Their final morning in Viridian City dawned clear and warm. Sasuke woke to find a message in the group chat from Miyuki: Training grounds at 8 AM? We should see what everyone's full teams can do.
It was a good idea. They'd been traveling together for over a week but had never done proper coordinated training. They'd seen glimpses of each other's Pokemon during the Sharpedo attack and various incidents, but nothing comprehensive.
Sasuke typed back his agreement and received quick confirmations from Kasumi and Kiyomi. An hour later, the four of them stood at Viridian City's public training grounds, a large facility with multiple battle arenas, practice fields, and observation areas.
"Who goes first?" Kasumi asked, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Miyuki should," Kiyomi suggested. "She has the smallest team, so it'll be quickest."
Miyuki released Shaymin, who floated in Land Forme beside her trainer. The Gratitude Pokemon looked tiny in the large practice field, but appearances were deceiving.
"Shaymin specializes in support moves," Miyuki explained. "She's not built for direct combat, but for enhancing allies and providing battlefield control."
She called out a sequence of moves. Shaymin demonstrated Aromatherapy, soothing scent spreading across the field that would calm agitated Pokemon and cure status conditions. Then Leech Seed, creating energy-draining vines that would sap opponents' strength. Synthesis for healing. Sweet Scent for attraction and distraction.
"In battle, she works best paired with stronger attackers," Miyuki concluded. "She keeps everyone healthy and creates openings for partners to exploit."
"Tactical support," Sasuke observed. "That's valuable in team battles."
"Your turn, Kasumi," Miyuki said.
Kasumi released her full Contest team simultaneously, Gardevoir, Butterfree, Espeon, Togekiss, and Glaceon. Five Pokemon materialized in coordinated formation, each one perfectly groomed and radiating the particular presence that marked Contest-trained Pokemon.
"I'll show you the routine I'm developing for Cerulean," Kasumi announced. "It's designed as an Appeal performance, but the moves themselves are powerful."
She began calling combinations. Gardevoir's Psychic created swirling energy that Butterfree flew through, adding Quiver Dance effects that made the psychic power shimmer with insect-wing iridescence. Espeon contributed Future Sight markers that appeared as glowing points of light. Togekiss performed Air Slash in graceful arcs that interacted with the existing effects, creating wind patterns that shaped the energy flow. Finally, Glaceon unleashed Ice Beam that froze portions of the display into crystalline sculptures.
The entire sequence lasted maybe ninety seconds, but it was breathtaking. The five Pokemon moved in perfect synchronization, each effect building on the previous one, until the training field looked like a winter wonderland filled with psychic energy and light.
Other trainers using the facility had stopped to watch. When Kasumi's routine concluded, spontaneous applause erupted from the small crowd that had gathered.
"That was incredible," a nearby trainer called. "Are you competing in Cerulean?"
"That's the plan!" Kasumi replied, grinning.
"You'll definitely win. That coordination was flawless."
Kasumi recalled her team, blushing from the praise but clearly pleased. "Your turn, Kiyomi."
Kiyomi released her Alolan Ninetales, who materialized with icy grace. The white-furred Pokemon padded to the center of the field, nine tails fanning out in display.
"Ninetales is both offense and defense," Kiyomi explained. "Aurora Veil!"
The Ice-Fairy type generated a shimmering barrier of ice and light that surrounded her position. The barrier would reduce damage from both physical and special attacks while maintaining visibility.
"Now, Blizzard!"
From within the Aurora Veil, Ninetales unleashed a devastating ice storm. The combination of defensive barrier and offensive assault created a fortress effect, safe inside while attacking outward with overwhelming power. Snow and ice filled the training field, temperature dropping dramatically even outside the direct attack zone.
"Impressive control," Sasuke said as the storm subsided. "That's Elite Four level strategy."
"My mother trained her personally," Kiyomi replied. "Ninetales has been with our family for three generations. She's... special."
