Viridian City revealed depths that their brief initial visit hadn't allowed.
Seven months ago, they'd passed through quickly, overwhelmed newcomers navigating a metropolis that seemed designed to confuse. Now they returned with perspective that experience had earned, understanding significance that haste had obscured.
"Ancient city," Kiyomi explained as they explored. "Oldest in Kanto. The original settlement from which everything else expanded."
The architecture reflected that history, layers of construction spanning centuries, modern development built atop foundations that predated recorded history.
"Built around the Tower," a local guide mentioned during their orientation.
The mysterious structure dominated Viridian's center, ancient spire whose purpose no documentation explained. Some accounts suggested it connected to the earth itself, channeling energies that Ground-types naturally understood.
"Ground-type energy is concentrated here," the guide continued. "Trainers who specialize in earth Pokémon report feeling more connected to their partners within the city's boundaries."
"Onoki's gym," Sasuke realized. "Built on sacred ground."
"Exactly. The Earth Master's facility occupies the most concentrated point of that energy. His philosophy extends beyond battle, it's respect for earth itself."
Registration at the gym proceeded with formality that the facility's reputation demanded.
The structure was a colosseum, massive scale that exceeded even Saffron's impressive arena. One hundred twenty thousand seats surrounded a battlefield designed for combat that most venues couldn't survive.
"Largest gym in Kanto," the receptionist confirmed. "Onoki's battles draw audiences from across regions."
"When can I challenge?"
"Master Onoki accepts your challenge." She consulted scheduling. "Battle in five days."
"Five days?"
"He requires preparation time. And he requests you prepare equally." Her expression suggested something beyond formal statement.
The brief meeting came during training ground observation.
Onoki emerged from practice facilities with presence that exceeded his physical stature. Seventy years old, elderly by any measure, but powerful in ways that age hadn't diminished.
He looked like rock himself.
Weathered features that decades of Ground-type partnership had shaped. Solid stance that suggested nothing could move him. Eyes that had assessed countless challengers and found most wanting.
"You're the Uchiha boy."
Statement, not question.
"I am."
"Last badge before Johto?"
"Yes."
Onoki's assessment was thorough, unhurried, complete. Whatever he concluded remained unvoiced.
"Good."
The single word carried weight that longer speeches wouldn't have matched.
"I'll test everything you've learned. Seven badges mean nothing here. Vermillion, Saffron, Cinnabar, each prepared you for different challenges. Mine will combine them all."
"I understand."
"Do you?" Onoki's smile held edges that kindness couldn't soften. "Prove you deserve the eighth. Prove the Indigo League hasn't lowered standards since my time."
Intimidation but also respect.
He saw potential worth pushing. The warning was invitation as much as threat.
The battlefield tour revealed engineering that the gym's purpose demanded.
"Earthquake-proof construction," the technical guide explained. "Standard buildings would collapse under the seismic activity that Ground-type battles generate."
Reinforced foundations extended deep into bedrock. Dampeners absorbed vibrations that would have destroyed conventional structures. The entire facility had been designed around forces that Onoki's battles produced.
"Rated for Magnitude 8," the guide continued. "The maximum that any recorded Pokémon attack has generated."
"And Onoki's battles reach that level?"
"Regularly. His Pokémon don't hold back. Neither does he."
The implications settled with weight that previous gyms hadn't generated.
This wasn't just powerful opponent.
This was force of nature given trainer partnership.
Evening brought strategic planning that five days demanded.
"Ground-type specialist," Kiyomi summarized. "Most challenging type to counter for trainers without specific preparation."
"Best counters: Grass or Water," Miyuki added. "Both super-effective. Both commonly trained."
"Mega Venusaur," Kasumi suggested. "Grass/Poison gives type advantage."
"Used against Tsunade," Sasuke replied. "Onoki will have studied that footage."
"Mega Blastoise, then. Water-type dominance."
"Just recovered from Mei's volcanic arena. And also documented."
"Then what?"
Sasuke considered his roster with analytical focus.
"Latios maybe?" he thought initially. "Dragon/Psychic..."
But analysis revealed the flaw.
"Not immune to Ground," Kiyomi corrected. "Latios's Levitate ability provides immunity, but Onoki will certainly have Mold Breaker or similar counter prepared."
"Then Landorus."
The Forces of Nature member that had served throughout their journey. Ground/Flying typing provided perfect counter, Flying immunity to Ground attacks, while Ground offense matched Onoki's specialty.
"Mirror match," Miyuki observed. "Both using Ground-types."
"Skill decides when types are matched." Sasuke's expression held determination that challenge had focused. "Plus Landorus's Therian Forme. I've recently mastered the full transformation."
"You're certain?"
"Landorus has been waiting for this. A battle against Onoki, it represents exactly what the Forces of Nature were created for. Earth against Earth. Legend against Legend. It will be a battle of attrition."
"Therian Forme changes the battle completely," Kiyomi analyzed. "Enhanced offensive capabilities. Different ability. More aggressive posture."
"Onoki won't expect it," Kasumi added. "Most trainers can't access Incarnate Forme, let alone Therian."
"He might," Sasuke cautioned. "Forty years of experience means he's seen everything. Assuming surprise is dangerous."
"Then don't rely on surprise. Rely on execution."
"Yeah. That's the plan."
Five days of preparation awaited.
Landorus would receive focus that previous challenges hadn't demanded, not just combat readiness, but full Therian synchronization that would unlock capabilities even Sasuke hadn't fully tested.
Earth Master against Forces of Nature.
Forty years of experience against potential that Legendary partnership provided.
The eighth Kanto badge would be earned through this confrontation.
Or Sasuke would finally face defeat that his journey had thus far avoided.
The stakes couldn't have been higher.
And he intended to rise to meet them.