Howling winds swept across the coast as dark clouds blanketed the sky. Flags at the Old Shore Wharf snapped violently in the gale.
When Ash and his companions arrived, the dock was already packed with restless trainers, all staring toward the raging sea ahead.
"Everyone, I'm truly sorry!" A woman in a captain's uniform stood on an elevated platform at the pier, her expression serious as she made the announcement. "Due to abnormal weather conditions, all departures to New Island are temporarily suspended! I am the port manager, Miranda. I must ensure the safety of every passenger and Pokémon!"
A wave of disappointed complaints immediately spread through the crowd.
One trainer pointed unwillingly toward the sea. "But this storm came out of nowhere! The weather forecast clearly said today would be sunny!"
Just then, Officer Jenny rode up to the pier on her motorcycle. Her expression was equally grave.
"Manager Miranda is right. The Maritime Safety Authority has issued an alert. There are abnormal energy fluctuations in these waters. Setting sail right now would be extremely dangerous."
Ash's Aura senses quickly confirmed that this sudden storm was indeed unusual.
Within the violent winds and waves was a powerful psychic force, clearly emanating from the direction of New Island.
This only made him more certain that something extraordinary was happening there.
'So Mewtwo's power is already strong enough to influence the weather…' Ash murmured quietly.
Just as everyone was at a loss for what to do, several impatient trainers made a bold decision.
A trainer wearing red released a Blastoise and leapt onto its shell.
"If there's no ship, then we'll have our Pokémon carry us across!"
The suggestion immediately caught on.
Trainers began releasing their Water-type Pokémon one after another: Kingler, Goldeen, Seadra…
In an instant, the pier flashed with the light of Poké Balls.
Riding atop their Pokémon, they bravely charged into the roaring waves.
"Wait! That's too dangerous!" Miranda shouted anxiously, but the trainers had already disappeared into the stormy sea.
Misty watched them leave with worry in her eyes. "Do you think they'll make it there safely?"
Brock shook his head. "The waves are too rough. Even Water-type Pokémon would struggle to travel such a long distance in this kind of weather."
Just as Ash was thinking of a solution, a shabby little boat slowly approached the pier.
An old fisherman on board wore a wide hat pulled low over his face. In a hoarse voice, he called out, "Heading to New Island? My boat can take you there. Fair price."
Ash's Aura sense immediately saw through the disguise.
That so-called "old fisherman" was clearly James. In the cabin, he could also sense the presence of Jessie and Meowth.
Ash sighed inwardly. Team Rocket really was impossible to shake off.
"Thank you for the offer," Ash replied politely but firmly. "But we already have another way."
After the boat left reluctantly, Misty asked in confusion, "Ash, why did you refuse that old man?"
"Because he wasn't an old man at all," Ash said with a slight smile. "That was Team Rocket in disguise. I'm guessing they planned to cause trouble halfway through the trip."
Brock suddenly understood. "So that's it! Then what should we do now?"
Ash glanced around and his gaze landed on a pile of supplies stacked at the dock. An idea flashed through his mind.
"If there's no ship available, we'll just build one ourselves!"
Once the decision was made, they immediately got to work.
Ash gathered several empty oil drums and wooden planks and began assembling them with Brock's help.
Meanwhile, Misty was responsible for collecting ropes and other tools.
Pikachu also used its electrical skills like a welder, carefully controlling the voltage at a safe level to help secure the structure.
"Are we building a raft?" Misty asked as she handed over tools.
"Not exactly," Ash replied with a mysterious smile. "What we're building is a Pokémon-powered boat."
After more than an hour of busy work, a peculiar watercraft was finally completed. It had a wooden main structure, with oil barrels fixed along both sides to provide buoyancy. Most notably, three towing positions had been designed at the stern.
Ash released three Pokémon: Wartortle, Starmie, and Dratini.
He carefully tied specially made towing ropes to each of them. Wartortle would provide the main propulsion, using its Water-type moves to generate steady thrust. Starmie would use its flexible body to control direction. As for Dratini, although it had not evolved yet, its natural Dragon-type power could provide explosive bursts of acceleration when needed.
"This design is brilliant!" Brock exclaimed admiringly. "It makes full use of each Pokémon's unique traits."
Miranda and Officer Jenny were also drawn by the unusual creation and came over to watch.
Miranda couldn't help reminding them, "Even though it's creative, the sea is still very dangerous. You must be careful!"
The three of them boarded their homemade "Pokémon-powered boat." Standing at the bow, Ash gave commands.
"Wartortle, use Water Gun for propulsion! Starmie, maintain balance! Dratini, stay ready!"
The boat slowly departed from the pier. At first it wobbled slightly, but it soon stabilized.
Wartortle's powerful streams of water pushed the boat forward through the waves. Starmie precisely controlled the direction, while Dratini remained on standby nearby.
The waves were indeed huge, but with the coordination of the three Water-type Pokémon, the small boat steadily advanced toward New Island.
Along the way, they even passed several trainers riding on their Pokémon. Those relying on a single Pokémon were clearly struggling against the towering waves.
"Ash, your commands are incredibly precise!" Misty said with admiration. "Each Pokémon is positioned exactly where it can use its strengths best."
Brock nodded in agreement. "Only a trainer who truly understands their Pokémon could pull this off."
After about an hour of sailing, the outline of New Island gradually became visible through the mist.
It was an island enveloped in an eerie atmosphere. A castle stood upon it, faintly visible beneath dark clouds, giving off an ominous feeling.
Just as they were about to reach the shore, Dratini suddenly let out a warning cry.
Ash's Aura also sensed danger.
Something was rapidly approaching from beneath the water.
"Watch out!" Ash shouted.
A submarine suddenly burst out of the sea. It was Team Rocket's Meowth-shaped submarine. Jessie and James stood proudly on the platform, looking down at them with smug expressions.
"Ha ha ha! Bet you didn't expect this, twerp!" Jessie laughed. "We already figured you'd find your own way here!"
James added, "Hand over all your Pokémon! Especially that Dratini!"
But before Team Rocket could launch their attack, a powerful psychic wave suddenly erupted from the island.
Everyone felt dizzy for a moment, and Team Rocket's submarine began to shake violently.
"What's going on, meow?!" Meowth cried out in panic inside the submarine.
Ash endured the discomfort and looked toward the castle.
He could feel it clearly.
It was Mewtwo sending out a warning. It did not like anyone fighting within its territory.
*