The convention center occupied an entire city block, three stories of glass and stone designed to showcase both Pokemon and human achievement. Banners hung from the facade: PEWTER ROCK-TYPE BREEDING CONVENTION - 47TH ANNUAL. Crowds streamed through the main entrance, a mix of professional breeders, researchers, and curious trainers.
Miyuki stood at the base of the steps, tablet clutched against her chest. "I'm not ready for this."
"You're absolutely ready," Kasumi said, adjusting Miyuki's collar unnecessarily. "You've been studying breeding theory since you were twelve. You published research on Draconeon. Professor Oak wrote you a recommendation letter."
"Those people in there have decades of experience. I'm nineteen."
"And you hatched a Relicanth from a three-thousand-year-old egg," Kiyomi pointed out. "That counts for something."
Sasuke had been quiet, watching Miyuki's nervous energy manifest in small fidgets, smoothing her hair, checking her tablet, adjusting her bag. "Want me to come with you?"
Miyuki looked at him, golden eyes uncertain. "You don't have to. I know you need to train for Gaara."
"Tyranitar benefits from breeder knowledge too. Rock-types need specialized nutrition, careful evolution management. I should learn from professionals." He gestured at the convention center. "Besides, someone needs to stop you from spiraling into imposter syndrome."
A small smile broke through her anxiety. "That obvious?"
"You've checked your tablet seventeen times in the last five minutes. Same data every time."
Kasumi laughed. "Go. We'll hold down the fort. I'm checking berry markets anyway, and Kiyomi's returning to the museum."
They split up at the entrance. Sasuke stayed with Miyuki as she presented her credentials to the registration desk, breeder's apprentice license, student ID from her work with Oak, the recommendation letter. The receptionist scanned everything, printed a badge: MIYUKI SENJU - STUDENT RESEARCHER.
"First convention?" the receptionist asked kindly.
"That obvious?"
"You're gripping your tablet like a lifeline. Relax, everyone here started somewhere. The breeding community is supportive, not cutthroat." She handed over a program guide. "Main presentations are in Hall A. Genetic workshops in Hall B. Networking lounge in Hall C. And the practical demonstrations run all day in the outdoor arena."
Inside, the scale overwhelmed. The main hall stretched three stories high, filled with breeder booths showcasing their work. Pokemon of every Rock-type species, Geodude, Graveler, Golem, Onix, Rhyhorn, Omanyte, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar. Each booth displayed the breeder's specialization, success rates, genetic lineages.
Miyuki moved through the space with scholarly intensity, stopping at booths that caught her interest. She asked technical questions about diet optimization, evolution timing, genetic screening. The breeders responded enthusiastically, recognizing genuine passion when they encountered it.
Sasuke followed, mostly observing. But when Miyuki stopped at a Larvitar breeding booth, he paid closer attention. The breeder, middle-aged woman with weathered hands, was explaining development stages.
"Larvitar to Pupitar is straightforward, level and training. But Pupitar to Tyranitar requires careful management. The shell transformation is traumatic. Many trainers rush it, causing developmental issues." She gestured at a display showing X-rays of Tyranitar spine structures. "See these stress fractures? That's from premature evolution. The Pokemon's bones weren't ready for the increased mass."
"How do you prevent it?" Miyuki asked, already taking notes.
"Calcium-rich diet during Pupitar stage. Mineral supplements, specifically iron and magnesium. And you let the Pokemon dictate timing. They know when they're ready. Forcing evolution causes permanent damage."
Sasuke thought of his Tyranitar, evolved years ago under Fugaku's supervision. Had it been managed properly? He'd never considered the biological stress of evolution, just the power increase.
The breeder noticed his attention. "You have a Tyranitar?"
"Yes."
"How old? When did it evolve?"
"Seven years old. Evolved from Pupitar at five."
The breeder pulled out a tablet, ran calculations. "That's actually ideal timing. Who managed the evolution?"
"My father. Fugaku Uchiha."
