Pokémon: A Trainer Who Masters the Six Powers from the Start

Sitting on the back of Gyarados, Ron gazed at the parted waves beneath him, finding an unexpected sense of calm.

For this day, Ron had planned countless times in his mind. Yet, what surprised him most was how serene he felt when the moment to decide had finally arrived.

With Kirlia by his side, its psychic powers ensured that any wild Pokémon approaching could be detected immediately, allowing Ron to react in time.

Not far above, Machamp and Persian were using the time to train in Moonwalk.

Having mastered three of the Six Powers, Machamp could now guide Persian in Moonwalk's intricacies.

Spotting a suitable position below, Machamp launched itself forward with a burst of speed, performing Finger Pistol, unleashing a technique inspired by Jabra from the anime: Finger Pistol: Ten Moonlight Strikes*.

Imitating Machamp's movements, Persian also sprang into action.

The next moment, two enormous splashes erupted in the water.

Thanks to Kirlia's psychic abilities creating a barrier, Ron was spared from becoming soaked.

Emerging from the water, Machamp and Persian began their next round of training.

Amidst this mix of leisure and purpose, Ron soon caught sight of the uninhabited island Quint had mentioned.

According to Quint, the island was home to numerous wild Pokémon, most of which were at an low Elite or mid Elite level, with only a few high Elite level Pokémon.

Due to the island's remoteness, it was rarely visited, with only a handful of shipping routes passing nearby. This made it an ideal spot for specialized training.

As they neared the island, Ron recalled Gyarados into its Poké Ball. Using Kirlia's Teleport, he arrived on the island.

The moment they landed, Kirlia expanded its psychic field to survey the area.

After locating a wide, uninhabited spot, Ron released all his Pokémon, ensuring the surrounding area remained quiet to avoid giving away his location to Shadow.

Ron's fallback plan was straightforward: find a secluded island and use it as a base for negotiations with Shadow.

He already understood the League's stance. No matter his choice, they would eventually force him to reveal his training methods for mastering techniques like Shave.

Although this training often risked a Pokémon's well-being, the League, with its vast resources, could overcome such obstacles.

Now, Ron needed to gauge Team Rocket's position. If they shared the League's intentions, he would have no choice but to assume a new identity and live as a Pokémon hunter.

The skin mask and Ditto he had prepared were all for this eventuality.

The communicator left by Shadow was highly secure, capable of functioning even over open waters.

"What do you want?" a raspy voice asked directly as the communicator crackled to life.

"Shadow, if I agree to join Giovanni's faction, can I secure Team Rocket's protection without revealing my training methods for Machamp's speed?" Ron asked plainly.

Given the stakes, Ron relied on intuition to discern whether Shadow was trying to deceive him.

"Hahaha! Hahahaha!"

Instead of answering immediately, Shadow burst into laughter, his voice filled with amusement and even gasps for breath.

"Ron, I've said it before—one day, you'd agree to join us. I just didn't expect the League to push you to this point so quickly."

"Then again, with your power nearing high Elite level, the League's pressure must feel overwhelming."

"Let me make this clear: as long as you pledge loyalty to Giovanni, I guarantee no one in Team Rocket will care about your training methods."

"In fact, we'll even help you rise within the League itself. But there's one condition—you may act in your self-interest, but your loyalty to Giovanni must be absolute."

Shadow's tone shifted from joy to sternness, perhaps influenced by Koga's betrayal, making him wary of League infiltrators like Ron.

As Shadow's words ended, Ron fell into deep thought.

Though Shadow's sincerity seemed genuine, Ron couldn't rule out the possibility that it was all a ruse to gain his trust.

If Shadow's actions were calculated, who could expose him once the deed was done?

Allowing Ron ample time to think, Shadow remained silent.

This was a life-altering decision, and a hasty response would only make Shadow regard Ron as careless or naive.

"I understand. If I agree, how would Giovanni and Team Rocket assist me?"

After a long pause, Ron asked calmly, his tone betraying no emotion.

"Simple—through reputation. As long as your fame grows and your strength is undeniable, the League won't dare to pressure you excessively. After all, they still have a public image to uphold."

"While you've gained some notoriety, it's far from enough. Disappear for a couple of weeks, and people will forget, reducing you to a mere footnote: 'Oh, there was once a decent trainer.'"

"What I can offer is to amplify your fame. But that depends on your performance. You must achieve significant results for me to leverage."

It was as if Shadow anticipated the question, immediately offering a solution that left Ron uncertain about its authenticity.

"One last thing—if I truly wanted your speed training method, I wouldn't need to go to such lengths to deceive you. Opportunities to capture or coerce you are far easier to orchestrate."

With that, Shadow fell silent, as if the communicator had gone dead.

"I understand. What do I need to do?"

After deliberating, Ron decided to take the gamble. His best move now was to buy time and grow stronger.

Even if the situation changed, he could sacrifice his current plans and disappear once more.

If Shadow's promises were genuine, Ron would have the resources to grow quickly and secure his future.

"Simple. I expect you to eliminate a poaching team led by a high Elite level trainer on your way back from Cinnabar Island."

Shadow's voice returned, issuing the test.

If Ron couldn't accomplish this, Shadow wouldn't invest further.

"How much time do I have?"

"At most, a month and a half."

"Understood."

[TL/N: Moonlight Ten Finger Pistol in canon.]

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