On the first day of heading to Sinnoh, Xiao Yu.
On the fourth day after setting out from Mikan Island, he arrived at Mandarin Island, intending to discuss with Blaine how to retrieve Darkrai.
Given his current strength, Darkrai's help was optional, but he still had to lay everything on the table. With near-Champion strength, he had enough standing to demand Darkrai from the League.
When he arrived at Cinnabar Gym on Mandarin Island, it had been rebuilt into a hot spring inn. Even without a volcano, Mandarin Island could still have hot springs, and that was thanks to Blaine's Magmar.
No matter where Magmar stayed, its high temperature could turn the place into a hot spring. With its own heat alone, Magmar could melt the ground into lava, naturally heating the water in the springs.
Xiao Feng received him. Ever since Xiao Feng and Xiao Mai arrived, Blaine rarely conducted Gym Battles. He barely even needed to manage the Gym anymore, as the two young apprentices handled most of it.
"Boss, why are you here?" Xiao Feng was startled when he saw Yu Hai standing at the Gym entrance. The word "boss" nearly slipped out as a shout, but he still lowered his voice.
"I came to see Blaine about something. Where is he?" Yu Hai walked into the Gym as if he were returning home, showing no hint of restraint.
"Blaine's at the research institute. I'll take you there." Xiao Feng led Yu Hai outside to a research institute near the city and explained why Blaine was there. "The Cinnabar Research Institute moved here too. Blaine has been at the institute lately..."
"Alright, I'll go in myself." Yu Hai registered his identity at the institute entrance. The security staff recognized him, so he entered easily and, following a