Naruto × Pokémon: Flames of Harmony

Chapter 10: Blades of Lightning, Wings of Steel

The battlefield stilled as a breeze rustled the amber trees around them. Luxio's paws sparked with electricity, eyes locked on the airborne figure of Hawlucha. In mid-glide, the fighter Pokémon gleamed beneath shafts of forest light, wings flaring like blades of vengeance.

On the sidelines, Sakura held her breath.

Across from Naruto, Rock Lee clenched both fists in front of his heart.

"Luxio, Thunder Fang—catch him in midair!"

"Hawlucha, Aerial Ace—pierce through!"

The clash was instant.

Luxio launched upward, mouth glowing with crackling fangs of lightning. Hawlucha flipped forward, slicing the air with a gleaming wing strike.

The collision sent shockwaves through the clearing. Sparks and feathers scattered. Both Pokémon landed hard—Luxio skidding back on all fours, breathing heavily; Hawlucha rising with a roll, blood pumping.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Don't let up! Double Kick!"

Luxio darted forward, his legs glowing as he delivered a vicious two-hit combo, striking Hawlucha's flank and chest.

Lee shouted, "Counter! Flying Press—drive him down!"

Hawlucha spun mid-hit, wrapped Luxio with his wings, and hurled himself downward. Both Pokémon slammed into the ground, dirt erupting in a shockwave.

Luxio growled through the pain.

"Charge!" Naruto called.

Electricity surged through Luxio's body, raising his Special Defense—preparing.

Lee's eyes gleamed. "Perfect setup—Roost!"

Hawlucha perched on a tree branch, wings glowing softly as it restored health. A moment of recovery—but not without risk.

"Luxio, Wild Charge—NOW!"

Luxio roared and surged forward like a living thunderbolt. The bolt of energy struck the tree like a lightning strike, blasting bark and sending Hawlucha crashing down.

Dust clouded the air.

"HAWLUCHA!" Lee shouted, voice filled with passion. "Rise! Our spirit hasn't broken yet!"

The masked bird trembled… then launched back into the air, tattered but refusing to fall.

Naruto clenched his fists. "One more—Thunderbolt!"

A violent streak of energy surged from Luxio's mane—but Lee was ready.

"Hawlucha, Detect, then finish it with Sky Drop!"

Hawlucha vanished for a split second, avoiding the Thunderbolt like a flicker. In the next breath, it gripped Luxio, dragged him into the air, and spiraled upward.

Naruto's eyes widened. "No—!"

"FALL WITH EVERYTHING WE'VE GOT!"

Hawlucha hurled Luxio straight down, and the impact echoed through the forest like thunder.

Silence followed.

Then came the announcement—Sakura's voice, low and certain.

"Luxio… is unable to battle."

Naruto dropped to one knee, stunned.

---

Lee ran forward, catching his panting Hawlucha with tears in his eyes. "You… you did it, my friend!"

Naruto walked over slowly and dropped to his knees beside Luxio, gently stroking the Pokémon's fur. "You were amazing," he whispered.

As he returned Luxio to his Poké Ball, Lee stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"That was… a battle I'll remember forever. You are a rival worthy of respect."

Naruto, though disappointed, couldn't help but smile. "Yeah… it was awesome."

Sakura approached with wide eyes. "That might've been the most intense match I've seen yet…"

They turned toward the forgotten Meditite still meditating near the clearing. To their surprise, it floated toward Lee.

"Seems like it made its choice," Naruto said with a laugh.

Lee beamed. "Thank you, my friend. I promise to train you with utmost dedication!"

---

Far away, deeper within Emberleaf's misty northern grove, Sasuke crouched behind a moss-covered log.

The glint of metallic feathers caught his eye—a shiny Rookidee.

The blue-black bird was unlike any he'd seen, its golden sheen shining subtly under sunlight. It pecked at the base of a tree, completely unaware.

Sasuke exhaled slowly.

"Cyndaquil, keep quiet."

From his side, Cyndaquil nodded, its flames dim and its movements hushed.

He crept forward, stepping only on patches of soft moss. Wind stirred the leaves above. The Rookidee twitched.

"Not yet…"

He pulled a Poké Ball slowly from his belt. One wrong move and the bird would be gone.

Suddenly—a twig snapped.

The Rookidee's head snapped up.

Sasuke didn't hesitate. "Go, Cyndaquil—Smokescreen, then Flame Charge!"

The smoke burst around the bird Pokémon, obscuring its view. Cyndaquil burst from the haze like a comet of fire, striking with pinpoint accuracy.

The bird stumbled, flapping wildly.

Sasuke seized the moment. "Poké Ball—NOW!"

He hurled the ball.

One shake.

Two.

Three.

Click.

Sasuke stared at it silently, then let a small smirk curve across his lips.

"Gotcha."

---

As the group reunited at their camp near a bubbling stream, Lee introduced his Meditite. Naruto sulked slightly while Sakura praised both boys' Pokémon. Sasuke didn't say a word—until he placed the shiny Rookidee's Poké Ball in front of Naruto.

Naruto gaped. "YOU—?!"

Sasuke raised a brow. "Jealous?"

Naruto flailed. "What is it with today?! First Lee beats me, now you catch a shiny?!"

Lee laughed from the other side of the fire. "Rivalry is the furnace that forges greatness!"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Just try not to blow up the whole forest tomorrow."

As the sun set, painting the sky with gold and rose, the three friends and their new rival sat around the fire, Pokémon curled beside them. They had grown stronger—not just in power, but in heart.

Ahead lay Green Hill City… and a Gym unlike any they'd faced before.

---

To Be Continued…

Next Chapter: Green Hill City & the Grass Gym Trial