Wave Town
Seeing as they jumped to his rescue, there's no way Tazuna could allow himself to not repay the favour. Currently, Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura find themselves in the man's living room being served tea by his daughter Tsunami.
"I can't thank you enough for helping dad." Tsunami bows.
"It's nothing, really." Kakashi motions for her to straighten herself, feeling uncomfortable at being bowed to. "I'm just glad I arrived on time."
Sakura lowers her head. "Yeah, we didn't stand a chance."
Naruto pouts. "We totally did, if it wasn't for that mummy guy and his Bisharp…"
"You knew that man, didn't you, Kakashi-san?" Tazuna turns to him.
"I do." Kakashi nods. "Momochi Zabuza. He's fairly well known among underground Pokemon fighting circles, but there's never been any real evidence to actually pin any crimes on him."
"So we got a two for one, huh? Gatō and this Zabuza guy. What about the masked one?" Naruto asks.
Kakashi shrugs. "That one, I don't know. I haven't heard of Zabuza having a crew or anything."
"A protégé of some sort?" Sakura wonders.
"Well, it's nothing for you to worry about, anyway. I'll dig up what I can on Gatō and make my move."
"So what're we supposed to do until then?!" Naruto cries out in frustration.
"Sit and wait."
"As if." Naruto turns his head and crosses his arms.
Sakura narrows her eyes at him. "Don't be unreasonable, Naruto."
Kakashi sighs. "I owe a lot to Minato-san; that's the only reason I'm not outright sending you away. This is Pokemon League business."
A scoff by the door brings everyone's attention to a young boy in a striped hat. "That's just how Pokemon trainers are; they never know when to mind their business?"
"Huh?" Naruto stands up and glares at the boy. "What was that, punk?"
"You heard me, you're all just bullies who do whatever you like!" The boy shouts and runs off.
Kakashi scratches his cheek. "Well that was… sudden."
"Oh dear." Tsunami sighs. "I'm sorry for Inari, he's not had an easy few weeks."
Tazuna looks down in embarrassment. "Tsunami's husband, my son-in-law, was forced to work for Gatō in order to save us from becoming homeless. Seeing Gatō's dastardly deeds has made Inari lose all faith in Pokemon trainers."
Naruto's eyes wander to a photo mounted on the wall, of his three hosts and a man he can only presume is the man in question. Inari is grinning ear to ear in that picture, in stark contrast to the angry frown he had just a moment ago.
Naruto stands up and makes his way for the door. "I'm going to bed." He waves to the room without looking back.
Kakashi looks at him from the corner of his eye.
Tsunami waves him off before turning to Sakura. "I'll go prepare your room, too."
"Ah, thank you." Sakura bows.
-x-
Later that night
Well past sundown and with everyone in their own beds, Naruto lies awake and stares up at the ceiling. His mind goes through everything he's seen and heard in the short span of a day.
The strength of those two they met on the road, the news of Gym Leader Gatō using his power to oppress the people of Wave Town, Kakashi's warnings to leave that all alone, … Inari's dad.
Naruto rolls over to look at Kakashi sleeping on the futon next to his. "Niisan, you awake?"
He waits a few seconds for an answer before getting up. He quietly puts on his clothes and grabs his Pokeballs. He gives Kakashi a final glance to make sure he hadn't woken him up and climbs out the open window.
It takes him some effort to climb on the windowsill and grab onto a pipe that goes along the wall of Tazuna's house. He very carefully makes his way down, onto the roof of the attached shed, and finally onto ground level.
He dusts himself and looks up at the path he took and nods, proud of himself for the excellent escape. When he turns around, however, he's met by a completely unexpected figure.
Before he can yelp in surprise, Sakura grabs his mouth and shushes him. "Shhh. Don't you dare wake everyone up." When he calms down from the surprise, she lets go of his mouth.
"Sakura-chan, why are you out here?" He asks.
"Well, we're going to the Gym, aren't we? To challenge Gatō."
"Yeah, but… how did you know I was gonna sneak out?"
Sakura chuckles. "Because I know you. Now come on, before anyone hears us."
Naruto puts on his widest grin. "Let's go!"
