came quick and sharp. Across from them, Sanpei straightened from a crouch, brushing stray leaves from his blue gi. Then, as silence settled over the forest clearing, a low rumble echoed between the two trainers.
Both Ash and Sanpei froze. Their stomachs had growled in unison.
Sanpei blinked once, then gave a small, embarrassed chuckle. "It seems the way of the ninja cannot silence hunger."
Ash laughed outright, his hand pressing against his stomach. "Guess some things are stronger than Quick Attack!"
Clemont, who had been setting up cookware near the riverside, called out, "Good timing, then. Lunch is ready!" A savory aroma of vegetables and spiced stew wafted through the air, making the trainers' stomachs growl again. Serena followed soon after, carefully carrying a tray with delicate pastries she had been saving for dessert.
The group settled beneath the shade of a broad oak tree, the canopy breaking the sunlight into lazy, golden rays. Plates were filled, and chatter replaced the sound of rushing water. Even Frogadier, dignified as ever, allowed himself to nibble quietly, while Froakie devoured his meal with eager gulps.
When hunger was finally sated, a tranquil hush fell over the group. They lay on the cool grass, gazing up through the leaves at the shifting clouds above. Ash turned his head toward Sanpei.
"So... this Ninja Village you talked about earlier. What's it like?"
Sanpei's expression softened, his eyes distant. "It is my home. Hidden deep within the mountains, where tradition is everything. My two older brothers are there—Ippei and Nihei. Ippei is the strongest ninja, and his Greninja is unmatched. Nihei is the second strongest; he commands a mighty Venusaur. Both are respected by everyone."
Bonnie's eyes widened. "Wow... so cool!"
Sanpei's hand tightened subtly around his knee. "I... want to surpass them. To become the strongest ninja in Ninja Village."
Ash grinned, eyes burning with familiar fire. "That's awesome! I've got a goal too! I'm going to become a Pokémon Master."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his gaze thoughtful. "Different dreams... yet your drives are remarkably similar. In a way, it makes you rivals."
Sanpei's lips curved just slightly at that word. "Rivals, hm?"
Ash nodded firmly. "Yeah! And rivals push each other to get stronger."
The brief calm broke as Sanpei rose, dusting off his outfit. "Then let's see how far your strength has grown. It's time to begin the real training."
Back at the training ground, jagged rocks stood like natural targets. Sanpei gestured to them. "Quick Attack isn't just about movement. It's about striking with speed and precision. Watch."
Frogadier darted forward, a blue streak, and smashed through a stone slab with ease. The rock split cleanly, fragments scattering.
Froakie leapt to the front with determined eyes, puffed out his frubbles, and lunged. He slammed into the rock... only to bounce back with a thud, landing on his back. Ash hurried to his side.
"You okay, Froakie?"
Froakie shook himself off, glaring at the stone as though it had insulted him personally. He tried again—and again—but each strike ended the same way. Sanpei folded his arms, observing in silence.
Before Froakie could make another attempt, a sharp, mechanical whir filled the air. The treeline shook.
CRASH!
From above, a massive shadow descended: a Meowth-shaped mech, gleaming metal claws snapping. Its eyes flashed a blinding light across the clearing.
"Prepare for trouble! It's one for two!" Jessie's voice rang out.
"And make it double! we've got you!" James added, their voices echoing from within the machine.
To protect the world from devastation
To unite all people within our nation
To denounce the evils of truth and love
To extend our reach to the Stars above
Jessie
James
Team Rocket Catches Ninja Pokemon at the speed of light
This is one time you really can't fight!
"And don't forget the boss Meowth Alright!" The trio crowed from the cockpit, slamming the controls. The mech's chest opened, firing a barrage of giant, gleaming gold coins.
"Froakie, Frogadier! Move!" Ash shouted.
The two Pokémon blurred into motion, darting between the heavy coins. Froakie wasn't quite fast enough, one slammed into his side, sending him tumbling.
"Froakie!" Ash cried, running forward.
But Frogadier's eyes narrowed. With practiced precision, he hurled frubbles at the mech's viewscreen, splattering it with sticky foam. Inside, Jessie and James fumbled, their view obscured.
"Gah! Can't see a thing!" Jessie shouted.
Meowth growled and fired a net launcher. Frogadier leapt, but a net caught him midair, wrapping him tightly.
"Frogadier!" Sanpei's voice rang sharp.
Ash grit his teeth. "Pikachu, Iron Tail!"
Pikachu lunged, tail glowing white, only to be snared by another net mid-swing. He thrashed helplessly as the mech reeled him in.
Laughter echoed from inside the machine. "Looks like payday for us!" James gloated.
"Not yet!" Ash yelled.
Froakie's eyes burned. He darted left, then right, his body splitting into shimmering afterimages. One Froakie became two—two became four—until a dozen blurred copies sprinted across the battlefield.
"That's Double Team..." Sanpei whispered, eyes widening.
The mech lurched, targeting the wrong Froakie. Confusion filled the cockpit.
"Which one's real?!" Jessie shouted.
"This one?" James fired wildly.
"No—THAT one!" Meowth shouted back.
The real Froakie leapt high, charging a glowing sphere between his palms. With a fierce cry, he launched Water Pulse straight into the mech's chest. The explosion rocked the machine backward, sparks flying.
"Pikachu—Thunderbolt!" Ash roared.
Electricity surged, Pikachu blasting his cage apart before sending a thunderous strike into the already smoking mech. Frogadier, freed by the chaos, added his own Water Pulse, striking true. Side by side, Froakie and Frogadier unleashed a final combined wave that ripped through the mech's frame.
"Wha—nooo!" Jessie, James, and Meowth screamed in unison as their machine erupted, propelling them sky-high in a familiar arc.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
The sky fell silent once more, scraps of the mech sinking into the river. Ash ran to Froakie, dropping to his knees. "You were incredible! You learned Double Team and nailed that Water Pulse!"
Sanpei crossed his arms, a smile tugging at his lips. "You and Froakie... you've come a long way in just one day. That Double Team was no small feat."
Ash grinned, patting Froakie's head as the little Pokémon croaked happily. "Yeah! We couldn't have done it without your training. Thanks, Sanpei!"
The ninja waved it off modestly. "You've got a lot of spirit. Both of you. I'm certain you'll only grow stronger from here."
The group regrouped by the riverside, the setting sun turning the water golden. Serena handed Sanpei a small pouch of food for his journey, while Clemont and Bonnie offered their thanks for sharing his time with them. Sanpei accepted with a respectful bow, his Frogadier standing close behind him.
Ash stepped forward, clenching a fist with determination. "Sanpei, next time we meet, I want us to have a proper battle. Froakie and I are going to get stronger—and we'll give you and Frogadier everything we've got!"
Sanpei's eyes gleamed with the same determination. "I'll hold you to that. When the day comes, I'll be ready."
The two trainers clasped hands firmly, sealing their unspoken promise.
As Sanpei and Frogadier disappeared into the forest shadows, Ash looked down at Froakie, who was still buzzing with energy from its victory. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us, buddy," he said, smiling. Froakie croaked in agreement, its eyes shining with the same resolve.
Spending a day with the mysterious ninja Sanpei has allowed Ash and Froakie to grow closer, and Froakie to learn a new move. With their strength continuing to rise, our heroes continue on their path across the Kalos Region
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!