Repairs to the flagship were nearly complete. While Ye Li stalled for time, Team Rocket's Engineering Corps had repaired the flagship's damaged engines and hull with astonishing efficiency. The vast fleet began regrouping in the waters around the island, its dark gun barrels aimed toward the Pokémon League, poised to provide support at any moment and fight if necessary.
Inside the canyon, the atmosphere remained tense.
Ye Li stood alone before the two members of the Pokémon League's Elite Four, without a trace of fear on his face. He knew this was not the time for a contest of strength, but a battle of wits.
"Gentlemen," Ye Li took the two orbs from his pocket, still radiating powerful energy fluctuations-the Thunder Orb and the Fire Orb.
"I imagine you understand the value of these two objects better than I do." He held the orbs in his palm, his voice calm. "They are the key to maintaining the balance of the Legendary Birds' powers. If I detonate them here..."
He left the sentence unfinished, but the threat was clear.
Bruno's expression darkened. He was about to speak when Lance raised a hand to stop him.
"What do you want?" Lance looked at Ye Li, a complicated light flickering in his golden eyes.
"It's simple." A confident smile curled Ye Li's lips. "A 'Ceasefire Agreement.'"
He laid out his terms. Both sides would repair their damaged fleets, then leave these waters at the same time, without interfering with each other. Until the incident in the Orange Islands was completely resolved, the Pokémon League was not to pursue or harass Team Rocket's fleet in any way.
"What makes you think we'll agree?" Bruno snorted.
"This." Ye Li shook the orbs in his hand. "And the fact that you don't want to see the