Chapter 5: Lightning, Legacy, and the Path Ahead
The first light of dawn washed over Sea Stone City, its rays reflecting off the ocean that shimmered like a sapphire blanket. The city stirred to life with the hum of electricity and distant whistles from the shipyard. The wind carried the scent of salt and brine, blending with the metallic tang of machinery that powered the advanced port city.
Naruto stood on the balcony of the Pokémon Center, overlooking the streets where early workers bustled and water-type Pokémon played in small harbor pools. Froakie sat on the railing beside him, eyes closed, soaking in the wind with quiet focus. Shinx stood at Naruto's feet, tail flicking, sparks occasionally crackling from his fur.
"Today's the day, guys," Naruto said, stretching. "Our first Gym Battle. Our first badge."
Froakie croaked confidently.
Shinx let out a soft bark of agreement, nudging Naruto's leg.
Inside, Sakura packed the last of their berries and potions. Her Rowlet perched on her shoulder, preening its feathers. "Ready to go?" she asked as Naruto stepped in.
"Been ready. Let's win this, believe it."
As they made their way to the Electric Gym, they passed billboards showing upcoming tournaments, recruitment posters for the Pokémon Rangers, and digital ads for the amusement park's new Ghost-type ride. Sea Stone City was alive with excitement, but nothing compared to what waited ahead.
Sea Stone City Electric Gym
The towering gym was built into a glowing chrome structure. Panels of glass showcased lightning rods and Tesla-like coils pulsing with blue energy. Doors slid open with a smooth hiss, revealing a stadium lined with glowing circuits on the floor. Above, massive displays highlighted trainers' names, badges, and teams.
Sakura and Naruto entered just in time to see the final round of a heated match.
On the field: Sasuke.
The screen displayed his current team:
Sasuke Uchiha
– Cyndaquil ♂ [Lv. 15]
– Wooper ♂ [Lv. 13]
Versus:
Gym Leader Kakashi Hatake
– Toxel ♀ [Lv. 14]
– Luxio ♂ [Lv. 16]
Naruto blinked. "Sasuke's already battling?!"
Sakura gave a soft smile. "He wanted to go first. Said he wanted to test himself. Typical."
They took seats in the nearly empty stadium as the battle played out on the lit arena below.
Kakashi stood coolly at the opposite end, his hands in his pockets, the ever-present relaxed smirk hidden beneath his high-collar jacket. "You've done well so far, Sasuke. Let's see how you handle the final round."
Sasuke's Wooper faced off against Kakashi's Luxio. Sparks crackled across the battlefield.
"Luxio, Spark!"
Electricity surged as Luxio darted forward, cloaked in a veil of lighting.
"Wooper, Mud Shot—intercept and slide!" Sasuke snapped.
Wooper launched a glob of muddy sludge mid-charge, striking the ground and causing Luxio to slip. The electric Pokémon veered, its attack losing precision.
"Now! Water Gun!"
Wooper unleashed a sharp jet of water, blasting Luxio back.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Solid tactics. You knew about its slippery traction. You've studied."
Sasuke said nothing, eyes sharp, analyzing every detail.
"Luxio, use Charge then Bite!"
Luxio growled and began building energy, its body glowing faintly as it lunged again.
Sasuke's eyes flicked to Wooper's stamina. It was near its limit.
"Wooper, dodge and return! Cyndaquil, take the stage!"
A flash of light. Cyndaquil appeared, flames bursting from its back as it faced Luxio.
"Double Team, then Flame Wheel!"
Cyndaquil blurred into copies, spinning into a vortex of fire that smashed into Luxio before it could react.
Kakashi narrowed his eye. "You're fast. And patient. That's rare."
"Luxio, Discharge!"
A shockwave erupted—every clone vanished, and Cyndaquil was hit. Sparks danced across its body as it skidded, smoke rising from its singed fur.
"Hang in there!" Sasuke's voice cracked—just slightly.
Cyndaquil trembled... then roared.
