Pokémon: A Trainer Who Masters the Six Powers from the Start

"Machamp, Shave—Thunder Blade!"

"Raichu, Thunder Tail!"

Two violent currents of electricity collided, but surprisingly, the higher-level Raichu was overpowered. It was sent flying and then defeated by Machamp's Shave—Thunder Slash.

"I still can't win. Ron, you've trained Machamp's speed to such terrifying levels," Volkner couldn't help but repeat the same words he had been saying for two days after the battle ended.

"Exactly. Unless one has high elite-level physical strength and reflexes, it's tough to counter it," Flint added, not missing a beat.

After several matches, Ron had gradually become familiar with Flint and Volkner, even learning a lot from them.

Despite their formidable strength, neither Volkner nor Flint showed any arrogance toward Ron, a trainer who had only been traveling for less than half a year. Of course, this was partly because Ron had proven himself through sheer ability.

"Indeed. If your Machamp continues to maintain this speed even at high elite-level strength, it would be remarkable. Ron, you might even become famous for this," Volkner remarked, adding an extra comment this time.

Though his words were casual, they struck a chord with Ron, making him realize something he had overlooked: the allure of the Shave technique.

Initially, Ron believed that Shave's strength might not attract the attention of the big names. However, Volkner's comment made him see things differently.

Even if Machamp was strong now due to Shave, who could guarantee that as it leveled up and broke through beyond elite strength, Shave would still maintain its speed advantage over other Pokémon?

At present, those aware of Shave thought it was simply a speed-training method, assuming it would lose effectiveness at higher levels. Furthermore, Ron's positive relationship with the Rangers had discouraged others from pressuring him about his training methods.

But Ron knew better. Shave wouldn't lose its utility; instead, it would grow stronger alongside its user. The same applied to the other techniques of the Navy's Six Powers.

If the time came when people discovered that these techniques remained effective even at high elite, elite four, or champion levels, their interest would undoubtedly grow.

While champions were considered the pinnacle of strength in the Pokémon world, powerful families with ancient legacies also existed. Their influence often surpassed even a champion's.

Faced with such potential benefits, even the Pokémon League might take notice. They wouldn't need to act directly; others would naturally deliver these training methods to them.

Ron couldn't dismiss the possibility that Giovanni and the Rockets might share similar intentions. Perhaps their recruitment of him as a confidant was a way to secure the Six Powers.

Alternatively, this might be their method of protection—if Ron agreed to cooperate, they wouldn't press him further about the techniques. But if they found out these techniques worked for high-level Pokémon, they might resort to threats or other means to extract the training methods.

This wasn't paranoia but a reflection of reality.

If just one technique, Shave, could arouse such interest, how much more would the full Six Powers?

Ron once thought that reaching pseudo-elite four or elite four strength would allow him to use the Six Powers openly. But now, it seemed that without a foolproof plan, the Six Powers might no longer belong solely to him.

"What's wrong, Ron? Why the silence? Are you thinking about how to maintain that speed at high elite levels?" Flint teased, sensing Ron's momentary distraction.

"Of course not! Just training Machamp to this level already drained me. I can only hope it remains faster than other Pokémon when it reaches high elite status," Ron replied cautiously, despite Kirlia's assurance of no malice from Flint and Volkner.

"Hahaha, fair enough."

"By the way, Ron, hurry up and get Machamp healed. Next, it's my turn to battle you," Flint said, his hearty laughter signaling the end of the conversation.

Ron had learned that Flint and Volkner had come to challenge renowned gym trainers as a finale to their journey before returning to Sinnoh. Though they hadn't said much, Ron could tell they were preparing for their official challenge journey upon their return.

Eventually, Flint became one of Sinnoh's Elite Four, while Volkner became its strongest Gym Leader.

When it came time for Ron's gym match, he agreed with Flint and Volkner to cheer for each other during their respective battles.

As Vermilion Gym's leader, Lt. Surge frequently faced challengers from other regions, showcasing Kanto's strength. Naturally, his abilities were beyond doubt, which also provided a chance for Flint and Volkner to reveal their true capabilities.

Ron's goal was the same—he wanted to witness a full-power battle between two elite four-level trainers. Past elite four battles he had seen lacked proper trainer direction or involved one-sided domination, making them incomparable to a match between two evenly-matched elite four level trainers.

As for the Six Powers, Ron planned to explore solutions when Machamp reached high elite strength. If that failed, he'd have to find ways to conceal his identity.

On the fourth day in Vermilion City, Ron's gym battle finally began.

Walking into the Vermilion Gym's arena, Ron noticed its simplicity, much like Saffron City's. Surrounding the battlefield were spectator seats, allowing companions to watch battles. Occasionally, Surge would host inter-regional matches here, open to Vermilion's residents.

Looking at Surge from across the field, Ron knew his identity, like Sabrina and Koga's, tied him to Team Rocket.

Calming himself under the referee's announcement, Ron dispelled the oppressive aura Surge exuded, focusing entirely on the battle ahead.

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