Recognition flashed across her face. "The Dragon Master. Then your Tyranitar was definitely handled properly. He's one of the few trainers who understands the biological cost of evolution." She pulled up genetic charts. "If you ever want to breed your Tyranitar, bring it to me. I'll do a full health screening, ensure there's no hidden stress damage."
Sasuke accepted her contact information, filed it mentally. Another dimension of Pokemon care he'd never considered, the long-term health implications of training decisions.
They moved on. Miyuki stopped at a booth showcasing Shaymin breeding, rare, since Shaymin were notoriously difficult to cultivate. The breeder, an elderly man, examined Miyuki's Shaymin with reverent care.
"Remarkable specimen. Perfect health, ideal weight, coat condition exceptional." He looked at Miyuki with new respect. "You raised this?"
"I've been its primary caretaker for three years."
"Three years and you've maintained this condition while traveling? Most Shaymin decline outside optimal habitats. You must have recreated Gracidea flower environments perfectly."
Miyuki explained her mobile greenhouse setup, the environmental controls she'd implemented, the dietary considerations she managed daily. The breeder listened with increasing appreciation, then pulled out his own tablet.
"I'm documenting this. Your techniques should be published, they're more effective than current standard practices." He paused. "Have you considered presenting at next year's convention? Student researcher presentations are encouraged."
"I... maybe?" Miyuki looked overwhelmed. "I'd need a complete methodology written up."
"Do it. The community needs young voices bringing fresh perspectives." He handed her his contact information. "I'm Takeo Yamamoto, head of the Shaymin Conservation Project. If you need consultation during your research, contact me."
They continued through the convention. Each booth offered new insights, different specializations. Miyuki's confidence grew with each interaction, these professionals saw her as a colleague, not a student. Her knowledge earned their respect.
Around noon, they reached the networking lounge, a massive room with tables and chairs, coffee stations, and an atmosphere of animated discussion. Breeders clustered in groups, exchanging ideas and debating theories.
"Miyuki Senju?" A woman's voice, clear and authoritative.
They turned. The speaker was perhaps forty, with short black hair and sharp eyes behind wire-frame glasses. She wore a professional suit with a Pewter Breeding Association pin on the lapel.
"I'm Roxanne. Association president." She extended her hand. "I've been hoping to meet you. Your Draconeon research paper made waves in the genetics community."
Miyuki shook hands, clearly starstruck. "You read my paper?"
"Everyone read your paper. Discovering a new evolutionary pathway for Eevee? That's dissertation-level work." Roxanne gestured to an empty table. "May I join you? I'd like to discuss your research."
They sat. Sasuke hung back slightly, giving Miyuki space for professional networking but staying close enough to observe. Roxanne immediately launched into technical questions about genetic sequencing, evolutionary triggers, environmental factors. Miyuki answered with increasing confidence, pulling up data on her tablet to support her claims.
"Fascinating," Roxanne said after twenty minutes of intense discussion. "You're wasted as a student researcher. Have you considered formal academic programs?"
"After my journey. I want field experience first."
"Smart. Theory means nothing without practical application." Roxanne's eyes shifted to Sasuke. "And you are Sasuke Uchiha?"
"Yes. I'm-"
"Traveling companion and gym challenger. I know. The Four Supernovas are famous." She smiled slightly. "Providing moral support while she networks?"
"And learning about proper Tyranitar care," Sasuke said.
"Good. Most trainers ignore the biological realities of Pokemon development. They focus on battle strength and miss everything else." Roxanne turned back to Miyuki. "I heard you have a Pokemon egg. May I see it?"
Miyuki hesitated. "It's at the Pokemon Center breeding suite. I could bring it-"
"I'll come with you. The professional scanners here are better than Center equipment anyway." Roxanne stood. "If you're comfortable sharing data, I'd like to run a comprehensive analysis."
They walked to the Center, Roxanne maintaining a stream of conversation about breeding techniques and genetic management. The woman clearly saw potential in Miyuki and was actively mentoring, offering advice, making introductions via phone to other breeders, discussing publication opportunities.
