Chapter 1 – The Start of an Amazing Adventure
Tenko Town
The sun had barely crested the eastern hills of the Land of Fire, yet Tenko Town was already stirring with life. This wasn't the kind of place where mornings rushed you. Here, days began gently—like a whispered melody.
The town stood cradled in a ring of forested cliffs, its stone-paved paths winding between moss-covered buildings that had stood for generations. At the edge of town, delicate wind chimes danced in the breeze, their notes harmonizing with the calls of wild Tailow and the distant splashes of a stream flowing through the park. A few early-rising trainers were already out, helping elderly townsfolk at the market, while children chased each other around the Pokémon Day Care, giggling under the watchful eyes of a Kangaskhan and her joey.
At the heart of this calm lay a singularly important place: Professor Hiruzen's Laboratory.
The lab stood apart—not because it was the largest, but because it was the oldest. Vines crept lovingly up the domed building, its wooden walls painted with fading symbols of Leaf-style heritage. Inside, it smelled of ink, polished wood, and freshly ground herbs. Strange machines blinked quietly in corners, while scrolls and Poké Balls rested on carefully organized shelves.
Professor Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned over a cluttered table, his ancient eyes scanning a Pokédex schematic while sipping from a cracked teacup. The lines on his face were like the grooves of a well-worn path—a life of guiding young trainers, of preserving harmony between people and Pokémon.
Outside the lab door, footsteps approached.
"Naruto! Slow down!"
The door slammed open.
A blur of orange and energy tumbled in—Naruto Uzumaki, face flushed with excitement, nearly tripping over his own boots. His leaf-patterned hoodie flared behind him as he straightened.
"I'm here! I made it before Sasuke, right?!"
"You're two hours early," came a soft voice behind him.
Sakura Haruno entered with poise, brushing cherry-blossom-pink hair from her eyes. Her satchel was neatly packed, her Poké Belt polished, her expression calm—but her green eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"You're not supposed to barge in, Naruto," she chided, though not unkindly.
Naruto scratched his head. "Couldn't help it. Today's the day!"
The final footsteps were quieter, steadier.
Sasuke Uchiha stepped in, his black-and-blue jacket dusted from the morning road. He gave a small nod to the Professor before crossing his arms and standing near the far wall, silent but alert.
"I see everyone's arrived," Hiruzen said, a smile touching his lips. "Good. You're all ready."
There was something reverent in the moment. Hiruzen placed three Poké Balls on a velvet-lined tray. The center of the room glowed softly from the old stained-glass skylight above, casting multicolored reflections on the floor.
"You've all grown up here in Tenko Town, and each of you has shown the courage, wisdom, and passion needed to begin your journey as Pokémon trainers."
He looked at Naruto.
"Naruto, full of energy and compassion. Sometimes reckless, but with a heart large enough for every Pokémon."
To Sakura:
"Sakura, careful and wise, with the patience to observe and the strength to act when it matters most."
To Sasuke:
"And Sasuke, quiet and brilliant. Driven. Protective. You will face many trials, but I believe you will rise above them."
The Poké Balls clicked open with a shimmer of red light.
From the mist emerged three Pokémon:
A nimble, bubbling Froakie, who blinked and stretched his long legs.
A round, wise Rowlet, who adjusted his leaf-bowtie with an inquisitive chirp.
And a fiery, soft-footed Cyndaquil, who sneezed out a tiny ember before shyly hiding his face.
Naruto didn't hesitate. He knelt down beside Froakie, who chirped in delight and leapt onto his shoulder with confidence.
"He's perfect!" Naruto grinned. "Look at him! We're gonna take on the whole league, right buddy?"
"Froah!"
Sakura smiled and reached out gently to Rowlet, who hooted softly and fluttered up to perch on her arm.
"You're adorable," she said warmly. "Let's do our best, okay?"
Sasuke stepped forward last. Cyndaquil looked up hesitantly, but didn't flinch. Sasuke extended a hand without a word. Cyndaquil sniffed it, then nudged it softly.
"We'll train hard," Sasuke said. "I won't lose."
"Quil!"
Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction.
"Take your time bonding today. Your real journey begins tomorrow morning."
------
The three of them left the lab together, walking down the sun-dappled path. The town was buzzing with small celebrations—neighbors waved from doorways, kids peeked out from behind fences. Even the Pokémon at the school yard let out cheerful cries.
At the town park, they sat on a grassy hill that overlooked the valley beyond. They shared snacks, let their new partners out to play, and talked about what tomorrow might bring.
Froakie chased a flapping leaf and tumbled into Naruto's arms, puffing his cheeks indignantly. Rowlet nestled into Sakura's lap, half-dozing in the afternoon sun. Cyndaquil stood watch near Sasuke, flame flickering with quiet resolve.
"It feels weird," Naruto said suddenly. "We're actually leaving tomorrow."
"It's more exciting than weird," Sakura replied. "It's freedom. Adventure."
"It's necessary," Sasuke murmured.
They looked at him.
He didn't explain.
He didn't need to.
They knew.
-----
That night, under a sky full of stars, the three of them stood again—this time at the southern edge of Tenko. Route 1 shimmered in the moonlight, winding like a ribbon into the forests beyond.
Tomorrow, it would carry them forward—through cities, trials, and distant battles.
But tonight?
Tonight, they were still just three kids with dreams, their first partners sleeping beside them, and the whole wide world waiting just past the trees.
[End of Chapter 1: To Be Continued…]