Chapter 50: Chapter 50: The Hunt Begins
In a well-coordinated operation, the wild Pokémon, already lacking in strength, stood no chance against Kai's team. They were swiftly subdued and captured.
Before anyone realized it, Kai's squad had already amassed an astonishing haul of over 200 wild Pokémon.
From a safe distance, watching Kai's actions closely, Ron became even more convinced of his suspicion—Kai and his group were clearly Pokémon poachers.
Fortunately, upon noticing something amiss earlier, Ron had already contacted Matthew.
Due to Matthew's trust in Ron, he promptly mobilized a team of rangers. Once Ron confirmed the situation, Matthew would immediately take action.
Thus, after receiving Ron's message, Matthew led a group to Mt. Moon to provide backup.
Ron's task was simple: monitor them. He was instructed not to act rashly and wait for the rangers to arrive so they could capture the poachers in one fell swoop.
Of course, if Kai and his team attempted to flee, Ron was authorized to use appropriate measures to impede them—though his safety was the top priority.
To Ron, however, Matthew's message signaled the start of his own hunt. As long as the poachers didn't escape, Ron felt free to engage them.
Fixating on the 15-member team and their Pokémon, Ron prepared for the perfect moment. His Persian blended seamlessly into the surroundings, while his Bellossom appeared at his side without a sound.
Carefully tailing them, Ron demonstrated the patience of a true hunter.
After observing them, Ron confirmed that all 15 members were elite-level trainers. Even if mid- or high-level elites appeared among them, it wouldn't surprise him. This only made Ron more cautious in choosing the right moment to strike.
Sweeping through the area with ease, Kai's group failed to notice they were being tracked. Their success had made them complacent, losing the vigilance characteristic of Pokémon poachers.
Before long, Kai's team encountered another trainer practicing in Mt. Moon.
As soon as they met, Kai's subordinates acted. Two elite-level Pokémon attacked the trainer from both sides.
Facing powerful opponents, the trainer's Charmeleon stepped forward, shielding its trainer.
Unleashing a fiery blast, Charmeleon, still below elite-level strength, failed to hinder the attacking Pokémon.
Just as the Pokémon closed in, their movements suddenly slowed—a Hypnosis had taken effect.
A white blur shot out from the forest, its tail sweeping Charmeleon and its trainer aside while sharp claws struck the attackers' vitals.
Landing a clean hit, Persian retreated instantly, using Shave (Soru) to vanish from the scene.
Kai's team did not immediately pursue; they were halted by the sudden charge of a Machoke from nearby cover.
Exceeding the strength and speed of normal Pokémon, Machoke instantly eliminated two unsuspecting poachers.
Knowing someone was aiding him, the trainer quickly steadied himself and fled with Charmeleon toward a concealed area.
"Find that pest and crush him!"
Ignoring the fleeing trainer, Kai redirected his fury toward Ron.
As part of a poaching group led by a Champion-level trainer, Kai's subordinates were meticulously organized.
Kai himself led a team of diverse specialists: battle experts, trackers, and healers. This ensured their combat effectiveness and adaptability to unexpected situations.
After losing two members, Kai's anger turned into cold calculation. Realizing the enemy's strength was unknown, he regrouped his men to avoid further losses.
Kai believed capturing the enemy would also secure their Pokémon, even if they weren't present.
At his command, two trainers released their Pokémon, including a Houndoom skilled in tracking.
Being a poacher afforded access to a wide variety of Pokémon, like this Houndoom native to the Johto region.
Using Odor Sleuth, Houndoom quickly picked up Ron's trail.
The other trainer's Pokémon, a Venonat, used its radar-like eyes to identify subtle traces, complementing Houndoom's abilities.
The combined efforts of Houndoom and Venonat soon uncovered Ron's escape route.
Elite-level Pokémon spread out, maintaining enough proximity to support each other while forming an encircling net.
Dashing through Mt. Moon, Ron felt no fear. Instead, adrenaline coursed through him, evoking memories of extreme sports from his past life. His blood boiled with excitement.
"Bellossom, scatter Sleep Powder and Poison Powder along the way to surprise our pursuers."
"Machoke, notify Persian. Target lone Pokémon for free hunts, but don't engage without certainty."
The rigorous training Ron had undergone paid off. Despite being in a 14-year-old's body, he maintained impressive speed, making it difficult for Kai's team to catch him immediately.
Bellossom executed Ron's commands, spreading Sleep Powder and Poison Powder, which blended into the wind.
Meanwhile, Machoke used Shave to find Persian, relaying Ron's orders. Together, they began their operation.
Kai's attempt to encircle Ron unwittingly provided him with opportunities to counterattack. It now depended on who had the superior tactics.
The powders greatly hindered Houndoom's tracking ability. Thankfully, Venonat could still follow Ron's trail by detecting traces of powder on the ground.
Exploiting the disruption to Houndoom, Machoke and Persian approached the outermost Pokémon in the group.
Machoke struck first. Using Shave to close the distance, it unleashed a Brick Break, focusing all its power on a single point, instantly crushing the target's throat.
Efficiently eliminating its target, Machoke used Shave again to disappear before Kai's group could react.
Simultaneously, Persian moved. With Hypnosis followed by a precision strike, crimson blood splattered, but Persian vanished before the droplets hit the ground.
"Deploy more Pokémon and stay alert for ambushes."
Though furious, Kai remained composed, his icy tone laced with killing intent.
Following his orders, the number of Pokémon in pursuit doubled, with pairs moving together to prevent further attacks.
Now, their sole objective was to skin Ron alive.
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