The two run off to the Wave Town Gym.
-x-
Up in his room, Kakashi stares at the window. "Minato-san, I don't think I'm cut out for this…"
With a heavy sigh, he gets up from his futon and gets dressed to follow after them.
Wave Town Bridge
Naruto and Sakura make their way through the empty streets, only the lamp posts there to keep them company and the occasional shop that stays open during nights.
The night is especially quiet and eerie, even moreso when they finally reach the bridge that leads to the Wave Gym.
"So did you actually have a plan?" Sakura asks.
"About?" Naruto cocks his head.
"About getting in. It's nighttime, Naruto; the Gym usually isn't open at this time."
Naruto stops in his tracks and stares blankly for a moment before "AH! YOU'RE RIGHT!"
Sakura facepalms. "Great." She gives an exasperated sigh. "Well, let's go investigate. We can figure out a plan and be back before anyone notices we're missing. We'll conduct our own research without Kakashi-san knowing."
"Ooh, that's a great idea, Sakura-chan!"
A cold, harsh voice pierces through the darkness ahead. "Is it, though?"
Two figures step out into the light of the lamp posts. Momochi Zabuza and Haku stand in the middle of the bridge with their Pokeballs in hand.
"To think we'd meet again so soon. Are you that eager to lose?" Zabuza laughs.
"Ah, it's you two!" Naruto dramatically points. "You better get out of our way. We're after your boss, not you goons!"
Haku steps forward, pokéball in hand. "That's all the more reason we can't let you pass. We've been hired precisely for this purpose."
Naruto growls in frustration. "Why are you even doing this?" He shouts. "You're using your Pokémon to torment people and force them into obedience. That's not what Pokémon are for! That's not what Pokémon trainers do!"
Zabuza's low chuckle fills the air, his voice echoing through the bridge. "What a naive, optimistic kid. Listen, this is the real world of Pokémon. It's because of people like us that brats like you can go skipping through the fields."
"That's not true! I've seen what real Pokémon trainers are like and, mister, you ain't it!"
Zabuza grabs a Pokéball from his pouch and throws up, catching it as it comes back down. "Then why don't I show you?"
Haku raises his arm in front of Zabuza. "Zabuza-san, please allow me to handle this."
"Oh?" Zabuza raises a brow. "It's unusual for you to be this eager."
"I'm aware and I apologize, however…" Haku takes a brief pause to gather his thoughts; he takes a long glance at Naruto who's still fuming on the other side of the bridge. "These idealistic beliefs. I wish to test them."
Zabuza shrugs. "Knock yourself out."
Haku steps forward to officially challenge them to a fight. "Go, Cryogonal" He releases the snowflake-shaped Pokémon from its pokéball.
"So you're finally done, huh?" Naruto spins his arm to get his shoulder loose. "Then I'll kick your ass! Go, Vulpix!" He throws the pokéball forward to release his latest teammate.
Sakura throws her own pokéball into the mix. "Cha, Happiny!"
"Different Pokémon this time, huh?" Haku observes.
"So a two-on-one again?" Zabuza notes. "That sure feels underhanded, kid. You sure you're not one of us?"
"Shut up, you, we're coming for you next!"
Battle Start - Round 1
Haku decides enough is enough and springs into action. "[Icy Wind]". Cryogonal cries out and summons a gale of ice and snow to buffet both Vulpix and Happiny. They're visibly hurt, Vulpix less so as he resists the Ice-type move but that doesn't make it much better. Cryogonal is strong.
"Alright, let's do this!" Naruto shouts.
"Remember the plan, Naruto."
"Yeah, yeah. Vulpix, [Disable]!"
Vulpix's eyes gleam with aura as a dark cloud surrounds Cryogonal, purple lightning converging onto it. When the move takes hold, the cloud disappears but brief sparks of lightning continue to linger on its body.
Haku tilts his head. "Rendering [Icy Wind] unusable? It's true you've eliminated the greatest danger, but not the only one."
"That's why this strategy has a Part 2." Sakura retorts. "Happiny, [Sweet Kiss]!"