At the breeding suite, Miyuki retrieved Ryu's egg from its incubation chamber. The blue-scaled surface gleamed under fluorescent lights, patterns shifting as she carefully carried it to the convention center's analysis lab.
Roxanne set up the equipment personally, advanced scanners that looked more appropriate for hospital operating rooms than Pokemon breeding. She ran the egg through multiple diagnostic passes, each producing detailed readouts on wall-mounted displays.
"Dragon-type confirmed," Roxanne said, studying the data. "But look at this genetic marker sequence." She highlighted a section of code. "This isn't Dratini or Axew. It's Bagon."
Miyuki's breath caught. "Bagon? Are you certain?"
"Ninety-seven percent certainty based on genetic markers. The scale pattern alone suggested it, but the DNA confirms." Roxanne ran additional scans. "Estimated development: seventy-one percent complete. Hatch time: two to three weeks depending on incubation conditions. Neural development is excellent, this will be an intelligent specimen."
"Bagon," Miyuki repeated, still processing. "A pseudo-legendary."
"Rare species, difficult to raise, incredibly powerful when fully evolved." Roxanne looked at her seriously. "This is a significant responsibility. Bagon require specialized care, high-protein diet, constant supervision, extensive training. They're aggressive by nature, constantly seeking to fly despite being unable until Salamence evolution. Many breeders fail with them."
"I can handle it," Miyuki said, though her voice wavered slightly.
"I believe you can. But you'll need support." Roxanne pulled out her phone. "I'm giving you my direct contact. Video call access, twenty-four hours. When this egg hatches, if you have any concerns, call me immediately. I've raised three Bagon to Salamence, I know the challenges."
"You'd do that?"
"For a breeder with your potential? Absolutely. Consider it investment in the community's future." Roxanne saved the scan data to a drive, handed it to Miyuki. "Complete health profile for your records. And Miyuki, don't doubt yourself. You found this egg, took responsibility, maintained optimal care during travel. You're already succeeding where most would fail."
They returned Ryu to the breeding suite, now with comprehensive data on his species and development timeline. Miyuki moved with new awareness, no longer just caring for an unknown egg, but preparing for a Bagon. The responsibility had crystallized into something concrete.
Back at the convention, Roxanne introduced Miyuki to other prominent breeders. Each conversation built Miyuki's network, added contacts who could provide expertise and support. By late afternoon, her tablet contained dozens of new professional connections.
Sasuke watched it all from his supportive position. Watched Miyuki transform from nervous student to confident researcher. Watched her discuss complex genetic theories with people decades her senior. Watched her eyes light up when sharing her passion for Pokemon care and development.
And somewhere in that watching, something shifted in his chest.
He'd always known Miyuki was intelligent, that was obvious from their first conversations. Beautiful too, though he'd tried not to focus on that. But seeing her in her element, speaking with authority about breeding theory, demonstrating expertise that earned professionals' respect, it hit differently.
This wasn't just academic knowledge. This was calling. Purpose. The same intensity he felt when cooking or battling, but directed toward caring for Pokemon at their most vulnerable. Creating optimal conditions for life to flourish.
She was remarkable. And he was developing feelings that went well beyond friendship.
The realization was inconvenient. They were traveling together, living in close quarters, pursuing individual goals that required focus. Romance would complicate everything. Create tensions within the group dynamic. Risk the comfortable partnership they'd built.
He couldn't afford these feelings. Wouldn't act on them.
Push it down. Focus on the gym battle. Keep things professional and friendly.
But watching Miyuki laugh at something Roxanne said, silver hair catching the light, golden eyes bright with joy, pushing down became harder.
"You're staring," Kiyomi's voice said beside him.
Sasuke jerked, hadn't heard her approach. "I'm observing. There's a difference."
"Sure. And I'm just casually noticing that you've been 'observing' Miyuki for the past ten minutes with an expression that's definitely not platonic." Kiyomi smiled slightly. "It's fine. She looks at you the same way when you're cooking."
