Chapter 308: Becoming Bruno's Disciple
2024-05-15 Author: Samsung Charmander (Author Name)
"This is ridiculous. I think he's just a fraudulent Elite Four member playing with us!" Ash complained, quite displeased.
No matter how you looked at the burly man sleeping soundly on his side, he was full of openings. A truly powerful martial artist, at any given moment—even while sleeping—should have their entire body tensed, without any weaknesses.
Brock: "?"
Are you trying to increase your Pokémon's combat power or your own physical combat power?
After hesitating for a good while, Brock pulled Ash aside and said in a low voice, "Master Bruno must have his reasons for his actions. He must be training us."
Making them move stones to build a platform was to make them focus on their foundation, to stand firm on their feet.
Making them drink fish soup was so they could eat their fill and always maintain sufficient stamina.
"Then what was the point of making us sharpen chopsticks?"
"You don't understand. There's an ancient fable..."
Brock took one of the chopsticks in his hand and easily snapped it in half. Then he picked up ten chopsticks and handed them to Ash.
"As the saying goes, one chopstick is easily broken, but ten..."
*Crack.*
With a flick of his wrist, Ash snapped all ten chopsticks in half without the slightest effort, then looked at Brock in confusion.
"Ten what?"
Brock: "..."
He waved his hand, once again defending Bruno. "In short, he's trying to tell us that unity is strength!"
"What kind of ultimate move is this? Is he telling me that in future Pokémon battles, when my opponent sends out one, I should send out ten?"
Brock: "..."
"Zzz..."
Looking at the muscular man sleeping soundly on the Rocky Area and the sleeping Electric Mouse Pokémon beside him, Brock's pupils constricted. He opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them.
"Hmph, I believe that Master Bruno definitely has no openings!"
Brock let out a low shout, bent down, and picked up a wooden stick from the ground. It was a fire-stirring stick used when they were cooking the fish, over a meter long, its tip charred black.
He took a deep breath, gripped the stick high with both hands, and slowly walked behind Master Bruno. Then, giving Ash a nod, he fiercely swung the wooden stick down.
*Master Bruno will definitely be able to dodge or block it!*
*THWACK!!*
A loud crack like a watermelon being smashed echoed out. The intense recoil made the web of Brock's thumb ache, and he almost lost his grip on the stick.
*Crack.*
Because he had used too much force, the top of the stick even snapped in two.
"Agh, my head!!!"
What followed was a wail like a ghost or a wolf. Elite Four Bruno was clutching the back of his head, the intense pain sending him rolling back and forth on the ground as blood spilled everywhere.
In a short while, he passed out completely, his tongue lolling out.
Brock: "..."
He was stunned.
*Click.*
A camera shutter clicked.
Todd Snap had subconsciously captured the scene.
In the center of the photo was Brock, holding the wooden stick that had broken in two, his expression dazed.
Beneath him lay the unconscious Elite Four Bruno, blood streaming from his forehead.
For taking down an Elite Four member, if humans also had experience points, his would be maxed out by now.
"Holy cow..."
"As expected of the man I acknowledge!"
"I'll give you a copy of the photo when it's developed. You can take it to Team Rocket to apply for a job. You'll start with a position with three stripes."
Brock hastily threw the wooden stick down and used every first-aid skill he knew to save the fallen Bruno's life.
A while later.
Bruno regained consciousness, though his head was wrapped in a large bandage and his expression was a little awkward.
He had thought they were just ordinary trainers and had let his guard down. He never expected to almost die today.
"Master Bruno, I'm sorry! It was I, this insolent person, who acted so recklessly!"
Brock immediately knelt on the ground, apologizing sincerely and repeatedly, even kowtowing three times.
*Thud! Thud! Thud!*
"Haha, young man, it's alright. There's no need for such a grand gesture."
Bruno wasn't particularly angry. He just laughed heartily for a moment. He was about to scratch his head but touched the gash on top, and a sharp pain shot through him.
*By the way, isn't this kowtowing a bit much?*
*Thud! Thud! Thud!*
By now, Brock had already kowtowed nine times, each one hitting the ground hard. This action left the onlookers a little stunned.
"Young man, you..." Bruno seemed to have figured out what this meant.
Brock raised his head, wiped the dirt from his forehead, and opened his eyes, which were usually squinted into a line. He looked straight at Bruno, his expression becoming more serious than ever before.
"Master Bruno, please take me as your disciple! Teach me the true Rock-Solid Will!"
These nine kowtows were the apprenticeship ritual.
Ever since he was young, Bruno had been the man Brock admired most. Now that he had met him in person, how could he hold back his desire to become his apprentice?
Especially after that impulsive blow, his desire could no longer be contained.
"Brock..."
The group was also shocked by Brock's sudden action; this was not what they had expected.
Ash was even more bewildered. *Wait, wasn't I the one who was going to steal Master Bruno's secret technique? How did it turn into you wanting to become his disciple?*
However, as Brock's best friend, Ash naturally wouldn't interrupt, but stood firmly behind him instead.
Bruno was also taken aback by these words. He was stunned for a long moment before finally waving his hand.
"Hehe, young man, I don't like taking on disciples. Let's just forget it."
He was a man of simple desires dedicated to his training, always alone, and did not like to form a bond with others.
"Master Bruno, I'm willing to do whatever you ask!"
Brock said sincerely once more, his eyes squinted into a line, looking directly at Bruno.
This earnest and fervent intent made Bruno pause for a moment. His expression couldn't help but turn serious as well, and his eyes unconsciously squinted into a line as he fell into deep thought.
Although he didn't like having a disciple, this youth before him, whether in terms of aptitude or disposition, was indeed very suitable to become his disciple...
And his culinary skills were quite good.
*Maybe I should make an exception just this once?*
*Anyway, he'd just be an informal disciple. I could guide him with a move or two occasionally, but I wouldn't have to keep him by my side. There would be no attachments.*
Soon, Bruno had his answer. He looked at Brock and said in a deep voice, "Brock, I can accept you as my disciple, but you must pass my trial."
Brock was instantly ecstatic and slapped his chest, readily agreeing.
"Yes, Teacher Bruno! No matter what the trial is, I will definitely complete it!"
"The trial is simple. Isn't there a rampaging Onix on this mountain? Go and catch it."
Hearing this, Brock and Ash exchanged a glance, overjoyed.
So Master Bruno never even had his eye on this Onix. This worked out perfectly; it completely aligned with their original plan.
Thus, Brock stood up, gave Bruno a respectful bow, and then led Ash and the others to the large pit in the hills of Miyazaki Mountain. Looking down from above, they could see many Geodude, Sandshrew, and other such Pokémon rolling around on the Rocky Area below.
"Ash, don't help me. I'm going to catch that giant Onix by myself."
A brilliant light shone in Brock's eyes. His teeth appeared exceptionally white against his skin, and his expression was full of vigor and spirit.
"Teacher Brock, today, you're the main character," Ash said with a smile from the side.
(end of chapter)