The Tower of Eternity's library occupied the structure's seventh through twelfth floors, accessible through a dedicated entrance that required proper academic credentials or special permission. Kiyomi had both, her published research papers and Professor Sato's personal recommendation had granted her a researcher's pass that allowed access to materials normally restricted to senior scholars.
She arrived at eight-thirty in the morning, Ninetales padding silently beside her. The library entrance featured heavy wooden doors carved with protective symbols, wards meant to preserve the ancient knowledge contained within. A security system scanned her pass, confirmed her credentials, and admitted her with a soft chime.
Inside, the library was breathtaking. Six floors of knowledge arranged in concentric circles that mirrored the city's design. Books lined shelves from floor to ceiling, some bound in modern materials, others in ancient leather or preserved plant fibers. Climate control systems maintained optimal temperature and humidity to protect delicate texts. Natural light filtered through strategically placed windows, supplemented by soft artificial illumination that didn't damage sensitive materials.
A librarian approached, an elderly man with thick glasses and the careful posture of someone who'd spent decades surrounded by fragile artifacts. "Researcher Kurama? I'm Head Librarian Hayato. Professor Sato contacted me about your visit. He said you're investigating ancient Pokemon civilizations?"
"Specifically pre-Pokeball bonding methods and the cultural contexts surrounding them," Kiyomi confirmed. "I'm working on my thesis about how ancient humans formed partnerships with Pokemon."
"Fascinating subject. We have extensive collections on that topic." Hayato gestured toward one section of shelves. "The ninth floor houses our ancient civilization archives. Tenth floor contains mythological texts and prophecies, many unverified but historically significant. Eleventh floor has restricted materials requiring special clearance."
"What kind of restricted materials?"
"Texts deemed potentially dangerous if misinterpreted. Ancient rituals involving Pokemon that modern ethics consider questionable. And documents related to historical threats to regional stability." Hayato adjusted his glasses. "Your credentials grant you access to most restricted sections, though some require additional authorization."
Kiyomi spent the first hour on the ninth floor, immersing herself in documentation about ancient civilizations. She found references to the Bug-type shrine she'd visited in Viridian Forest, confirmation that the site dated to approximately 2,800 years ago and had served as a meeting place for trainers and wild Pokemon. Other texts described similar practices in different regions, suggesting a widespread cultural phenomenon of sacred spaces where humans and Pokemon could interact peacefully.
The research was valuable for her thesis, but not surprising. These were facts she'd already encountered in other archives. What she really wanted was new information, unique perspectives that hadn't been documented elsewhere.
By mid-morning, she'd moved to the tenth floor where mythological texts resided. Here the material became more speculative, legends passed down through generations, prophecies recorded by ancient seers, and cultural stories that blended fact with fantastical elements.
One section particularly caught her attention: texts related to the Tree of Beginning.
The Tree of Beginning was legendary throughout Kanto and Johto, an ancient mystical tree that predated human civilization and supposedly served as a focal point for Pokemon energy in the region. It grew near Blackthorn City, on land the Uchiha clan had guarded for centuries.
Kiyomi pulled several volumes and settled at a reading table with Ninetales curled at her feet. The Ice-type sensed her excitement and remained quiet, understanding this was important research time.
The first text was a historical account written approximately 400 years ago by a scholar studying the Tree. It described the Uchiha clan's role as guardians, a hereditary duty passed through generations, chosen because of their natural affinity for Dragon-types and their clan's historical connection to the Tree's power.
But what caught Kiyomi's attention was a section about the "Herald Pokemon".
"The Victory Pokemon serves as Herald to the Tree of Beginning. When it appears to a guardian of Uchiha blood, great change approaches. The Herald's presence signals transformation, not merely personal evolution, but shifts in the balance between human and Pokemon, light and shadow, order and chaos. Generations may pass without the Herald's appearance, but when it chooses a bonded human, destiny unfolds."
Kiyomi read the passage three times, her mind racing. Victini was known as the Victory Pokemon. Sasuke was Uchiha blood. And Victini had bonded with Sasuke eleven years ago, when he was just eight years old.
According to this text, that bond was prophetically significant.
She continued reading, finding more references to Victini's role as Herald. Another text from 600 years ago described a previous appearance.
"The Herald came to Uchiha Madara in his youth, marking him as one who would reshape the world. His journey brought both great achievement and terrible cost. The Victory Pokemon's blessing is not gentle, it demands much from those it chooses."
