The weather was clear, and the breeze was gentle.
After mooching food and drinks off the true protagonist, the Team Rocket Trio, Fang Yuan ran over to mooch food and drinks off the false protagonist, Ash and his group.
At Ash's invitation, Fang Yuan unceremoniously sat down, picked up a freshly delivered glass of orange juice, and began drinking.
Eevee also leaped down from Fang Yuan's shoulder and ran over to Pikachu and the others to sample their food.
Although it had already eaten its fill earlier, the special food Brock had made for Ash's Pokémon looked pretty good, so Eevee reluctantly sampled several bowls.
Pikachu: QAQ
"Big Brother Fang Yuan, why are you in the Orange Archipelago? Weren't you going to participate in some Pokémon Championships?"
Ash's form of address for Fang Yuan had changed from the unfamiliar "Mr. Fang Yuan" to "Big Brother Fang Yuan."
"The Pokémon World Championships don't have a fixed competition venue. My next battle will be in the Orange Archipelago."
Fang Yuan set down his orange juice and smiled at the three of them.
"Really? When is it? I'll definitely go watch!"
Ash's eyes lit up.
"Sure. Three days from now, on Citrus Island. If you have time, come take a look." Fang Yuan nodded.
"Uh... we should have time, right?" Ash looked toward Misty and Brock.
"We don't care. Either way, we're just accompanying you to challenge Gyms." Misty turned her head, too lazy to look at Ash.
"Mm... oh..." Brock was still looking down at a poster.
"Brock... what are you looking at?" Seeing how distracted Brock was, Ash asked unhappily.
"Hehe, this." Brock held up the poster. "A lecture and Public Demonstration Battle by Elite Four member Ms. Lorelei!!"
"It's on this island, and it's this afternoon."
"Ah, I really want