Since they had confirmed that there really was a Pokémon Gym belonging to the Orange League on Navel Island, and it wasn't very far away, and since Annie didn't have any particular plans lately, she readily agreed to Misty's request and went with the three of them to the so-called Navel Island.
Of course, going along didn't mean Annie would squeeze in with the other three on that giant turtle shell and cross the ocean. She simply released Mew and had it carry the three of them, along with that electric mouse, Pikachu. Then she flew with them to Navel Island, home to a towering volcano, in just a few minutes.
However, Annie and the others—Misty, Ash, and Tracey—were all perplexed when they arrived. Navel Island was eerily quiet, and all the houses were empty, as if the island were deserted.
Fortunately, before the three of them could recover and figure out what had happened on Navel Island, a triangular-sailed speedboat came racing toward them. Its passenger, a man who introduced himself as "Danny," hopped off, introduced himself, and cheerfully volunteered to guide them. Before long, they had all reached the entrance to Navel Island's Pokémon Gym.
Unfortunately, once they opened the door, they found the Gym was just as eerily silent as the town. It looked as if there wasn't a soul inside.
Thankfully, a sign stood beside the mountain path leading to the summit. It read:
``` [NOTICE]
Welcome, challengers, to the Navel Island Gym!
The rules of this Gym are as follows: challengers must first climb the mountain trail to the summit to test their physical fitness and perseverance. Only then will they qualify for the next stage of the challenge.
Note: Challengers must rely solely on their own strength while climbing. If they receive any assistance