Chapter 6: Sparks of Rivalry, Flames of Resolve
The sun hung lazily over Sea Stone City, casting a golden shimmer across its chrome rooftops, neon-lit signs, and the glittering ocean beyond the docks. Ships hummed softly at the port. The city bustled with life—tourists, trainers, vendors, and performers turning the metropolis into a stage for daily adventure. But Naruto Uzumaki wasn't interested in sightseeing. Not today.
He stood outside the Pokémon Center's training field, the synthetic turf beneath his feet slightly warm from the sun. His fists were clenched, a determined scowl on his face. Froakie stood beside him, calm but focused, while Shinx sat near his feet, tail twitching as it sensed his trainer's frustration.
Sasuke's words still rang in his head like a mocking bell.
"I thought we were on the same level… but now I think we aren't."
The gym badge had glinted in Sasuke's hand with infuriating pride. The cool, dark-haired boy had strolled out of Kakashi's gym without a scratch, Quilava trotting beside him like a conquering champion. Naruto had tried to brush it off—he'd laughed it off at first—but it gnawed at him.
Naruto tightened the strap of his Pokégear, exhaled hard, and turned to his Pokémon.
"We're not losing again," he said with a fire in his voice. "We're gonna train like never before. Froakie, Shinx—you ready?"
Both Pokémon gave a firm cry of agreement.
While Naruto dug deep into his training grind, Sakura wandered the heart of Sea Stone City with wide eyes. The towering Electric Gym pulsed with light; robotic gears rotated above the port gates. She bought a map-shaped badge holder, visited a bustling performance hall with Contest-style demonstrations, and tried out various PokéTreats for Rowlett, who happily rode on her shoulder.
She even bought a pair of sleek, sparkle-coated Pokéballs from a street vendor, just in case she met another cute Pokémon.
But her mind drifted.
"Naruto's taking this seriously now… maybe too seriously."
------
Back at the training grounds, Naruto stood before a move simulation console. Froakie, eyes narrowed, mimicked the shadowy figure of a Substitute doll projected in front of him.
"Again!" Naruto shouted.
Froakie leapt backward and left behind a bubbling, puffed-up illusion. A successful Substitute.
"Nice! You're getting it!" Naruto cheered, but his enthusiasm was tempered by a fierce urgency. "Now try Smack Down!"
Froakie aimed a glowing rock at a moving target dummy. The attack struck with solid force, knocking the drone into the ground.
Meanwhile, Shinx faced a practice orb that bounced erratically. With every charge, Naruto urged, "Focus that energy, buddy. Picture the lightning! Picture it!"
Shinx's body glowed—a crackling aura of electricity engulfed it. Finally, with a proud roar, it launched a crisp Thunderbolt, lighting up the practice bot in a thunderous burst.
"YES!" Naruto shouted, throwing his fist in the air. "Let's gooo!"
______
Sasuke arrived at the field casually, flipping his gym badge between his fingers like a coin. Quilava padded beside him, flames flickering steadily from its back. His newly evolved partner was brimming with power, the proud result of a decisive win.
"So you're actually putting in work, huh?" Sasuke smirked.
Naruto didn't flinch. "Of course I am."
Quilava unleashed a burst of flame skyward, a display of its improved Flamethrower. Sasuke crossed his arms. "Quilava's adjusting to its new form. We're polishing moves. You sure you're ready to fight again?"
Naruto clenched his jaw but nodded. "Let's battle. I need to know where I stand."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You'll lose again."
"Maybe. But not without putting up a fight."
----
Field: Practice Stadium – Pokémon Center
The digital arena shimmered to life as both trainers stood opposite each other. The air buzzed with tension. Sakura returned just in time and sat near the field's edge, Rowlett on her lap.
"Don't lose this time, Naruto…" she whispered.
Naruto's Froakie stepped forward, now exuding a matured calm. Quilava snarled, embers swirling as its fiery back blazed.
"Use Smokescreen!" Sasuke called.
Quilava dashed and unleashed a thick cloud of black smoke, covering the arena.
"Substitute, Froakie!" Naruto ordered.
Within the smoke, Froakie's silhouette split—one real, one illusion. Quilava lunged forward with Quick Attack, hitting the Substitute and leaving itself open.
"Now, Smack Down!"
From behind, Froakie hurled a glowing rock that struck Quilava in the side, causing it to stumble.
But Sasuke smirked. "Flamethrower."
Quilava turned sharply and blasted fire toward Froakie. The torrent of flame overwhelmed Froakie's attempts to dodge. The tiny Water-type fell to one knee.
"Water Pulse! Give it your all!"
Froakie summoned a concentrated burst of water, spinning into a ring before slamming into Quilava's chest.
Both Pokémon panted. The crowd (just Sakura and a few passing trainers) held their breath.
Then, Froakie began to glow.
Sakura stood. "He's evolving!"
The transformation was quick but beautiful. Froakie's body stretched, his limbs grew leaner, and his stance matured. He had become Frogadier.
Naruto gasped. "No way…! You did it, Fro—no, Frogadier!"
But just as Frogadier landed, Quilava roared back to life and unleashed a final Flamethrower, burning through the battlefield. Despite its evolution, Frogadier fainted from accumulated damage.
Naruto clenched his fist. "Shinx, you're up!"
Sasuke smirked and sent out Wooper.
"Big mistake," Sasuke said. "Let's go, Mud Shot!"
Wooper fired thick clumps of mud that Shinx tried to dodge. One struck its leg, slowing it down.
"Thunderbolt!" Naruto ordered.
A dazzling bolt of lightning slammed into Wooper, but the Ground typing nullified the attack.
"No effect?" Naruto blinked. "But that was electric—"
"Type disadvantage," Sasuke said coolly. "You better learn what beats what."
Wooper retaliated with Poison Tail, landing a strike that both hurt and poisoned Shinx.
Naruto's partner growled, weakened but not out.
"Bite!"
Shinx chomped into Wooper's tail with glowing fangs. The damage and surprise was enough to knock Wooper out.
Final Round: Shinx vs Quilava
Both Pokémon were hurt. Shinx was poisoned, and Quilava had already fought hard. The tension crackled like static.
"Thunderbolt again!" Naruto commanded.
"Flame Wheel, go!" Sasuke called.
Shinx's bolt of electricity met Quilava's spinning fire attack midair, causing a massive explosion that sent both Pokémon flying backward.
Dust clouded the field.
Silence.
Then the announcer screen blinked red—Both Pokémon are unable to battle.
A draw.
Naruto collapsed to his knees. Not in sadness, but from adrenaline. "We… we did it, Shinx."
Sasuke returned his Pokémon. "That was… better than I expected."
Naruto looked up. "We're catching up."
Sasuke smirked. "You've still got a long way to go. But… maybe you're not hopeless after all."
Sakura ran over. "That was amazing! You both fought like real professionals!"
Naruto turned to his Pokémon. Shinx weakly nuzzled him, despite the poison. He smiled.
"We'll be ready for Kakashi next time."
And from the distance, atop the Electric Gym tower, Kakashi watched from a surveillance screen.
He smirked beneath his mask.
"You've got the spirit, Naruto. Just like your father."
[End of Chapter 7]