A burst of light engulfed it.
Naruto stood up from his seat. "No way!"
The light faded, revealing... Quilava.
Its sleeker body glowed with new power as its back ignited into a steady blaze.
Kakashi gave a rare smile. "Looks like the fire's just getting started."
"Quilava, Flame Charge!"
With a burst of heat, Quilava slammed into Luxio with overwhelming force, knocking it off its feet and into the wall. The screen flashed:
Luxio: Unable to battle. Winner: Sasuke Uchiha.
_____
Sasuke walked off the field, not smug, but reserved. Quilava trotted beside him, flames gently flickering.
"Tch," he muttered, glancing at Naruto. "You better not embarrass us now, dope."
Naruto grinned. "Watch me set the place on fire!"
Kakashi stood at the far side of the battlefield once more. "Naruto Uzumaki. Ready for your first Gym Challenge?"
"You bet!"
Battle: Naruto vs. Kakashi
Team Naruto:
– Froakie ♂ [Lv. 13]
– Shinx ♂ [Lv. 12]
Team Kakashi:
– Toxel ♀ [Lv. 14]
– Luxio ♂ [Lv. 16]
Kakashi sent out Toxel first, while Naruto led with Froakie.
"Toxel, Acid!"
Purple sludge spiraled toward Froakie.
"Froakie, jump and use Bubble!"
Froakie leapt, bubbles deflecting the acidic stream. It landed behind Toxel.
"Quick Attack!"
A blur. Froakie slammed into Toxel, forcing it back.
"Not bad," Kakashi nodded. "But let's try something more... shocking. Toxel, Nuzzle."
Toxel bounced forward and rubbed its cheeks against Froakie—an adorable attack with a devastating side effect.
Froakie froze.
"Paralysis?" Naruto gasped.
Kakashi raised a finger. "Type disadvantages. Poison and Electric types are tricky. Especially for a Water-type like Froakie."
Naruto frowned. "Type... disadvantage?"
Kakashi gently explained, "Water is weak to Electric. Electric has no effect on Ground. Understanding type matchups is key. Want to stand a chance in the League? You need to know more than brute force."
Naruto clenched his fists. "Got it... but I'm not giving up!"
He returned Froakie. "Go, Shinx!"
Kakashi blinked. "A Shinx? You've got a knack for surprises."
Shinx growled, sparks dancing along its fur.
"He looks strong," Kakashi said thoughtfully. "Wanna learn a new move?"
Naruto blinked. "You can do that?"
"In the middle of battle? Only if you trust him. Shinx, use Charge!"
Shinx absorbed electrical energy, his body glowing.
"Now Spark!"
With new intensity, Shinx zipped forward, tackling Toxel with full voltage. Toxel fainted.
Kakashi sent out Luxio next. "Now it gets serious."
Luxio roared.
The two Electric-types clashed—Spark vs. Bite, Charge vs. Leer. Sparks flew across the stadium, literal and metaphorical. In the end, both Pokémon were panting, but Luxio's experience edged it out.
"Shinx is unable to battle."
Naruto ran to his partner. "You were amazing."
He returned Shinx, smiling.
Kakashi approached. "You lost the match... but won my respect. Few trainers think with their heart and mind."
Naruto looked up. "Why are you being nice to us?"
Kakashi's voice softened. "Because I was told to look after you. By Professor Hiruzen... and your father, Minato Namikaze."
Naruto froze. "You knew him?"
"He was the Champion once. Strongest trainer in Shinova. Brave. Loyal. Just like you."
There was a pause before Kakashi handed Naruto a TM Disk.
"Take this. It'll help Shinx grow stronger. And next time... win."
Naruto took the disk with trembling hands. "Thanks, Kakashi-sensei."
Sakura ran over and hugged him.
"You did great," she whispered.
Sasuke crossed his arms. "You've got a long way to go."
Naruto grinned. "And I'll catch up. Believe it."
To Be Continued...