Finally, it was Sasuke's turn. He released Victini, keeping his other nine Pokemon in reserve. The Victory Pokemon appeared with its characteristic burst of energy, immediately performing aerial flips and chirping excitedly.
"Victini and I have trained together for eleven years," Sasuke said. "We don't need words most of the time."
He demonstrated with a simple exercise. Victini moved through combat patterns, Zen Headbutt at incredible speed, V-create generating massive fire power, Bolt Strike combining electric and physical force. But the impressive part wasn't the individual moves, it was how seamlessly Victini transitioned between them, reading Sasuke's intent through their bond and adjusting tactics without explicit commands.
The training crowd had grown significantly. Word had spread that one of the Four Supernovas was demonstrating at the public grounds, and trainers had gathered to watch.
"That's Sasuke Uchiha," someone whispered. "The Champion's brother."
"He has Victini. A Legendary Pokemon."
"That's insane. How is anyone supposed to compete with that?"
Sasuke tried to ignore the attention and focus on the demonstration. He called for more advanced combinations, and Victini responded with the perfect execution that came from years of partnership. The little Pokemon was showing off now, adding unnecessary flourishes to its movements because it enjoyed the audience.
After thirty minutes, Sasuke called a halt. "That's enough. We've got shopping to do this afternoon."
The crowd dispersed reluctantly, several trainers approaching to ask questions or request autographs. Sasuke handled it patiently, he'd gotten better at managing the attention over the past week, but was relieved when they finally extracted themselves and headed back toward the city center.
"Shopping?" Kiyomi asked. "For what?"
"Supplies, mostly," Miyuki said. "But also..." She glanced at Kasumi, who grinned mischievously.
"Clothes!" Kasumi announced. "Sasuke, you've been wearing the same three outfits on rotation. We're getting you more variety."
"I have enough clothes."
"You have functional clothes," Kasumi corrected. "We're getting you fashionable clothes. You're going to be on camera a lot as you collect badges. Presentation matters."
"I'm a trainer, not a model..."
"You're a Supernova," Kiyomi said. "Whether you like it or not, people are watching you. Might as well look good."
Sasuke recognized this was a battle he wouldn't win. "Fine. But nothing too ridiculous."
The Viridian City Shopping District offered extensive options. Kasumi led them to a trainer boutique that specialized in functional-yet-stylish clothing designed for people who needed to look good while also being ready for Pokemon battles at any moment.
A sales attendant immediately latched onto them. "Welcome! Are we shopping for the whole group or specific individuals?"
"Him," all three girls said simultaneously, pointing at Sasuke.
"Ah, excellent. What style are we thinking?"
What followed was two hours of being used as a dress-up doll. Kasumi selected outfits she thought would look "amazing for camera appearances." Miyuki chose practical pieces with good quality fabric and construction. Kiyomi picked items she claimed made him look "less like a teenager and more like a serious trainer."
Sasuke tried on combination after combination, modeling them for his companions who debated the merits of each piece. He'd never been particularly interested in fashion, but he had to admit some of the outfits looked significantly better than his current wardrobe.
They settled on several new options. A few high-quality training outfits in dark colors, a formal jacket for gym challenge registration and other official events, casual clothes that actually fit properly instead of being slightly too big, and, at Kasumi's insistence, one outfit she claimed was "perfect for looking approachable but competent."
"Now matching team jackets," Kasumi declared as they finished with Sasuke's wardrobe.
"Matching?" Sasuke repeated.
"We're a team. We should look like a team." She'd already found a store that did custom embroidery and was flipping through design options. "Navy blue with silver trim? That matches our aesthetic."
"We have an aesthetic?" Kiyomi asked, but she was smiling.
"We do now."
They ordered four jackets, lightweight but well-made, navy blue with silver accents and subtle embroidery on the back that read "Journey Companions" in elegant script. Nothing too flashy, but enough to mark them as a unified group.
"These will be ready in two hours," the shop owner said. "You can pick them up before you leave the city."
