Chapter 2 — The Pokémon Sign-In System
[Ding! Congratulations, Host. The Pokémon Sign-In System has been successfully installed.]
The mechanical, synthesized voice resonated inside Uchiha Tendō's mind. It was crisp and monotone, yet somehow commanding—a voice that carried authority without speaking aloud. Tendō paused, momentarily stunned by the sudden intrusion into his thoughts.
Then he relaxed. He understood immediately. This was standard fare for transmigrators—a system granted upon arrival in a new world, a mechanism designed to assist the gifted and the exceptional.
Even without such a system, Tendō had always been supremely confident in his own abilities. His talent had set him apart since birth, and in this world, eight years of careful cultivation had only strengthened him further. With or without external aid, he believed he would one day ascend to the pinnacle of the shinobi world.
Yet, despite his self-assurance, Tendō couldn't deny the advantages of having a system. It was a supplemental tool, a resource to accelerate his progress—and he was always pragmatic enough to recognize when an advantage presented itself.
"What functions do you provide?" he asked aloud in his mind.
[The system currently provides two functions: Sign-In and Character Panel. Additional functions will be unlocked in the future.]
[Sign-In consists of twelve monthly sign-ins and one annual sign-in. Through sign-ins, the host may obtain various items, powers, or enhancements derived from the Pokémon world.]
Tendō raised a single dark eyebrow, his expression composed yet contemplative.
"So, in other words, you are currently in a limited state, and your full functionality can be restored later?"
[Yes, Host.]
"And the sign-ins from the past eight years?"
[…]
[Ding! Based on system evaluation, the host will be compensated with a guaranteed rare reward for the first sign-in.]
Tendō smirked slightly. The system clearly intended to placate him for lost benefits—a small gesture, but one he didn't care to argue over. Pragmatism, after all, dictated accepting what was given.
"Very well. Then let's proceed with this month's sign-in."
[Initiating monthly sign-in for Host.]
[Congratulations, Host. Sign-in successful: Power of Groudon.]
A pulse of heat seemed to surge through the air, though no visible source existed.
[Power of Groudon: The pure essence of Groudon, one of the Three Legendary Deities of Hoenn. After absorption, it will exist within the host in a form similar to that of a Jinchūriki.]
Tendō stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"A form similar to a Jinchūriki… If someone tried to forcibly extract it from my body, would I… die?"
[The Power of Groudon will fuse with the host as pure energy, becoming an integral part of the host's physical and spiritual strength.]
[The so-called Jinchūriki-like form refers only to abilities such as Tailed Beast Transformation.]
[The Power of Groudon will not develop independent consciousness. Host concerns regarding extraction or instability are invalid.]
Tendō nodded slowly, a faint gleam of intrigue in his eyes. The system's explanation confirmed what he had already deduced—this was not merely an enhancement of power. This was a force of pure, destructive potential, integrated seamlessly into his body.
Carefully, he placed the sleeping Uchiha Akihō on the bed, ensuring the infant remained undisturbed. Then he stepped into the backyard, where the open sky above stretched in pale hues of morning.
"System, absorb the Power of Groudon."
[Ding! Injecting the Power of Groudon into the host.]
A viscous, magma-like substance seemed to pour from an unseen void, flowing as if guided by gravity alone, then merging seamlessly into Tendō's body. A tremor ran through his limbs as energy coiled and fused with his very being.
He inhaled slowly, the scent of molten stone and earth filling his senses—though it was intangible, almost surreal. When he exhaled, his eyes snapped open, revealing a flickering crimson-gold light within his pupils.
"So this… is the Power of Groudon," he murmured, awe mingled with measured caution. "Terrifying… and yet… exhilarating."
He looked down at the tempered steel kunai he had casually held in one hand just moments before. With a thought, he bent it effortlessly, the metal yielding as if soft clay. A faint smirk curved his lips.
"System, open the Character Panel."
A pale-blue, semi-transparent screen shimmered into view in his mind. It hovered effortlessly, scrolling through information with ease.
[Host: Uchiha Tendō]
[Spiritual Power: 1000]
[Constitution: 200]
[Bloodline Limit: Two-Tomoe Sharingan]
[Tailed Beast: Groudon (Fusion Rate: 3%)]
[Skills: Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, Uchiha-Style Kenjutsu, Uchiha-Style Taijutsu…]
[Items: Scroll of Great Dragon Fire Technique, Three Tempered Steel Kunai…]
Tendō's gaze swept over the stats. The numbers confirmed his expectations. Even in his previous life, his mental and spiritual acuity had been exceptional. Coupled with the experience of a twenty-year-old soul in an eight-year-old body, this level of spiritual power was consistent.
What truly caught his attention, however, was the Power of Groudon's fusion rate.
"System, why is the Power of Groudon only at 3%?"
[According to system analysis, the host's current physical condition can only safely contain this level of power. Overextension could result in critical bodily failure.]
Tendō's expression remained calm, but a spark of intrigue glimmered in his eyes.
As expected. Even a cheat-like ability such as this was bound by the laws of the physical form. The foundation of one's body—muscles, bones, organs—was always the ultimate limit.
A light breeze drifted past, carrying a faint, acrid scent. Tendō inhaled sharply.
"Hm… what is that smell?"
His eyes swept the backyard. There, on the ground, faint traces of residue shimmered—a subtle, earthy scent mixed with something more metallic.
"So, it's the impurities expelled during the enhancement of my body by the Power of Groudon," he murmured. "A natural byproduct… nothing serious."
Satisfied, he returned to his room, washed up, and decided to refrain from further experimentation for the day. There was no rush—understanding and controlling such a power required patience.
---
That afternoon, the preparations were completed. With the help of several Uchiha clan members, the bodies of Uchiha Tenyū and his wife had been respectfully arranged. Their simple wooden caskets gleamed in the soft sunlight, a quiet dignity marking their final rest.
Tomorrow would be the day of their burial.
---
The next morning, Tendō rose early. Cradling Akihō carefully in his arms, he made his way to the graveyard.
The funeral was modest, attended by only a handful of people. Uchiha Tenyū had only been a Chūnin in his lifetime. In a clan that measured prestige by strength and position, he had held no particular rank of prominence.
"My condolences," Uchiha Yama said, resting a firm hand on Tendō's shoulder.
It was an awkward gesture. The Uchiha were not accustomed to offering comfort; their pride and reserve often limited their expressions of empathy. After a long moment of holding back, this simple statement was all Yama could manage.
Tendō's face remained serene. His expression was composed, almost impossibly so, considering his age and the weight he bore.
"The dead are gone," he said softly, his voice steady. "Those of us who remain… must carry their hopes. We must live. Live well. Live happily."
Yama's mouth twitched. Kid… do you even know what you're saying?
Yet, despite the dry logic of his observation, Tendō's words held a strange gravitas. Even in sorrow, he projected the sense of responsibility and strength that few could muster at eight years old.
Yama, unsure of how else to react, patted Tendō's shoulder once more. Then, wordlessly, he turned and left.
Tendō remained standing before the gravestones in silence, the morning breeze rustling the leaves around him.
Eventually—
He adjusted Akihō in his arms and slowly began walking toward the Ninja Academy.