Chapter 7: Sparks of Resolve
"I won't lose. Not today. Not anymore."
The sky above Sea Stone City was still painted in the deep hues of early dawn—burnished indigos slowly giving way to a pale amber glow. Most of the city slumbered under the hush of morning, but not Naruto Uzumaki.
He was already wide awake.
Clad in his now dusty trainer jacket, goggles tucked over his head, and resolve firm in his bright eyes, Naruto jogged down the still-quiet cobblestone streets. His steps echoed faintly between buildings, the cold breeze ruffling his golden hair. Froakie and Shinx padded beside him, each of them alert despite the early hour.
The glow of the Electric Gym was faint—just a few static-blue sparks flickering inside the large glass structure like the first pulses of a waking machine. The gym's sleek, modern frame gleamed in the rising light, lightning bolt symbols etched along the metal columns like ancient runes.
Naruto pushed open the gym's wide mechanical doors with both hands.
The inside was dim, silent.
Then, a flare of white-blue light pulsed from the center arena.
At the far end of the gym, beneath a dim overhead spotlight, stood Kakashi Hatake.
He wasn't idle—his palms were together, eyes shut behind his silver bangs, surrounded by tiny crackles of aura energy that pulsed with an electric rhythm. His partner Pokémon, Luxray, stood beside him, also still, its eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. A light ring of electricity formed in the air around the two of them—an aura farm technique. Channeling pure intent. Recharging their focus. Preparing.
Naruto stood at the edge of the room, unsure if he should disturb the moment.
But Kakashi opened one eye.
"...You're early, Naruto."
The static faded.
"I couldn't wait," Naruto said, stepping forward confidently. "I'm not gonna lose this time."
Kakashi gave a faint smirk and stepped down from the elevated platform, his long coat flaring behind him. "Hm. That's good. A true Trainer doesn't wait for strength to come to him—he hunts it down. Let's see if you've grown."
Naruto's heart pounded. He looked back at his team—Shinx's fur sparked with quiet anticipation, and Froakie crouched low, ready. But this time, Naruto had already decided who'd start.
"This time, I'm opening with Shinx."
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed.
"Interesting choice."
They both took their positions on opposite ends of the gym stadium. The lights buzzed, and the digital screens came to life. The floor gleamed with polished metal, adorned with circular marks and jagged yellow outlines like thunderbolts.
From the sidelines, several Gym assistants were already watching. Sakura had even shown up, curious and supportive, sitting quietly in the stands with a cup of early tea. Sasuke was nowhere to be seen—likely still sleeping off yesterday's training.
Kakashi grabbed his Pokéball with one hand.
"Let's see how your Shinx handles pressure. Luxio—on me."
He threw it high, and in a flash of red light, Luxio landed on the field, snarling, its electric blue mane crackling with voltage. Yellow eyes locked onto Shinx with predator-like precision.
Naruto took a breath. "Shinx, let's go!"
The tiny electric lion bounded forward, fierce and defiant, standing tall against its evolved counterpart.
The energy in the air shifted instantly. Sparks buzzed along the rails. The crowd—even if small—leaned forward.
"Let's begin."
Kakashi was the first to move. "Luxio, use Spark! Fast and clean."
Luxio blurred across the gym floor in a zigzag motion, glowing with intense electric light, its claws crackling with energy.
"Shinx—Quick Attack, now!" Naruto called.
The two Pokémon collided with a blast of static, sending a shockwave through the gym. Shinx was launched back several meters, skidding across the floor but catching its footing at the last second.
"Luxio's got more raw power," Kakashi said calmly. "What will you do about that?"
Naruto grit his teeth. "Shinx, back up and use Leer! Slow it down!"
Shinx's eyes gleamed red as it snarled, its aura flaring with tension. Luxio faltered for half a second—its defenses visibly lowered.
Kakashi nodded, slightly impressed. "Good. Targeting mentality."
"Now, Thunderbolt! Just like we practiced!"
Shinx roared—and from its tiny body erupted a concentrated bolt of electricity, arcing like a lightning strike across the battlefield.
Luxio tried to dodge but got partially clipped—its front paw jolted hard, sparks rippling over its fur.
Naruto's eyes lit up. "It worked!"
Kakashi's smirk deepened. "Not bad. But don't get cocky."
He raised his hand. "Luxio, Double Kick!"
Luxio darted in again, this time glowing with fighting energy, and landed a heavy double-hit—one to Shinx's ribs, the second to its flank. The smaller Electric-type cried out and rolled backward, clearly hurt but not giving up.
Naruto clenched his fists. "Come on, buddy… I know you've got more in you."
The battlefield went quiet for a moment.
And then—
—Shinx stood.
Its small body shuddered.
And its fur lit up with a brilliant blue glow.
The gym lights flickered.
Kakashi's one visible eye widened in recognition.
The assistant behind the digital panel gasped. "It's evolving…!"
Light enveloped Shinx entirely as Naruto's eyes widened in awe. The silhouette grew taller, stronger. The glow pulsed outward, creating ripples of electricity in the air as the transformation completed.
The light shattered—revealing a Luxio, eyes fierce, mane longer, lightning scars rippling with electric energy.
Naruto whispered, stunned, "…Shinx… you evolved."
The newly-evolved Luxio turned its head slightly, as if to say: We're not done yet.
Kakashi exhaled slowly.
"…Just like your father."
Naruto blinked. "Huh?"
Kakashi's expression had softened slightly. The corner of his mouth turned down, and his voice lowered.
"You remind me of Minato… always surprising people when they least expect it."
A wave of silence fell over the gym.
Naruto's heart tightened. "You… knew my dad?"
Kakashi gave a small nod. "We were friends. Rivals once, even. But that's a story for another time. Right now…" His voice sharpened. "Prove to me that evolution wasn't just luck."
Naruto's face shifted from surprise to determination. His Luxio growled, sparks crackling louder than before.
Naruto pointed forward.
"Then let's go! Thunderbolt, full power!"
The gym lit up like a supernova.
To be continued.....