Happiny blows a kiss at the Cryogonal, sending a wave of energy that causes it to stumble back and begin to float in an erratic pattern. Cryogonal is now confused thanks to [Sweet Kiss].
"Yes!" Sakura celebrates. "It worked!"
Round 2
Haku lets out a low frustrated rumble in his voice. "[Confuse Ray] on Vulpix." Cryogonal tries to form an orb of ghastly energy at the centre of its form. However, in its confusion, it instead fires it upward as it falls on its back onto the ground. It shakes it off and floats back up in the air. "You got lucky."
"Luck's got nothing to do with this. Naruto, now's our chance!" Sakura calls out to him.
"Vulpix, bring the heat with [Ember]." The fox pokémon takes in a deep breath and fires a super effective mote of fire that lands right on Cryogonal's face.
"Happiny, use [Copycat] on Vulpix."
Happiny turns around to face Vulpix and performs the same action as before, gathering aura within itself and then releasing it in the form of [Ember] that hits her ally right in the side.
"AHH, Sakura-chan, what are you doing?!" Naruto panics.
"Did you already forget, you dolt? Look!" She points to Vulpix who is perfectly healthy. If anything his fur glistens even more as the air around him shimmers with heat.
"What? What happened?" Naruto blinks in confusion.
"Did you already forget your Vulpix has Flash Fire?" Sakura stomps on the ground in frustration. "He's immune to Fire-type moves and if it's hit, his own Fire-type moves become more powerful!"
"OH yeah!" The lightbulb in Naruto's head flashes.
Haku carefully observes their interaction and their demeanors. 'Even though Vulpix has the type advantage, that girl with her Happiny are the brains of this duo. This whole thing must've been her plan.' He glances over to the purple lightning that indicates [Disable] is still in effect.
Round 3
"Cryogonal, use [Rapid Spin] on the Happiny." The pokémon charges up and begins spinning at great speeds, its form almost appearing like a ball when it reaches its top speed. It manages to fight through the confusion and spin forward and hits Happiny directly, sending the egg pokémon hurling back with force.
She cries out as she hits the ground in front of her trainer.
"Happiny!" Sakura steps forward to check on her partner. Happiny lets out a soft squeak and a light smile as she faints from the damage. Sakura pulls Happiny close to her body. "You were amazing." She calls Happiny back to her pokéball.
"Your pokémon are still weak. I assume you haven't had them for long." Haku speaks. "Stalling tactics can only get you so far against a stronger foe."
Naruto clenches his fist. "You'll pay for that! Vulpix, use your empowered [Ember]!"
Vulpix once again takes a deep breath, this time there seems to be more smoke emanating from his mouth and the fire he gathers is much larger than before thanks to Flash Fire. Cryogonal is hurt even more.
"Naruto, don't lose focus." Sakura cautions. "You can win this."
"You got it!"
Round 4
'Trying to use anything else is risky. If any move manages to get through the Confusion, [Rapid Spin] is the safest bet.' Haku goes over his options. "Once again, [Rapid Spin]."
As before, Cryogonal fights against the confusion and spins toward Vulpix, landing a solid hit and sending Vulpix back. He yelps in pain but manages to get back to his feet with some difficulty. His condition looks quite serious.
"Vulpix, are you alright? Can you keep going?" Naruto looks concerned at his partner's condition.
Vulpix looks back and gives a faint but resolute howl. He can keep going, it's shown in his eyes.
"Alright, then use [Ember]!"
Cryogonal wails in pain from another super effective hit.
"Always with the [Embers]." Haku mocks.
Round 5
"[Rapid Spin]"
"You hypocrite, you keep doing the same thing, too!" Naruto retorts.
This time as Cryogonal charges up, it spins right into the ground and hurts itself.
"[Ember]!"
Another powerful strike, empowered by the anger that his companion Happiny was struck down.
Round 6
At this point, Haku notices that the lightning no longer sparks through Cryogonal's body and it also no longer stumbles about. Both [Disable] and the confusion are gone. 'That [Sweet Kiss] was annoying. The confusion lasted much longer than I thought it would, but now the battle's over.' Haku straightens himself and orders in a louder, more determined voice. "[Icy Wi-]
"[Quick Attack]!"
