The 118th day after leaving the Orange Islands, cloudy.
Pewter City, four days after A Long returned.
Last night, the three of them went to a restaurant for another meal. Steaming dishes, a few cups of lightly fragrant wine—they savored the gourmet food and chatted freely. That meal served as their farewell.
This morning, sunlight gently spilled across the roof of the Pokémon Center. Yu Hai got up early and, after letting his Pokémon have a simple breakfast, led them out of the Pokémon Center.
He wore lightweight outdoor gear, puncture-resistant trousers with torn patches, and hiking boots. He looked quite spirited, with the imposing Lucario and the elegant, charming Umbreon at his side as he headed out of the city to meet A Long.
After discussing it last night, the two planned to head to Binu. From there, they could take a ship to the Johto Region. Binu Beach was not far from Pallet Town; Ash's family often walked to Binu Beach to surf, so it was quite close to Pallet Town.
He felt there was no need to visit Pallet Town. Ash might have already set off for the Johto Region, and even if he went, he would have a hard time finding Ash. It would be better to head straight for Johto now. Perhaps he might run into Ash and the others on the road.
Ash's trio in the Johto Region was still the original group—Ash, Xiao Xia, and Brock. Brock truly was a personal nanny, faithfully taking care of Ash all along. He was simply born to work himself to the bone.
Before long, Yu Hai arrived outside the city. After exchanging a glance with A Long, they released their Flying-type Pokémon, swiftly mounted their backs, and prepared to bypass Viridian City once again. They would