The city revealed itself gradually, first the outer walls carved from living mountain, then the watchtowers with their League flags snapping in wind, finally the gates themselves. Bronze-reinforced steel stood twenty meters high, wide enough for cargo vehicles to pass three abreast. Above them, carved into stone: PEWTER CITY - FOUNDED 1247.
"Eight hundred years old," Kiyomi said from behind Sasuke's seat, camera already clicking. "The original settlement was a mining camp. They literally dug the city out of the mountain."
Sasuke guided the Mobile Home through the checkpoint, League officers in gray uniforms waving them forward after scanning their Trainer Licenses. No interrogation this time, just routine security. The gate mechanism groaned as massive doors swung inward, revealing Pewter City proper.
The scale hit him first. Twenty-eight million people lived here, and it showed. Buildings rose from stone foundations, five and six stories climbing toward the sky. The architecture mixed industrial utility with deliberate beauty, metal frameworks supporting carved stone facades, glass windows reflecting mountain peaks. Streets wide enough for mining equipment to rumble through now carried regular traffic: cars, buses, pedestrians.
Everything was stone. Gray granite buildings. Darker basalt streets. Pale limestone decorative elements. Even the sidewalks showed mineral variation, quartz veins running through concrete, flecks of mica catching sunlight. The entire city felt like an extension of the mountain range itself.
"Look at the Pokemon," Miyuki said, pointing through the windshield.
Rock-types everywhere. Geodude rolled along sidewalks, their boulder bodies navigating crowds with surprising agility. Onix coiled in designated rest areas, too large for standard Pokeballs but integrated into city life. A Rhyhorn stood at a crosswalk, waiting patiently for the signal to change. On rooftops, Aerodactyl perched, ancient Pokemon resurrected from fossils, now part of Pewter's ecosystem.
Mining culture permeated everything. Workers in dust-covered overalls congregated outside supply shops. Ore haulers rumbled past, beds full of unprocessed stone. Even the street signs showed pickaxe and hammer symbols alongside standard Pokemon icons. This was a working city, built on industry and shaped by the mountain's resources.
Sasuke followed GPS directions toward the Pokemon Center, navigating streets that curved to follow natural rock formations. The RV drew attention, spacially-enhanced vehicles were common enough, but theirs was clearly new, well-maintained. Other trainers watched them pass with evaluating eyes.
"Turn left at the Gym," Miyuki said, checking the map. "Pokemon Center is three blocks past."
The Gym dominated the city center like a fortress. Not a building so much as a mountain carved into defensive position, sheer walls, narrow windows, battlements that probably served no modern purpose but added to the intimidation factor. The League symbol hung above the entrance: a boulder split by lightning, representing the Boulder Badge awarded here.
Crowds gathered outside even now, late afternoon on a weekday. A massive screen mounted on the Gym's exterior wall showed a battle in progress, some challenger's Pokemon against what looked like Gym trainer's Golem. The challenger was losing badly.
"Forty-seven straight wins," someone in the crowd said, voice carrying. "Gaara's on a streak."
"That Tyranitar of his is a monster," another voice added. "Saw it wreck a six-Pokemon team in under ten minutes last week."
Sasuke kept driving, but filed the information away. Gaara, the Gym Leader's name. Tyranitar as signature Pokemon. Winning streak suggesting either weak challengers or genuine skill. He'd find out which soon enough.
The Pokemon Center appeared: ten stories of stone and glass, red roof visible for blocks. Healing Cross symbol glowed above the entrance, holographic light visible even in daylight. Sasuke pulled into the visitor parking structure, found a space large enough for the RV, and killed the engine.
The silence felt profound after hours of road noise.
"We made it," Kasumi said, already unbuckling. "First official Gym city."
They gathered their essential belongings, Pokeballs, identification, tablets and phones, and headed for the Center's entrance. The automatic doors opened with a pneumatic hiss. Cool air washed over them, climate-controlled and filtered. The lobby stretched wider than some buildings, high ceiling supported by stone columns carved to resemble Rock-type Pokemon.
Trainers packed the space. Young and old, rookies and veterans, all gathered in the eternal ritual of Pokemon Center waiting. Some clutched injured Pokemon in their arms. Others sat with Pokeballs lined up on tables, waiting for Nurse Joy's call. The healing stations along the far wall glowed with active treatments, machines running diagnostics, regeneration fields humming.
Sasuke approached the main desk where three Nurse Joys worked simultaneously, each handling different aspects of Center operations. The middle one looked up as he approached, pink hair and white uniform marking her as a member of the widespread Joy family.
"Welcome to Pewter City Pokemon Center. Checking in or just visiting?"
"Extended stay," Sasuke said. "One week, four people." He handed over their Trainer Licenses, his, Miyuki's, Kasumi's, Kiyomi's.
The Nurse Joy scanned each license, typing rapidly. "Sasuke Uchiha, Miyuki Senju, Kasumi Uzumaki, Kiyomi Kurama. Are you the group that just arrived from Viridian City?"
"That's us."
