"Mr. Feng Che's Pokémon are truly impressive. Next is you, Gyarados!" Red called out, releasing the Gyarados that Misty had lent him.
"Red, don't forget, Mr. Feng Che only agreed to one more match," Blue snorted from the sidelines.
"Sorry about that, Mr. Feng Che. I got a bit carried away," Red said sheepishly. Just as he was about to recall the dragon, Feng Che shook his head.
"Since you've already brought him out, let's have one more round. Ivysaur, you're up again. Consider this more experience."
Ivysaur nodded. A pale green light radiated from its body as soft grass sprouted beneath its feet. A golden glow then enveloped it, rapidly knitting together the frostbite sustained from the previous battle with Poliwrath. In moments, it was back in peak condition.
"Gyarados, use Hydro Pump!"
A high-pressure jet of water erupted from Gyarados's maw. "This is my refined version! It can grind boulders to dust and even suppress Grass-types with sheer force!" Red boasted as the blast carved deep grooves into the dirt.
"Ivysaur, use Razor Leaf to slice through the pressure!"
Ivysaur unleashed a barrage of crescent-shaped leaves that acted like high-speed saws, dispersing the heavy water jet into harmless mist.
"Gyarados, Aqua Tail!" Red shouted.
However, Red hadn't noticed that while Ivysaur was launching leaves, its vines had quietly burrowed into the earth. By the time Red realized the strategy, sixteen vines had already burst from the ground, binding Gyarados tightly.
"I didn't account for an underground strike... I was waiting to use Hyper Beam!" Red lamented.
Ivysaur used Giga Drain. Gyarados felt its energy siphoned away until it collapsed with a heavy thud.
"Good match, Red. Feel free to come by for a spar anytime—provided I'm actually at the Breeding Center," Feng Che smiled.
Indigo Plateau: Flame Tunnel
Following Moltres's capture, the League personnel had fully retreated. Deep in the nest, where magma still surged despite its master's absence, a pair of eyes snapped open. Torracat stood up, its spirit revitalized as it flexed its razor-sharp claws.
The newly evolved Pokémon poked its head out of the lava. Seeing the coast was clear, it scrambled out of the crater and sprinted along the volcanic ridges until it reached a figure in a black cloak and a smiling mask.
"Torracat, I'm here for you. You've grown quite a bit," Feng Che said.
Torracat let out a low, vibrating purr. It was larger and more muscular than it had been as a Litten, with a fierce gaze and a bell-like organ at its neck—its "flame sac." The temperature of this bell rose with its emotions, ringing out as it spat fire.
Pokémon: Torracat Potential: Legendary (Deep Cyan) Level: 38 Skills: Flare Blitz, Shadow Claw, Fake Out, Will-O-Wisp, Flame of Life... Evaluation: It has mastered a simplified version of the "Flame of Life," allowing it to use fire to mend its own wounds, granting it superior endurance.
"Let's get stronger together," Feng Che said, extending a hand. Torracat placed a paw firmly in his palm.
"We're heading to the Unova Region next. I just got word from the Bounty Hunter's Guild that a high-potential Deino has appeared in the Village of Dragons. We'll make it our newest partner."
Vermilion City Docks
Captain Shizukawa of the Team Rocket fleet was waiting at the pier.
"Boss, is it that Elite again? Why the sudden trip to Unova?" Hanabi grumbled, shivering in the cold wind.
"Leader Giovanni's orders. Don't screw this up; I've worked hard to build rapport with him," Shizukawa barked.
Feng Che arrived shortly after. "Elite Feng Che, I am Shizukawa. I'll be your captain for the Unova crossing. It's a long journey across the open sea."
"I understand. Let's set sail." Feng Che knew the water route was chosen to keep his identity hidden from League investigators.
"Elite, I have three ironclad rules for this voyage," Shizukawa said solemnly.
"Go ahead."
"First: On this boat, regardless of your rank, I am the Captain. You follow my orders for the sake of our safety. Second: The sea is lethal—reefs, storms, and wild Pokémon attacks are constant. If we are in a dangerous corridor, I will not stop the ship for you to catch rare Pokémon. I won't risk 'shipwreck and death' for a single error. Third: If we are attacked by wild Pokémon, I expect you to provide combat support."
"Fair enough," Feng Che nodded. "I'm a landlubber; I'll defer to your expertise at sea."
Shizukawa gestured toward the speedboat—a Wingull Q20-C30 model. "I've prepared a private ten-square-meter cabin for you. Hanabi and I will rotate shifts in the cockpit."
Inside the common room, a massive nautical chart hung on the wall. "We're leaving Vermilion Port for Driftveil City in Unova—the region's largest trade hub. With luck, we'll arrive in ten days. If the weather or Pokémon turn foul, it could take two weeks. We'll pass through waters known for waterspouts, Sharpedo breeding grounds, and the 'Ghost Sea' haunted by Jellicent. We'll also make a brief supply stop in Hoenn."
Shizukawa looked at the darkening sky. "A storm is brewing. If you aren't in a rush, we'll wait for the front to pass before we head out. You should rest in your cabin."
Feng Che looked out at the ink-black clouds and the lightning striking the waves like jagged swords. "Agreed."
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