Cryogonal's move is interrupted. In a blur, Vulpix propels himself through the battlefield and strikes Cryogonal before it can completely summon the cold wind. Vulpix headbutts it and they both fall to the ground. Vulpix gets back to his feet, while Cryogonal lays down unconscious.
"Looks like it's over." Zabuza speaks up from the back.
Battle End
"I… I lost?" Haku says in disbelief.
Zabuza steps forward by Haku's side, a bemused chuckle leaving his lips at the situation that just unfolded. "Well, it WAS a two-on-one."
"I've conquered much greater odds, against much more experienced trainers."
"That's because we worked as a team!" Naruto says.
"You say teamwork, I say sacrifice." Zabuza shrugs.
Naruto raises a brow. "Huh? What sacrifice?"
Zabuza points at Sakura. "The girl could've done more by herself, but chose to sacrifice her own Happiny to empower your Vulpix. She used her pokémon as a sacrificial pawn just to ensure victory. I gotta admire that." He laughs. "You sure you don't want to join us, girl? We could use someone so cold and calculating."
Sakura stares at Zabuza in disbelief, her mind going blank. 'Is… is that what I did?' She looks down at Happiny's pokéball in her shaking hands. 'Did I sacrifice Happiny?'
"You idiot!" Naruto screams, snapping Sakura from her inner turmoil as she looks up at him. "That's trust, not sacrifice! Sakura-chan trusted me and trusted my pokémon, and Sakura-chan's pokémon trusted me and my pokémon, and I trust Sakura-chan and her pokemon, and my pokémon trust Sakura-chan and her pokémon!"
Zabuza blinks twice, brain working hard to process that dump of a statement. "... There had to be a simpler way to say all of that."
"So don't you dare compare her to you!"
"Naruto…" Sakura gives him a soft smile.
"Well, maybe this will help you see how wrong you are." Zabuza throws his pokéball forward. "Bisharp."
The bladed pokémon stands at the ready.
"Are we really going to have to fight again?" Sakura mutters. "There's no way we can win this."
"Sure we can!" Naruto reassures her. "We're not done with just yet."
"You won't need to." A voice says from behind Naruto and Sakura. "[Accelerock]"
From behind, a figure rushes past at incredible speeds and hits Bisharp directly.
Lycanroc regains composure after the impact and stands in front of Naruto and Sakura and their pokémon. Kakashi steps out of the fog and stands beside them.
"Hatake Kakashi." Zabuza growls.
"Momochi Zabuza." Kakashi says. He looks to the kids. "You two head to the gym. You want to challenge Gatō, right? Then don't waste your pokémon's health on these two. I'll hold them off."
"Are you sure?" Naruto asks.
"I'm sure. I won't let anything happen to you."
Naruto and Sakura share a look before grabbing their pokéballs and making a run for it. Lycanroc protects them the entire time by standing between them and Zabuza's Bisharp.
As they run past, Naruto exchanges a glance with Haku whose face appears an unreadable mixture of emotions but Naruto can recognize the shame and regret in his eyes.
-x-
Wave Town Gym
Finding the gym itself is by far the simplest task- it is after all one of the most prominent buildings in town. The next issue is getting inside. It's still dark outside and these are not working hours; there's no way they'd be let inside.
The two skulk about around the building, trying the various main and back doors available but all of them are securely locked.
"Dang, how are we gonna get inside?" Naruto asks.
"We break in." Sakura states.
"What, just… smash a door down?"
"Well it's not like we have a key. I thought you'd like the idea of breaking stuff."
"Yeah, I do, just that it seems more like a me idea than a you idea, y'know?"
"Well, today we think alike. Think Falinks can burst it open?"
"And how!" Naruto reaches for his pack and takes out a pokéball, ready to open it, when footsteps echo behind them.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." The new arrival says.
Naruto and Sakura turn around to see a man with a gloomy expression, spiky black hair and a distinct x-shaped scar on his chin. So distinct that Sakura feels like she's seen him already somewhere. By his side is a Chinchou, hopping along with its two antennae glowing in the dark to provide a bit of light.
