Outside Pewter Gym.
Two Legendary Pokémon faced off across an open stretch of ground.
Raikou looked hostile, unable to hide the anger on his face. Lightning swirled around his body; anyone could tell at a glance that the fury within this Pokémon was burning fiercely.
Across from him, Fire Emperor frowned with a dignified expression but said nothing.
Brock, who could not understand Pokémon speech, only felt that something was wrong with the atmosphere.
He looked at the Raikou who had suddenly appeared, then at Dongshu and Fire Emperor beside him.
"What is—"
Fire Emperor ignored Brock. He stared directly at Raikou and said, "You came too early. Little One and I have been traveling from Heavenly Green Mountain for less than a week, yet you already wanted to take my place. But, Raikou, have you considered what choice you would make if you were in my position?"
Hearing this, Raikou fell silent, and the anger burning around him gradually subsided.
Fire Emperor was right. If it had been him, he likely would have detoured without hesitation as well.
But—
"You should not have deliberately taken a longer route just to avoid me." Raikou snorted coldly.
Fire Emperor said, "In that case, when you are the one accompanying Little One, I will wait for you ahead as well."
Only then did Dongshu finally understand why Fire Emperor had led him down another path back in Tokiwa Forest.
"Um..." Dongshu spoke up.
The two big cats immediately turned their gazes toward him.
Watching Fire Emperor and Raikou argue over him felt rather strange to Dongshu, so he hurriedly drew their attention to himself.
"Since Second Dad is here too, let's all take a look around Pewter City together!"
S-Second Dad?! Brock's narrowed eyes flew wide open, his face filled with disbelief.