New Island hung in the ocean like a solitary black chess piece, suspended between the churning, dark waters and the endless black sky.
At the heart of the island, Mewtwo sat upon a throne of stone, slowly opening its violet eyes.
A flickering image projected into the void before it.
The photo came from a miniature camera attached to a Fearow's neck, clearly showing Nawaki Senju's mischievous smile.
"It's you again!"
Mewtwo's psychic voice echoed coldly through the empty hall. "Your presence doesn't belong in this world. Who exactly are you?"
It sensed the energy within Nawaki, unlike any ordinary Pokémon attack a force that seemed to drip onto this world like alien paint on a blank canvas.
Mewtwo decided to personally "welcome" this unexpected visitor.
Shifting its focus, a vast psychic force extended skyward like an invisible giant hand, stirring the air.
The once overcast sky quickly thickened with dark clouds, hanging low as if about to crush the ocean below.
Winds howled, whipping up salty sea spray… A hurricane-like vortex formed rapidly, connecting earth and sky, circling New Island like a waking ancient sea beast.
Meanwhile, Nawaki Senju arrived at the only dock leading to New Island, accompanied by Ash, Misty, and Brock.
The dock teemed with people, coaches clutching invitations, faces lit with excitement.
But the scene before them doused their enthusiasm.
The sea was no longer a calm blue canvas; it had become a roiling abyss of black water and white foam.
Lightning cracked through the low-hanging clouds, rain fell in thick sheets, splashing across the dock and sea alike.
"Please remain calm!"
Officer Jenny, dressed in her uniform, stood on a raised platform, rain drenching her cap and coat. Her voice, amplified through a megaphone, carried with some distortion from the wind.
"Due to sudden extreme weather, a powerful hurricane has formed at sea. All ferries are suspended! For your safety, please wait until the storm passes!"
The dock manager, a graceful woman named Portia, added loudly, her pale skin gleaming in the rain:
"At sea, experience tells us to trust the seagulls' judgment. But now, you don't even need to ask them!"
She pointed toward the ocean, a hellish gateway of black waves. "The answer is right in front of you. It's too dangerous to sail now."
Yet fervor and curiosity often outweigh fear.
Trainers were born adventurers.
They grew restless; some Pokémon ignored warnings and prepared to deploy water-types to force their way across.
"My Kingler can handle it!"
"Compared to facing the strongest trainers, this storm is nothing!"
Officer Jenny's warnings and even threats of arrest failed to fully quell the unrest.
Portia sighed at the stubborn trainers. "See? That's just how they are. If they were easily convinced, they wouldn't have gathered here over a mysterious invitation."
Ash clutched his hat, staring at the churning sea, reluctant. "I can't give up. I have to reach New Island!"
Misty held Togepi, worry creasing her face. "But this weather…"
Brock analyzed calmly. "Even though our Pokémon Starmie and Squirtle are water-types, leading us through a storm this massive… it's impossible."
All three looked toward Nawaki Senju, the most mysterious among them.
Nawaki spread his hands, wearing an expression of helplessness. "Don't look at me. My partners… hmm, none of them are suited to guide us through this environment right now."
He quickly calculated the abilities of his Pokémon. Indeed, none were fit to confront the raw force of nature directly.
Just as everyone was at a loss, a decrepit little boat, barely larger than a barrel, rocked precariously through the waves.
Two figures stood on board, wearing simple raincoats and low-brimmed straw hats. At the bow hung a crude, goddess-like doll.
"Cough, cough, all trapped trainers!"
A man's deliberately lowered voice tried to sound honest. "Do you need a ride to that mysterious New Island?"
He forced his tone to resemble a trustworthy boatman.
Another voice, struggling, added, "Yes, yes! Don't let the small size of the boat fool you. It's sturdy! My siblings and I have navigated these waters for over ten years. This storm is nothing!"
She couldn't help but glance at the Pikachu on Ash's shoulder, a faint glimmer of greed in her eyes.
Ash eyed the tiny, fragile-looking boat and the suspicious "boatmen," distrust written across his face. "Can you really handle this?"
Misty frowned. "They seem so unreliable."
Brock stroked his chin, studying them. "Sailing in this weather would take immense skill and courage."
From a distance, Nawaki Senju crossed his arms, a faint smile on his lips.
His sharp observation had already seen through the poor disguise:
The woman's red hair, the younger man's flustered eyes, and the occasional twitch of Mewtwo's wooden doll whiskers at the bow.
"They're persistent," he thought, amused.
He didn't expose them, preferring to watch how things unfolded.
Seeing everyone hesitate, the Rocket duo worried their plan would fail. Mewtwo patted his chest, nearly tearing his cloak, proudly declaring:
"Don't worry! We grew up by the sea and know every current here! We guarantee safe passage to New Island!"