"You're already registered in our system, Officer Jenny sent ahead notice you might be coming through." She smiled professionally. "Room assignments are on the sixth floor. I've put you in a quad suite, four bedrooms, shared common area, kitchen access. Will that work?"
"Perfect," Miyuki said.
"Your Pokemon will be checked during intake, standard health screening. Any immediate medical concerns?"
"We have an egg in incubation," Miyuki said. "Dragon-type, sixty-seven percent development. I need access to breeding facilities."
Nurse Joy's expression brightened. "Breeding suite is on the ninth floor. I'll add you to the access list. What species?"
"Unknown yet. Possibly Bagon based on scale patterns."
"Exciting. We have excellent Dragon-type specialists here, mining industry attracts Dratini and Larvitar, so we're well-equipped." She printed out key cards, handed them over. "Anything else?"
"Gym challenge registration," Sasuke said.
"Gaara accepts walk-ins every morning from eight to ten. Show up at the Gym, present your Trainer License, he'll schedule you within three days depending on challenger queue." She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Fair warning, he's tough. Hasn't lost a match in almost two months. Don't underestimate him just because you're one of the Four Supernovas."
Sasuke blinked. "You know about that?"
"Everyone knows about the Four Supernovas. You, Naruto Namikaze, Kanaye Senju, Neji Hyuga, most talked-about rookies in twenty years. Media's been covering your progress since Pallet Town." She gestured at a wall-mounted television showing a sports channel. Even now, it displayed highlights of recent battles, Naruto's Heatran against some gym trainer, Kanaye's Regirock demolishing opponents. "You're celebrities whether you want to be or not."
Kasumi grinned. "Hear that, Sasuke? We're famous."
"Wonderful," Sasuke muttered.
They took the elevator to the sixth floor, found their suite halfway down the corridor. The key card opened a heavy door revealing a space larger than expected, spatially-enhanced interior, same technology as their Mobile Home. Four bedrooms branched off a central living area with couches, dining table, and a compact kitchen. Windows offered mountain views, sunlight streaming through clean glass.
"Dibs on the east room," Kasumi called, already dropping her bag on a bed visible through one doorway.
"West for me," Kiyomi said, disappearing into the opposite room.
Miyuki took the north room without comment. Sasuke claimed the south by default, found a simple space with a bed, desk, and attached bathroom. Smaller than his room at home, larger than the murphy bed in the Mobile Home. Adequate.
He unpacked efficiently, clothes in drawers, Pokeballs on the desk, personal items in the bathroom. Through the open door, he heard the others doing the same. Kasumi singing something off-key. Miyuki's quiet movements. Kiyomi already on her laptop, keyboard clicking.
Twenty minutes later, they reconvened in the common area. Evening had settled over Pewter City, lights coming on building by building. Through the window, the Gym stood illuminated, spotlights making the carved stone glow.
"Plans?" Kiyomi asked.
"Food first," Sasuke said. "Then I'm scouting the Gym. Want to see the battlefield setup before I register tomorrow."
"Breeding suite," Miyuki added. "I need to transfer Ryu's egg to their incubation facilities."
They ate at the Pokemon Center's cafeteria, decent food, nothing special, fuel more than experience. Sasuke found himself analyzing the kitchen setup, noting inefficiencies that could be corrected. Kasumi caught him staring and kicked his shin under the table.
"Stop mentally redesigning their kitchen. You're not working here."
"Could improve their workflow by thirty percent with better equipment placement," Sasuke said.
"Absolutely not adopting every kitchen we encounter." But she was smiling.
After dinner, they split up. Sasuke headed out into Pewter City's evening energy, Victini riding his shoulder as always. The Victory Pokemon drew attention, people recognized Legendary species even at a glance. But Victini's flames stayed low, non-threatening, and most people simply smiled and continued walking.
The Gym sat five blocks away, imposing in the darkness. The battle screen still showed combat, different challenger now, still losing. Sasuke watched for a few minutes. The Gym trainer's Graveler used Earthquake to devastating effect, shaking the entire battlefield. The challenger's Mankey tried to stay mobile but kept getting thrown off balance.
"Rookie mistake," someone said beside Sasuke. "Can't fight Rock-types with mobility alone. Need raw power or type advantage."
Sasuke turned. The speaker was older, maybe forty, with the dust-stained clothes of a miner. He had a Machamp standing beside him, the Fighting-type watching the battle with professional interest.
"You challenging Gaara?" the miner asked.
"Planning to."
"What's your team look like?"
Sasuke hesitated, then decided honesty couldn't hurt. "Tyranitar, Venusaur, Blastoise, others. I am curious how strong his Tyranitar is against mine."
The miner's eyebrows rose. "Tyranitar versus Tyranitar? Bold choice. Gaara's had his for fifteen years, trained it from Larvitar to perfect form. You won't win with just type matchups."
"I enjoy the challenge." Sasuke shrugged.
"Good." The miner studied him with evaluating eyes. "You're one of them Supernovas, yeah? Uchiha's kid?"
"Sasuke."
"Thought so. Got your brother's eyes." The miner extended a hand. "Name's Takeshi. I work the Deep Shafts, fifth level down. Been watching Gaara's battles for a decade. Want some advice?"
