The morning sunlight filtered through the treetops by the river, scattering dappled light across the gently flowing water.
Ash and his friends had stopped there for a short break. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ash swapped in Scyther, who had been undergoing special training at Professor Oak's Laboratory.
"Ever since we started traveling through the Orange Archipelago, I've had Professor Oak training this guy for me," Ash explained to his curious companions. "Now it's time to see how much he's improved."
Scyther was one of the valuable partners Ash had caught during his journey through Kanto, and it had been a tremendous help to him back then.
Afterward, it had remained at Professor Oak's ranch for intensive training. As a proud warrior among Bug type Pokémon, its daily sparring sessions with Heracross had steadily strengthened its abilities.
Its progress during this period of rigorous training had been remarkable. Not only had it mastered several powerful new moves, but what pleased Ash the most was that its Hidden Ability, Steadfast, was on the verge of awakening.
Once it evolved into Scizor, that Hidden Ability would fully awaken, making it the first Pokémon on Ash's team to unlock its Hidden Ability.
"Come on, Pikachu. Let's have you and Scyther spar for a bit," Ash suggested.
Golden flashes of electricity clashed with gleaming silver blades in the open space beside the river. Watching the two Pokémon battle in perfect harmony, Brock nodded in approval again and again.
After several rounds of friendly sparring, Ash finally called an end to the match.
"Take a break, Scyther." Ash gently stroked one of its scythe-like arms. "Once we find the right opportunity, I'll evolve you into Scizor."
Scyther nodded in response.
At that very moment, a shrill scream shattered the peaceful silence of the forest.
"Ahhh!"
Ash immediately recognized Misty's voice.
After washing her face by the river, Misty had noticed a suspicious-looking bush and, driven by curiosity, stepped closer to investigate. The moment she looked inside, she found herself face to face with a large, brightly colored spider Pokémon lurking within. The terrifying sight nearly scared her out of her wits.
"It's an Ariados," Ash said after arriving with Scyther. "The evolved form of Spinarak. No wonder Misty got such a fright."
What puzzled everyone was that the Ariados remained perfectly motionless, as though it were intently sensing something.
"Found you, Ariados!"
A clear female voice suddenly rang out from the tree above.
As the voice rang out, a young woman with a high ponytail nimbly leaped down from the treetops. She wore brightly colored ninja attire, with a Venonat following closely behind her.
Ash immediately recognized her as Aya, the younger sister of the Fuchsia Gym Leader, Koga.
Brock instantly slipped into his usual lovestruck routine.
"I knew it! Miss Aya and I are bound together by the red string of fate!"
Just then, a deep voice echoed from within the bushes.
"Ariados, begin!"
The motionless Ariados suddenly opened its eyes and sprang into action.
"Scyther, intercept it!" Ash reacted in an instant, giving the command without hesitation.
Scyther immediately darted in front of Ariados's attack path. However, Ariados swiftly shot out a strand of silk, swung onto another tree, and prepared to launch another assault.
"Slash!"
Scyther's blade sliced through the air, forcing Ariados to evade once again.
"Pin Missile!"
"Air Slash!"
A barrage of sharp needles collided with razor sharp wind blades in midair. By the time the attacks met, Scyther had already vanished from its original position.
"Now! Slash!"
When Scyther reappeared, its blades had already struck Ariados with perfect precision.
"That's enough!" Ash called, bringing the battle to a halt before turning toward the bushes. "Ariados's Trainer, you can come out now."
An energetic elderly man stepped out from behind the trees, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Young man, you've trained your Scyther exceptionally well."
"Headmaster!" Aya exclaimed happily.
"Aya, these young people are...?" The headmaster's gaze lingered on Scyther, clearly fascinated by its strength.
After everyone introduced themselves, Ash and his friends learned that the elderly man was the headmaster of the Pokémon Ninja Academy hidden deep within the forest. Aya was currently training there.
At the headmaster's warm invitation, Ash and the others agreed to visit the academy.
Of course, Brock's enthusiastic insistence had also played a significant role in the decision.
Following the headmaster and Aya, Ash glanced back at Pikachu, who was chatting with Scyther as they walked.
The ninja academy, hidden deep within the forest, seemed to have been waiting for their arrival. And with it, another new adventure was about to begin.
...