Chapter 176: Rising Fame

"Shocking! The Elite Poaching Gang is Wiped Out!"

"Corpses Found in the Forest: What Secrets Lie Beneath?"

"The Poaching Gang's Downfall—Caused by Him?!"

"Ten Reasons Why Jack Brought Down the Poachers Single-Handedly."

After casually glancing at the headlines splashed across the newspapers, Ron couldn't help but admire the speed of Shadow's actions while feeling a sense of helplessness at the sensationalism of the titles.

Sure, these headlines grabbed attention, but… was it really necessary to phrase things this way?

If the Granite Poachers had any female members, Ron figured the writers might have cooked up even more absurd stories. Something like, "The Poachers Were Defeated Because Jack Wasn't Strong Enough at Night, Leading to Internal Conflict."

Once Ron took down the Granite Poachers, he immediately gathered evidence and sent it to Shadow.

If Ron had reported this directly to the Pokémon League, some people might have deliberately downplayed his achievements to make him easier to control.

Now, thanks to Shadow's swift propaganda campaign, word spread quickly throughout the Kanto region: a young trainer who had just reached the Elite rank single-handedly annihilated a poaching gang of thirty elite-level members.

This was enough to ensure Ron's fame, at least for the short term.

Next on his agenda: winning the Indigo Plateau Conference to solidify his reputation.

Afterward, once he joined the Rangers, his future achievements would depend entirely on himself.

Of course, Shadow would continue to provide him with intel to help him grow rapidly.

Ron estimated that by the time he became a Elite Four-level trainer, his achievements would be compiled into an inspiring autobiography. At that point, the League would think twice before making a move against him simply because of a training method.

The plan was clear: Ron needed to grow stronger—quickly. Only then could he take control of his own destiny.

As the news of Ron's exploits spread, congratulatory messages poured in from all sides.

Matthew, Lugo, and even the Vermilion City Ranger Captain, Yusef, sent their regards.

A few days later, while traveling through the Kanto region, Volkner and Flint also reached out.

Not only did they congratulate Ron, but they also encouraged him to maintain his momentum and aim for victory at the Indigo Plateau Conference.

As the first to offer Ron guidance, Volkner and Flint saw the situation clearly.

Reading their messages, Ron suddenly realized just how many friends he had made in the Pokémon world.

Although he hadn't fully gotten to know anyone other than Matthew and Lugo, it didn't stop him from appreciating the shared recognition and budding friendships.

But not everyone was celebrating.

For those within the League who harbored ill intent toward Ron, this was a major setback.

For the next few months, they wouldn't dare make a move against him. Otherwise, reporters would dig into why someone with a rising reputation like Ron didn't compete in the Indigo Plateau Conference. Such scrutiny could lead to unwanted investigations.

Moreover, Team Rocket and the Hunter's Guild were lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce on any slip-up.

If the League's machinations leaked, it would only provide opportunities for these organizations.

Even if the League managed to clarify the situation, they'd lose public trust, and some trainers might grow wary, choosing to hide their true strength to avoid vanishing under suspicious circumstances.

To make matters worse for his adversaries, Bruno, the Ranger Division's overseer, was on his way back after hearing about Ron's achievements. His interest in Ron further complicated their plans.

Unable to act directly, the League shifted its focus to the upcoming Indigo Plateau Conference. If they could orchestrate Ron's crushing defeat there, his fame would falter.

In such a scenario, Ron's sudden disappearance could be attributed to the shame of his loss—a story that had played out before.

In Fuchsia City, Koga read about Ron's feats and was surprised at the boldness of Ron's strategy.

Betting everything on his strength was effective, but it came with significant risks. If Ron faltered, his reputation would collapse just as quickly.

For now, everything depended on how much Ron could improve and whether he could handle the League's plans at the conference.

Ron, unaware of these schemes, was heading toward his final Gym challenge.

According to his original plan, his last badge was to come from the Viridian Gym.

With his undercover identity, this badge should've been a sure thing. It also would've given him a chance to witness Giovanni's leadership firsthand.

Ron actually admired Giovanni.

Under Giovanni's command, Team Rocket had flourished, infiltrating the League and even extending its reach into other regions.

However, circumstances had changed.

Ron didn't dare step into Viridian Gym anymore. If Giovanni found an excuse to keep him there, Ron wouldn't stand a chance.

Though Shadow had never failed him before, there was no guarantee they wouldn't seize such a tempting opportunity.

Fortunately, there were plenty of other Gyms in the Kanto region for Ron to earn his final badge.

Ron was now heading toward a Gym located in a bamboo-covered mountain.

Unlike other Gyms situated in towns or cities, this one was tucked away in a remote area, rarely challenged due to its obscurity.

For Ron, fresh from dismantling the Granite Poachers, it was the closest option.

Once he secured his eighth badge, Ron planned to retreat to a secluded forest for intensive training while waiting for the Indigo Plateau Conference to begin.

The Pokémon and resources he obtained after defeating Alan and the Granite Poachers had earned him significant contribution points with both the Hunter's Guild and the League.

Using those points, Ron exchanged them for premium energy cubes from Shadow.

Combined with the supplies Shadow provided, Ron wouldn't need to worry about running out of energy cubes in the next five months—unless his two Pokémon eggs hatched.

While Gastly wouldn't be a problem, the other Pokémon's appetite might become an issue. Shadow had promised to cover its food for the first month, but after that, Ron would be on his own.

The thought made Ron's head ache, so he threw himself into training to distract himself.

As Ron approached the bamboo-covered mountain, he found the scenery unexpectedly beautiful.

Still, the remote location was undeniable.

Had it not been the nearest Gym, Ron doubted he would've come here. He likely would've chosen a more accessible Gym, where he could strategize with other challengers.

Climbing the mountain trail, Ron glanced around the surrounding bamboo forest. A whimsical thought crossed his mind: what if a rare panda Pokémon appeared, letting him catch it for himself?

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