Chapter 8 – Shock the World
The morning sun gleamed across the horizon, golden rays spilling through the massive glass dome atop Sea Stone City's Electric Gym. Inside, silence lingered in the charged air like the final breath before a storm.
Naruto stood across from Kakashi on the luminous battlefield, chest rising and falling. The early victory against Luxio had left him pumped—but not cocky. His Luxio was panting, static flickering off his fur. Across the field, Kakashi's expression shifted subtly—lips flattening, a crease forming near his uncovered eye.
"You've improved," Kakashi said, his voice low and thoughtful. "That Luxio of yours... reminds me of someone."
Naruto tilted his head. "Minato?"
A small pause. Kakashi's eye softened just a bit. "Yeah. Like father, like son."
The words landed heavy. For a brief moment, time seemed to stop.
But then Kakashi exhaled, clearing the air like a thunderclap.
"Let's see if you can handle this." He reached for his next Poké Ball and tossed it with precision.
A bolt of white light flashed, revealing Electabuzz.
The humanoid Electric-type let out a low, growling buzz, fists sparking with raw electricity. Its muscles twitched, pulsing with power.
"Luxio, stay sharp!" Naruto shouted, tightening his fists.
Naruto's Luxio crouched low, hackles raised. The moment the referee light turned green again, Kakashi acted.
"Electabuzz, Quick Attack!"
The Electric-type blurred forward in a burst of speed. Luxio barely dodged, leaping aside as sparks lit up the floor tiles.
"Double Team!" Naruto barked.
Multiple Luxio images shimmered around the arena, circling Electabuzz like stalking wolves.
Kakashi remained composed. "Thunderbolt. Wide sweep."
Electabuzz clenched its fists and roared as arcs of lightning erupted in every direction. Illusions fizzled one after another until only the real Luxio remained.
"Spark!"
Luxio darted forward, lighting up like a comet. The hit connected, slamming Electabuzz back—only for static to ripple out as Static activated. Luxio winced, now paralyzed.
"Come on, buddy," Naruto muttered, watching Luxio tremble. "Don't stop now…"
Kakashi gave a soft sigh. "Discharge."
The Gym Leader's tone was almost reluctant.
A burst of electricity exploded across the battlefield. Luxio tanked it, his legs buckling. Then—
"Wild Charge!!" Naruto cried out, a spark in his eyes that could match his Pokémon's.
Luxio roared and launched forward like a crashing thunderstorm. Golden lightning surrounded his body as he slammed into Electabuzz head-on.
BOOM!
A flash of white and yellow overtook the gym. Even Kakashi had to shield his eye from the shockwave.
When the dust settled… both Pokémon lay still.
Then—Electabuzz stirred. Barely.
Luxio's body twitched… and fell limp.
"Luxio is unable to battle."
"Electabuzz is still standing... but just barely," said the system voice overhead.
Naruto returned Luxio, his knuckles white. "You were amazing, Luxio. Thank you."
He took a deep breath and looked at his remaining Poké Ball. Then at Kakashi.
"You said you'd take me seriously now, right?" he asked.
Kakashi nodded. "This isn't a game, Naruto. This is where your journey begins… or ends."
"Then let's see it through!"
He flung his Poké Ball into the air. "Let's go, Frogadier!"
Frogadier leapt onto the field, landing with a smooth ninja roll. His eyes narrowed at Electabuzz, reading its sluggish movements.
"Brick Break!" Kakashi called.
Electabuzz lunged, its fist glowing.
"Quick Attack to dodge, then Water Pulse!" Naruto ordered.
Frogadier zipped to the side, skating across the floor with his nimble feet. A glowing sphere of water formed in his palms and shot forward, slamming into Electabuzz's gut.
The blow staggered the older Pokémon.
"Thunder Punch!"
The gym's floor lit up as Electabuzz surged again, electricity in its fist.
Frogadier jumped, flipping into the air. Naruto's eyes sparkled.
"Now! Aerial Ace!"
The water-type flipped midair, slamming down with a shining blade of air.
Boom!
Electabuzz hit the floor, stunned.
Both sides were panting. Kakashi finally raised his hand.
"…Electabuzz is unable to battle."
Silence.
Then the crowd—mostly Sakura and a few trainers who had entered by now—burst into cheers.
Naruto's eyes widened. "We… we did it."
Kakashi walked across the battlefield, returning Electabuzz. He approached Naruto slowly and extended a shiny, lightning-shaped badge.
"You earned this. The Shock Circuit Badge."
Naruto took it with trembling hands, beaming. "Yes! That's two down—"
Kakashi cleared his throat, interrupting him.
"…You only have one badge."
Naruto chuckled awkwardly. "Oh. Right."
Sakura walked up, clapping slowly with a smile. "Nice job, Naruto."
Kakashi turned, reached into his coat pocket, and handed them a small parcel.
"This is from Professor Hiruzen," he said, tapping the box. "He forgot to give you these before you left."
Naruto and Sakura opened it—and gasped.
"Pokédexes!"
Sleek, jet-black and shaped like the Unova version, the Pokédex powered on with a glowing screen and a digitized voice.
"And this…" Kakashi handed them a third one, along with a sealed letter. "For Sasuke. From his mother."
Naruto squinted at the letter. "Man… he really is a mama's boy."
Sakura thumped him on the head.
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: The Road to Emberleaf Forest – A Mysterious Trainer Awaits