Kanto Region – Doran Village.
Doran Village was a tiny settlement, home to barely twenty people across eight families. Nestled between the mountains and a stream, the villagers lived simple, self-sufficient lives. Though poor, they were content.
When Hayato passed through the area, he immediately noticed something was wrong — the whole village felt lifeless, the people weary and dispirited.
"What's going on with them? There's no need to look so miserable — this place is actually quite beautiful!"
The moment they saw him, the villagers' eyes lit up with faint hope.
An elderly man, leaning on a cane, hobbled toward Hayato."Young man, are you a Pokémon Trainer by any chance?"
Though the question was a little odd, Hayato nodded."Yes, sir. I am. Is there something I can help with?"
His words seemed to strike a chord — several men rushed over immediately, their faces filled with desperation.
The old man turned out to be the village head. Respected by all, he took it upon himself to explain.
"You said this place was beautiful, didn't you? You're right — it used to be. But now…" He sighed heavily. "We might have to leave soon. This village may cease to exist."
Hayato frowned. "Why? Everything looks fine to me. Have you been attacked by wild Pokémon or something?"
It wasn't uncommon for mischievous Pokémon like Primeape or Tauros to cause trouble — destroying crops or scaring villagers — things ordinary people couldn't handle.
The elder shook his head. "You're half right. We are being troubled by Pokémon. Come, I'll show you."
He led Hayato to the edge of the village — where a stream used to flow. Now, it was bone dry.
"Ah… so it's a water problem," Hayato mused. "If I had a few Water-type Pokémon, I could probably help. But I don't."
The elder gazed toward the mountains. "That stream was our lifeline — for drinking, farming, even fishing. But half a month ago, the water suddenly stopped flowing. The upstream's been blocked. We've used up our reserves."
"Blocked? By what? Construction work? Or… a Pokémon?"
The elder's face grew grim. "Not just one Pokémon — a group. We tried to drive them away, but they were too strong. Several villagers were even injured. We had no choice but to ask for help from Pokémon Trainers. But all five who came before you… failed."
Hayato's eyes narrowed. "A whole group, huh? That's trickier. Even a weak Pokémon can be dangerous in numbers — just like a single Carvanha isn't much, but a swarm can strip an Onix to the bone."
He nodded thoughtfully. "I'll need to know what we're up against first. What kind of Pokémon are they?"
"We don't know much. But according to one of the Trainers, it's a group of Squirtle led by a Wartortle. There are at least ten of them."
Hayato whistled softly. "Squirtle, huh? As one of Kanto's starter Pokémon, they've got great potential — especially when they evolve into Blastoise. Strong offense, solid defense… and that Mega Evolution form is something else."
Right there and then, Hayato made his decision.He would capture that Wartortle.
That way, he could solve the village's crisis and strengthen his own team. He'd need at least six Pokémon for the upcoming League battles, and with fusion technology only combining Pokémon — never multiplying — it was essential to keep catching powerful partners.
"Don't worry," he said confidently. "Leave this to me. The water source is upstream, right?"
The elder nodded. "Please be careful, young man. Don't push yourself too hard."
After saying goodbye, Hayato began his climb up the mountain.
The villagers watched him go, bittersweet smiles on their faces. They didn't dare hope too much, but they were deeply grateful nonetheless.
"Please… let there be a miracle. Brave young man, may you succeed."
The mountain was about 300 meters high. The trail was rugged, but well-trodden.Hayato admired the scenery as he climbed.
"This place is lush and full of life. The air's fresh, the flowers smell amazing… it's just a shame the stream's dried up. Give it time, and even the plants below will wither. What's that Wartortle thinking?"
After a steady climb, Hayato reached the summit.The land flattened out. A clear stream still flowed near the top, likely fed by melting ice from an even taller neighboring peak.
Ahead lay a large pool — almost like a natural reservoir — shimmering in the sunlight.And within it… a troop of Squirtle splashed about happily, turning the place into their personal playground.
Two were tossing a ball back and forth. One on the shore wore a hat.But the one floating leisurely at the center, sunglasses perched coolly on its face, could only be the leader — Wartortle.Judging by the scattered gear nearby, they'd probably looted an adventurer's pack.
[Pokédex Entry: Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon.]Its shell not only protects it but also helps reduce water resistance, allowing it to swim swiftly.
