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

"Young Master, the target's scent has split into three distinct trails. It seems they're trying to confuse us."

As they wove through the forest, Nasir reported the situation to Dunn after communicating with Mightyena.

In this pursuit, unless Dunn made a major mistake, Nasir and Huck would follow his orders without question.

"Nasir, continue tracking the original scent trail. Have Azumarill use its acute hearing to remain vigilant. If anything happens, alert us immediately."

"Huck, release two more Flying-type Pokémon to track the other two trails. Ensure they maintain altitude and stay alert—the enemy's speed makes them ideal for ambushes in the forest."

"Understood, Young Master!"

With a unified response, Nasir and Huck sprang into action.

A flash of light revealed Fearow and Butterfree beside Hamada. After issuing instructions, Huck sent them flying along the directions indicated by Nasir.

Meanwhile, Ron, who had been keeping a safe distance from Dunn's group, used Kirlia's psychic abilities to detect their movements. Learning that they had split their forces, Ron smirked—just as he'd planned.

Ron continued moving through the forest with Bellossom, while Kirlia acted as a communications link, relaying Ron's instructions to Machamp and Persian.

Following Huck's orders, Fearow and Butterfree maintained altitude, scanning their surroundings cautiously.

Meanwhile, Machamp and Persian each found hidden positions, patiently waiting for their prey to approach.

As Fearow flew past Machamp's hiding spot, Machamp quietly left its position and activated Shave to close the distance.

Positioning itself in Fearow's blind spot, Machamp quickly caught up.

In an instant, Machamp leaped from the ground using Moonwalk, closing the gap and positioning itself beneath Fearow.

With a swift strike, Fearow, just realizing the threat and attempting to ascend, was hit squarely by Machamp's Heavy Blade (a self-created move). A deep gash tore through Fearow's abdomen, and it let out a pained screech before plummeting to the ground.

As Fearow fell, Machamp followed closely, using Finger Pistol repeatedly to ensure Fearow couldn't recover.

First, Machamp crippled Fearow's wings to prevent it from flying again. Then, it systematically attacked Fearow's body, making sure its agonized cries would alert Dunn's group.

"That's Fearow! This way!"

Before Azumarill could confirm, Dunn and his team had already heard Fearow's heart-wrenching screams and changed direction to investigate.

After dispatching Fearow, Machamp quickly left the scene, ensuring its scent trail remained traceable.

This marked the second time Dunn had pursued Ron, following a previous encounter with Lukino. It was clear that even if Ron surrendered, Dunn would show no mercy.

Understanding this, Ron had no intention of holding back. He was determined to eliminate Dunn's group entirely and leave their remains as nourishment for the forest.

"Fearow!"

Hearing Huck's anguished cry as they found Fearow's bloodied body, Dunn and Nasir's expressions turned grim.

As they grieved, Azumarill's ears twitched, and it urgently signaled toward the direction Butterfree had gone.

"Not good—Butterfree is in danger too! Move!"

Nasir shouted as he interpreted Azumarill's warning.

Abandoning Fearow's burial, Huck dashed off, with Pidgeot returning to his side to guard against unexpected attacks.

When Dunn and his team reached the source of the sound, they found Butterfree's lifeless body lying on the ground.

"Nasir, can Mightyena still track the scent?"

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Dunn turned to Nasir.

During his brief training period, one lesson stood out above all others: stay calm, no matter the situation. Acting rashly would only lead to unnecessary loss of life.

"It can."

After a brief assessment, Nasir confirmed Mightyena's ability.

"Good. Judging by their actions, the enemy knows we're pursuing them, yet they're not retreating. They clearly aim to eliminate us here."

"Their strategy of dividing us was meant to weaken our strength."

"From now on, we'll move as one unit and follow the scent trail. Unless they abandon their offensive, they'll inevitably reveal a weakness, and that's our chance. It's our only chance."

"Huck, don't worry. When we return to the clan, I'll ensure your losses are compensated."

"Anything to add?"

After laying out his plan, Dunn sought input from Nasir and Huck.

"No, we'll follow your strategy, Young Master."

Nasir answered after glancing at the still-distraught Huck.

Hearing this, Dunn couldn't help feeling disappointed.

Although his plan seemed sound, it was inherently passive, relying on Ron making a mistake. Dunn had hoped for better suggestions but received none.

"Very well. Let's move."

With Beedrill and Pidgeot flanking them as guards, they resumed the chase, guided by Mightyena's scent tracking.

Having already lost two Pokémon without even seeing their target, the atmosphere among Dunn's group grew heavy.

Suddenly, a burst of blue energy—Focus Blast—shot toward them, forcing Azumarill to sound an immediate alarm.

"Nasir! Have Mightyena use Taunt!"

Ignoring the incoming attack, Dunn, spotting Kirlia and Machamp, quickly issued orders.

But Kirlia didn't give them the chance. Using Teleport again, it vanished with Machamp before Mightyena could act.

Pidgeot countered the Focus Blast with Air Slash and Air Cutter, dispersing the explosive energy.

The resulting shockwave rippled through the forest, deepening Dunn's frustration.

The attack was clearly meant to provoke them, to goad them into making rash decisions.

Though Dunn recognized this, the blatant mockery still ignited his fury.

Forcing himself to remain calm, Dunn reminded himself of his role as the group's leader. If he lost his composure, the hunt would surely end in failure—or worse, their deaths at Ron's hands.

As he mulled over their predicament, a sudden realization dawned on Dunn, forming the outline of a new plan.

"Thank you, Ron. Without you, I wouldn't have thought of this," he murmured, a faint smile crossing his face as he gazed ahead.

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