Chapter 4: Thunder in the Port — The Shadows of Sea Stone
The sun hung low in the sky as the distant shimmer of Sea Stone City came into view, its tall buildings rising like giants above the horizon, reflecting golden hues off their chrome and blue surfaces. The road that had once been lined with whispering trees and chirping wild Pokémon gave way to a paved path flanked by electric signposts and shipping crates. The coastal wind carried the scent of sea salt and fresh machinery, mingling with the warmth of the late afternoon.
Naruto stood at the edge of the hill, eyes wide with wonder.
"Whoa…" he breathed, a grin tugging at his lips. "This place is huge!"
Behind him, Sasuke adjusted the strap on his shoulder bag, his face calm but observant.
"Hmph. Keep your mouth closed, dope, or you'll catch a Wingull in it."
Sakura giggled beside them, her Rowlet perched calmly on her shoulder, ruffling its feathers at the ocean breeze.
"It's beautiful," she said, brushing her hair out of her face. "Feels like we've entered a whole different world."
They descended the slope together, the skyline growing larger with every step. Towering cranes stood like metal sentinels at the shipyard, their long arms reaching across massive cargo vessels. The port bustled with sailors, tourists, and merchants shouting over the hum of forklifts. In the distance, the glowing silhouette of the amusement park flickered to life with lights and music.
But the most striking building, situated in the heart of the city near the coastline, was the Sea Stone Power Plant—a sprawling, dome-like structure with humming generators and towering lightning rods crackling softly in the dusk.
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Pokémon Center, Sea Stone City
The sliding glass doors opened with a soft chime as the trio entered the Pokémon Center. It was larger than the one in Tenko Town, gleaming with steel and crystal fixtures. Digital maps of the city lined the walls, and trainers of all ages lounged in the circular atrium, talking, healing their Pokémon, or trading items.
Nurse Shizune, dressed in a red and white uniform, greeted them with a kind smile.
"Welcome to Sea Stone City Pokémon Center. Can I help you heal your Pokémon?"
Naruto grinned, handing over his two Pokéballs. "Yeah! Froakie and Shinx have earned a good rest!"
"Me too," Sakura added, passing Rowlet's Pokéball and Venipede's.
Sasuke silently handed over his Cyndaquil and Wooper's.
As the Pokémon were healed, the group sat down in the lounge area, sipping fresh berry smoothies from the café corner.
Sakura leaned back and sighed. "So… what now?"
Naruto slammed his smoothie down. "We find the gym and challenge the leader!"
Sasuke glanced up. "You really think you're ready?"
"Of course! Me and Froakie—and Shinx—are stronger now. I can feel it."
Sakura smiled. "Well, we are in a new city. I kind of want to look around first…"
Just then, a nearby news screen caught their attention.
BREAKING NEWS: Minor surge at Sea Stone Power Plant earlier today. Engineers report increased electromagnetic activity, possibly linked to the recent string of break-ins across coastal facilities.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Power Plant, huh? Think that's just a coincidence?"
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Outside the Pokémon Center
As they stepped back into the buzzing city, a deep rumble vibrated through the street.
BOOM.
A sudden pulse of blue energy lit up the distant sky toward the power plant. Alarms began to blare in the background, and a flurry of people started gathering near the port.
Naruto tensed. "That came from the power plant!"
Suddenly, a tall man appeared, wearing a dark navy trench coat and a mismatched pair of fingerless gloves. His silver hair spiked lazily upward, and a single eye gleamed beneath his slanted forehead protector.
Kakashi Hatake. Sea Stone's Gym Leader.
He approached the crowd near the Pokémon Center, eyes scanning the horizon. "Tch… not again."
Naruto immediately stepped forward. "Wait! You're Kakashi, right? Gym Leader?"
Kakashi's eye turned toward him, amused. "And you must be the noisy one."
"Huh?!"
Sakura stepped forward. "We just arrived in the city. What's going on?"
The gym leader glanced toward the still-glowing sky. "Trouble. The kind of trouble that likes electricity too much for its own good."
Sasuke crossed his arms. "Who?"
"Don't know yet. But whoever they are, they've been poking around my power plant the past few nights." He turned to the trio. "I could use a few extra pairs of hands. You three up for a challenge that's not in the gym?"
Naruto beamed. "You're asking us to help? Count me in!"
Sasuke gave a short nod. "Fine. Just don't slow me down."
Sakura took a breath, then smiled. "We're with you."
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Power Plant Exterior
They approached the looming facility, surrounded by high fences and guarded gates. Engineers and technicians rushed back and forth as sparks flew from various machines.
Kakashi led them through a side entrance, pulling out a small keycard. "We'll check the lower levels first. That's where the electromagnetic pulse originated."
The deeper they went, the darker and more silent it became. The hum of electricity was constant, and flickering lights made shadows stretch unnaturally across the floor.
Suddenly, a distant clang echoed.
Naruto paused. "What was that?"
Then—footsteps.
And out from the shadows emerged a figure wearing a dark gray uniform with an unfamiliar insignia—two intersecting spirals forming a mask.
A deep, gravelly voice cut the silence. "You're not supposed to be here."
Kakashi's eye narrowed. "Neither are you."
The stranger pulled out a Pokéball. "We can't let anyone interfere with the Master's plan."
Kakashi stepped forward but paused. "I'll handle this one. You three—go secure the other side of the floor. There may be more of them."
Naruto hesitated. "But—"
"That's an order. Go."
Reluctantly, they ran down the branching hallway. As they turned a corner, another masked figure jumped in front of them, tossing a Pokéball into the air.
"Catch me if you can, little trainers!"
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Now this is what I've been waiting for!"
[END OF CHAPTER 4]