The sixty-first day after leaving the Orange Islands, before dawn.
Bang—
The wooden door let out a piercing tearing sound under the violent impact. Years of accumulated dust showered down from the frame. Outside the window, the thick ink-black darkness had yet to fade. The moonlight at three in the morning was swallowed whole by heavy clouds, with only a few faint, cold rays seeping through the gaps.
Yu Hai jolted up from his bedroll at the sound, his knee smashing into the icy floor as a dull ache instantly spread through it.
Suppressing his discomfort, he rubbed his knee and looked up to see Xiao Feng leaning against the doorframe, gasping violently. Fine beads of sweat covered the youngster's pale face, while droplets of dew clung to the shoulders of his windbreaker, trembling slightly with every breath.
"Boss, that guy exposed his own whereabouts and attacked the Bounty Hunters nearby. They're heading for Seafoam Islands." Xiao Feng's voice was hoarse as sandpaper. His cracked lips moved slightly; he clearly had not had water in a long time.
He braced both hands against the doorframe, struggling to steady his ragged breathing. His back teeth ground together as anxiety filled his voice. "I saw him circling around the Sailor Tavern at the harbor and the Gyarados Tavern. He lured away a huge group of Bounty Hunters. I've already sent Flygon to follow him."
Yu Hai's pupils contracted. Team Rocket really made their move. He swiftly reached for the Poké Balls fastened at his waist, rolled to his feet, and grabbed the black Stab-proof Vest beside him, slipping it on with practiced efficiency. "Call A Long. Go pick him up at the foot of the mountain. We'll meet near the Cinnabar Research Institute."
Watching Xiao Feng ride Fearow toward the foot of