The Vermillion Gym dominated the eastern skyline like a monument to electricity itself.
Sasuke had seen impressive architecture throughout his journey, Blackthorn's dragon-carved spires, Cerulean's flowing water-inspired designs, even the ancient shrine beneath the city. But the Vermillion Gym operated on a different scale entirely. The main stadium rose fifteen stories above street level, its steel-and-glass exterior studded with actual lightning rods that periodically discharged accumulated atmospheric energy in controlled bursts. Tesla coils the size of trees flanked the main entrance, their constant electrical arcs creating a perpetual light show that drew tourists from across the region.
"Subtle," Kiyomi observed dryly.
"It's supposed to intimidate challengers," Sasuke replied. "Electric-type symbolism. Power on display."
"Is it working?"
Sasuke studied the crackling coils, the gleaming steel, the massive Zapdos mosaic worked into the entrance plaza's tiles. "No."
They'd come as a group, Kasumi and Miyuki flanking them, Victini perched on Sasuke's shoulder with ears perked forward in curiosity. The registration process for major gym challenges typically required the challenger alone, but Vermillion's facilities were famous for their visitor accommodations. Friends and supporters were welcomed throughout.
The interior matched the exterior's grandeur. The lobby soared three stories high, its walls lined with display cases showcasing decades of gym history. Photographs of famous challengers. Badges from legendary battles. A prominent portrait of a white-haired man in gym leader regalia, his expression carrying both warmth and steel.
Sakumo Hatake. The White Fang of Vermillion.
"Registration desk is this way," Miyuki said, consulting her tablet. "According to the schedule, they're accepting challenges through the end of the month. We should be able to..."
"Sasuke Uchiha?"
The voice came from a young woman in gym staff uniform, appearing at their side with practiced smoothness. Her expression was professional but carried an undercurrent of something else, curiosity, perhaps, or anticipation.
"That's me."
"Gym Leader Hatake will see you now." She gestured toward an elevator bank across the lobby. "Please follow me."
Sasuke exchanged glances with his companions. Miyuki's eyebrows rose slightly. Kasumi looked confused. Kiyomi was already analyzing the situation with obvious interest.
"Now?" Sasuke asked. "I haven't registered yet."
"The Leader requested a personal meeting before your registration is processed." The staff member's smile remained professionally neutral. "It's unusual, but Sakumo-sama has... particular interest in your challenge."
Itachi, Sasuke thought immediately. His brother's network extended throughout the League structure. A word from the Champion to an old colleague would explain this special treatment.
"My companions?"
"Are welcome to wait in our visitor lounge. The facility has excellent refreshments, and the training arena viewing galleries are open to the public."
Kasumi squeezed his arm briefly. "We'll be fine. Go impress the legendary gym leader."
"Or get thoroughly assessed," Kiyomi added. "Same thing, really."
Sasuke nodded and followed the staff member toward the elevators.
The gym leader's office occupied the building's top floor.
The elevator opened onto a short hallway that ended in a single door, heavy oak with brass fittings, somehow managing to look both modern and timeless. The staff member knocked twice, received a muffled acknowledgment, and stepped aside.
"Good luck," she said. Something in her tone suggested she wasn't sure luck would help.
Sasuke entered.
The office was surprisingly modest compared to the gym's overall grandeur. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with volumes on battle strategy, Pokémon training philosophy, and what appeared to be historical texts. A simple desk occupied the center space, its surface covered with organized stacks of papers and a single laptop displaying frozen video footage.
Sakumo Hatake sat behind the desk, his attention fixed on the screen.
The man was older than Sasuke expected, mid-sixties, perhaps, with silver-white hair that had earned him his famous epithet. But age had done nothing to diminish the sharpness in his dark eyes or the evident strength in his lean frame. He wore simple training clothes rather than formal gym leader attire, suggesting a man more comfortable in action than ceremony.
"One moment," Sakumo said without looking up. "This combination is particularly interesting."
Sasuke waited. The video on the laptop was familiar, his gym battle against Zabuza in Cerulean, specifically the final exchange between Venusaur and Kingler. Sasuke watched his own tactics replayed from an observer's perspective, noting details he hadn't fully appreciated during the heat of combat.
Sakumo paused the footage on a specific frame, Venusaur's vines piercing through Kingler's foam defense, and finally looked up.
The assessment was immediate and thorough. Sakumo's gaze moved over Sasuke with the precision of someone who had evaluated thousands of trainers, cataloging strengths and weaknesses in the span of heartbeats. His attention lingered briefly on Victini, still perched on Sasuke's shoulder, before returning to meet Sasuke's eyes.
"You look just like him," Sakumo said. "Itachi, at the same age. Same posture, same focused intensity. Different eyes, though."
"Different experiences," Sasuke replied.
"True enough." Sakumo gestured to a chair across from his desk. "Sit. We have things to discuss."
Sasuke settled into the offered seat, Victini shifting to a more comfortable position on his shoulder. The office felt like a space designed for honest conversation, no power games, no intimidation tactics. Just two trainers meeting as potential opponents.
"Itachi told me you'd come eventually," Sakumo continued. "He's been tracking your progress since Pewter. Sending me footage from each challenge." He nodded toward the laptop. "I've watched all of it. Twice."
"And your assessment?"
"You're exceptional." The word carried no flattery, only factual observation. "Your battle instincts rival your brother's at the same stage of his journey. Your team coordination is remarkable, particularly given that you're working with Legendary Pokémon that most trainers couldn't even approach, let alone partner with. Your tactical flexibility allows you to adapt mid-battle in ways that would take other trainers years to develop."
Sasuke waited for the qualifier. There was always a qualifier.
"But you rely too heavily on overwhelming force," Sakumo said. "Against Gaara, you matched power with power. Against Zabuza, you used type advantage to brute-force your way through his defenses. You win because you're stronger, not because you're necessarily smarter."
"Isn't winning the point?"
"Winning is a point. Understanding is another." Sakumo leaned forward slightly. "What happens when you face an opponent who matches your power? Who exceeds it? Your brother, for instance. Or me."
"You're not stronger than Raikou."
Sakumo smiled, the first genuine expression Sasuke had seen from him. "Am I not?"