One Squirtle noticed Hayato and pointed toward him. "Squirtle! Squirtle!"
The lounging Wartortle sat up immediately, eyes narrowing. It barked an order, clearly telling the intruder to leave. "Warto! Warto!"
[Pokédex Entry: Wartortle, the Turtle Pokémon.]The long fur on its tail is said to be a symbol of longevity.
The Squirtle troop gathered around, glaring at Hayato like he was an invader.
Hayato knew better than to use brute force. He called out instead, voice clear and challenging:
"Wartortle! Let's battle! If I lose, I'll leave right now. But if you lose — you come with me! Do you dare?"
A provocation — perfect for a proud leader.If Wartortle backed down, it would lose face before its followers. And that, for a king, was unthinkable.
"Warto!"Wartortle stepped forward with determination, its squad cheering wildly behind it.
Hayato smiled. "Alright then. Let's make this a fair fight."
He grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt."Go, Umbreon!"
Wartortle smirked, diving into the water immediately, then fired a Bubble Beam toward the shore.
The bright sunlight gleamed off Umbreon's sleek fur — under this weather, it was the perfect tank. With Moonlight, it could recover health easily. But there was a problem: Umbreon couldn't fight well underwater.
And Wartortle knew that perfectly.
"Umbreon, find cover and stay near the bank!" Hayato ordered.He'd play it smart — lure Wartortle closer to land, poison it, and wait. Once it was weakened, he could save it from the Toxic himself. It was the safest way to win.
The Bubble Beam hit partially, but Umbreon barely flinched."Not bad, but your range isn't enough!" Hayato shouted mockingly. "What's wrong? Scared to come closer, you cowardly turtle?"
That did it.
Wartortle growled, furious, and surged forward. To prove its courage, it swam right up to the bank, unleashing a massive Hydro Pump.
The blast sent waves crashing across the shore — Umbreon had nowhere to dodge.
"So it knows Hydro Pump too, huh? Impressive," Hayato muttered. "But this next move… Moonlight!"
After taking the hit, Umbreon's rings glowed with a silver sheen. Its wounds began to close rapidly under the sun.
Wartortle wasn't done. With a flash of determination, it tucked into its shell and launched itself forward like a cannonball.
"Skull Bash!" Hayato realized instantly. "You're pushing your luck, huh? Alright then — Umbreon, use Toxic!"
The impact was heavy — Umbreon was knocked back, clearly hurt. But as Wartortle landed on shore, a dark purple sheen spread across its body.
Poisoned.
"Now! Quick Attack!"
Umbreon dashed forward, striking Wartortle squarely. The turtle tumbled away from the water's edge — its lifeline now out of reach.
Wartortle groaned, staggering to its feet. "Warto… Warto…"
"Umbreon," Hayato said softly, "finish this with Stored Power!"
A bright white glow surged from Umbreon's body. The psychic energy slammed into Wartortle before it could retreat into the water. It tried to hide in its shell — but the impact sent it flying into a boulder, shattering the rock upon impact.
When the dust settled, Wartortle didn't move.
The Squirtle troop immediately rushed to their fallen leader's side, hissing warnings at Hayato.He raised his hand calmly. "Don't worry. I'll wait. I'm sure your leader will keep its word."
And indeed, a few minutes later, the Wartortle stirred. It was weak, poisoned, but its eyes still held pride.
It turned toward its followers, murmuring softly."Warto…"
Tears welled in the Squirtles' eyes. Hayato watched in silence, touched by their loyalty.
"Blocking the stream hurt the people downstream," he said gently. "Promise me you won't do it again, alright?"
The Wartortle nodded. It called its troop together, gave them one last command — then removed its sunglasses and handed them to a smaller Squirtle. A successor.
"Goodbye, Squirtles," Hayato said with a smile. "I'll take your boss to get healed."
He waved as they disappeared into the forest below.
When Hayato broke through the rock dam, clear water gushed down the mountain, filling the riverbed once more. The villagers erupted in cheers.
The elder's eyes filled with tears."Young man… thank you! We have little to offer, but this trinket has been in our family for generations. Take it — as a token of gratitude."
Hayato's eyes gleamed as he accepted the small white bell. "Wow… it's beautiful! Thank you, sir. Take care!"
He turned toward the road, Wartortle's Poké Ball on his belt glinting faintly in the sun.
(End of Chapter)