"From today onward, lift all surveillance on Ron!"
After reading the latest intelligence report on Ron, Bruno gave the order to Hans.
"Yes, sir!"
As Bruno's trusted and most loyal subordinate, Hans never questioned his orders—he simply executed them.
Once Hans departed, Bruno couldn't resist reading the report on Ron's exploits once more.
Facing a quasi-Elite Four Pokémon hunter and more than a dozen High Elite Pokémon hunters, the final result was that only two High Elite hunters survived—while the rest perished at Ron's hands.
If not for the rapid arrival of reinforcements, not a single hunter would have made it out alive.
Every time Bruno reviewed Ron's battle record, it felt almost surreal.
"Ants can bite an elephant to death," he mused, let alone when one of those ants was of equal rank to Ron. Yet Ron still emerged victorious.
Reflecting on his own journey, Bruno realized that if he had been Ron's age, he would have been the one crushed.
Fortunately, from Bruno's perspective, Ron remained loyal to the League. The only threats were Team Rocket, Pokémon hunters, and certain figures within the League itself—if they were pushed into a corner, the League could suffer significant losses.
With that in mind, Bruno quickly contacted Hans again, instructing him to discreetly assign protection for Ron.
Shadow had also learned of Ron's deeds. Knowing Bruno would likely go to great lengths to protect Ron and provide him with more opportunities for growth, Shadow couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
However, Shadow decided not to remain idle. He planned to arrange a few assassination attempts—not to succeed, but simply to make Bruno more invested in Ron's safety, further reinforcing the League's protection around him.
Shadow's gambit successfully predicted Bruno's countermeasures, placing him a step ahead in the game.
In Klaus Nyland's study, the newspaper detailing Ron's achievements lay to the side. Klaus picked up a calligraphy brush and firmly wrote a single large character: 'Kill!'
As the news spread, even Ron's most fervent supporters were left in disbelief.
They had always believed Ron would one day break through to the Elite Four level—but they hadn't expected him to make such an impact so soon. He had only recently reached the quasi-Elite Four rank, yet already made waves once again.
Previously, his victories could be attributed to ambush tactics. But now, the reports clearly stated he had won through direct confrontation—leaving no room for doubt.
Some trainers began transitioning from detractors to neutral observers, while others became outright fans. To them, Ron was destined to become one of the League's brightest stars, with the potential to rise to the Elite Four.
Among his die-hard supporters, some even believed Ron might one day claim the vacant Champion position in the Kanto region.
Unaware of his growing fanbase, Ron leisurely made his way toward the Yolton District, taking his time after adjusting from his recent battles.
Over the course of a month, Ron made significant gains, while Aki successfully misled her opponents and set her plan in motion—scheduled to unfold in half a month.
Only Aki, Ruben, and Ron were privy to the plan. Over the next two weeks, Aki would subtly reposition trainers to strategic locations, revealing the full details only at the last moment.
Secrecy was paramount. The target was a family as powerful as the Murrigan family. Aki's only advantage lay in catching them off guard—she couldn't afford any additional risks.
While Aki meticulously plotted with Ruben, Ron enjoyed a carefree journey, slowly making his way toward the Yolton District.
Gardevoir had already sensed that the remaining surveillance had vanished after Ron's recent victory.
Nevertheless, to be cautious, Ron planned to contact Shadow once he reached the Yolton District, arranging for two Pokémon Eggs to be delivered.
Emerging from the forest, Ron recalled Persian and the others into their Poké Balls, leaving only Machamp—the strongest of his team—by his side.
The successive battles had pushed Machamp's strength far beyond what it had been when he first reached the quasi-Elite Four rank. Even with his aura suppressed, Machamp exuded a commanding presence.
Passing through a town called Iya, Ron's curiosity was piqued.
He instructed Gardevoir to use Psychic powers to constantly scan the surroundings, preventing any ambushes.
With a simple disguise, Ron entered Iya Town.
What caught Ron's interest was the upcoming Breeder Qualification Exam.
As the League expanded, the division of Pokémon-related professions became increasingly precise—such as Trainers specializing in battles, Coordinators showcasing Pokémon beauty, and Breeders who assisted Trainers in raising their Pokémon.
Trainers could further branch out into careers like Rangers, Investigators, or Police Officers—roles that garnered greater public recognition.
Coordinators could attract large audiences with dazzling performances, amassing significant fanbases.
Yet Breeders remained the least celebrated profession, despite their vital importance. Every experienced Trainer or Coordinator knew how crucial a skilled Breeder could be.
A top-tier Breeder could tailor training methods, adjust Pokémon food recipes, and create custom Pokéblock formulas to optimize a Pokémon's growth.
Take Ash Ketchum, for example—he effectively partnered with Professor Oak, whose care allowed Ash's Pokémon to enjoy the highest-quality services.
Ron, however, did not have such luck. From the start of his journey until now, Ron had always raised his Pokémon on his own.
Relying solely on his Fighting Aura to excavate and develop the potential of his Pokémon was enough to surpass many trainers. Coupled with his knowledge in other areas, Ron's skills were no worse than those of Pokémon breeders.
Moreover, Ron was wary of sending his Pokémon to breeding houses, fearing that it would give the League an opportunity to meddle.
That didn't stop Ron from observing these breeders' abilities, though. If he could find a capable breeder willing to betray the League and join his ranks, it would be a great advantage.
With such an ally, his future forces would have a legitimate front and a stable source of income.
Although the chances of this happening were slim, it didn't hurt to try—what if he succeeded?
After booking a room at the Pokémon Center, Ron quietly waited for the Pokémon Breeder Qualification Exam, which would take place in two days.
Just before the registration deadline, a figure cloaked entirely in black robes crept to the registration desk and successfully signed up at the last moment.
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