"Don't."
"Oh? Don't what? Acknowledge obvious mutual attraction? That seems counterproductive."
"We're traveling together. Complicating that with romance is a bad idea."
"Or it's inevitable and you're just delaying the awkward conversation." Kiyomi shrugged. "Your choice. But for what it's worth, you two would be good together. Shared values, complementary skills, genuine respect. Better foundation than most relationships."
She walked away before Sasuke could respond, leaving him with thoughts he didn't want to examine.
The convention wrapped up at six PM. Miyuki had a bag full of information packets, a tablet full of contacts, and a confidence Sasuke had never seen in her before. She practically glowed with professional accomplishment.
"That was incredible," she said as they walked back to the Pokemon Center. "Roxanne offered mentorship. Takeo wants me to present next year. I have consultation contacts for every breeding challenge I might encounter. This exceeded every expectation."
"You earned it," Sasuke said. "You impressed professionals with decades of experience. That's not luck, that's skill."
She looked at him, and something passed between them. Gratitude, maybe. Recognition. Or something deeper that neither was ready to name.
"Thank you for coming with me," Miyuki said quietly. "I wouldn't have had the courage to go alone."
"You would have. But I'm glad I was there."
They walked in comfortable silence. Around them, Pewter City continued its evening routine, miners heading home, trainers pursuing their goals, life moving forward in its inexorable way.
At the Pokemon Center, they found Kasumi and Kiyomi in the suite's common area. Kasumi had berry samples spread across the table, organizing her latest acquisitions. Kiyomi typed on her laptop, still processing temple documentation.
"How was it?" Kasumi asked.
Miyuki launched into an animated recap, every conversation, every contact made, the Bagon revelation. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Even Kiyomi stopped typing to listen.
"Bagon," Kasumi repeated. "That's huge. Those evolve into Salamence, Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendaries. You're going to have a powerhouse."
"If I don't mess up the raising process," Miyuki said, anxiety creeping back in. "Bagon are notoriously difficult. Aggressive, destructive, constantly trying to fly despite lacking wings. Many breeders fail."
"You won't fail," Kiyomi said with certainty. "You've already succeeded at the hardest part, taking responsibility for unknown life. Everything else is just application of knowledge you already have."
They made dinner together, Sasuke cooking, others providing assistance. The domestic routine had become comfortable, natural. This suite felt more like home than any hotel room had right to.
After eating, Miyuki returned to the breeding suite to check on Ryu. Sasuke found himself following, drawn by concern he couldn't quite justify.
She sat beside the incubation chamber, stylus moving across her tablet as she updated care protocols with information from the convention. The egg glowed faintly in its specialized lighting, scales catching every photon.
"Two to three weeks," Miyuki said without looking up. "Then everything changes. I'll be responsible for a living Bagon, aggressive, demanding, constantly testing boundaries. It's terrifying."
"You'll handle it." Sasuke leaned against the wall, watching her work. "You're the most capable person I know when it comes to Pokemon care. That Bagon will be lucky to have you."
She finally looked at him, expression soft. "You really believe that?"
"I've watched you treat injuries, manage complex medical cases, maintain perfect health in your team during travel. Yes, I believe it."
"Thank you." She returned to her tablet, but a small smile lingered. "One more thing to balance, gym battles, contests, research, and now raising a pseudo-legendary from hatching. This journey keeps getting more complicated."
"Complicated keeps it interesting."
They sat in compatible silence, the breeding suite's ambient noise providing background. Miyuki worked on her protocols. Sasuke mentally prepared for his gym battle tomorrow, just one day away now. But part of his mind stayed focused on her, on the quiet competence she demonstrated, on feelings he was trying very hard to ignore.
Two to three weeks until the egg hatched. And his first real gym challenge was approaching.
Everything was converging, building toward moments that would define their journey. Sasuke just hoped he could keep his emotions in check long enough to navigate what came next.