Chapter 2 – Embers of Farewell
"Naruto Uzumaki! You're going to be late for your first day as a Pokémon Trainer!"
The sound of Kushina's voice cut through the sleepy haze like a Thunderbolt. Naruto jolted upright, his covers flying off as Froakie rolled off his chest with an indignant croak.
"Ah! I overslept?! AGAIN?!"
The sunlight streamed through the window of the small yet cozy Uzumaki home. Posters of legendary Pokémon battles lined the walls—most of them featuring Minato Namikaze, the former Champion of the Shinova Region. One in particular showed him standing atop a battlefield, Jolteon and Pidgeot at his side, golden hair windswept, eyes burning like lightning.
Naruto stared at it for half a second, then scrambled to his feet.
"Froakie, let's move!"
"Froa!"
They dashed into the kitchen, where the savory aroma of grilled rice balls and sweet tamagoyaki filled the air. Kushina stood at the stove, still in her house kimono, her long red hair tied back, her face flushed with frustration—and maybe something else deeper beneath.
On the kitchen floor, a majestic Arcanine lay, tail thumping slowly, tongue lolling as he watched Naruto skitter across the floor.
"Morning, Mom!" Naruto said between gulps of food. "Sorry I—mmph—overslept!"
"You were up watching those old battle recordings again, weren't you?" she huffed, placing a cup of berry juice in front of him.
"Only the good ones," he grinned. "Like the one where Dad used Jolteon to take down that Garchomp in one shot!"
Kushina smiled softly but didn't answer. She turned back to the stove, hiding the glint in her eyes. Froakie nibbled at his Pokéchow nearby, while Arcanine bent down to eat from a custom-sized steel bowl, every now and then nudging Froakie affectionately with his nose.
Naruto noticed the silence.
"Mom?"
She didn't turn around.
"He would've been so proud of you," she said quietly. "So proud."
Naruto's hands slowed as he gripped his juice.
Kushina finally turned. Her eyes were damp, but her smile never wavered.
"Your father… Minato… he was the best of us, Naruto. A kind soul. A fierce trainer. And a brave man."
She walked over and placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"When he disappeared on Mt. Icespark Ridge... they told me a Legendary Pokémon had appeared. No one knew which one, only that the blizzards were unnatural. The last report said Minato went up alone… to protect his squad."
Naruto swallowed hard. He'd heard the story, but hearing it from her lips—with the weight of ten years behind it—was something else entirely.
"They never found his body," Kushina said, almost to herself. "I waited… I prayed. Every day. But after ten years..."
She paused, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.
"...I decided I couldn't wait anymore. But you, Naruto—your journey is just beginning. And I know he's watching."
She reached into a nearby drawer and pulled out a small box and a wrapped pouch.
"Here. Your Running Shoes—specially made. And some PokéDollars to help you start off. And this—your PokéPhone. It has maps, a trainer log, battle analyzer, and video call. You can call me every night."
Naruto looked at the items, heart full, hands trembling. He stood and hugged her tightly.
"I'll make you proud. I'll make both of you proud."
"You already have," she whispered into his hair.
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The morning had aged into a golden brilliance as Naruto stepped outside, Froakie hopping beside him with a happy trill.
Across the street, the door to the Uchiha household creaked open. A tall, dignified woman stepped out, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Sasuke, at least write to me every so often!"
"Mom... please... not in front of the others…"
Mikoto Uchiha held her son's cheeks and kissed his forehead before he could escape.
Naruto watched, then burst out laughing.
"Lookin' good, Sasuke! Cute headband!"
Sasuke turned beet red, scowling.
"What are you looking at, dope?"
Naruto chuckled as Froakie leapt up onto his shoulder.
"Just admiring the tears of a mama's boy!"
"Tch."
The two began walking down the path toward the village gate, quiet tension easing into something softer—something like friendship, even if neither would admit it.
-------
Sakura was already waiting at the gate, her Rowlet perched on her backpack like a noble owl. She gave them both a short wave.
"Finally. Took you long enough."
"Not my fault Sasuke's mom can't let go," Naruto smirked.
"Don't test me, Uzumaki," Sasuke muttered, though he was clearly embarrassed, not angry.
Sakura rolled her eyes.
"Boys…"
As the wind picked up, ruffling the trees at the edge of Route 1, something shifted between them. This was it. No more talking about adventure. No more dreaming. This was real.
And Sasuke, never one to let emotions do the talking, took a step back and pulled a Poké Ball from his belt.
"Before we go… I challenge you, Naruto. One battle. You and Froakie versus me and Cyndaquil."
Naruto blinked, surprised—but the excitement flared immediately in his chest.
"You're on, emo boy! Let's take this to the Pokémon Center arena!"
"Try not to cry when you lose."
"Pfft. Believe it—I never lose!"
Pokémon Center – Tenko Arena
A small crowd of trainers, villagers, and Nurse Shizune had gathered to watch. The polished battlefield inside the Pokémon Center gleamed under the sunlight beaming from the retractable ceiling dome.
Naruto took one end. Sasuke stood opposite. Both radiated energy, determination, and the fire of youth. Their Pokémon stood in the middle, ready.
"Let's do this, Froakie!"
"Cyndaquil, show them what we've got."
Battle Start!
Froakie darted forward with Quick Attack, his legs a blur.
Cyndaquil stood firm, eyes narrowing before releasing Smokescreen, evading the hit and hiding in the mist.
"Don't lose him, Froakie!" Naruto shouted. "Use Water Pulse!"
A sphere of shimmering water formed and hurled into the fog, striking Cyndaquil and knocking him back—but the Fire-type quickly recovered, flames bursting to life on his back.
"Flame Charge!"
Cyndaquil shot forward like a comet, catching Froakie mid-air. The blue frog rolled back but flipped up with impressive agility.
The crowd cheered.
Froakie launched into Lick, stunning Cyndaquil for just a moment.
"Now! Water Pulse—again!"
The blast hit clean.
Cyndaquil faltered but growled through the pain.
"Ember—close range!"
Flames exploded from his snout, catching Froakie point-blank.
Both Pokémon skidded back, breathing heavily, eyes locked.
And just as they prepared for one final move—
"Enough!" Sakura called out, stepping between them.
"This is supposed to be the beginning of a journey," she said, stern. "Don't push your Pokémon too hard before we've even left the village."
Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other, both panting, their Pokémon worn but proud.
Then… they smiled.
"Tie?" Naruto offered.
"Tie," Sasuke agreed.
They returned their Pokémon to their balls, the crowd clapping respectfully.
----
With the sun high and spirits lifted, the trio stood again before the gates of Tenko.
No more stalling. No more delays.
Route 1 lay ahead—a ribbon of possibility winding toward the horizon, the coast, and the great Sea Stone City beyond.
Naruto looked at his friends.
"Let's go."
And with that, they took their first step—toward adventure, growth, and the flames of destiny that awaited them in the Land of Fire.
[End of Chapter 2]