Sasuke shook his hand. "Sure."
"Gaara fights defensive-aggressive. Lets you attack first, absorbs the hit, counters with overwhelming force. His Tyranitar's shell is reinforced through specialized diet, berries rich in calcium and iron. Makes it nearly impossible to crack with normal moves." Takeshi pointed at the screen where Graveler was demonstrating the principle, tanking hits before crushing its opponent. "You want to beat him, you can't play his game. Need to go full offense from the start, never give him time to set up."
"Primal Reversion and Dynamax immediately?"
"Exactly. Force him to match you, turn it into a pure power contest before he can establish defensive positioning." Takeshi grinned. "Course, that's risky. If you're not strong enough, you'll exhaust your Pokemon trying to break his defense."
"I'm strong enough," Sasuke said quietly.
Something in his tone made Takeshi nod. "Yeah. I believe you are. Good luck, kid. Give us a show worth watching."
The miner walked away, Machoke following. Sasuke returned his attention to the screen. The challenger's last Pokemon had fallen, Mankey sprawled unconscious on the battlefield. The Gym trainer recalled it with perfunctory efficiency.
Forty-eight straight wins now.
Sasuke studied the battlefield visible on screen. Irregular terrain, boulders placed strategically, uneven ground that favored Rock-types' natural movement. Lighting positioned to create shadows that would affect visibility. Sound baffles along the walls to prevent Supersonic-based strategies. Everything designed to advantage Gaara's preferred fighting style.
The screen went dark as the battle concluded. Around him, the crowd dispersed, heading home or to late dinners. Sasuke stayed, looking up at the Gym's stone facade. Somewhere in there, Gaara waited. A Gym Leader who'd dominated his division for years, who'd perfected his strategy and Pokemon to near-invincible levels.
First real test of the journey.
Victini chirped, flames flickering brighter. The Fire-type sensed Sasuke's anticipation, shared his eagerness for challenge.
"Tomorrow," Sasuke told it. "We register tomorrow, battle within three days. Then we take that Boulder Badge."
Victini's flames blazed agreement.
They walked back through Pewter City's streets, passing miners heading home from late shifts, trainers gathering in bars to discuss strategy, families out for evening strolls. The city had a working-class energy that reminded him of parts of Blackthorn, people who valued strength because they needed it daily, who respected Pokemon as partners in survival.
He liked it here.
The Pokemon Center glowed in the darkness, beacon for traveling trainers. Sasuke took the elevator to the sixth floor, found their suite. Inside, Miyuki sat at the dining table with her tablet, monitoring Ryu's egg data. Kasumi sprawled on the couch watching a Contest Hall broadcast. Kiyomi was absent, still at the museum, probably.
"How's the Gym?" Miyuki asked without looking up.
"Intimidating. Exactly what I wanted." Sasuke dropped onto the couch beside Kasumi. "I'll register tomorrow morning."
"Battle scheduled when?"
"Usually within three days."
"Then we have time to prepare." Miyuki finally looked at him, golden eyes thoughtful. "I'll help however I can. Nutrition, conditioning, recovery protocols. My family has centuries of breeding experience."
"Appreciated."
Kasumi shifted, tucking her legs under herself. "What's Gaara like? Based on what you saw."
"Defensive fighter. Lets opponents attack first, absorbs damage, counters with force. Takeshi, a miner I met, says Gaara's Tyranitar has reinforced shell from specialized diet. Makes it nearly indestructible."
"So you need to hit harder than it can absorb," Kasumi said. "Pure offense."
"That's the plan."
"Risky," Miyuki observed. "If your offensive push fails, you're left exhausted with no backup strategy."
"I know. But playing Gaara's game means losing. He's perfected defensive-aggressive over years. I can't out-defend him." Sasuke leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "Better to force a different kind of battle."
They sat in comfortable silence. The television played Contest highlights, some Coordinator in Saffron City performing with a Ninetales. Kasumi watched with professional interest, mentally cataloging techniques. Miyuki returned to her egg data, stylus moving across the screen.
Kiyomi returned around ten PM, arms full of museum pamphlets and research materials. "That was incredible. Dr. Takeshi's collection includes specimens from the Mesozoic era, actual Aerodactyl fossils with intact DNA. He's offered me research access tomorrow."
"Dr. Takeshi?" Sasuke said. "Mining engineer named Takeshi gave me battle advice tonight."
"Probably brothers," Kiyomi said. "The Takeshi family basically runs Pewter City. They own most of the mines, the museum, half the Pokemon breeding facilities. Old money from when the city was founded."
Pewter City's social structure, revealed through casual conversation. Sasuke filed it away, useful to know who held power, even if he had no intention of playing politics.
They turned in around eleven. Sasuke's room felt strange after weeks in the Mobile Home's murphy bed, too much space, too quiet. But exhaustion won over unfamiliarity. He fell asleep planning battle strategies, Victini curled beside him on the pillow.
Tomorrow, registration.
In three days, the first real test of everything he'd learned in Crown Tundra.
The Boulder Badge waited.