"Yeah?" Naruto puffs out his chest. "And why not? We're here to get that Gatō creep out of here."
The man looks at Naruto for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Yeah, there's no way that's happening. Gatō's not the kind of enemies a couple of kids like you can face. Look, you two move along and I'll pretend you were never here. It'll be better for all of us."
"That's not an option, mister. Are you one of Gatō's goons? We'll just beat you up if you are and get inside, anyway."
"Wait…" Sakura intervenes after staring at the man for an uncomfortable amount of time. "You're Kaiza, aren't you?"
"Huh?" Naruto cocks his head in confusion. "Kaiza? Isn't that Inari's dad?"
Kaiza's eyes widen in surprise. "You two know Inari?"
"We do." Sakura nods. "We came here after we saw Tazuna in danger and he let us stay in his home, your home, as a thank you."
Kaiza looks away in embarrassment. "Then that's all the more reason for you to leave. I don't want to put you in any danger when you've helped my father-in-law."
"Then will you go home, too?" Naruto asks. "Inari… he's super distraught, you know, this whole thing with Gatō is really taking a toll on him. This isn't just for us, but for Inari, for you, and anyone suffering because of that guy."
"Please, Kaiza-san, guide us inside and help us. Gym Leader Kakashi is also in town. With him, Gatō can finally be put in his place."
"A Gym Leader is here? A real one?" Kaiza says in surprise and takes a moment to think. "I can't believe I'm even considering this, but…" He sighs and takes out a key to unlock the door. "I don't know why, but you seem different from the usual trainers we get here. Come with me."
"Alright!" Naruto pumps his fist in celebration.
"Thank you, Kaiza-san." Sakura bows.
"Don't thank me just yet. We still have to face Gatō."
The inside of the building is mostly a series of minimalistically decorated hallways with the occasional doorways that lead to who knows where. Even though there's not much in terms of decoration, you can tell that every single carpet or painting or vase is placed with a purpose and all of them do look incredibly fancy, moreso than most kids could probably appreciate. Kaiza, being a nightguard of sorts, is able to lead them through the hallways with little issues until they find themselves in front of a large doorway, the largest in the building. The entrance to the Gym.
Kaiza pushes the double doors open to the pitch black room, all lights out during the night. They cautiously step inside and try to manoeuvre despite the darkness.
"I can't see a thing." Sakura whispers.
"Hold on, I'll try to find the light switch." Kaiza responds.
As soon as he says that, the room becomes fully visible as the lights come on. The arena stands in front of them, a basic field with an area for the challenging trainers and an elevated platform for the Gym Leader, complete with a large leather sofa.
On said sofa is the man in question, Gatō, sitting with his legs crossed and very clearly having expected them to arrive.
Gatō clicks his tongue and wags his finger. "Were you really foolish enough to think I don't know what you're up to, Kaiza? What naivety. I always know what you're doing and what you're thinking."
"Oh no…" Kaiza steps back in shock.
"HEY!" Naruto, on the other hand, steps forward and points at Gatō. "Are you the scumbag Gym Leader here? We're here to challenge you and drive you out of town."
Gatō chortles before going into full blown laughter, which sounds more like a pig being slaughtered. He cradles his body back and forth, slapping his knee, clearly amused by the mere thought. "Kaiza, is this your idea of a joke? Bringing some fresh trainers to save you because you're too incompetent to do it on your own?" Gatō reaches into his belt and pulls out six pokéballs in his palm. "Why don't I remind you of where you stand?" He throws all six pokéballs toward the arena.
"Chinchou, [Water Gun]!" Kaiza commands.
Chinchou hops up and spits out a stream of pressurised water; two of the pokéballs fly away and hit the wall. They fall inert and don't open up.
"Lycanroc, [Rock Throw]" A familiar voice from behind the three of them calls out.
A large boulder flies over their heads and meets two of the remaining pokéballs mid-aid and similarly sends them safely crashing to the ground.
The remaining two pokéballs land on the arena to reveal a regional Rattata and a Milcery. The two look around, confused that only the two of them are out.
"Now what?!" Gatō hits the armrest on the sofa.
