Chapter 356: Breakthrough Before Departure

The land was desolate—cracked soil stretching into a barren horizon. A few withered trees reached out with gnarled branches like grasping claws. Perched upon them, a group of Murkrow cawed softly, their eyes gleaming with curiosity as they watched the delicate-featured boy pacing not far from the lifeless trunks.

His eyes constantly scanned the surroundings, pausing every few steps as though he were trying to retrace memories. He was searching—for something long lost.

Ron stood still some distance away, silently observing Dwight's movements.

From the very beginning, Ron had chosen not to question Dwight's past. That decision remained unchanged even now.

Finally, Dwight stopped before a small mound of earth—barely noticeable, except for a faded yellow scrap of cloth draped over it, weathered and frayed with age. He stood quietly before the mound, lips moving soundlessly. Whatever words he uttered were lost to the wind.

Ten minutes passed before Dwight returned to Ron's side. No words were exchanged. Ron simply turned, and together they walked away from that place.

What mattered now was helping the team—especially Machamp and the others—make one final breakthrough before they left the Hoenn region behind.

As though sensing Ron's intent, Machamp and the rest of the team ignited with fighting spirit. Their bodies pulsed with energy, determination radiating from their eyes.

Even Dwight clenched his fists, his hesitation replaced with resolve. He was ready to fight.

Ron was pleased with the atmosphere in his team. But it was going to be a rough time for the wild Pokémon and, more pressingly, any unfortunate Pokémon Hunters they might run into.

...

Hoenn League Headquarters.

"Tell me," Steven said, reclining lazily in his chair with a smirk. "When do you think you'll be ready to take over for me?"

"You've no idea how exhausting being Champion is. And my old man wants me to inherit the Devon Corporation on top of that. I barely have any time for myself."

Steven Stone spoke with the kind of casual arrogance that made you want to throw something at him.

Across from him, Wallace didn't even flinch. He was used to this.

"I hear you. All I want is to travel with Milotic and compete in Pokémon Contests. I've got no interest in running Sootopolis City or managing the Sootopolis Gym. So you think I'd want your job?"

Wallace shook his head, sipping from his tea like it was a regular afternoon chat.

After all, in the Hoenn League, the Gym Leader of Sootopolis—Juan—was basically the city's mayor. While it didn't hold a candle to the Devon Corporation, it was still a significant power in its own right.

For most people, listening to Steven and Wallace casually banter about refusing power would be intolerable.

"Alright, fine. I'll hang onto the Champion title for a few more years," Steven sighed, flipping his hair. "But one day, I'm handing it off to you."

"Spare me. I couldn't beat you even if I wanted to."

"No problem—I'll throw the match for you."

"Please. I've been performing since I was a kid. Don't forget, I'm a Contest Master."

The two of them laughed, batting the Champion title back and forth like it was a hot potato.

Suddenly, Steven sat up, his expression sharp.

"Actually… I've got an idea."

Wallace raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of idea?"

"As long as it means I don't have to be Champion, I'm all ears."

"Do you remember Ron?"

"Of course I do! The guy saved my life. How could I forget? Wait… are you saying—"

"Exactly," Steven said, eyes gleaming. "You've seen it too, right? The potential Ron holds is incredible. With that unconventional training method of his, his Pokémon are leagues above their peers."

"If he keeps growing at this pace, it's not a stretch to think he'll surpass the Elite Four."

"And once that happens," Steven leaned in, "we'll finally have the excuse we need to step down. If Ron becomes stronger than the Four, there'll be no choice but to crown him Champion."

Steven's eyes sparkled with the vision of freedom—no more Champion duties, no more corporate succession headaches. Just rocks. Fossils. Peace.

"Not a bad idea. But don't forget—Ron's affiliated with the Kanto League. Didn't he already reject your offer outright?"

Wallace wasn't nearly as excited as Steven. With a clear, level-headed tone, he offered a rational analysis of the situation.

"Of course I know that. But there's no rule in the League charter that says a champion has to be from the region they represent."

"Besides, I sincerely doubt the Kanto League can accommodate Ron. You know how those old-timers are. I've also uncovered some rather interesting information."

"Like the fact that not long after Ron became a Trainer, certain people kept targeting him."

As the Champion of the Hoenn League, Steven wielded extraordinary influence.

While some classified intel remained out of reach, it wasn't difficult for him to gather details about what Ron experienced after he became a Trainer.

And from those fragments, Steven had come to believe that Ron wasn't just gifted in battle—he also had impressive potential in leadership and governance.

What truly set Ron apart, however, was that he treated Steven like a genuine friend. That was the deciding factor for Steven—why he was seriously considering backing Ron for the title.

Otherwise, no matter how much Steven didn't want to remain Champion, he wouldn't have handed the title over to just anyone.

"Tell me everything," Wallace said, leaning in now that Steven seemed confident.

If Ron really was a viable candidate, then perhaps Wallace wouldn't have to shoulder the Champion's burden himself.

....

Meanwhile, completely unaware that he was being eyed for a forceful promotion, Ron was in the middle of commanding a battle.

"Machamp, Armament Technique: Daytime Tiger!"

A white tiger streaked forward, its outline edged in black energy as it roared and lunged toward the enemy Magnezone.

Crackling with electricity, Magnezone wasn't about to back down. Mimicking the technique, it shaped a fierce tiger of lightning and launched it straight into Machamp's.

The two tigers clashed in a frenzy of roaring and sparks. Ultimately, Machamp's Daytime Tiger overpowered its foe—but the effort left it spent. The remaining energy was quickly snuffed out by Magnezone's counterattack.

"A powerful opponent indeed. But Machamp, let this Magnezone be your stepping stone to a breakthrough!"

"Armament Technique: Evening Elephant!"

Ron's battle spirit flared wildly as he shouted his next command. Despite Magnezone parrying the Finger Pistol: Daytime Tiger technique, his eyes blazed with fervor.

Ever since deciding to push Machamp and the others to evolve once more before his departure, Ron had been hunting down Pokémon at the Elite Four level.

Unfortunately, Pokémon with that kind of power were rare.

So whenever he encountered one, he would rotate between Machamp, Persian, and Bellossom, having them challenge the opponent repeatedly until they were thoroughly spent.

After so many routine battles, this current encounter—facing off against a Level 72 Magnezone with Elite Four-tier strength—had finally ignited the suppressed fire in Ron's heart.

Watching from nearby, Salamence couldn't help but fixate on Ron.

It had to admit—just based on raw battle spirit alone, Ron outshone most Trainers it had ever encountered.

And considering the strength Machamp and the others had been displaying recently, Salamence was genuinely impressed.

After mulling it over, it realized: if it were on equal footing with them, it wasn't so sure it could win. In fact, it might very well lose.

It turned to glance at Dwight, the Trainer beside it. Seeing him with Ron suddenly felt like a blessing.

At the very least, from what Salamence could observe now, Ron genuinely cared for Dwight—and that relationship was bound to benefit him immensely.

After sizing up the battlefield and judging that Machamp had a strong chance of winning, Salamence shut its eyes and began to rest.

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