They spent the remaining time gathering travel supplies, medical items for Miyuki, berry cultivation equipment for Kasumi, research tools for Kiyomi, and cooking ingredients for Sasuke. By the time they finished, the afternoon had passed into early evening.
"Dinner?" Miyuki suggested. "There's a nice restaurant near the Tower that I've been wanting to try."
The restaurant proved to be elegant without being pretentious, white tablecloths and dim lighting, but comfortable atmosphere and reasonable prices. They were seated at a corner table with a good view of the Tower of Eternity illuminated against the darkening sky.
Over dinner, excellent food that even Sasuke had to admit was well-prepared, they talked about the journey so far and what lay ahead.
"We've been traveling for a week and a half," Miyuki observed. "It feels longer somehow. Like we've known each other for months instead of days."
"Intense shared experiences accelerate bonding," Kiyomi said. "We've gone through enough together that normal friendship timelines don't apply."
"I'm really glad we're doing this together," Kasumi added. "I was so nervous at first about traveling with people I barely knew, but now I can't imagine doing this journey alone."
"To friendship," Miyuki raised her glass. "And to the dreams we're pursuing together."
They clinked glasses, water for everyone except Kasumi who'd ordered a berry smoothie. The toast felt significant, marking a shift from uncertain companions to genuine friends.
"To adventures ahead," Kiyomi added. "And successfully navigating whatever the Aether Foundation throws at us."
"To proving ourselves," Kasumi said. "Showing that we're more than just our family names."
"To becoming who we're meant to be," Sasuke concluded.
After dinner, they retrieved their matching jackets and returned to the Mobile Home. Tomorrow they'd leave Viridian City and head north to Pewter. Three days of driving through varied terrain, then Sasuke's first gym challenge against Gaara.
That night, as everyone prepared for bed, private thoughts occupied each person.
Miyuki sat at her desk, supposedly reviewing medical notes but actually thinking about Sasuke. The way he'd been patient during the shopping expedition even though he clearly found it tedious. How he'd cooked her favorite meal to celebrate her medical observation success. The quiet support he offered without making it obvious. She'd never expected to develop feelings during this journey, but they were definitely there, growing stronger each day.
Kasumi lay in bed staring at the ceiling, Gardevoir in meditation pose nearby. She'd noticed how Sasuke looked at all of them, genuine care and respect, no condescension despite being significantly stronger. The way he took her Contest ambitions seriously when many trainers dismissed coordination as less legitimate. How he'd offered to help with berry preparation for her performances. It was attractive in ways that had nothing to do with his physical appearance or his powerful Pokemon.
Kiyomi sat in her research area, supposedly organizing her library findings but actually distracted by thoughts of their group dynamic. Sasuke was... different than she'd expected. Not arrogant despite having every reason to be. Genuinely interested when she talked about her archaeological work. Thoughtful in small ways that suggested he paid attention to what mattered to people. She wasn't sure when she'd started noticing those details, but she definitely noticed them now.
Sasuke lay in his ground floor bed with Victini curled beside him, his own thoughts restless. His three companions were becoming important to him in ways he hadn't anticipated. Miyuki's quiet competence and hidden warmth. Kasumi's infectious enthusiasm and genuine kindness. Kiyomi's sharp intelligence and unexpected humor. They'd all become people he cared about protecting and supporting.
Which was probably what his mother and Itachi had meant about bonds mattering more than strength. These relationships were already affecting his decisions, his priorities, his understanding of what this journey meant.
He wasn't sure what to do with these developing feelings, romantic or otherwise. But he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead in Pewter City and beyond, he wanted these three people beside him.
The Mobile Home settled into quiet as everyone finally slept. Outside, Viridian City continued its endless cycle. And tomorrow, the next phase of their journey would begin with departure toward Pewter City and Sasuke's first real test as a trainer.
But tonight, four young trainers slept peacefully, their bonds deepening in ways both conscious and unconscious, building the foundation for whatever would come next.