Sasuke's room looked like a supply depot had exploded inside it. Clothing covered the bed in organized piles, practical travel wear, formal outfits for gym challenges, weather-appropriate gear for different climates. His desk held neat stacks of supplies.
First-aid kits, camping equipment, navigation tools, and the various technical items a serious trainer needed for an extended journey. Ten Pokeballs sat on their charging station, each one containing a Pokemon that represented three years of brutal training.
He picked up a black waterproof jacket and folded it precisely, adding it to the "essential" pile. Three years in the Crown Tundra had taught him exactly what mattered on a long journey, functionality over appearance, durability over style, and always pack twice as much medical supplies as you think you'll need.
"You're doing the thing again, Sasu-nii!" Sayuri said from the doorway.
Sasuke glanced at her. "Hm? What thing?"
"The obsessive organization thing! Everything in perfect stacks, all folded exactly the same way, color-coordinated for no good reason." His sister walked into the room and picked up one of his shirts, deliberately unfolding it and refolding it slightly messier. "You're allowed to just throw things in a bag like a normal person."
"Efficiency matters when you're traveling."
"You sound like Father." Sayuri sat on the edge of his bed, carefully avoiding the clothing piles. She'd been helping him pack for the last hour, though "helping" mostly meant providing commentary and asking questions he didn't have answers to.
Sasuke added the jacket to his travel pack and moved to the next pile. He'd been at this since morning, three days until departure, and he wanted everything prepared ahead of time. His mother had already arranged for the cruise ship ticket and confirmed his cabin assignment. Fugaku had reviewed his Pokemon team compositions and suggested minor adjustments to held items. All that remained was the physical packing and final preparations.
"Have you thought about what you'll say when you meet them?" Sayuri asked.
"Hello seems appropriate."
"No! I mean really say. Like... three years is a long time. You can't just pretend nothing changed."
Sasuke folded another shirt. "I'll acknowledge the time gap and suggest we get reacquainted gradually. Forcing familiarity would be awkward for everyone."
"See, that's exactly the kind of stiff, formal response that'll make things weird." His sister kicked her feet against the bed frame. "Just be yourself. They knew you before, they'll recognize when you're being genuine versus when you're hiding behind politeness."
"I don't hide behind politeness."
"You absolutely do. You've been doing it since you got back. All the clan members notice it too, you're friendly enough but never quite real with anyone except family." Sayuri's expression turned more serious. "The Crown Tundra changed you. I get that. But don't let it make you forget how to connect with people."
That hit closer than Sasuke wanted to admit. Three years of focusing entirely on survival and training had definitely affected his social skills. He'd spent more time talking to Pokemon than humans, and Pokemon didn't require the same careful navigation of social expectations.
"I'll try," he said finally. "That's the best I can promise."
Sayuri seemed to accept that. She stood and grabbed one of his spare jackets, holding it up to examine. "This one's too big for you now. You grew out of it."
"Keep it if you want."
"Really?" Her eyes lit up. "Even though it's got the Uchiha crest embroidered on it?"
"You're an Uchiha too."
She clutched the jacket to her chest, suddenly looking much younger than sixteen. Her eyes were getting suspiciously shiny. "I'm going to miss you so much."
The words came out thick with emotion she'd been holding back all morning. Sasuke abandoned his packing and walked to her, pulling his sister into a hug. She immediately buried her face against his shoulder.
"Three years was already too long," Sayuri said, voice muffled. "And now you're leaving again right after getting back. It's not fair."
"I know."
"You have to call every week. Every single week, Sasuke. And send pictures of your Pokemon and the places you visit. And if you're anywhere near Blackthorn, you have to come home for at least one day."
"Yeah... I promise."
"And you can't die or get seriously injured because I'll be really mad if you do!"
That almost made him laugh. "I'll do my best to stay alive out of consideration for your feelings."