Everyone turns around to where the rocks came from to see Gym Leader Hatake Kakashi and his Lycanroc standing at the ready.
"Kakashi-san?" Sakura says in surprise. "What're you doing here?"
"Yeah, what happened to those two?"
"They're not going to cause any more trouble." Kakashi calmly walks in with his hands in his pocket. Lycanroc struts beside him.
Gatō growls. "Hatake Kakashi."
Kakashi looks up at the clearly-compensating-for-his-height fellow Gym Leader. "It's over, Gatō. The League's been contacted. You won't be a Gym Leader for long."
"You think you know everything, don't you, Kakashi? I'm a businessman! I have money and connections you can't even imagine, connections that go even above the League."
Kakashi sighs. "Save yourself some dignity, Gatō. But you do still have a job to perform, at least. A Gym Battle against these two challengers." He motions to Naruto and Sakura. "Two on two."
"Wait, can we?" Naruto looks to Kakashi expectantly.
Kakashi nods. "It's your challenge."
"Alright! Falinks, GO!" Naruto throws his pokéball to the arena.
"Come on out, Chikorita." Sakura throws hers, as well.
'Great, I got stuck with two weak pokémon. But they should still be enough to handle this.' Gatō stands up from the sofa and steps to the railing on his platform. "Alright, once I'm done with your brats, I'll deal with you two." He looks at Kakashi and Kaiza. "Then I'll deal with the league."
Kakashi gives a thumbs up to Naruto and Sakura. "You got this."
Battle Start - Round 1
"Let's show this guy what we're made of, Falinks! Hit that Rattata with your best [Rock Smash]"
Falinks charge forward and deliver a devastating blow to Rattata which flinches slightly from the pain but then looks back at Falinks with a fierce glare.
"[Focus Energy] and [Draining Kiss]" Gatō gives two simple commands.
Rattata tenses its body and gathers its aura around its teeth, preparing to lunge forward with heightened might. Milcery releases aura from its mouth, pink light that latches onto the main body of Falinks and drains its life force.
"Chikorita, [Poison Powder] on Milcery!"
Chikorita spins the leaf on her head to release a purple powder in the air, causing Milcery to run right through it. Milcery becomes visibly ill from inhaling the poison , beginning to cough violently.
'This is bad.' Sakura bites her lip as she goes over the situation. 'Naruto did the right thing by attacking Rattata. This form is a Dark and Normal dual type so they're super susceptible to Fighting moves. We can probably take it down soon. But that Milcery is a problem. Falinks is weak to Fairy moves and [Draining Kiss] is not only powerful but it heals its user. Chikorita's [Poison Powder] is good against Fairy types but it won't be enough.' She takes in a deep breath and turns to Naruto. "Naruto, play it safe."
"Don't worry." Naruto smiles without even turning to her. "Trust, right?"
Sakura smiles and nods. "Trust."
Round 2
Gatō snaps his finger. "Get that Falinks out of my sight. [Bite] and [Draining Kiss]"
Rattata rushes forward with great force, leaving a small indent in the ground where it used to stand. With a feral screech, it jumps right for Falinks' face. Milcery does the same as before, sending out pink energy. Both of them, however, are stopped in their tracks.
"Falinks, [Protect]!"
A force field surrounds Falinks which sends Rattata flying back with a chipped tooth and the pink energy bouncing right off.
Gatō clicks his tongue. "And he looked like the impatient one."
"Nice going, Naruto!" Sakura pumps her fist. "Chikorita, [Razor Leaf]"
Chikorita spins the leaf on her head, green aura surrounding it and taking the form of identical leaves. As she spins it, the aura leaves shoot forward to blanket the space in front of them, both Rattata and Milcery flinching from the pain. In addition to the poison damage, Milcery does not look well as both it and Rattata have cut marks all over their body.
Round 3
"Don't let up, Falinks, we got-"
"[Quick Attack]" Gatō interrupts the inspiring speech.
Rattata runs forward at blinding speeds and gets Falinks from the flank. It positions itself well and aims for a weak spot but when it springs in for the attack, the armour on Falinks absorbs much of the damage.
