Team Rocket's expeditionary fleet slipped silently into the tropical waters of the Orange Islands like black ghosts under cover of night.
Under Ye Li's command, the enormous fleet did not blunder aimlessly through the vast archipelago. Relying on the incredibly clear game map from his previous life in his mind, he charted the safest and most efficient course for the fleet with practiced ease.
They perfectly avoided every dangerous reef, treacherous current, and island inhabited by powerful wild Pokémon.
The fleet sailed straight to their first destination-Fire Island.
True to its name, the island had an active volcano at its center, where fierce Sacred Fire burned all year round. Even the air carried a scorching, sulfurous smell.
However, when Apollo led the landing party toward the island's center to retrieve the so-called "Fire Orb," they encountered an unexpected obstacle.
The island's guardian was a plain-looking, short old woman with an exceptionally fiery temper. Holding a cane polished from volcanic rock, she alone stood before all the Team Rocket members, as immovable as a mountain.
"This is the sacred ground where the god of fire sleeps! Mortals with wicked intentions such as yourselves will not be allowed to desecrate it!" The old woman's voice brimmed with explosive force, just like the volcano behind her.
"Old hag, you'd better get out of the way!" Apollo's patience quickly wore thin. Behind him, Houndoom had already bared sharp fangs, a dangerous growl rumbling in the Pokémon's throat. "Otherwise, don't blame us for getting rough!"
Just as Apollo was about to order his forces to clear the way by force.
"Stop."
Ye Li slowly stepped out from the rear of the group. He stopped Apollo's rash action and walked alone up to the hot-tempered old woman.
"Please calm down, ma'am." Ye Li wore an expression