Sayuri pulled back and punched his shoulder, not hard enough to hurt, but with enough force to make her point. Her eyes were red but she wasn't actually crying yet. "I'm serious. You're my only brother who's not stupidly busy being Champion. If something happens to you, I only have Itachi left, and he's basically married to his job."
"Nothing's going to happen to me. I have ten incredibly powerful Pokemon and three years of survival training. I'm probably safer than most trainers starting their journeys."
"Probably isn't definitely." She wiped her eyes. "Just... be careful, okay? And remember you have people here who care about you. Don't get so focused on badges and winning that you forget to come home sometimes."
Sasuke squeezed her shoulder. "I won't forget."
A flutter of motion outside his window caught his attention. Latias hovered there, her red and white form visible through the glass. The Dragon-Psychic type's eyes held sadness that matched Sayuri's expression.
Sasuke opened the window. Latias floated inside immediately and nuzzled against Sayuri, offering comfort. Then she turned to Sasuke and projected a wave of melancholy emotion through the psychic connection all Dragon-types shared with the Uchiha bloodline.
"You know Latios is leaving," Sasuke said gently.
Latias chirped, a sound that conveyed understanding mixed with unhappiness. She and Latios were twins, bonded since birth in ways that went beyond normal sibling connections. Being separated would hurt them both.
Latios materialized from his Pokeball without prompting, sensing his sister's distress. The blue Dragon appeared beside Sasuke and immediately approached Latias. The twins touched foreheads in their traditional greeting, and for a moment, golden light pulsed between them as they communicated in ways beyond human comprehension.
Victini emerged from where it had been napping on Sasuke's pillow and floated over to join the moment. The Victory Pokemon had witnessed the twins' bond forming eight years ago and understood what this separation meant.
"It's not forever," Sayuri told Latias. "They'll visit. And we can use video calls to let you see each other. It won't be the same, but it's better than nothing."
Latias didn't look convinced. She projected another wave of emotion, this one asking Latios to stay, to choose Sayuri and the compound over the journey. The blue Dragon responded with his own emotional message.
He'd made a promise to Sasuke, chosen him as his trainer, and couldn't abandon that bond even though leaving his sister would hurt.
The complexity of the exchange made Sasuke's chest tight. These were Legendary Pokemon, creatures of immense power and ancient wisdom, and yet they felt the same pain any siblings would at separation.
"We'll make sure they can communicate regularly," Sasuke promised. "Video calls when we're in cities, and I'll bring Latios home whenever we're near Blackthorn. The bond between them is too important to neglect."
Latias seemed to accept that as the best possible outcome. She nuzzled her brother one final time, then turned and did something unexpected, she pressed her head against Sasuke's chest, the same bonding gesture Latios had made years ago but without the permanent connection. It felt like acknowledgment. Like she was trusting him with her twin's safety.
"I'll protect him," Sasuke said. "I promise."
The red Dragon pulled back and returned to Sayuri's side. The two girls, human and Pokemon, would support each other through the boys' absence.
Latios projected gratitude to his sister, then returned to his Pokeball. Victini settled back on Sasuke's shoulder, unusually quiet after witnessing the emotional exchange.
Sayuri wiped her eyes again. "Okay. Enough crying. Let's finish packing your stuff before I completely fall apart."
They worked in companionable silence for the next hour, organizing supplies and checking items off Sasuke's meticulously prepared list. By early afternoon, everything was packed except for the clothes he'd need over the next three days.
A knock on the door interrupted them. Fugaku entered carrying a long wooden case, the kind used for valuable or delicate items.
"Sasuke. A moment of your time."
Sayuri took that as her cue to leave. "I'll be in my room if you need me." She slipped past their father and closed the door behind her.
Fugaku set the wooden case on Sasuke's desk and opened it carefully. Inside, nestled in custom-fitted foam, lay a set of knives that made Sasuke's breath catch. Seven blades in graduated sizes, each one forged from high-grade steel that caught the light with an almost liquid gleam. The handles were made from dark wood with subtle grain patterns, ergonomically shaped for extended use. This wasn't a commercial knife set, this was masterwork craftsmanship, the kind that cost more than most people's annual salary.
