Now that the rankings had been released, everyone knew their opponents. At this moment, the grassland was no longer as harmonious as before.
Because many teams had already developed situations where members within the same team were actually opponents, the so-called "teams" collapsed at this moment. Many people were now extremely diligent, continuously training with their Pokémon.
What they hoped for in their hearts was only that the day of battle would arrive a little later.
But the situation was indeed like that.
Raven stood by the seaside every day, looking into the distance, but each day he returned to the camp disappointed. The island's supplies were about to run out. If the ship transporting supplies still did not arrive by then, not only these children, but even Raven and his subordinates would be forced to go into the forest to eat Berries.
---◓---
As a week passed, there was still no sign of any ship.
"Boss, what is going on at headquarters this time? In the past, the half-year shipment always arrived early. Even if the sea conditions were bad, it would at most be delayed by three days. Now a whole week has already passed, why has it still not arrived? The island's food is running low," One of Raven's subordinates began to worry.
Raven was naturally also full of concern, but aside from waiting, there was nothing he could do. To put it plainly, "Admins" like Raven were the most frustrated and helpless, because on such islands, information was completely cut off from the outside headquarters.
Such remote islands could not possibly have communication signals. Of course, even if it were possible, the Shadow Team would not install signal towers to contact the outside world because of the shady dealings they were involved in. No one could guarantee that someone would not transmit information to the outside.
All five "island-admins" like Raven only had a chance for promotion once every three years based on performance. Only after being promoted to the main island's island master would they have one opportunity each year to return to the mainland headquarters. Even then, information on the island was still cut off from the outside world.
After a week, many people had already run out of food and were forced to return to the forest to search for food. Tetsuya's food had already been consumed as well, and he had to search for Berries every day to fill his stomach. Although he still had four Houndour registered with the Shadow Team, it was impossible to exchange them for food now, because even the Shadow Team itself was running out of provisions.
Many people had already started fighting over food, and the situation was becoming uncontrollable. The panic caused by lack of food was growing more and more intense.
Faced with such a situation, Raven also had no solution. The fact that no one had rushed into the Shadow Team camp to snatch food was already considered good. Of course, Raven's strength meant he did not take these gakis seriously at all.
---◓---
On this day, Tetsuya once again went into the forest to search for food.
Things were not easy for him either. Piloswine had a big appetite, and food was about to run out. One Gloom could not provide enough nectar for Beedrill. Although there was still quite a bit of inferior nectar left, Beedrill could only barely consume it each day.
If this continued, it would not work. He himself could endure, but the Pokémon's nutrition was the key.
Tetsuya led Beedrill to kill a Stantler and wanted to enjoy it alone here, but he was worried about missing the arrival time of the ship. Bringing it back to the grassland would naturally cause a scramble. With only two fists, he could not fight four hands, and he would definitely not be able to keep much of the Stantler.
So Tetsuya simply sliced the entire Stantler, cut off the four largest legs with the most meat, hung them on Piloswine, and placed the rest on a wooden board for Piloswine to carry back.
Sure enough, as soon as Tetsuya appeared within everyone's line of sight, he was targeted.
Now most of these people were only eating one meal a day, including their Pokémon, which were already starving. Meat was something they had not eaten for a long time.
Gradually, more and more people gathered around, and Tetsuya was already surrounded.
No one spoke, but their intentions were very clear. As long as one person made the first move, the meat would be snatched clean in an instant.
Tetsuya understood these people's mentality very clearly. The reason they did not rush to grab his food immediately was because no one wanted to be the first "villain". When one person stepped forward to snatch it, those behind would naturally think that only that one person was the villain.
The so-called "villain mentality" was just self-comfort. In fact, their nature was no different from the first person who robbed.
Tetsuya said, "This forest can feed all of you for ten years without any problem. If you want to eat your fill, go hunt for yourselves."
Of course, these words could not possibly disperse the crowd, but they already had thoughts in their minds. There were still many things they could eat. Tetsuya saying this was only to prevent them from taking everything from him.
After saying this, Tetsuya removed the rope of the wooden board from Piloswine. On the board was the Stantler with its limbs cut off.
"Divide this meat among yourselves."
After Tetsuya finished speaking, everyone rushed toward the wooden board, and only then was Tetsuya able to leave safely.
After leaving, Tetsuya was directly stopped by the four people from Cherrygrove City. They said, "Umm, Tetsuya, we have pans and seasonings. How about we work together to cook?"
Tetsuya looked at the four people, all of whom were constantly swallowing their saliva. He was also too lazy to cook himself.
"Alright."
After Tetsuya finished speaking, the four people pushed him toward their tent. Hunger made even the former Cherrygrove team leader no longer look at Tetsuya coldly.
---◓---
In the following days, many people formed hunting teams, and many Pokémon became food. This made even the Shadow Team members drool.
After another three days passed, even the Shadow Team members went out to hunt. It seemed their food had also run out.
However, their Mightyena were very powerful, often killing a Tauros or a Stantler with a single bite. Such power made others even more wary of them. Whenever people encountered areas where Shadow Team members were hunting, they would take a detour.
Tetsuya also secretly observed their level. It was almost the same as the two Shadow Team members who had once hunted him down. He could hardly defeat even one member now, let alone Raven. He could only withdraw quietly. Improving his own strength was the most important thing at present…
---◓---
After waiting another week, the familiar huge ship finally appeared on the distant sea.
At this moment, many people did not know whether to feel happy or sad. Their arrival meant that many people would be "taken away".
Although they would be sold after being taken out, and perhaps with some luck might live better than here, it would still be a life without light. Moreover, in their understanding, they would be taken out to the sea to feed Sharpedo.
Naturally, the happiest ones were Raven and the Shadow Team members. They had waited for half a month before it finally arrived. If it had not come, it would probably have triggered a major chaos.
Gradually, the ship docked.
Kurusaki Sō, still the same person who had escorted them here at the beginning, but this time he looked listless. He even needed to hold onto the railing to disembark. Not only him, but everyone else was like this, all appearing dispirited.
Seeing their state, Tetsuya felt it was very familiar…