[Pokémon Breeder in One Piece] Chapter 320 (Patreon)

March 15, Alliance Year 2

On the night the first Pokémon Battle Tournament ended, Dak returned.

Rather than rushing to find Madara and the others immediately, he decided to take some time to gather his thoughts. Besides, the night was young, and there were a few matters he wanted to sort out first.

Among those matters was checking on the children from the ninja world.

The first stop on his list was Zephyr's place—he wanted to see if there were still traces of Naruto there.

This time, Dak chose not to teleport using his psychic powers, opting instead to stroll leisurely through the bustling streets.

He adjusted his hat, tucking his distinctive green hair into his shirt, hoping to avoid being recognized.

The city was alive with celebration—final festivities after the tournament, with the crowds likely partying until midnight or later.

"The Spirit King was so cool! I want to become a Ghost-type specialist too!"
"I didn't realize Ghost-types were this powerful."
"Luck played a part too, didn't it? Dark Elite Hannibal wasn't weak, and there's no way Brook could beat him otherwise."
"Luck is part of skill!"

The streets buzzed with conversations about the tournament. For Dak, these events were three months in the past, but the excitement felt fresh as ever.

Walking amidst the lively atmosphere, Dak found himself immersed in a rare moment of peace—a stark contrast to the darkness he faced in the ninja world.

His resolve to make Pokémon Island a true haven of peace felt even stronger now.

"Woof!"

A loud bark jolted him from his thoughts, and before he could react, a massive orange blur charged toward him, burying its head into his chest.

If Dak's powers weren't intact on Pokémon Island, the impact might have sent him flying, injuring bystanders in the process.

"Damn you, Growlithe—no, Arcanine!"

The giant fluffball pressing against him was none other than Zephyr's Arcanine.

This Pokémon was the only one daring enough to act so audaciously toward him—any other Pokémon would know better.

"Arf!"

The Arcanine licked Dak's face with its massive tongue before stepping back.

"I knew it! The moment I saw Arcanine bolt, I figured it must've caught the scent of the First Leader."

"True, only Leader Dak could get this kind of reaction out of Arcanine. After all, the rest of us are already here."

"Long time no see, First Leader!"

"Dak, out wandering so late? Don't you have a mountain of tasks waiting for you?"

Before Dak stood a group of eight or nine people, their cheerful greetings cutting through the lively streets.

"I can't take a break now and then? I just wrapped up something huge!" Dak retorted, playfully defending himself from Zephyr's teasing.

However, something about the scene made him pause.

One voice, strikingly familiar, caught his attention—particularly the words "long time no see, First Leader," which sounded almost identical to Zephyr's.

Quickly wiping the slobber from his face, Dak looked up—and froze in astonishment.

Zephyr was walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Jiraiya, both carrying bottles of Zephyr's favorite sherry.

On Jiraiya's shoulder perched a small blue toad.

Ahead of them were Minato and Kushina. Minato carried large bags in both hands, while Kushina held an assortment of snacks. Two Nidoran ran playfully by their feet.

Further ahead were Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, all grown up.

Obito's scarred face bore evidence of a severe injury, but his hand clasped Rin's, suggesting the injury had been sustained protecting her—winning her heart in the process.

In the ninja world, such wounds could likely be healed, and if not, Pokémon Island certainly had the means. Yet Obito seemed to have kept the scars intentionally, perhaps as a symbol of love.

Their Pokémon—Froakie, Chespin, and Fennekin—bounded beside them, each from the Kalos region's starter trio.

Trailing behind were Arcanine, Naruto, and a playful Vulpix.

"You're all... such a beautiful family," Dak murmured.

Though initially stunned, he quickly recovered. From Jiraiya's earlier comment, it seemed they had met him before. While he lacked memories of such events, Dak adjusted his tone.

History had changed, leaving gaps in his recollection, but what mattered most was the outcome.

Looking at Kakashi, Dak silently wondered about his father, Sakumo. From the boy's current demeanor, it seemed unlikely he had endured the tragedies of the original timeline.

"This is all thanks to you introducing us to Zephyr," Minato said warmly, his natural poise giving his words a diplomatic tone.

Dak pieced the puzzle together: somehow, during these past months, he had orchestrated this fortuitous meeting.

Now, Zephyr had become Minato and Kushina's sworn father, Naruto's god-grandfather, and Jiraiya's brother-in-arms.

"This is... perfect," Dak whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

The tragedies that once loomed over these lives had been averted.

"By the way, Dak, how's your preparation going? Madara and Sengoku are getting impatient."

Zephyr's sudden interjection broke Dak's reverie, his tone tinged with subtle amusement.

"Preparation? For what? Tesoro's wedding? Or the Grand Festival?" Dak asked, puzzled.

"No, for taking on students!"

Zephyr's words caught Dak off guard, and the former shook his head knowingly.

"As expected, you haven't given it a single thought," Zephyr sighed.

"Seriously, First Leader," Jiraiya added, "Madara seems really insistent this time. He even pulled in Sengoku and Akainu to back him up. If you don't take on students, you might have a hard time explaining yourself."

"Madara? Forcing me? No way!"

Dak knew Madara well enough to dismiss the idea. The man valued personal freedom, especially among friends.

Yet, something about the situation felt... off.

"Think it over," Zephyr said, clapping Dak's shoulder. "We'll leave you to it."

As Zephyr's group departed, Dak felt the weight of the moment settle.

He had no memories of this altered history, yet it was clear Madara would have answers.

Turning, he muttered, "Let's check on the Monkey family next."

Approaching Garp's home, Dak noticed smoke wafting from the rooftop, accompanied by lively voices.

"Looks like a party," he mused, catching the aroma of sizzling meat and cumin.

"Yo! Dak! Smelled the food, didn't ya?"

From the rooftop, Garp waved enthusiastically.

"If you're here about students, forget it! Those blockheads are as stubborn as ever."

"Nope, just here for the food."

Though his words were light, Dak's true intent was to observe.

Reaching the rooftop, Dak found the gathering packed. The Monkey family and Dadan's group had joined forces, the crowd leaving barely any room to stand.

Even Hiashi and Hizashi, along with their families, were there, laughing and dancing.

Despite their joyful demeanor, Dak noticed the Caged Bird Seal still marked Hizashi and Neji.

The Hyūga traditions hadn't changed, though it seemed the clan had grown more harmonious over time.

"How about taking my granddaughters as your students?" Garp suggested, pointing to Hinata and Hanabi.

"Not a chance."

Dak wasn't about to make hasty decisions, especially when the situation remained so unclear.

Taking a skewer of grilled meat, Dak looked up at the night sky, a smile forming on his face.

"Everything has gotten better," he murmured.

(End of Chapter)

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