The overall scope of the Orange Archipelago isn't very large, nothing compared to regions like Kanto, which are proper league territories. The distance between Penggan Island and Valencia Island is quite reasonable; if you ride on Blastoise, it takes less than half an hour to reach your destination.
This was because Ash and Misty took their time to enjoy the sea view along the way, slowing down Blastoise's speed. If Blastoise went full throttle, it might not even take ten minutes to reach the destination.
On the way to Penggan Island, Ash and Misty could clearly feel the change in weather. Originally slightly cool, it took just over ten minutes for the weather to undergo a dramatic change.
Originally wearing jackets, the two had taken them off before even reaching Penggan Island.
Fortunately, they were at sea where they could enjoy the sea breeze; otherwise, even wearing just long sleeves might have made them sweat profusely.
Upon reaching Penggan Island, the weather had completely transformed into scorching sunlight. The sun hung high in the sky, blazing over the sea and land. Upon arriving on the island, the first thing they did was not to gather information, but to change into lighter clothes.
Ash reverted to his classic attire, a blue jacket with a black inner short sleeve, while Misty donned her iconic midriff-baring outfit. They might go swimming after gathering some intel, and play in swimwear later.
Once changed, they went to the Pokemon Center and found Miss Joy. Ash and Misty had Mewtwo use special means to conceal their appearances, so although some people felt they looked familiar, a closer inspection revealed they were strangers.
However, when facing Miss Joy, Ash had Mewtwo revoke the concealment specifically for her, revealing his true identity.
"Hello Miss Joy, I am Ash from Pallet Town. I would like to ask if you know any information about the Sea God Lugia?"
"Sea God? Why are you asking such a question? Of course, I don't know... Hmm? Wait a moment, what did you say your name is?" Miss Joy instinctively denied Ash's question, seemingly indicating that more than one person had asked her about this.
But as Miss Joy processed Ash's self-introduction, she suddenly lifted her head and took a closer look at Ash's appearance, then revealed an expression of surprise: "Quartz Conference Champion? Why are you here? On vacation?"
"No, I've accepted a commission from the league to find Lugia's whereabouts, as I urgently need its assistance. So Miss Joy, can you tell me where Lugia is?"
"Hmm~" Miss Joy lightly nodded her chin, and after a brief pause, nodded slightly: "Alright, since it's Ash, you can be trusted. Lugia's habitat is rumored to be near Asia Island, although it's just hearsay, with no real evidence proving Lugia is there."
"And even if Lugia really is at Asia Island, it might not be easily found, considering it's a legendary Pokemon deity. If it doesn't want to be discovered, then no one will find it, just like Ho-Oh, which hasn't appeared before humans for hundreds of years."
Knowing Ash's identity, Miss Joy didn't hold back, sharing everything she knew with Ash and even offering her insights.
This is why Ash chose to reveal his identity specifically to Miss Joy. Information on the Sea God Lugia's existence wouldn't be disclosed to a random stranger. Miss Joy is kind-hearted but not foolish. If Lugia's whereabouts were casually revealed, both Lugia and its habitat would be disturbed, causing chaos.
Therefore, when a stranger suddenly asks her about Lugia's location, she's unlikely to disclose anything. But if it's Ash, that's a different matter altogether.
Such is the benefit of being well-known.
Upon hearing this, Ash also displayed a thoughtful expression. He had thoroughly studied the distribution of the Orange Archipelago before coming, and Asia Island was located in an area notorious for perennial rough seas. That region not only has frequent adverse weather conditions—thunderstorms, rain, snow, searing heat...
It's simply an anomaly in a vacation paradise like the Orange Archipelago!
Anyone familiar with the Orange Archipelago would likely head there, as the reason for visiting the archipelago is usually to vacation or challenge the unique Southern Cross Star Orange League.
People with these purposes wouldn't likely visit Asia Island.
The weather there is harsh, it's not a place for leisure activities, and it offers no challenge points from the Orange League. Overall, it's seemingly useless to visit that island. Who would have thought that the legendary Sea God might appear there?
Even if one truly wanted to visit, they'd face extremely harsh weather. Boats could easily be overturned by waves, and encountering thunderstorms and rainfall greatly increase the likelihood of accidents—a very dangerous place overall.
However, for Ash, this isn't a big deal. With Mewtwo's power, even the weather can be controlled. As for the waves... although not capable of controlling the ocean like Kyogre, Mewtwo's strong superpower can manage part of the sea water without issue.