NOVEL NEXT Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Setting Sail
"Does it taste good?"
With a gentle tone, Ron fed a handful of top-quality PokéBlocks into Gyarados's mouth and asked with a smile.
Gyarados nodded happily, its massive head nuzzling against Ron's outstretched hand affectionately.
Initially, Ron had planned to release Gyarados into the wild, but he couldn't find the right opportunity before reaching Vermilion City. Later, a conversation with Flint and Volkner sparked a sense of urgency and made him reconsider. From that point onward, Ron began to see Gyarados in a new light, and their bond gradually improved.
Now, Gyarados was no longer the irritable and aggressive Pokémon it once was. Instead, it had become almost endearing, even docile, in Ron's presence.
Especially with Ron's upcoming plans, where Gyarados might play a crucial role, he didn't mind using premium PokéBlocks as a reward for its cooperation.
"Alright, alright. I know you're happy. If there's a chance, I'll let you stretch your fins properly next time," Ron said, patting Gyarados reassuringly before recalling it into its Poké Ball. He then turned and headed toward the port.
Meanwhile, deep within the forest, the search team dispatched by the Wade clan had found clues.
Judging from the battle traces, it was highly likely that Dunn Wade had met his end.
"I've already reported the young master's demise back to the family. Our next step is to hunt down Ron," one of the operatives said.
"Keep in mind, our target is no pushover. Even with me leading the team and our numerical advantage, we must proceed with the utmost caution in the upcoming operation," warned Alan, a high Elite level trainer and the leader of the group.
"I'll do my best to ensure your safety during this mission, but if any of you still perish, don't blame me," Alan added coldly. "Now, let's move out!"
Following Alan's command, the ten-person team set off, tracking Ron's likely escape route. Given his previous movements, they speculated he was headed to Cinnabar Island's Gym by boat. Their mission was to catch up and intercept him. As for other possible routes Ron might take, those would be handled by other search teams.
At the Wada Estate, in the study.
Slumped in his chair, Hudson Wade—the patriarch of the Wade family, a man often likened to a lion by outsiders—appeared weary and frail, a shadow of his usual self.
For the first time, Hudson Wade realized that even he had a soft spot. Despite dismissing his second son, Dunn Wade, as incapable of competing with his eldest, Nass Wade, he had hoped Dunn could live a quiet, peaceful life.
But when Dunn began to show promise, Hudson had given him a chance—a chance to forge a different path. He never imagined that decision would lead Dunn to his death.
A sudden knock at the door broke his train of thought. In an instant, Hudson's demeanor shifted, and the lion returned.
"Come in," he commanded.
The butler entered and, despite having served the family for many years, still felt a chill under Hudson's piercing gaze.
"Sir, Alan and his team are en route to Cinnabar Town. Other teams have been dispatched to search the remaining areas. We should receive news shortly."
"Remember," Hudson said, his tone sharp, "capture Ron alive if possible. If not, bring back his corpse."
"Also, inform Nass to postpone his matters in Vermilion City and return to attend his brother's funeral."
"Understood, sir," the butler replied with a bow before leaving to carry out the orders.
Elsewhere, Ron had boarded a ship bound for Cinnabar Island.
As the ship cut through the calm waters, Ron watched the distant shoreline fade into the horizon before wandering around the vessel. After ensuring that no one aboard seemed to harbor ill intent toward him, he let out a sigh of relief. It seemed the Wade clan's men hadn't caught up—yet.
Ron needed to focus on what lay ahead. His plans were too critical to be derailed by unnecessary skirmishes with the Wade clan.
As the ship sailed further from the port, passengers began finding ways to pass the time. Some, after taking in the ocean views, borrowed fishing gear from the crew to try their hand at fishing. Others, particularly Trainers and tourists, gathered in the main hall for Pokémon battles, cheering each other on. Still, a few preferred to stay in their cabins, watching videos they had downloaded earlier.
Uninterested in any of these activities, Ron rented the ship's training room and began an intense regimen.
Back at the port, Alan's team had arrived.
"Thiago, Nate," Alan barked. "You two stay here and monitor the area in case Ron hasn't left for Cinnabar Island yet. If you spot him, do not engage recklessly. Keep a safe distance. His Kirlia will likely sense your hostility and retaliate immediately."
"The rest of you, follow me. We're buying tickets and heading to Cinnabar Island."
"Yes, sir!" the team responded in unison before springing into action.
The Wade patriarch had offered substantial rewards for capturing Ron: a full month's supply of premium PokéBlocks for capturing him alive and half that for returning his corpse. Motivated by the bounty, the team was determined.
In the training room aboard the ship, Ron took out a rare Terraberry he had purchased back in Fuchsia City.
The Terraberry, on par with the elusive Auraberry*, was something Ron had specifically sought to aid in his physical training. His previous use of the Auraberry had greatly enhanced his physical capabilities, and after months of grueling practice, Ron felt ready to take the next step. This Terraberry might just push his body past its current limits, allowing him to fully master the breathing techniques he had learned at the Fighting Dojo.
For the next few days, Ron dedicated himself to a rigorous routine, relentlessly pushing his body to the brink. With the power of Fighting Aura to restore his stamina and heal injuries, he subjected himself to near inhuman levels of training.
Lost in his relentless pursuit of strength, Ron felt his stress gradually dissipate, allowing him to focus more clearly on his future plans and refine his strategies.
Three days later, a spark lit up in Ron's eyes as he trained in the ship's gym.
[TL/N: Auraberry was previously translated as Golden Spirit Fruit, but for the sake of making it sound cool and integrate its existence into the Pokemon world I opted to change its literal translation to "Auraberry." The same applied with the Terraberry, which was Earth Spirit Fruit from its literal translation.]
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