Ash's Most Powerful Pokémon: The Incredible Creation Unveiled in the Pokémon-Naruto Crossover

In Pokémon, Ash's Greninja is one of his most powerful companions, and its strength can be attributed in part to a special training period with a ninja who resembles a character from Naruto. This training session is not only fitting for Greninja's evident inspirations but also crucial for the development of Ash's Froakie as it evolves.

In the episode "A Rush of Ninja Wisdom!", Ash and his friends come across a ninja-clad boy named Sanpei, who owns a Frogadier, the middle evolution of Froakie. Ash and Sanpei engage in a battle, resulting in Froakie's defeat. This prompts Ash to seek Sanpei's assistance in training Froakie to become more like Frogadier. Sanpei agrees and begins teaching Froakie essential ninja techniques, such as running across water and soaring through treetops, just like in Naruto. Although Froakie takes some time, it eventually masters these abilities, effectively utilizing them throughout the series.

Ash's Froakie's Ninja Training Was Essential In Pokémon

Froakie learns the move "Double Team" through its ninja training. In the Japanese version, this move is called "Shadow Divide," which bears resemblance to Naruto's Shadow Clones jutsu. Double Team becomes a crucial part of Froakie's moveset, remaining with it as it evolves. In certain episodes, such as "A Riveting Rivalry!", Greninja's utilization of Double Team clones enhances the power of its Water Shuriken. Despite being a one-off character in a single episode, a ninja named Sanpei plays a significant role in Froakie's XY journey due to Double Team.

This encounter may have had an impact on Froakie's overall development. It marks the first time Froakie encounters its evolved form, Frogadier. Initially displaying rivalry, Froakie gradually develops respect for Frogadier and strives to imitate its abilities. Observing the potential of its evolved form may have influenced Froakie's willingness to evolve, eventually resulting in its evolution into Greninja. These training experiences also strengthen the bond between Ash and Froakie. Ash himself attempts ninja training, albeit with mixed results. The strong bond formed between Ash and Froakie ultimately leads to the manifestation of Ash-Greninja. This early training experience serves as a foundation for their journey.

Ninjas Have Always Existed In The Pokémon World

Froakie's success can be attributed to his actual ninja training, which was provided by a character reminiscent of Naruto. The episode cleverly incorporates references to the popular series, with Pikachu and others donning ninja attire, and introduces Sanpei, hailing from a secretive village, as an aspiring ninja. It's worth noting that ninjas have long been a part of the Pokémon world, even dating back to the first generation with Kanto gym leader Koga. Thus, Froakie's opportunity to train with real ninjas is not far-fetched. This training lays the foundation for Froakie's future endeavors, making it a significant experience in addition to being a nod to Naruto.