"Damn it." Gatō growls. "That should've been a critical hit."
"Hah!" Naruto laughs. "Criticals don't work on Falinks! They have Battle Armour as their ability. You're a Gym Leader and didn't even know that? Stuuuuupid." He sticks his tongue out. "Falinks, [Rock Smash] again!"
Now that Rattata has gotten close, it doesn't take much effort for Falinks to turn around and hit Rattata right on the head. It falls unconscious to the ground.
"WHAT?!" Gatō screams. "Even if it was a weakling, Rattata can take more hits than that!"
Sakura smirks. "You're forgetting a lot of things, Gym Leader." She says in a mocking tone. "[Rock Smash] carries enough power to lower a pokémon's physical defence and that made Chikorita's [Razor Leaf] even more powerful on top of scoring a critical. Your Rattata never stood a chance against these odds."
"And neither do your Falinks. [Draining Kiss] again!"
This time, the move is free to make contact as Falinks' life force is drained even further. Milcery regenerates some of the damage it took, but the poison immediately takes effect. They're barely standing on their legs.
"And now [Razor Leaf] again." Sakura calls out.
Chikorita pelts Milcery with another barrage of leaves.
Round 4
"Milcery, you better show you're useful for something. [Sweet Kiss]"
"Falinks, [Protect] again!"
As soon as Milcery moves, Falinks erect a force field around themselves to defend but the move is not aimed at them. The energy goes right past and toward Chikorita, a strategy that Sakura herself used earlier is now used against her. Thankfully, however, Chikorita manages to get out of the way. The poison on Milcery takes hold.
"Respond with another [Razor Leaf]" Sakura commands and Chikorita delivers yet another solid hit against Milcery. It's barely standing.
Round 5
"Falinks, [Tackle]"
Rather than going for a Fighting type move which Milcery resist, Naruto goes for the safer bet of a trust Normal type move. Falinks rush at Milcery and bring it to the ground.
Battle Over
With both of Gatō's pokémon down, he stomps on the ground in anger. "Worthless, useless, incompetent!"
"Don't you dare insult them like that!" Naruto screams. "They fought well despite their dumb trainer and they deserve praise for putting up with you."
"Don't think this is over just because you've won. This means nothing, Hatake Kakashi! You hear me? NOTHING!"
At this point, the arena becomes flooded with people. Men and women in uniform charge inside with their pokémon , ready for a battle should one be needed. One of the police officers steps forward. "Gym Leader Gatō. On the orders of the Pokémon League, you're under arrest. Don't resist and come quietly."
Gatō looks around in surprise. "What's the meaning of this? Where did all of these come from?"
"I called them." Kakashi responds. "I just needed to stall for time until they arrived." He looks to Naruto and Sakura and takes a bow. "I'm sorry for putting you in this position, but I thought he'd be more likely to stay and battle against you than against me. Regardless, you performed… amazingly. I can already see you two for the master trainers you'll become."
Naruto grins. "You really think so?"
"I do." Kakashi nods.
The police officers put the screaming and shouting Gatō in handcuffs before they lead him outside. He swears revenge before the distance draws out his voice and he's no longer audible.
"So, it's over now?" Sakura asks.
"Indeed it is. Well, not all of it." Kakashi walks over to the platforms and opens a compartment on the side. He reaches in and takes something, then walks over to the two of them. He holds out his hand to reveal two gym badges. "I'd say you've more than earned this."
"Alright!" Naruto jumps from joy and snatches one for himself. "Thanks, Kakashi-niichan!"
Sakura calmly takes the other and bows. "Thank you very much."
"We did it, Sakura-chan! We got our second badge!"
Sakura looks down with a smile. "Yeah, we really did."
Kakashi then turns to Kaiza. "That also means you're no longer obliged to work for Gatō. You're a free man."
"But… I still worked for him. Despite everything, I stood by and obeyed-"
"None of that." Kakashi waves his hand dismissively. "Go be with your family. I'll handle the details."
Kaiza takes an exaggeratedly deep bow. "You've my eternal gratitude. All of you."