"These are..." Sasuke couldn't finish the sentence.
"A gift," Fugaku said. "For the journey."
Sasuke reached out and lifted the largest knife, a chef's knife with perfect weight distribution. The blade was sharp enough to split paper with a breath. His reflection showed clearly in the polished steel.
"I don't understand," he said. "This is too much."
"Your mother has battle instincts honed through decades of experience," Fugaku replied. "She can read a fight before it happens and adjust strategy instinctively. I have the analytical mind, I can break down complex situations into manageable components and find the optimal solution. You've inherited both traits, which is why you've progressed so rapidly in battle training."
He picked up the second-largest knife, examining it with an appraising eye. "But cooking is something entirely your own. Not learned from your mother or me, not derived from clan traditions or family expectations. You discovered that talent independently during the Crown Tundra when you had to prepare your own meals to survive. It became something you genuinely enjoyed rather than simply tolerated."
Sasuke remembered those first attempts at cooking in the frozen wasteland, catastrophically bad meals that even his Pokemon had approached with suspicion. But he'd kept practicing, learning through trial and error, until preparing food had transformed from a chore into something meditative. A way to decompress after brutal training sessions.
"I've watched you cook since you returned," Fugaku continued. "You have natural instinct for it, understanding when ingredients are properly prepared, how flavors combine, when heat needs adjusting. That's not something I can teach. It's an art form in its own right."
He set the knife back in its case. "You'll be cooking for your traveling companions. Use these tools to show them who you've become, not just the warrior who catches Legendary Pokemon, but the person who cares enough to prepare good food for the people around him."
The weight of the gift settled over Sasuke like a physical thing. His father rarely gave praise openly, and this gesture spoke volumes about Fugaku's understanding of his son's growth beyond pure battle strength.
"Thank you," Sasuke said. The words felt inadequate. "I'll take care of them."
"I know you will." Fugaku placed one hand on Sasuke's shoulder briefly, a rare display of physical affection. "Make us proud. But more importantly, make yourself proud. Discover who you are beyond the Uchiha name and the expectation of Championship. That's what this journey is truly about."
Then he left, closing the door quietly behind him and leaving Sasuke alone with a knife set that represented his father's approval of something Sasuke had chosen for himself rather than inherited or been assigned.
Victini chirped softly and patted Sasuke's cheek. The little Pokemon could sense the emotional significance of the moment even if it didn't fully understand the context.
Sasuke carefully packed the knife set in his travel bag's most protected compartment. He'd use these knives to cook the best meals he could manage, for himself and for whoever ended up traveling with him. It felt like a promise, to his father, to himself, to the journey ahead.
Sunset painted Blackthorn City in shades of orange and gold.
Sasuke stood on one of the compound's observation platforms, watching the light fade while Victini dozed against his side. The city below was transitioning from day to evening, lights beginning to flicker on, people returning home from work, Pokemon settling into their nighttime routines.
"Contemplative mood today," Itachi said, materializing beside him with the silent footwork that had always made their mother worry he'd become an assassin instead of a trainer.
"Thinking about the journey."
"Second thoughts?"
"No. Just... processing everything." Sasuke glanced at his brother. "Did Father give you a meaningful gift before you left for your journey?"
"A Pokeball containing an Eevee egg." Itachi looked out over the city. "It eventually evolved into Umbreon. Father said the gift represented potential, what you do with it determines its value."
"He gave me knives."
"Because you cook now. He's acknowledging the person you've become rather than trying to shape who you should be." Itachi smiled. "Growth in unexpected directions. He appreciates that."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment. Then Itachi's expression turned more serious.
"The three girls you'll be traveling with," he began. "Miyuki, Kasumi, Kiyomi. They're special in ways beyond their training and expertise."
