"Saffron City is only half a day's walk from here. I'll be able to challenge the Gym soon," Ash said excitedly while clenching his fists.
"Raj, you're also going to challenge the Saffron City Gym, right?" Ash asked.
"That's right. I also need eight Gym Badges before entering the Pokémon League. I'm going to become the strongest person in the world," Raj said proudly.
"Is that so? Then you'll definitely become a strong opponent for me in the future. When that day comes, I won't hold back," Ash said while patting Raj's shoulder.
"Hahaha, of course. A real battle only counts when both sides give everything," Raj replied.
If I take control of Team Rocket in the future, I might become wanted across the entire world. I wonder what Ash will do then.
Raj quietly shook his head.
"I should find a place to improve my strength first, especially since the next Gym specializes in Psychic-type Pokémon," Raj thought.
"Ash, you all go ahead to Saffron City first. I want to explore the nearby area a bit and see if there are any Pokémon worth catching. I'll meet up with you later," Raj said while stopping.
"You're not coming with us? We could watch Ash challenge the Gym together, and you're going to challenge it too," Misty said with disappointment.
"Misty, Raj has his own plans. Let's head to Saffron City first," Brock said calmly.
"Then make sure you come find us later. Bye, Raj," Ash said as they waved goodbye.
"Alright. Now I can search the area properly," Raj said as he walked into the forest.
Not far away inside a bush, three pairs of binoculars were aimed directly at him.
"Is that the kid? He doesn't look very strong. Sending us feels unnecessary."
"Don't underestimate him. He defeated Yamato and the others easily. They were using Pokémon strengthened by the doctor's enhancement machine."
"And the higher-ups said his identity is unusual. Apparently he's related to an important figure in Team Rocket who later disappeared."
"So that's why they sent us."
"Enough talking. He's alone now. This is our chance," the leader said coldly.
"Understood," the other two replied together.
The three of them immediately moved forward to intercept Raj.
Meanwhile, as Ash and the others entered the city, a broadcast echoed through the streets.
"Attention citizens. Team Rocket activity has recently increased and is affecting public safety. Please report suspicious individuals to Officer Jenny immediately."
After hearing the announcement, Misty looked worried.
"I wonder if Raj might run into Team Rocket while he's out alone."
"Misty, don't worry. You know how strong Raj is," Ash said confidently.
"That's true. Raj's Pokémon are very strong," Misty said, recalling Haunter's strength from before, though she still felt uneasy.
At that moment her concern had already become reality.
Raj stood facing three figures blocking his path.
Several Pokémon stood beside them, staring at him aggressively.
The three Trainers themselves also looked extremely hostile.
"Damn it. What is going on?"
Raj took a deep breath as his face turned pale.
He had only planned to find a quiet place where Haunter and the others could absorb energy from wild Pokémon to strengthen themselves.
He had never expected to be ambushed like this.
Fortunately the System had warned him in advance about several Pokémon ahead, allowing him to release Muk, Beedrill, and Haunter in time.
Otherwise he might already be dead.
Strength really is essential.
Raj sighed inwardly.
Even so, he had already been seriously injured.
Beedrill and Muk were both covered in wounds.
Haunter had avoided the worst damage but still suffered several hits.
These three opponents were clearly stronger than expected.
With his current condition, the situation looked dangerous.
"Damn it. I was careless. And they attacked with killing intent from the start," Raj muttered coldly.
Still, he forced himself to remain calm.
"Who are you? Who sent you? Since when does Team Rocket attack people like this without explanation?" Raj asked while secretly buying time.
Even if he could not escape, he wanted answers first.
At the same time he could not ignore a troubling thought.
If Team Rocket members were trying to kill him, did that mean something had happened to Kenji?
Could Giovanni already be moving against him?
The three attackers remained silent.
Finally the tallest among them spoke.
"Trying to stall for time? No one comes here. No matter who sent us, you won't leave this place alive today."
"Heh. You really think highly of me," Raj replied.
He slowly stood upright despite his injuries.
"System, show me their Pokémon's stats."
[Ding. Four Pokémon detected within 20 meters.
Golbat.
Poison/Flying-type Pokémon.
Combat Power: 900.
Known moves: Poison Fang, Leech Life, Aerial Ace, Air Slash, Bite, Mean Look.
Arbok.
Poison-type Pokémon.
Combat Power: 950.
Known moves: Poison Jab, Bind, Slam, Acid, Bite, Glare, Haze.
Swoobat.
Psychic/Flying-type Pokémon.
Combat Power: 1000.
Known moves: Psychic, Zen Headbutt, Air Slash, Sucker Punch, Calm Mind, Amnesia.
Mightyena.
Dark-type Pokémon.
Combat Power: 1050.
Known moves: Crunch, Sucker Punch, Howl, Snarl, Thunder Fang, Fire Fang, Ice Fang.]
Swoobat?
That Pokémon shouldn't normally appear in the Kanto region.
So maybe they aren't ordinary Team Rocket members.
Could they be from somewhere else?
Raj narrowed his eyes.
"Fine. If you want my life, I won't make it easy for you. Haunter, Muk, Beedrill, battle."
Beedrill and Haunter immediately understood the seriousness of the situation.
Their expressions turned sharp and focused.
Muk stayed beside Raj, protecting him closely.
"Hmph. Since the three of us came personally, you don't have any chance to escape," the attackers sneered.
They immediately ordered their Pokémon forward.
All four enemy Pokémon attacked together and surrounded Beedrill and Haunter from multiple directions.
Beedrill struggled desperately to avoid repeated strikes.
Each movement barely avoided direct hits.
If not for its agility, it would already have lost the ability to continue fighting.
The situation was becoming increasingly dangerous.
If this continued much longer, Raj would lose his last chance to survive.
...
📢 Author's Note
Part 1 of Pokémon: Rise of the Dark Trainer! is now completed and available on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
✅ Part 1 Complete — 100+ Chapters
Join Raj on his journey through the Pokémon world as he gains the mysterious Strongest Villain System, captures terrifying Pokémon, and walks the path toward becoming the most feared villain in history.
🔥 I also have additional 18+ fanfics available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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