Pokemon: A New Path

Kubfu[501]

North Province (Area one), Paldea – Furry Falls

In the tranquil bamboo forest nestled among flowing streams, a large group of Pokémon had gathered, listening attentively to Naoki's words.

Gastly, Jigglypuff, Croagunk, Passimian, Swablu, Sawsbuck, Oddish, Vivillon, and Morelull—each one drawn in by the tempting aroma of food.

"Alright, everyone, listen up!" Naoki called out with enthusiasm. "If any of you can help me find the object in this picture, I'll reward you with a whole box of Poke blocks and Poffins!"

Using his Viridian Aura, Naoki could easily earn the trust of wild Pokémon, allowing him to recruit them for assistance.

As expected, once he showed them the picture and promised delicious rewards, excitement spread among the Pokémon.

A particularly eager Passimian chattered loudly, pounding its fists against the ground. It confidently claimed that no one knew this area better than it did.

"Pass! Simian!" ()

However, an annoyed Amoonguss raised a fist in protest, as if to say:

Passimian snorted, not wanting to back down, and the two Pokémon looked like they were about to fight.

Before things escalated, Naoki quickly intervened.

"You can all

Excited, Pawmot and Cyclizar ran up to the base of the waterfall.

They charged forward at full speed—

Cyclizar used its fastest sprint, attempting to create a wind pressure strong enough to slice the water.

Pawmot unleashed Thunder Punch, trying to disrupt the flow with raw power.

But after repeated attempts, the waterfall remained unscathed.

Naoki sighed, shaking his head.

Seeing the disheartened expressions on the two Pokémon's faces, Naoki couldn't help but chuckle.

"Don't be discouraged! Every Pokémon has its own strengths!" he reassured them.

"And I have some good news for you—even if you can't cut the waterfall, you can still use it for training!"

Cyclizar perked up at his words.

"Gah?" It tilted its head, clearly intrigued.

Naoki nodded.

"This is a well-known training method. In the human world, warriors and fighters often train under waterfalls to strengthen both their bodies and minds."

"By sitting beneath the rushing water, they endure the constant impact, building resilience and sharpening their focus."

"If combined with the right exercises, it's an excellent way to develop strength, discipline, and perseverance."

He smiled. "So, do you want to give it a try?"

The Pokémon exchanged glances, their initial disappointment vanishing in an instant.

"Gah!"

Without hesitation, they lined up on the large rocks beneath the waterfall.

Koraidon, Dragonite, Pawmot, and Flutter Mane all took their places, closing their eyes to absorb the waterfall's force with deep concentration.

Since Koraidon was already used to such harsh conditions, it opted out, standing off to the side.

Nearby, Ting-Lu observed the scene with a gentle smile.

"Moo!" (What a hardworking bunch!)

However, just as it finished speaking, Naoki's sharp eyes caught something unusual.

Ogerpon had raised its paws to block the waterfall's flow—completely dodging the training!

Naoki: "…"

The moment Ogerpon realized it had been caught, it didn't panic.

Instead, it quickly jumped up, shook off the water, and playfully bounced around.

"Poni~!"

Ogerpon happily ran around Naoki and Koraidon.

At that moment, a small, blue-feathered Pokémon chirped and fluttered down onto Naoki's shoulder.

"Chirp!"

Naoki glanced at the bird Pokémon in surprise. "Huh? Did you find another glowing stake?"

The Bluebird Pokémon gave a firm nod.

Naoki's eyes lit up. "Take me to it!"

Calling over a few of his Pokémon that were training under the waterfall, Naoki quickly followed after the small guide.

"Chirp!"

With an energetic flap of its wings, the Bluebird Pokémon soared ahead, leading the way.

After they left the area, a small figure suddenly leaped down from the cliff above, moving with swift agility.

Meanwhile, Naoki and his Pokémon arrived at the location the Bluebird had found.

Nestled among the thick grass, a glowing stake pulsed with an eerie blue light.

Without hesitation, Naoki stepped forward and firmly pulled it out.

The stake crumbled into dust, disappearing into the air.

"That makes six out of eight," Naoki murmured, glancing at the fading particles.

With only two stakes left before the Pokemon could be unsealed, the mission was nearly complete.

For now, though, there was nothing to do but return to the waterfall and wait.

However, as Naoki arrived back at the waterfall, something caught his eye.

In the distance, beneath the waterfall, sat a small figure.

Naoki's heart skipped a beat.

"Wait a second…"

The Pokémon was sitting cross-legged, perfectly still, as the powerful waterfall crashed down over its head.

Even from afar, Naoki could tell—it was meditating.

"Ah gah!"

Koraidon let out a low growl, also noticing the strange Pokémon under the waterfall.

Naoki's eyes widened in disbelief.

Wasn't that… Kubfu?!

The fighting-type Pokémon known as the Wushu Pokémon—the first stage of the legendary Urshifu from the Galar region?

No… that didn't make sense.

Why would a Kubfu be living here in Paldea?!

Naoki stared in shock.

"Is it wild? Or does it belong to a trainer?"

His mind raced with questions, but before he could say anything, Kubfu suddenly opened its eyes.

Its gaze locked onto Naoki's.

For a brief moment, the two simply stared at each other.

Naoki tensed slightly, wondering if Kubfu would flee.

Yet, to his surprise, the little bear Pokémon remained still.

It didn't run away.

Instead, it closed its eyes once more—continuing to meditate under the pounding waterfall as if Naoki and his Pokémon weren't even there.

Naoki's initial shock faded into curiosity.

He had never expected to see one in Paldea, of all places.

Realizing he might frighten the Pokémon, Naoki didn't approach immediately.

Instead, he observed from a distance, watching its movements.

Kubfu, on the other hand, was also observing him.

It had noticed the human and his Pokémon the moment they entered the bamboo forest earlier.

At first, it thought this trainer was no different from the others who came here.

But then…

It had listened closely to his teachings—his instructions on waterfall training and his Pokémon's discipline.

That was when Kubfu became intrigued.

When the human had left earlier, it had decided to try the training method for itself.

Now, sitting beneath the pounding waterfall, Kubfu could feel a mysterious energy awakening inside it.

For a moment, it forgot about everything else.

Then, its eyes met Naoki's once again.

Kubfu flinched slightly, a hint of panic flickering in its gaze.

Yet, instead of running, it stayed put.

It waited.

Naoki, still studying the small Pokémon, finally spoke.

"Are you training as well?"