Chapter 362: Chapter 362: Forming the Squad
"The next step is simple," Ron began. "Lars, keep developing your breeding facility. I'll arrange for you to get a team of capable assistant
"The next step is simple," Ron began. "Lars, keep developing your breeding facility. I'll arrange for you to get a team of capable assistants. Once that's done, you'll need to expand into other businesses to generate resources for us."
"The most important task," he continued, "is for you to establish an information network—something that functions primarily through mobile communication. Make sure the focus is on locating Pokémon like Mew and Celebi."
Once the room settled into silence, Ron outlined his vision for the future.
As a breeder with a lineage of expertise, Lars quickly understood what Ron intended the moment he heard the names of mythical Pokémon like Mew. It all made sense.
Following someone like this... it was strangely reassuring.
And when Ron mentioned he'd "arrange for people," Lars didn't doubt him in the slightest. With Ron's current power, his mere existence was already nothing short of a miracle.
"I understand. I'll do everything I can," Lars said, bowing slightly to Ron with determination in his voice.
"Then I'll leave it to you," Ron replied. "Kidd and Killer should stay with you for now—and so should Dwight. I'm entrusting him to your care."
Given what he had planned next, Ron decided to keep Dwight by Lars's side. It would also give Dwight the chance to grow more quickly using the energy cubes Lars had developed—eventually becoming a major asset for Ron himself.
"Yes, sir," Lars answered, glancing at Dwight.
Dwight didn't react at all. As far as he was concerned, if it was Ron's command, then it was simply his to follow.
"Now, Amon, your task is much more straightforward," Ron continued. "I need you to recruit about ten skilled Hunters with High Elite–level strength. Personality and character don't matter, as long as they have the potential to grow."
"Once you've gathered enough people, contact me. I'll find a way to reach you."
"Yes, sir. Understood."
Compared to Lars, Amon's loyalty to Ron—who had saved him and given him a new life—was just as strong, if not stronger. He would never hesitate to carry out any order Ron gave him.
Standing off to the side, Lars picked up on something deeper—perhaps a method Ron used to ensure unwavering loyalty. But he quickly let the thought go.
He trusted that Ron wouldn't do the same to him.
And even if he did... did it really matter? His mission wouldn't change. If anything, it was just another layer of insurance.
"If there's nothing else, this meeting is adjourned," Ron declared. "I still need to go meet with Bruno and see what he wants."
"Oh, and Lars—these things are yours now. Do with them as you see fit. Just make sure you start with the tasks I assigned you."
"I'm now at Mid Elite Four level. If you run into any trouble, don't hesitate to use my name."
"As for you, Amon, avoid contact with Lars from now on. You're still a wanted fugitive by the League, and you'll be working under my other identity going forward."
"Yes, sir!" both men replied in unison.
"That's all. Amon, go handle your tasks. Lars, take me to see the energy cubes you developed."
"Right this way," Lars replied.
After sending Kidd and Killer off on other duties, Lars led Ron toward his lab.
An hour later, Ron had Gardevoir use Teleport to leave Cerulean City with Dwight.
As Ron and the others trained, Hans quietly approached.
"Who's there!?" Ron demanded as he spotted Hans.
Before Hans could reply, Ron charged forward, with Machamp dashing in ahead of him at blinding speed.
"Hitmonchan, block them!"
Hans reacted immediately. In a flash of white light, his High Elite Four–tier Hitmonchan stepped forward, intercepting Machamp with a devastating punch.
The power difference was clear. Not even a Level 72 Machamp—despite secretly using Armament Technique—could overpower a High Elite Four–level Hitmonchan.
The Hitmonchan paused for a moment, clearly surprised by Machamp's strength. Then it pushed forward, forcing Machamp back and reaching for Ron.
But Ron suddenly vanished, executing Shave with explosive speed, dodging Hitmonchan's grasp entirely.
Before Hitmonchan could respond, Machamp lunged forward again, blocking the path.
Though it sounded like a long exchange, the entire sequence—from Ron's initial strike to Hans and Hitmonchan's counter—took only a few seconds.
Hans braced himself, crossing his arms before his chest.
A dull thud echoed out. Hans's eyes widened in shock.
He knew Ron had only been practicing breathing techniques for about a year. And yet, the force behind Ron's punch felt like that of someone who had trained for years.
More importantly—Hans had no idea just how much force Ron had held back.
"I was sent by Elite Four Bruno to find you. I have proof!"
After forcing Ron back with a decisive push, Hans didn't wait for Ron to counterattack. Instead, he cut in swiftly with his explanation.
Hearing that, a flicker of disappointment passed through Ron's eyes.
He didn't know exactly who Hans was, but he was sure of one thing—Hans had to be one of Bruno's most trusted operatives. That was why Ron had launched a surprise attack in the first place—to gauge just how much power this man had hidden.
But a single High Elite Four-level Pokémon wasn't enough for Ron to assess Hans's full strength. After all, the aura he sensed from Hans still radiated danger.
"Proof."
Deciding to follow through with the act, Ron backed off and returned to Machamp's side, eyeing Hans warily. Persian and the others were already preparing to strike.
Hans calmly retrieved his Pokédex and first verified his identity. Then he produced a sealed document, personally entrusted to him by Bruno.
Originally, Bruno hadn't thought it necessary to prepare formal documentation. But Hans had insisted that protocol be followed—something that now, unexpectedly, came in handy.
"Apologies. My earlier behavior was out of line. I hope you'll forgive the offense."
"It's fine. Now that my identity's been confirmed, let's get moving. Elite Four Bruno has been waiting for you for quite some time."
Without waiting for a response, Hans turned and began walking ahead, showing no intention of using Gardevoir's Teleport.
After all, if Gardevoir teleported them forward, Hans couldn't be sure of his own safety.
Ron respected Hans's caution. In fact, he was happy to spend more time with the man—hoping he might be able to glean more insight into Hans's true capabilities.
Unfortunately, Hans never gave him the chance. The two made it back to the Ranger Headquarters without incident.
"You're finally back, Ron."
Bruno greeted him warmly the moment he stepped through the door.
"We heard all about your performance in the Hoenn League. While they've already rewarded you, I've arranged for an additional bonus—300,000 League Contribution Points, transferred directly to your account."
"But that's not all—I've got another reward for you."
Compared to Bruno's excitement, Ron's expression remained composed.
"Thank you, Elite Four Bruno. I'm curious—what kind of reward?"
"It's simple," Bruno replied, smiling.
"I want you to form a task force—about ten members strong."
"Their mission won't be limited to hunting Pokémon poachers. They'll also assist Investigators in countering organizations like Team Rocket, and carry out internal oversight within the League itself."
Bruno looked at Ron with a proud, expectant grin.
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