Chapter 3: Echoes of Route One – The Spark That Binds
The early morning sun poured through a lattice of tree branches, scattering golden flecks across the dirt path that led out of Tenko Town. The wind rustled the leaves with a hushed melody, and somewhere in the distance, the chirping of wild Pokémon echoed faintly, like the world itself was welcoming three new travelers.
Route One was here.
Wide and untamed, it stretched out like a forgotten trail in an ancient forest. Fields of tall grass rolled with the breeze, and pockets of open clearings were filled with tiny flowers, rustling bushes, and the occasional skitter of movement—Pokémon in their natural habitat. Wild. Free. And waiting.
Naruto, with Froakie perched on his shoulder, walked ahead with his arms behind his head, a grin spreading ear to ear. "Alright! Our journey really begins now, Froakie! We're gonna catch all kinds of awesome Pokémon!"
Froakie croaked in agreement, bubbling a little foam from its neck like it was pumped too.
Behind him, Sasuke walked coolly with Cyndaquil trotting by his side, flames on its back flickering subtly with each step. Sakura followed, Rowlet nestled peacefully in her arms, looking around with bright, curious eyes.
"Let's just stay alert," Sasuke muttered, scanning the swaying grass with sharp eyes. "Anything could jump out from anywhere."
"Relax, emo boy." Naruto laughed. "You're too tense. I bet I'll catch the first Pokémon!"
Sasuke gave him a sideways glance. "I bet you'll scare them off before they even show up."
-------
The group soon came across their first patch of dense grass. Naruto's heart pounded in anticipation. He slowly crept forward, trying to mimic what he'd seen on TV—soft steps, low stance, calm breathing.
Then, the grass rustled.
A tiny Fletchling burst out into the open with a startled chirp.
"Alright, now's our chance!" Naruto shouted, practically tripping over himself as he pulled a Poké Ball from his belt. "Go Froakie!"
Froakie leapt into action with a graceful flip, landing between Naruto and the bird.
"Use Water Gun!"
Froakie opened its mouth, shooting a blast of water that splashed across the ground, just barely missing the Fletchling. The startled bird flapped furiously and darted back into the tall grass, gone in an instant.
"Noooo!" Naruto fell to his knees. "Why?! That was my shot!"
"Your shot was trash," Sasuke said coolly. "Watch how it's done."
Moments later, a wild Wooper waddled into view by a small pond. Sasuke's eyes lit up.
"Water and Ground type… Perfect against Fire and Electric. Let's go."
He snapped his fingers. "Cyndaquil, use Ember."
Cyndaquil dashed forward, flames erupting from its back as it launched a quick fireball. The Wooper squealed, but wasn't too hurt—just enough to weaken it.
Sasuke didn't wait. "Poké Ball, go!"
He tossed the red-and-white sphere with precision. It hit Wooper, who was sucked inside in a flash of red light. The ball wobbled once… twice…
Click.
Captured.
"Tch. Easy," Sasuke muttered, smirking as he picked up the Poké Ball.
Naruto was fuming. "How did you…? Why?!"
"It's called tactics, dope. Maybe try them sometime."
Just ahead, near a cluster of wildflowers, a Venipede rolled lazily under a bush. Sakura gasped, eyes sparkling.
"Ohhh, it's so cute!"
Naruto stared. "That's cute?! It looks like a bug with armor!"
"I like it," Sakura said, determined. "Rowlet, use Leafage—gently!"
Rowlet hooted and launched a flurry of leaves at the Venipede, gently rustling its shell. It hissed but didn't retreat.
"Now, Poké Ball!"
Sakura threw her Poké Ball high. It descended with a flash, clicked, wobbled—and sealed.
She picked it up, beaming. "Yay! My first Pokémon!"
Naruto tried two more times—once with a Magikarp flopping in a creek (it escaped), and another with a Nincada (which burrowed underground and vanished). Each time ended with failure.
He sat by a rock under the shade, arms crossed, Froakie beside him, both visibly annoyed.
"I suck…" Naruto muttered. "Everyone already caught something. I'm supposed to be a future champion, but I can't even catch a Magikarp…"
Sakura sat beside him. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Pokémon aren't just tools—they bond with you when the time is right."
Sasuke leaned on a nearby tree, arms crossed. "Or you just suck at throwing Poké Balls."
"Hey!!"
Suddenly, a panicked cry echoed from deeper within the grass. High-pitched. Desperate.
A flash of blue fur darted through the bushes—a Shinx, limping badly, fur matted with dirt and cuts. Behind it, a gang of Mankey snarled, howling as they chased it down.
Naruto's eyes widened. "They're hurting it!"
Without hesitation, Naruto jumped up and sprinted into the clearing.
"Hey!! Leave it alone!" he shouted.
The Mankey turned as one, their eyes wild. One growled low, then suddenly punched Naruto straight in the gut.
He flew back, landing hard with a groan. Froakie leapt to defend him, but there were six of them.
Sasuke and Sakura ran up, eyes blazing.
Sasuke's Cyndaquil fired an Ember, knocking two Mankey out cold. But the remaining four shrieked and lunged at Cyndaquil in a fury.
"Froakie, Bubble attack!" Naruto called, pointing forward. Froakie shot rapid-fire bubbles, hitting one square in the face.
"Rowlet, use Peck!" Sakura ordered, her owl soaring in and jabbing with its beak.
A chaotic battle unfolded—dust, shrieks, attacks from all sides.
Naruto, despite taking the brunt of the hit, stood his ground.
"For that Shinx…" he said through gritted teeth, "we're not backing down!"
Together, the trio battled fiercely until the last Mankey collapsed, dazed and fleeing.
The Bond is Forged – Shinx Joins
Shinx crawled forward slowly, bruised but eyes shimmering with gratitude. It nuzzled against Naruto's leg with a weak purr.
"You okay…?" Naruto knelt beside it. Shinx mewled softly.
Naruto pulled out a Poké Ball, hesitated… then smiled.
"I won't force you," he said. "But if you wanna come with me… we'll get strong together. We'll take on the world."
Shinx looked at him, nodded, and nudged the Poké Ball.
Click.
Naruto's eyes widened. Then he yelled.
"YESSSSSSSSSSS!!! I GOT SHINX!!! FINALLY!!!"
Froakie leapt into his arms. Naruto hugged both Shinx and Froakie tightly, heart swelling.
Sasuke smirked. "Took you long enough."
Naruto turned, fire in his eyes. "Now it's on. Me and Shinx are gonna beat the league! We'll be Champions—just like my dad!"
Sasuke's smirk faded into a confident grin. "Not if I get there first. I'm going to be the Champion. I'll make my clan proud again."
Sakura smiled at them. "I don't care about battles as much… But I'll be the best Pokémon Performer in Shinova. One that inspires people."
Their eyes turned to the road ahead. Route One slowly gave way to the beginning of the coastal trail—Sea Stone City shimmered in the distance like a promise.
Then—rustle.
A random boy in bug-patterned shorts leapt out of the bush.
"I CHALLENGE YOU TO A POKÉMON BATTLE!" the Bug Catcher yelled, waving a net.
Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other. Smirked. And stepped forward.
"Bring it on, bug boy," Naruto said, spinning his Poké Ball.
To Be Continued...
Next chapter-
A new city, a shocking challenge, and the shadows of a criminal group emerge...