Chapter 161: The Final Stretch
The final routes before the coast passed with quiet that previous days hadn't achieved.
Processing emotions that confessions had released required time. But the quiet wasn't awkward, it was surprisingly comfortable. The honesty that had emerged over recent days had created clarity that pretense had prevented.
"This is easier," Kasumi observed during afternoon travel. "Than before, I mean."
"No pretending," Miyuki agreed. "Everyone knows the situation. We can just... be ourselves."
"Authenticity," Kiyomi added. "It's underrated."
Sasuke said nothing, but his slight nod acknowledged what they'd named.
The Route 15 rest area brought travelers from opposite directions.
"Cinnabar Island?" one said when they mentioned their destination. "You haven't heard?"
"Heard what?"
"Evacuated! The volcano's showing activity. Might erupt soon."
Concern replaced the comfortable quiet immediately.
"The gym..."
"Everything's uncertain. We left three days ago. Don't know what's happened since."
Officer Jenny provided official information that calmed initial panic.
"The volcano is stable but monitored," she explained from her station. "Geological surveys show activity, but eruption isn't imminent. Standard precautionary procedures."
"The gym?"
"Operational. Gym Leader Mei is refusing to evacuate." Jenny's expression suggested mixed feelings about this. "Says Fire-types can handle volcanic activity better than anyone. She's not wrong, technically."
"So we can continue?"
"You can. I'd recommend caution, awareness of evacuation routes, and respect for any official warnings. But yes, Cinnabar is receiving visitors."
The relief was collective.
"Typical Fire trainer," Kiyomi observed as they returned to the Mobile Home. "Fearless to the point of possibly reckless."
"We'll be careful," Sasuke assured. "But we're going."
Pallet Town emerged from the coastline with familiarity that six months of absence hadn't diminished.
The city where their journey had begun, where they'd departed with plans that experience had transformed entirely, now welcomed them back as different people than they'd been.
"Full circle," Miyuki said, watching landmarks she'd seen from opposite perspective.
"But so different," Kasumi added.
"Growth isn't visible until you return to starting points," Kiyomi observed. "Then the contrast becomes undeniable."
Professor Hiruzen received them with warmth that his position didn't require.
"Six badges!" His ancient eyes sparkled with satisfaction as he examined Sasuke's collection. "Boulder, Cascade, Thunder, Rainbow, Soul, Marsh. Excellent progress for six months of travel."
"Two Kanto badges remain," Sasuke confirmed. "Cinnabar and Viridian."
"Then Johto's eight. Sixteen total before Silver Conference."
"That's the plan."
"Your parents are proud." Hiruzen's expression carried weight that official assessment didn't include. "They've received reports of your progress. The Uchiha name is being honored throughout the region."
The mention of Itachi's message drew immediate attention.
"Your brother sent communication through official channels," Hiruzen explained. "Wanted you to know. Aether Foundation is under investigation."
"Investigation?"
"Thanks to your evidence." The professor's smile held satisfaction that justice being pursued provided. "The documentation you gathered, Saffron facility, Lavender operations, the escaped subjects, it's created undeniable case."
"Danzo?"
"Still at large. Still protected by connections that complete investigation hasn't severed. But weakened. His organization's activities are being scrutinized everywhere now."
The news settled with impact that months of effort had been building toward.
"Our work made difference," Miyuki said quietly.
"Every piece of evidence mattered," Hiruzen confirmed. "Continue documenting what you encounter. The case against Aether Foundation is still building. Your contributions may eventually be decisive."
The ferry to Cinnabar departed the following morning.
The ship that would carry them to volcanic island wasn't large, passenger vessel that made the three-hour journey twice daily. But its deck provided space that the Mobile Home's confines didn't allow.
Ocean spread in every direction, vast blue that made land-based concerns seem smaller. The salt air carried memories of previous coastal experiences while promising new ones ahead.
"Peaceful," Kasumi said, leaning against the railing.
Their Pokémon found joy in the journey.
Victini flew alongside the ferry, its small form darting through air currents that ocean travel created. The Victory Pokémon's energy seemed amplified by open space that confined quarters usually denied.
Salamence soared higher, Miyuki's newly evolved Dragon taking full advantage of airspace that landbound travel restricted. The Dragon Pokémon's joy in flight remained evident months after evolution.
"They needed this," Miyuki observed, watching her partner's aerial celebrations.
"We all did," Sasuke agreed.
Cinnabar Island appeared on the horizon after two hours of travel.
The volcanic island rose from ocean with presence that geology had shaped across millennia. The volcano dominated its center, smoke rising from vents that current activity had opened, but contained by forces that geological monitoring had deemed stable.
"Ominous," Kasumi observed.
"Beautiful," Kiyomi countered. "Volcanic islands are unique ecosystems. The mineral content creates conditions that other environments can't replicate."
"Both can be true."
The approach revealed an island that had embraced its nature.
Research facilities dotted the coastline, the famous Cinnabar Laboratory where fossil resurrection and other advanced research occurred. Resort infrastructure suggested tourism that volcanic beaches attracted. The overall atmosphere was tropical paradise, despite the smoking mountain at its center.
Fire-type Pokémon were everywhere.
Wild Magmar emerged from vents that would have been dangerous to other species. Ponyta herds ran along beaches that volcanic sand had blackened. Growlithe families played near hot springs that geothermal activity maintained.
"Natural habitat," Miyuki observed with professional interest. "They've evolved to thrive here. The volcanic energy isn't threat to them, it's home."
The dock welcomed them with warmth that exceeded tropical climate.
"Cinnabar Island!" the ferry captain announced. "Gym, Contest Hall, and Research Center all accessible from central port!"