That was concerning. The text implied that being chosen by Victini brought responsibility and potential danger alongside whatever benefits the bond provided.
Kiyomi made detailed notes, cross-referencing dates and sources. She was so absorbed in the research that she didn't notice Librarian Hayato approaching until he spoke.
"Researcher Kurama? I see you've found the Tree of Beginning texts."
"They're fascinating. And relevant to my companion's background, he's Uchiha clan."
"Ah. Then these would definitely interest him." Hayato paused. "There's a restricted section on the eleventh floor that contains additional Tree of Beginning documentation. It requires special clearance because some texts discuss... sensitive historical matters. But given your credentials and Professor Sato's recommendation, I can grant you access if you wish."
"Absolutely. I'd be very grateful."
Hayato led her to the eleventh floor and unlocked a section cordoned off by a security gate. "These materials are restricted because they document historical threats to regional stability. Specifically, organizations that attempted to exploit the Tree of Beginning's power for their own purposes. The League prefers this information not be widely available to prevent copycat attempts."
"Understood. I'll treat the information with appropriate discretion."
Inside the restricted section, Kiyomi found texts that painted a darker picture of the Tree's history. Multiple attempts over centuries by various groups to harness its power. Most had failed catastrophically, the Tree's natural defenses were formidable, and the Uchiha guardians had successfully repelled most threats.
But one incident stood out. A document from approximately fifty years ago described 'Root', a group that had nearly succeeded in accessing the Tree's core energy systems.
"Root, led by one Danzo Shimura, attempted to extract energy from the Tree of Beginning for military applications. Their goal was to create weapons using Pokemon essence, a perversion of the natural bond between human and Pokemon. They were stopped by a coalition of trainers including then-Champion Minato Namikaze, Dragon Master Fugaku Uchiha and Elite Four Kakashi Hatake.. The organization was dismantled, and Shimura disappeared. However, intelligence suggests organizational remnants may have survived."
Kiyomi's blood ran cold. Danzo Shimura. The same name Sasuke had mentioned as the current leader of the Aether Foundation.
She read further, finding a more recent addendum dated just six months ago.
"League intelligence reports indicate Root has resurfaced under the name 'Aether Foundation.' While publicly presenting as a Pokemon welfare organization, classified sources suggest Danzo Shimura remains in leadership and continues pursuing his original goals of weaponizing Pokemon energy. The Foundation has shown particular interest in ancient artifacts and sites connected to pre-modern Pokemon civilizations. Current threat level: HIGH."
This was no longer just interesting historical research. This was active intelligence about a present threat.
Kiyomi photographed every relevant page with her tablet, ensuring she had complete documentation. She cross-referenced names, dates, and locations, building a comprehensive picture of the Aether Foundation's true nature and historical origins.
By late afternoon, she'd compiled a disturbing narrative. The Aether Foundation was the continuation of an organization that had tried to exploit the Tree of Beginning fifty years ago. Danzo Shimura had been involved then and was apparently still leading the effort now. And they were specifically interested in ancient artifacts and sites, exactly the kind of places Kiyomi studied.
Plus the connection to Victini. The texts suggested the Victory Pokemon's appearance signaled major change. The Aether Foundation was actively operating. And Sasuke, bonded to Victini and heir to the Uchiha guardian duties, was traveling through regions where the Foundation was most active.
The pieces formed a pattern that Kiyomi didn't like at all.
She thanked Librarian Hayato and left the Tower with her mind churning. This information needed to reach her companions immediately, and more importantly, needed to be reported to League authorities who could act on it.
Evening found her returning to the Mobile Home where dinner preparations were underway. Sasuke was cooking, Miyuki was setting the table, and Kasumi was recounting her day at the Contest Hall with obvious excitement.
Kiyomi waited until after dinner to share her findings. Once everyone had finished eating and moved to the living room area, she pulled out her tablet.
"I need to show you all something. It's important."
The shift in her tone got immediate attention. Sasuke set down his drink. Miyuki's expression turned serious. Kasumi stopped mid-sentence about Contest techniques.
Kiyomi displayed her notes and the photos she'd taken. "I found extensive documentation about the Tree of Beginning today. Including texts about Victini's significance."
She explained about the Herald Pokemon prophecies, the historical appearances, and the implication that Victini choosing Sasuke marked him as someone who would be involved in major events.