"Oh come on... Mother already gave me the lecture about bonds and companionship."
"No. I'm not talking about general philosophy. I'm talking about those three specifically." Itachi turned to face him directly. "They're each remarkable individuals who've overcome their own challenges to reach this point. Miyuki battles anxiety about not meeting her grandmother's legendary standards. Kasumi fights against people who dismiss Contest coordination as less legitimate than traditional battling. Kiyomi struggles with the isolation that comes from being more interested in ancient ruins than contemporary society."
Sasuke hadn't known any of that. "Huh? How do you know this?"
"I pay attention when I meet people at League functions. I listen to their concerns and remember what matters to them." Itachi's eyes held that intensity that meant he was about to say something important. "They need someone strong enough to handle the physical challenges of the journey, yes. But they also need someone who won't dismiss their goals as secondary to badge collection. Someone who'll protect them when necessary but also let them protect him in return."
"Let them... protect me?"
"You're strong, Sasuke. Perhaps stronger than I was at your age. But strength alone creates distance. If you want genuine bonds with your companions, you need to be vulnerable sometimes. Let them see when you're struggling. Accept help when it's offered. Don't make the mistake I did of believing self-sufficiency equals strength."
That echoed what Itachi had said after their battle, about loneliness at the top, about bonds being what sustained you when titles felt hollow.
"I'll try," Sasuke said.
"Good." Itachi's expression shifted to something harder. "There's also something you need to know about current events. Danzo Shimura is moving."
The name triggered recognition, Sasuke had heard it before, though he couldn't immediately place where. "Who?"
"Leader of the Aether Foundation. Publicly, they're a research organization focused on Pokemon welfare and conservation. In reality..." Itachi paused, choosing his words carefully. "They're involved in activities the League is investigating. Illegal Pokemon capture, experimentation, and pursuit of ancient artifacts that should remain undisturbed."
The Tree of Beginning's warning echoed in Sasuke's memory. Darkness gathering. Forces older than human civilization, sealed for good reason.
"How serious is this threat?"
"Serious enough that the Elite Four has been briefed and put on alert. Danzo is intelligent, well-funded, and completely ruthless in pursuing his goals." Itachi met Sasuke's eyes. "The League believes he's searching for something in Kanto and Johto. We don't know what specifically, but evidence suggests he's targeting sites with historical significance."
"Like ancient ruins."
"Exactly. Which means your companion Kiyomi's research activities might attract unwanted attention. If Aether Foundation operatives discover she's investigating the same sites they're interested in..." Itachi left the implication hanging.
Sasuke's hands clenched. "You're saying they might target her specifically."
"I'm saying be aware of your surroundings. Report any suspicious activity to local authorities immediately. Don't try to handle Aether Foundation confrontations alone, they have resources and technology that exceed what a rookie trainer should face." Itachi placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "I'm telling you this not to scare you, but to prepare you. The journey ahead involves more than gym battles and Contest performances. There are people who would exploit your companions' knowledge or abilities for their own purposes."
"Then I'll make sure that doesn't happen."
"I knew you'd say that." Itachi smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just remember, protecting people sometimes means knowing when to call for help. You have my direct contact information. Use it if necessary."
The sun had nearly set now, the city below fully illuminated by artificial light. The Tree of Beginning glowed brighter in the darkness, its mystical energy visible for miles.
"You're going to do well on this journey," Itachi said. "Better than I did, probably. Because you're willing to build connections I was too proud to pursue at your age." He squeezed Sasuke's shoulder once, then released him. "Show them who Sasuke Uchiha is beyond the bloodline and the legends. I think they'll be pleasantly surprised."
He left Sasuke alone on the observation platform with Victini and a head full of new concerns. The Aether Foundation, Danzo Shimura, threats to his future companions, suddenly the journey felt more complicated than collecting badges and proving his strength.
But that aligned with what the Tree had warned about. Testing his bonds when they were threatened. Making choices that mattered beyond personal glory.