"Yes, yes!" Jessie added with urgency. "Our navigation skills are honed through countless real-life voyages. This storm is nothing!"
Perhaps it was the overwhelming desire to reach New Island, or maybe there was no better option. Ash and his friends exchanged glances and decided to take the risk.
As they stepped cautiously onto the rocking boat, the ocean seemed to rage at their arrogance.
A massive wave crashed down like a wall without warning.
"Waaah!"
The boat was thrown high and slammed down hard, groaning under the pressure.
Cold water poured like a waterfall, instantly washing away the fragile disguise of Team Rocket.
Straw hats flew, raincoats ripped.
Team Rocket's iconic white uniforms, with the bold red "R," were revealed.
The Mewtwo doll at the bow was washed away, revealing its true form Mewtwo himself!
Clinging to the bow, fur bristled in fear, he cried, "Help! We're sinking!"
"It's you Team Rocket!" Ash exclaimed, wiping water from his face, both shocked and angry.
"I knew you were up to no good!" Misty stomped, nearly tipping the boat again.
"I knew something would go wrong!" Brock realized.
With their identities exposed, Team Rocket no longer bothered with disguise. Jessie stubbornly demanded, "Since you've seen through us, hand over Pikachu…"
Before she could finish, an even larger wave struck the boat like a massive hand, threatening to crush all aboard into the abyss.
Bang!
The fragile boat couldn't withstand it, splintering into countless pieces, wood flying in all directions.
"Pikachu!" Ash instinctively held his Pokémon tightly as he fell into the water, letting go of Squirtle.
"Ash! Misty!" Brock surfaced first. Misty, plunging into the icy sea, threw a Poké Ball with all her strength. "Starmie!"
A flash of light, and Starmie rose from the waves, struggling to support its trainer.
"Where's Nawaki Senju?" Misty searched frantically, panic in her voice. "Nawaki! Where are you?!"
Ash, slightly calmer, directed his Pokémon. "Don't worry about that for now. Nawaki will manage! Squirtle, we can get through this storm!"
Together, the two Pokémon swam with unyielding determination, pushing toward a slightly calmer section of the storm, leading them toward New Island.
At that moment, on the water behind them, a completely different scene unfolded.
Nawaki Senju stood steadily atop the waves!
A precise chakra layer clung to the raging water beneath his feet, allowing him to walk as if on solid ground.
In his arms were Jessie and James, drenched, stunned, uniforms clinging tightly. Mewtwo clung to his back, eyes wide with terror like a frightened koala.
"We… we're saved?" Mewtwo muttered, staring at the waves that had swallowed their boat.
Jessie and James regained their senses, staring at the churning water below, then at Nawaki. He stood like a rock, unwavering amidst the storm, his massive frame unshaken, yet utterly composed.
"You… you're standing on water?!"
"How is this possible? You're human?!"
Nawaki laughed heartily, his voice clear even in the storm. "Details don't matter! Hold on tight!"
Chakra surged through his body, bursting from the soles of his feet.
Boom!
With a faint sonic crack, he sprinted across the ocean, carrying three humans and one cat.
He tore through the waves like lightning, far outpacing Ash and his Pokémon.
The wind and rain lashed against his face like bullets. Each massive wave tried to engulf him, yet he dodged with ease.
Nawaki moved with fluid strength, as if the stormy sea were his familiar training ground.
Team Rocket was stunned by his superhuman speed and power.
Straining against the wind pressure, Jessie's voice trembled. "Why are you saving us? We're evil Team Rocket!"
Nawaki turned to them, a radiant, sincere smile illuminated by pale lightning.
"I don't care if you're good or bad! Honestly, I really like you! Especially your perseverance you never give up, no matter the challenges, and always manage to surprise me. Isn't that interesting?!"
His words, pure and honest, carried no mockery or pity. They pierced through the cold rain and fear of death, striking the softest, most defenseless part of Team Rocket's hearts.
They froze, unsure how to respond. Eyes watered, noses tingled a mix of emotions they had never felt before.
No one had ever told them they were liked, especially after saving their lives. This pure, selfless recognition impacted them more than any scolding ever could.
Nawaki Senju fell silent. His gaze sharpened like a blade, fixed on the silhouette of the island ahead, faintly visible through lightning and storm a domain of destiny.
Chakra surged within him, subtly countering the overwhelming natural forces.
"New Island, here I come! Mewtwo, wait for me!"
Bearing three "weights," he pressed forward with the determination of a ninja, breaking through rain and wind.
He charged straight into the unknown battlefield where fate awaited.