"So Victini bonding with me means... what exactly?" Sasuke asked.
"According to these texts, it means you're destined for significant impact on the world. The prophecies aren't specific about whether that impact is positive or negative, just that it will be major." Kiyomi pulled up the next set of photos. "But that's not the most concerning part."
She showed them the documentation about Root and Danzo Shimura's thirty-year-old attempt to weaponize the Tree's power. Then the recent intelligence reports confirming the Aether Foundation's connection.
"The organization that tried to exploit the Tree thirty years ago is the same organization operating now," she concluded. "They failed then because your father and others stopped them, Sasuke. Now they're trying again, and they're specifically interested in ancient sites and artifacts."
"Which is why they stole fragments from the Tree's ruins on the ship," Miyuki said quietly. "They're collecting pieces to try again."
"Exactly. And the timing isn't coincidental. Victini appeared to Sasuke eleven years ago. The Aether Foundation intensified operations about five years ago according to these reports. They might be aware of the prophecies and targeting Sasuke specifically because of his connection to Victini and the Tree."
Sasuke had been silent through most of the explanation, processing the information. Now he spoke, "Itachi warned me about the Aether Foundation before I left Blackthorn. Said Danzo Shimura was moving and to be careful. He must have known about this historical connection."
"Your brother's the current Champion," Kiyomi pointed out. "He probably has access to far more classified reports than the ones I found in the restricted archives. He knew you were potentially at risk."
"Should we be worried?" Kasumi asked. "Like, are they going to come after us directly?"
"Unknown," Kiyomi admitted. "The texts suggest the prophecies aren't deterministic, Victini choosing someone doesn't force specific outcomes, just indicates potential for significant impact. The Aether Foundation might see Sasuke as a threat to their plans or as a potential asset they want to recruit or eliminate."
"I need to contact Itachi immediately," Sasuke said, pulling out his phone. "He needs to know what you found, and I need to understand what he knows about the threat level."
"I'll compile a full report for League authorities," Kiyomi added. "This information should be in official channels."
"And we should be more careful going forward," Miyuki said. "If the Aether Foundation is actively monitoring us, we need better security protocols."
They spent the next hour discussing practical safety measures, checking for surveillance, varying their routes, being cautious about sharing travel plans publicly, and establishing emergency communication procedures.
Sasuke stepped outside to call Itachi, wanting privacy for a potentially sensitive conversation. When he returned twenty minutes later, his expression was grim.
"Itachi confirmed everything Kiyomi found. He's been aware of the Aether Foundation's connection to the old Root since he became Champion. The League has been monitoring them but hasn't had enough evidence to move against them officially, they're very good at maintaining legal cover for their operations."
"What did he say about the prophecy aspect?" Kiyomi asked.
"That prophecies are guidelines, not certainties. Victini chose me, yes, but that doesn't mean I'm locked into some predetermined path. It just means I have potential for significant impact, which is true of any strong trainer." Sasuke sat down heavily. "He also said the Aether Foundation likely knows about our group because of the ship incident. They'll be tracking our movements and potentially planning something."
"But we're not backing down," Kasumi said firmly. "Right? We're still going to Pewter City, still doing the gym challenges and Contests and research?"
"We're not backing down," Sasuke confirmed. "But we're being smart about it. Eyes open, prepared for trouble, and not taking unnecessary risks."
"I'll continue monitoring any information about Aether Foundation activities in the regions we're traveling through," Kiyomi offered. "If they're planning something, maybe we can get advance warning."
"And I'll make sure our Pokemon are always battle-ready," Miyuki added. "If we encounter trouble, we need to be able to defend ourselves immediately."
The conversation eventually wound down as exhaustion caught up with everyone. But the carefree atmosphere from earlier in their journey had shifted. They were still excited about their goals, still committed to the journey, but now they understood there were genuine dangers beyond just challenging gym battles and Contest competitions.
That night, Kiyomi lay in bed reviewing her notes one more time. The prophecy texts were clear. When the Herald appeared to Uchiha blood, great change followed. Sasuke insisted prophecies weren't binding, and he was probably right. But historical patterns suggested the Victory Pokemon didn't choose randomly.
Whatever was coming, it would test them in ways they couldn't yet imagine. But at least now they were aware. Forewarned was forearmed, as the old saying went.
She fell asleep still thinking about ancient texts and modern threats, her mind already planning research angles for their journey north to Pewter City.