Facing an Elite Four

"George? George? Come in, please respond!"

"..."

Sato stared at the unresponsive walkie-talkie in silence for two seconds, then rose and headed outside.

"Gym Leader Sato!" Bassho hurried over, stopping Sato as he was about to go out and search for George.

"I won't stop you from looking for your partner, but Olivine City truly needs your help. Please... come back as quickly as you can."

After saying that, Bassho disregarded everyone else's attempts to stop him and bowed deeply to Sato.

At that moment, many of Olivine City's local Trainers were full of shame.

In the end, they needed someone else's strength to protect their own home.

"I'll be back as soon as possible!"

Sato helped Bassho up and said nothing more. He would help Olivine City, but George's safety could not be compromised either.

"Sharpedo, west forest!"

"Shark!"

A blue stream of water streaked across the sky. Sharpedo was not a Flying-type Pokémon, but it was not at all slower than any real bird. With its Speed Boost Ability, it would only grow faster and faster.

When the lush forest was close at hand, Sato tilted his head and nudged the Ralts on his shoulder.

"Search for the psychic fluctuations left behind by Gallade's Teleport."

"Okay, Momo... over there!"

Sharpedo and Ralts worked in perfect coordination. The former focused on traveling while the latter focused on guiding the way. In the blink of an eye, they had already made seven or eight minor adjustments to their direction.

Sato knew very well that each adjustment meant Gallade had used Teleport once.

Moreover, every adjustment had only been slight, while their overall direction remained very clear. George had clearly discovered something and was moving forward with a specific goal in mind.

"Momo, I found him!"

Suddenly, Ralts lowered its head