Victini woke fully and chirped a question, was Sasuke worried?
"A little," he admitted. "But we've handled worse. And now we won't be facing it alone."
The Victory Pokemon trilled agreement and pressed closer against his side. Together, they watched the city lights until full dark descended.
The Blackthorn Dragon Temple occupied sacred ground at the base of the Tree of Beginning, where the Uchiha clan had maintained a place of worship for over three hundred years. The temple's architecture reflected traditional Johtonian design, curved roof tiles, wooden pillars carved with dragon motifs, stone guardians flanking the entrance. Incense smoke drifted from brass burners, carrying prayers toward the evening sky.
Sasuke had been summoned here for the final pre-journey ritual. The clan elders who'd evaluated his team three days ago now waited inside the temple's main hall, along with his immediate family and a dozen other high-ranking Uchiha members. This ceremony marked the official blessing of his journey, an acknowledgment that he carried the clan's honor into the world beyond Blackthorn.
He wore formal attire for the occasion. Traditional black kimono with the Uchiha crest embroidered in red and white on the back, hakama pants, and dark formal shoes. His hair had been properly styled for once instead of left in its usual spiky disarray. Even Victini had been convinced to wear a small ceremonial ribbon around one ear, though the Pokemon kept trying to remove it with annoyed chirps.
The temple's interior held quiet reverence. Candles provided most of the light, their flames reflected in polished wooden floors. At the far end of the hall, a large altar displayed offerings to Dragon-type Pokemon, precious stones, rare scales, items of historical significance to the clan.
Elder Kagami stood before the altar, his ancient Dragonite coiled behind him in a position of watchful respect. The other elders arranged themselves in a semicircle, each one representing different aspects of Uchiha tradition and history.
Sasuke's family occupied the front positions as observers, Mikoto in full Gym Leader regalia, Fugaku in formal wear that made him look every inch the former Elite Four member he'd been, Itachi in his Champion's jacket with the Indigo League insignia visible on the breast. Sayuri stood beside their mother, wearing her own formal kimono and looking more grown-up than Sasuke was entirely comfortable seeing.
"Sasuke Uchiha," Elder Kagami called. "Approach."
He walked forward and knelt on the cushion placed before the altar, Victini settling on his shoulder in its most dignified posture. The little Pokemon understood the importance of this moment even if it didn't appreciate the formal atmosphere.
Kagami raised both hands. "We gather to acknowledge one of our own as he departs on the traditional journey that has defined our clan for generations. The path of the trainer, to test oneself against the strongest opponents, to forge bonds with powerful Pokemon, to prove that the Uchiha bloodline produces warriors worthy of respect."
The other elders echoed agreement in a low murmur.
"Sasuke Uchiha has already demonstrated exceptional skill," Kagami continued. "Ten Pokemon including multiple Legendary specimens. Victory against our clan's strongest trainers. The wisdom to learn from his father's teaching and the strength to survive the Crown Tundra's harshest conditions. These accomplishments honor us."
He gestured, and another elder stepped forward carrying a wooden box. Kagami opened it to reveal a pendant, silver chain holding a dragon-shaped medallion carved from jade. The craftsmanship was exquisite, every scale detailed with precision.
"This pendant has passed through our clan for twelve generations," Kagami said. "It represents the blessing of our ancestors and the protection of the Dragon-type Pokemon who have bonded with our bloodline. Wear it as a reminder that you carry more than just your own reputation. You represent three centuries of Uchiha trainers who walked this path before you."
Sasuke bowed his head. Kagami placed the pendant around his neck, the jade cool against his skin through the kimono. When he straightened, the medallion rested just below his collarbone, visible but not ostentatious.
"The clan's blessing goes with you," Kagami declared. "May your battles bring honor. May your bonds strengthen with each challenge. May you return to us worthy of the Champion's title your brother holds."
"I accept this blessing," Sasuke responded formally. "And pledge to honor the Uchiha name through my actions and choices."
