Chapter 209: Training

"I understand. But I've also decided to join the Rangers. Who knows? Maybe we'll even be colleagues one day."

Lily smiled as she spoke to Ron, trying to mask the sadness in her eyes.

Originally, she had thought she would have a few more days to spend with him. But now, their parting had come much sooner than expected.

Ron, of course, noticed Lily's disappointment. However, he believed that once she met more people and experienced more things, she would eventually forget about him.

After all, they hadn't known each other for long. The affection she felt for him was likely built upon his strength and capabilities. Given time, he figured, it would fade.

"I'm looking forward to that day. For now, I have to go."

Waving goodbye to Lily, Ron contacted Bruno to prepare for his departure.

As Ron's figure became smaller and eventually disappeared from sight, Lily could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down her cheeks.

What Ron didn't realize was that sometimes, love defies all logic.

Even if they had only met a few times, exchanged only a handful of words, and barely known each other for any length of time, it was still possible for feelings to take root and grow.

"You know, Rangers aren't prohibited from dating. In fact, if you become a captain one day, you could even recruit her to your squad."

Sitting in the airplane, Bruno suddenly spoke to Ron.

"We're just friends. We wouldn't be a good match."

Bruno shot Ron a skeptical glance before closing his eyes, clearly unconvinced.

Ron, unwilling to argue further, chose instead to focus on what Bruno's training would entail.

After a few hours, the helicopter landed in a clearing.

"Follow me."

With that brief command, Bruno hopped off the helicopter. Ron quickly followed.

Before they had even walked far, the sound of the helicopter's engines roared to life again as it lifted off and departed.

"Your combat abilities are already up to par. From here on, my training will focus on two key aspects. First, you need to memorize every single rule and regulation of the Rangers. I expect you to not only remember them but to follow them strictly. You never know when they'll come in handy."

"Second, I'm going to teach you how to efficiently locate Pokémon poachers and wild Pokémon in the forest."

"Now, keep up with me—and remember every word I say."

Bruno glanced at Ron before suddenly sprinting forward, his movements fluid and powerful, like a hunting leopard.

Within seconds, he had put significant distance between them.

Barely given time to process his shock, Ron gritted his teeth and chased after him.

Bruno controlled the gap between them effortlessly, neither pulling too far ahead nor allowing Ron to catch up, no matter how hard he pushed himself.

While Ron's training began, news of the Indigo League's conclusion spread throughout the Kanto region.

The newspapers dedicated extensive coverage to the champion—Ron—detailing his past achievements and highlighting his new role as a Pokémon Ranger.

This publicity quickly led to a surge in Ranger recruitment, bringing in fresh blood to bolster their ranks.

Meanwhile, Ron remained deep in training under Bruno's supervision.

After learning that Ron practiced breath control techniques, Bruno adjusted his training regimen slightly.

For example, during physical conditioning, he taught Ron how to analyze subtle environmental details—such as tiny disturbances in the grass, broken twigs, or the faint traces of movement—to determine if someone or a Pokémon had recently passed through and in which direction they had gone.

But that wasn't all.

Bruno also drilled Ron on Ranger protocols during their runs, frequently quizzing him on rules and regulations. If Ron answered incorrectly, Bruno would immediately dash forward and land a solid punch.

Despite holding back his full strength, Bruno's punches still packed a monstrous force, leaving Ron in immense pain. Yet, after taking a moment to recover, the training would resume.

By the end of the first day, Ron had lost count of how many trees he had crashed into.

He began to suspect that Bruno had been trained in the same brutal fashion, which explained his relentless teaching style.

That said, Ron couldn't deny the effectiveness of the method. Thanks to his strong memory and Bruno's unique approach, he had already learned a great deal in a short time. His physical endurance had also improved significantly.

As he adjusted to the rigorous training, Ron found himself caught between pain and exhilaration.

In the heart of the forest, Bruno moved with the grace of a predator, effortlessly weaving through the dense underbrush.

By contrast, Ron, still limited by his physical abilities, could only clumsily chase after him, struggling to keep pace.

"Ron! What is Ranger Regulation #36?!"

"In emergency situations, wild Pokémon may be subdued or knocked unconscious, but no permanent harm should be inflicted!"

"Ron! A poacher carrying a Gloom has fled—how do you track them?!"

"First, detect the faint scent of poison in the air! Second, look for traces of pollen! Identify the type of pollen! Finally, check for broken or disturbed branches that indicate a trail!"

One question after another, Bruno tested Ron relentlessly, covering everything from regulations to tracking poachers.

Then, without warning, Bruno suddenly turned and dashed straight at Ron.

Reacting instantly, Ron crossed his arms to shield his body as a powerful shockwave hit him.

Even so, he kept his eyes wide open, refusing to lose sight of Bruno's movements.

This was the first lesson Bruno had given Ron after learning about his breath control training—no matter what kind of opponent you face, always keep your eyes on them. Otherwise, you're nothing more than a helpless prey.

Bruno's fist stopped just inches from Ron's face.

Instead of an attack, Ron was met with Bruno's approving smile.

"Congratulations, Ron. You've completed your training. Now, you can choose an open position and become a Ranger captain."

Bruno withdrew his fist and grinned at him.

"Thank you for all your guidance!" Ron bowed respectfully.

Bruno's methods may have been harsh, but Ron couldn't deny their effectiveness.

Had he been forced to learn all of this through months of traditional study, he doubted he would have lasted.

"This is the result of your own hard work. No need to thank me too much. Just don't disappoint me—I expect great things from you."

"However, Ron, there's another path I think might suit you even better than leading a Ranger squad."

Bruno's tone grew serious as he made his proposal.

"I'd like to hear more."

Seeing Ron's interest, Bruno was now almost certain that Ron would take the second option.

With that, he began explaining this new path in detail.

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