"Let's hear it—how should we welcome our guest from the Kanto region?"
"They've already sent us two generous gifts. If we don't return the favor, they might mistake Team Aqua for some third-rate, incompetent organization."
In the conference room, Archie poke with a smile, addressing the gathered executives.
Having followed Archie for a long time, the executives naturally understood—losing two Elite Four-tier commanders in quick succession had made their leader furious.
While many of them were stronger than Ron, who had just broken into the Elite Four level, no one could guarantee that they could eliminate him.
After all, from these two incidents alone, it was evident that Drake and Ron shared an unusual connection. Who knew if trying to go after Ron would lead to an ambush set by Drake, the Elite Four member?
Seeing his subordinates shrinking back like frightened Pidove, Archie's anger flared even more. He even began considering deploying his three highest-ranking commanders.
Before he could speak, the executive seated to his left, Nome, spoke first.
"Boss, considering the current situation, that old fox Drake will definitely have stationed guards around Ron. If we rush in recklessly, we might walk straight into his trap."
Nome voiced the concerns that everyone shared, avoiding any misunderstanding that they were unwilling to act. Then, he continued.
"But actually, there's a simpler way to deal with Ron—placing a bounty on his head."
"Let's not forget, Hoenn's Pokémon Hunters don't just take jobs capturing wild Pokémon. Many of them also have... considerable experience as mercenaries."
"As long as we offer the right price, these Pokémon Hunters will act. First, they can test whether Drake has stationed people around Ron.
"Second, through them, we can track Ron's movements. Once we find an opportunity, we strike—eliminating him while minimizing our own risks."
After finishing, Nome silently awaited Archie's decision.
"What do the rest of you think?"
Rather than immediately agreeing, Archie turned to the other executives for their input.
"No objections."
"Nome makes a solid point."
"I agree with Nome's plan."
Since someone had finally proposed a feasible solution, the other executives had no reason to oppose it and quickly voiced their agreement.
"Then it's decided. Nome, you will handle this matter."
Seeing that no one else had any additional input, Archie made his decision and handed the task over to Nome.
To him, nothing was more important than achieving his grand vision.
Taking care of Ron? That was something his subordinates could handle.
"Understood."
Receiving Archie's orders, Nome wasted no time and immediately set to work.
Meanwhile, completely unaware that Team Aqua had placed a bounty on his head, Ron was focused on his battle.
"Frogadier, use Water Pulse!"
At his command, Frogadier launched a condensed sphere of water toward an Linoone.
Linoone swiftly dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the explosion of the Water Pulse.
Then, with a powerful Tackle, the Normal-type Pokémon surged forward, rapidly closing the distance between them with surprising speed.
"Frogadier, use Smokescreen!"
A thick, pitch-black smoke burst forth, forming a dense fog that quickly enveloped Frogadier.
Linoone, unable to stop in time, charged straight into the smokescreen, but there was no trace of Frogadier within.
"Frogadier, use Water Pulse to the left! Then follow up with Quick Attack!"
A condensed sphere of water shot out. Hearing Ron's voice from within the smokescreen, Linoone hesitated, momentarily flustered. But before it could react, the Water Pulse struck true.
As it was sent flying backward, Frogadier sprang into the air with Quick Attack, slamming Linoone down from above.
For Ron, who possessed the power of Fighting Aura, the smoke posed no obstacle to his vision or ability to analyze the battle.
"Frogadier, use Bubble to restrict Linoone's movements! Then combine Quick Attack with Pound!"
Bubbles surged out from the smoke, accurately hitting the already struggling Linoone.
With its movements hindered, Linoone barely managed to stand—only to see Frogadier suddenly closing in, growing larger in its vision.
The next second, Linoone felt itself lifted off the ground once more.
"Frogadier, finish it with Water Pulse!"
The intense pain wracking its body left Linoone barely able to move. It forced its eyes open—only to be struck head-on by Frogadier's Water Pulse.
The surging wave of energy crashed into Linoone, pushing it past its limits and rendering it unable to battle.
With this victory, Frogadier's strength grew even more stable, pushing it toward the threshold of level 29.
"Great job, Frogadier! Keep up the hard work!"
Frogadier gave a determined nod before its gaze turned sharp once more, eager for another fight.
"Gardevoir, it's your turn next."
Hearing Ron's command, Gardevoir, still inside its Poké Ball, began scanning the area.
Though the Poké Ball limited Gardevoir's telepathic range, it was still more than enough to locate a suitable opponent for Frogadier.
Meanwhile, in the depths of the underworld, a new bounty swiftly appeared on the Pokémon Hunters' Guild website.
Unlike Kanto—home to the powerful Kanto Pokémon League and the infamous Team Rocket, a crime syndicate akin to an untouchable kingpin—the Hunters' Guild maintained a relatively weaker presence in the region.
Despite its seemingly vast influence spanning multiple regions, the truth was that most Pokémon Hunters only took on missions for personal profit rather than loyalty to the Guild itself.
In other words, the Guild constantly struggled just to fend off the League's persistent attempts to infiltrate or suppress it. Even if it tried to cultivate its own members, resisting the pressure from the various Pokémon Leagues while also contending with each region's underground forces proved an uphill battle.
As a result, in regions dominated by powerful criminal organizations, the Hunters' Guild kept a low profile. Conversely, in places where factions like Team Aqua and Team Magma were locked in conflict, the Guild seized every opportunity to assert its presence.
The high bounty attached to this particular mission meant it was viewed thousands of times in mere moments. But Ron's Elite Four-tier strength deterred countless Pokémon Hunters—except for those whose power matched his own.
"Damn it! Those Aqua scum have some nerve acting this cocky!"
With a furious slam of his hand on the table, Drake's anger manifested like a tangible force.
But the bounty was already posted. There was no stopping it now. All he could do was try to mitigate the damage.
Dialing Ron's number, Drake prepared to inform him of the situation—perhaps even turning this crisis into an opportunity.
-----
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635