The ritual continued for another twenty minutes, prayers to legendary Dragon-types, invocations of clan ancestors, symbolic gestures that connected Sasuke to the long lineage of trainers who'd undertaken similar journeys. He remained kneeling throughout, letting the tradition wash over him and ground him in something larger than individual ambition.
Finally, Kagami raised his hands in conclusion. "Go forth, Sasuke Uchiha. Walk the path of the trainer with courage and wisdom. Return to us stronger in both body and spirit."
"I will honor this blessing," Sasuke said, rising to his feet.
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, then the assembled clan members began filtering out of the temple. Several stopped to offer personal well-wishes or final advice. Sasuke accepted each with appropriate gratitude, the formal language feeling less awkward than it had at sixteen.
His family waited until the others had departed. Mikoto approached first and adjusted the pendant's position slightly, a mother's instinct to ensure everything was perfect even in ceremonial moments.
"You look distinguished," she said. "Like a proper clan representative."
"I feel like I'm wearing a costume."
"You'll feel differently when you realize how many doors that pendant opens. Every major clan in Kanto and Johto recognizes Uchiha symbols. Use that recognition when it helps." She kissed his forehead briefly, a rare public display of affection. "Make good choices. Trust your instincts. Come home safe."
Fugaku's farewell was characteristically brief. "Remember your training. Apply the principles we practiced. Don't let emotion override strategy."
"Yes, Father."
"And don't forget to write. Your mother will give me a headache if she doesn't hear from you regularly."
That surprised Sasuke enough that he smiled. "I'll write every week."
Sayuri didn't bother with formal farewells. She just hugged him tightly enough to make breathing difficult. "Call me first," she whispered. "Before Mother or Father. I want to hear about everything before they sanitize your stories for teenage consumption."
"Deal."
She pulled back, eyes suspiciously bright again. "And take care of Latios. Remember he's sad about leaving Latias."
"I remember."
Itachi waited until last. He studied Sasuke for a long moment, then smiled. "You're ready. More ready than I was at nineteen. Trust yourself."
"I'll try."
"And Sasuke?" Itachi's expression turned serious one final time. "When you reach the Indigo League and stand across the arena from me in that Championship battle, don't hold back. I want to face the strongest version of my little brother, not someone who hesitates because of family bonds."
"Trust me. You won't have to worry about that."
"Good." Itachi clasped his shoulder firmly. "Give them hell out there!"
The family left together, walking back through the temple grounds toward the compound. Sasuke remained behind for a moment, standing in the empty hall with only Victini for company.
The pendant felt heavier than its physical weight should allow. Not burdening, grounding. A reminder of everything this journey represented beyond personal achievement.
"Three more days," he said to Victini. "Then we board that ship and start the real journey."
The Victory Pokemon chirped enthusiastically and finally managed to remove its ceremonial ribbon. It immediately tried to hide the ribbon behind one of the altar's offering stones.
Sasuke retrieved it with a sigh. "Seriously? Mother will notice if you lose that."
Victini huffed but allowed the ribbon to be retied around its ear. The Pokemon's annoyance faded quickly though, replaced by the eager anticipation that characterized its entire personality.
They left the temple and made their way back to the family residence through darkening grounds. The compound felt different now, not like home exactly, but like a place he was already beginning to leave behind. In three days, he'd board the SS Dragonair and start the next chapter.
Sixteen gym badges. Three traveling companions. Whatever threats the Aether Foundation represented. The journey stretched ahead full of unknown variables and uncertain outcomes.
But Sasuke found himself looking forward to it anyway.
He'd spent three years training in isolation, becoming strong enough to stand beside his brother. Now it was time to discover what else he could become when surrounded by people who expected more from him than just battle prowess.
The knife set from his father. The pendant from the clan. The bonds with his Pokemon. And soon, three girls he barely remembered but who apparently remembered him.
It was enough to build on.