"I've taken the person. This is what Elite Four Agatha asked me to bring to you."
Taking out a Spatial Backpack, Senga showed no pride as a Leader Rank trainer. While the fact that Gu Yuan was Elite Four Agatha's apprentice was certainly a factor, Kenta's terrifying wounds were also undeniably related.
"Thank you."
Gu Yuan took the backpack and watched Senga depart. What Agatha would do next, and how she would use Kenta to clash with the Fukuda family, was no longer his concern.
However, Gu Yuan knew very well that if Kenta truly managed to return to the Fukuda family, he would likely give the Fukuda father and son a huge surprise.
Most critically, after this incident, Gu Yuan's identity could no longer be hidden. Otherwise, if Gu Yuan were still just an ordinary core League trainer, the Fukuda family could easily suppress the incident, even with Elite Four Agatha stepping in.
Seeing Senga disappear as a small black dot, Gu Yuan had Alakazam use Teleport to take him away.
***
"He really won't suffer a loss, but that's fine. As long as the person isn't dead."
"Go tell Fukuda to do exactly as I say. Otherwise, if this matter escalates, I'll risk the Ranger's reputation and make the Fukuda family disappear!"
Striking her cane fiercely, Agatha said commandingly.
"Yes!"
Nodding, Senga began to act. Meanwhile, a cloud of gloom hung over the Fukuda family.
Sitting in the study, Tatao Fukuda's expression was grim. He had originally planned to use a nobody to train his worthless son, but he never expected such a great figure as Agatha to be standing behind him.
Even so, he still did not feel that he was in the wrong; instead, he was furious that Gu Yuan and Agatha dared to pressure him like this! Most critically, the person backing him was not prepared to help, instead telling Tatao Fukuda to comply with Agatha's demands.
After all, mistakes have consequences. Since the opponent was not someone without backing, Tatao naturally had to pay the price for his recklessness. Without the support of his backer, he did not believe he could confront Agatha directly on his own.
"I've noted this loss. Just make sure I don't catch an opportunity."
"Go! Give Agatha what she wants, to silence her, and then bring that good-for-nothing back to me!"
"Oh, and that Gu Yuan fellow, keep an eye on him. I want to know his whereabouts at all times."
After a long time, Tatao Fukuda finally yielded, but he hid the thought of revenge deep in his heart, allowing it to brew. However, the transfer of interests was not so easy to complete. Even if Tatao Fukuda agreed to Agatha's terms, it would take some time to bring Kenta back.
But all this had nothing to do with Gu Yuan. Just as Agatha had said, Tatao Fukuda would not take action again in the short term, to avoid being discovered by her.
***
"Charcadet, use Fire Spin!"
As the command rang out, intense fire rose, transforming into a fiery storm that enveloped the Rattata, which had no time to dodge. Under the searing flames, the Rattata couldn't help but scream.
"Charcadet, charge and use Astonish!"
Just as the Fire Spin was about to dissipate, Gu Yuan had Charcadet charge forward. The Rattata, suppressing the pain, had just burst out of the flames when it saw Charcadet appear before its eyes, followed by a fist that grew larger and larger in front of it. The pain forced the Rattata to continuously retreat.
Giving the Rattata no chance to catch its breath, Charcadet followed Gu Yuan's instruction to use Ember again.
Under the bombardment of fireballs, the Rattata repeatedly backed up until it lost the ability to battle and collapsed.
"That was a beautiful battle, Charcadet. Keep working hard. I believe you'll soon be able to break through to the Junior Rank."
With the battle over, Gu Yuan gently stroked Charcadet's head and smiled encouragingly. Instead of collecting the Rattata in a Poké Ball, Gu Yuan continued advancing toward the deeper parts of the forest.
Compared to his previous method of exploring forests area by area, Gu Yuan intended to cross straight through this one. This would allow him to reach the pier as quickly as possible and take a boat to Cinnabar Island.
"Next, it's your turn, Gastly. Get ready."
"Gas."
Hearing the call, Gastly popped out of Gu Yuan's shadow, looking slightly excited. There was no need to deliberately search; in the forest, Rattata with Rookie Rank strength were extremely common.
In fact, not only in the Kanto region, but also in other regions, Rattata can secure a place for itself thanks to its excellent reproductive ability. If Rattata wasn't much more aggressive than Pokémon like Caterpie, many ordinary people aspiring to become trainers would probably capture Rattata, and Bug Catchers would turn into Mouse Catchers.
Soon, Gu Yuan encountered another Rattata. After Gu Yuan gave the command, Gastly charged forward with a smile, beginning to use Assurance.
Seeing this, the Rattata immediately retaliated by using Quick Attack, but unfortunately, it had no effect on Gastly. Seizing the opportunity, Gastly bit down on the Rattata.
Assurance, when used after the target has taken damage in the same turn, has its power doubled, severely wounding the Rattata in an instant.
"Gastly, use Lick to finish the battle!"
Extending its large tongue and giving the Rattata a forceful lick, it completely drained the Rattata's last bit of stamina. Having easily finished the battle, Gastly flew back to Gu Yuan proudly, enjoying his stroking and praise.
Immediately after, Gastly returned to Gu Yuan's shadow to rest.
Continuing his journey, it seemed the Rattata sensed that Gu Yuan was not to be trifled with, as they all avoided his route, afraid of being targeted. Unfortunately, the Rattata's attempts to hide were useless against the System's detection function.
"Go, Fuecoco, use Ember to block it!"
Upon receiving the command, a gleam flashed in Fuecoco's eye, and flames immediately burst forth, blocking the Rattata that was trying to slip away.
"Fuecoco, use Incinerate!"
The assault continued, with surging flames pouring out and engulfing the Rattata. A white light emerged, and the Rattata immediately tried to use Quick Attack to dodge, but it was still a moment too slow and was caught by the flames.
"Fuecoco, continue using Incinerate."
Fierce flames continuously surged, quickly sealing off the Rattata's escape route. Under the intense heat of the fire, the sweat the Rattata had just broken into was instantly evaporated.
Glancing at Fuecoco, a look of determination flashed in the Rattata's eyes. It used Quick Attack again. The moment it burst out of the flames, the Rattata frantically rushed towards Fuecoco and used Take Down.
"Fuecoco, use Incinerate!"
Fierce flames condensed, forming a fireball that slammed into the Rattata. Under the impact of the intense flames, the Rattata's charge was immediately dissolved, and it was then engulfed by the fire.
Before the flames could dissipate, the Rattata had already fainted. Meanwhile, the white light of evolution appeared on Fuecoco.