"Cough! Cough, cough, cough!!"
"Zoro~"
Deep within the dense forest, a black shadow flashed past at high speed. Even the most alert Hoothoot Completely Did Not notice it.
Only when the suppressed coughing finally rang out did it Startle a brief disturbance in the woods.
"I'm fine. Keep heading west."
Sato patted the Zoroark below its body, Indicating that it should continue fleeing.
Zoroark looked at the bloodstains lingering at the corner of Sato's mouth. Its heart was full of fury and hatred, and it wished it could turn back immediately and tear the four Team Rocket members to pieces.
But soon, Zoroark lowered its head and continued fleeing west with Sato on its back without looking back.
They could not return to Ecruteak City. The strongest fighter there was Sato himself; going back would only mean catching a turtle in a jar.
The depths of the dense forest were the best place for Sato to escape—or even counterattack.
At Azalea Gym, the Old Gym Leader listened to the sounds gradually dying down, a faint unease rising within him.
Just then, a heavy knock came from the gym's main entrance.
Dong dong!
Dong dong dong! "Master..."
"Don't make a sound!"
The Old Gym Leader stopped Bugsy, who hesitated to speak, and stared gravely at the main entrance.
It felt as though a century had passed, yet also as though it had only been a Second.
The Old Gym Leader gently patted Bugsy's head, then walked to the entrance step by step.
Creeeak~~~
The old wooden door let out an unpleasant scraping sound, especially conspicuous in the silent night.
Si'nan, covered in injuries, burst into the Gym in a single leap while supporting the unconscious Sosuke.
The Old Gym Leader Did Not stop him. Instead, he steadily shut the door,