Binu Beach, an hour's drive from Pallet Town, was the townspeople's favorite seaside vacation spot.
Sunshine, sand, beautiful women in bikinis-calling it a tropical paradise was no exaggeration.
Ash, who had originally planned to do some serious training, had come to Binu on an errand from Professor Oak to find Professor Nishinomori.
That was right-the Pokédex writer who had secured a huge chunk of Pokémon League funding by freeloading off online information and making things up!
Wherever the twerp went, the Team Rocket Trio naturally followed like shadows.
But as soon as the three arrived in Binu, the communicators in their pockets caught their attention.
"Meow! Executive Blue is nearby too!" Meowth exclaimed in surprise.
"Then should we go pay our respects first?" James suggested.
"Yeah, good idea." Jessie nodded in agreement.
The trio immediately scampered eagerly toward the signal...
A beach umbrella stood on the third-floor rooftop, where Gary and Uncle Giovanni faced each other, bare-chested, Gary wearing a pair of baggy shorts.
The two men lay on lounge chairs in sunglasses, enjoying the sun.
"Ah... only Binu's sunshine can soothe my wounded feelings over my headquarters being destroyed," Uncle Giovanni said wistfully.
"Ah... only Binu's sunshine can soothe my heart after being stood up," Gary echoed.
Three days earlier.
After dealing with Articuno, Gary had chosen not to catch it and had returned straight to Lorelei's home.
It wasn't that catching Articuno was beyond his means, just that the Ice-type Elite Four member offered better value~
Seeing Gary return in such a bedraggled state, Lorelei's gaze softened like water, and she gently hugged the young man who had come back to her.
"Lorelei..." Gary patted her back a little stiffly.
"Don't say anything... let me hold you. Just for a moment." Lorelei lowered her head and leaned against