Some Pokémon are known to manipulate smoke (or make it appear) in order to enable themselves to avoid attacks or make things harder for opponents to deliver their attacks. This may be in the form of the Smoke Screen attack, usage of the Smoke Ball, or other ways that the mechanisms as depicted in the games or other media may or may not adequately explain. Yet it's a unique aspect for the Pokémon species of concern - and possibly the Trainers they are related to, if they have ones attached to them. It's also a fascinating aspect of these Pokémon to consider for all that they are and that they can do.
In popular culture, especially that which is tied to Japan, also the land of origin for all things Pokémon, acts involving smoke are sometimes associated with ninjas - the warriors of the darkness who lurk about in especially shadowy ways. Those familiar with Pokémon will no doubt recognize that there is a Pokémon called Greninja, literally a "ninja" in both appearance and (English) name. As for other Pokémon that can use smoke in all their different ways, they may not necessarily be ninjas or considered as such, but at least their skills may be comparable with regard to their particularly unique ways of using smoke.
Admittedly, smoke is a useful diversion, given what the ninjas have figured out with all their acts that involve the aspect. Some Pokémon species no doubt have figured out to use smoke or make it appear in their own ways (as mentioned above), and especially in battle where the techniques would be most likely be used. In their puffs of smoke, there is likely to be a bit of confusion as some attacks miss their mark and a few things disappear or change, but that may be considered the hallmark of the usage or appearance of smoke. Its cloudy and shadowy appearance, for Pokémon or people, may just disclose and reveal.
Now, it seems I have to get things going and make this post puff out like smoke...
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