"Greninja, Flying Raijin Slash!"
A unique kunai flew forth, its speed so intense that Shiftry had no time to react, forced to raise a Leaf Blade to block the strike.
What Shiftry failed to notice, however, was the pink mark that had appeared on his arm—a crucial marker that allowed Greninja to execute the Flying Raijin Slash.
Utilizing Ally Switch, Greninja—who had barely accessed psychic ability through the special Bond Phenomenon—exerted his full power to activate the move.
The water shuriken on his back transformed into a gleaming blade, now gripped tightly in his hand. A flash of azure light sliced across the air as Greninja reappeared behind Shiftry in an instant.
"Greninja, Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"
At Ron's command, Greninja spun around, launching the Water Severing Wave—a high-pressure blue laser beam—straight at Shiftry.
Though Shiftry summoned another Leaf Blade, the gash across his abdomen was too deep, leaving him unable to mount a proper counterattack.
Greninja's water technique shattered Shiftry's fragile Leaf Blade and pierced cleanly through his shoulder.
The impact sent Shiftry spiraling, flipping midair in a disoriented tumble—his body no longer able to fight back.
He hit the ground with a heavy thud. His brittle frame collapsed. Shiftry was defeated.
"Well done, Greninja. Now your goal is to keep strengthening your power and shorten the time needed to perform Ally Switch."
"And remember the Six Powers. Now that you've mastered Ally Switch and the combo skills I've taught you, it's time to refocus."
Still resonating in the Bond Phenomenon state, Ron gently restored Greninja's strength using his Fighting Aura, all while instructing him with care.
Greninja nodded obediently. After several days of intense battles, he was ready to settle down and grow even stronger.
"Everyone, we're leaving the Hoenn region next. Are you ready?"
Rather than answer aloud, Machamp and the others let their battle auras speak for them—burning with resolve and radiating their response through action, not words.
"But first, there are some farewells we must make," Ron said softly. "Gengar, Lucario, Greninja—you three rest inside your Poké Balls for now."
They made no objection and willingly returned to their Poké Balls.
Then, Ron dialed up Steven and Drake—the Elite Four member of Hoenn.
...
"You've already reached Mid Elite Four? That's fast," Drake said with a laugh as he leapt off his Salamence's back. "What a shame you're not a trainer under the Hoenn League."
"You flatter me," Ron replied humbly. "Though I'm not officially part of the Hoenn League, I've always considered you a mentor I deeply respect."
They stood together on a scenic plain, the wind rustling the grass around them.
It had already been six months since Ron and Drake first met.
In that time, their bond had grown stronger, and Ron had come to see Drake not as an outsider, but as someone who truly treated him like family.
That was why, before his departure, Ron had invited Drake to meet one last time.
"No need to be so modest, kid. And who's this?"
Drake's eyes turned to the boy beside Ron.
"This is my younger brother—Dwight."
Apparently startled by the title "younger brother," Dwight stood a little nervously as he faced Drake.
"I see. It's a pleasure to meet you, Dwight. You can call me Uncle Drake," the Elite Four member said with a warm smile, not pressing for more details.
"Hello, Uncle Drake," Dwight replied, bowing respectfully.
"Congratulations, Ron. Gained yourself quite a well-mannered little brother," Drake said with a grin.
Before he could say more, another familiar voice rang out.
"Champion Ste—"
"Today, there's no Champion or Elite Four here. Just call me Steven," Steven interrupted quickly.
"Then I suppose I should stop calling you 'Elite Four Drake' all the time. It does feel a bit distant."
"Exactly. Let's go with that."
With Ron chiming in to support the new tone, Drake didn't push further.
"Hey there, Dwight. You can call me Steven like Ron does—or even Big Brother Steven, if you prefer," Steven said playfully.
"Ron, when are we eating? I came all this way hungry to send you off."
"Oh right, farewell gifts—don't even try to refuse. Here, this is for you, Dwight. I didn't have much time, but I hope you like it."
"I've got one too," Drake said, stepping forward. "Don't even think about turning it down."
"Thanks so much. Let's eat now," Ron said, answering for Dwight—who was still hesitant about accepting the gifts.
Refuse a gift from Steven and Drake? Madness!
Nidoking and Gengar had both broken through to the Elite Four level, and Gardevoir was lurking just behind, watching for her chance to rise. Ron was so broke he was nearly ready to resort to robbery—how could he possibly turn down a gift that landed right at his doorstep?
Then there was today's gathering. While it was supposedly about "appreciating nature," in truth, it was more about saving money by cooking for themselves instead of going to a restaurant.
Dishes were laid out one after another, with even Machamp and the others receiving their own portions.
Perhaps it was the presence of outsiders, but the Pokémon like Machamp were eating with a bit more elegance than usual—though frankly, it still wasn't a pretty sight.
"Phew, I'm stuffed."
"What a shame! If I'd known your cooking was this good, Ron, I would've asked you to make a few more meals for us," Steven leaned back in his chair and said with a hint of regret.
Beside him, Drake cradled a cup of hot tea. He remained silent, but the satisfaction on his face said enough.
"Dwight, Uncle Drake is a master of Dragon-type Pokémon. Why don't you bring out your Salamence and let him take a look?" Ron suggested after they'd eaten.
"Alright, I understand."
Whenever Salamence was mentioned, Dwight couldn't help but get a little more talkative.
As soon as Salamence appeared, its Mid-Elite strength immediately drew the attention of both Steven and Drake.
A gifted talent like Ron, who had grown so strong so quickly, was already rare enough. And now—another one, a rookie starting at the top?
For a fleeting moment, both Steven and Drake wondered if they were starting to fall behind the times.
"Dwight, why don't you tell Steven and Drake the story of how you met Salamence?" Ron said, clearly satisfied after watching their stunned expressions.
Dwight nodded politely and began recounting the tale—but he left some parts out. He only said that when he found Salamence, it was already seriously injured.
After hearing Dwight's version of events, both Steven and Drake noticed that something about Salamence wasn't quite right. They immediately began carefully inspecting its condition.
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