-x-
Immediately after dealing with everything, Kaiza rushes back home to his wife, his stepson, and father-in-law. Once he steps through the door, he runs into Tsunami's embrace with tears in his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He says in a wispy voice.
"You're back? Does- does that mean it's over?"
"Yeah." Kaiza pulls back and looks in her eyes with a wide smile. "Gatō's gone. And we have them to thank for that." He steps aside to motion to Naruto and Sakura stood behind him.
They awkwardly wave, feeling like they interrupted a family moment.
Inari steps out from the corridor, clutching the corner of the wall as he looks on in disbelief. "You… you actually did it? You beat Gatō?"
"Of course we did." Naruto grins.
Inari runs to Kaiza and gives him a bear hug, or as much of a bear hug as he can muster given the size difference.
Kakashi pats Naruto and Sakura on the shoulders. "How about we stay somewhere else for the night. Let them catch up."
"Yeah, let's." Naruto nods.
"That sounds like a good idea." Sakura agrees.
With that, the three of them go to find an inn to spend the night.
-x-
The next day, Naruto and Sakura wake up well closer to noon than sunrise. The great deal of emotions from last night held them to sleep for much longer than they could've anticipated. However, they rise and get ready for the day ahead.
"Say, Kakashi-niichan? What happened to Zabuza and Haku? You didn't say." Naruto asks.
"I let them go." Kakashi responds nonchalantly.
"But… aren't they criminals? Even without Gatō." Sakura says.
"Maybe. But I think something changed in that Haku boy. He got Zabuza to reconsider fighting and to just leave. I just had a gut feeling to leave them be, you know?"
"Maybe we'll meet them again. As allies this time."
"Maybe."
"So what're you gonna do now, Kakashi-niichan?"
"I'll head back to Pakkun City. I'm still a Gym Leader, you know, I have to take care of my own gym."
"Heh, keep a couple of gym badges for when we beat you!" Naruto says.
"I look forward to the day." Kakashi smiles under his mask. "What about you two?"
Sakura looks thoughtful for a moment. "Well, we may as well head for the next gym. No reason to delay."
"Not interested in the tournament?" Kakashi asks.
"Tournament?" Sakura cocks her head in confusion.
"What tournament?" Naruto practically jumps out of his seat.
"The one in Chūnin City. They're holding a special tournament for trainers who started this year and have 3 badges or less. I thought you'd have heard about it."
"How did I miss that?!" Sakura looks ashamed of herself.
"Well, now you know." Kakashi shrugs. "You still have plenty of time if you leave today."
"Sakura-chan, let's hurry! We gotta join the tournament!" In his rush, Naruto knocks his chair over and grabs all of his belongings.
"Hey, you don't have to rush!" Sakura reprimands him. "At least finish breakfast!" But he doesn't listen. Sakura lets out a defeated sigh. "Guess we're leaving. I'm sorry, Kakashi-san.'
Kakashi chuckles. "It's quite alright. I'm well aware how he is."
"Until we meet again." Sakura bows and grabs her backpack to follow after her overly energetic travelling companion.
As the two make their way to the edge of town, they're met by someone calling out to them.
"Heeeeey! Wait!"
They turn around to see Inari chasing after them. He stops just short of them, almost entirely out of breath.
"Are… are you leaving?" He asks in-between attempts to catch his breath.
"We are." Naruto responds. "We got a lot to do if we wanna become stronger."
Inari shuffles his feet and has the look of a kid who clearly doesn't want to admit to something. "I'm… sorry. For what I did last night. And… thank you for saving dad."
"Of course, that's what pokémon trainers do!"
"Yeah. That's why I've decided-" Inari looks Naruto in the eyes, resolute. "I'll become a great trainer, just like dad and you. And when I do, I'm gonna come battle you!"
Naruto smiles "You better!" and gives him a thumbs up.
With that, the duo leave Wave Town and make their way to Chūnin City, ready to tackle any new challenges may come their way.
Gatō's team
Milcery: Gatō's name (ガトー) is the Japanese spelling of gâteau, which is French for cake.
Alolan Rattata: Gatō is a gang boss and Rattata and Raticate are gang-like.
