Inside the training room of the ship, steam was rising from Machamp's body, making it look as though it had been thoroughly cooked.
In the next moment, Machamp's eyes snapped open, and the steam that had gathered around it exploded outward, transforming into a powerful shockwave.
A strong, rhythmic heartbeat echoed through the room as Machamp felt an overwhelming surge of power coursing through its entire body. It seemed as if nothing could withstand a single punch from it now.
It wasn't just strength—its speed had also increased dramatically.
Machamp's body flickered as it moved, reaching an astonishing speed even without utilizing Shave.
Persian, standing nearby, could clearly sense that even if it used Shave, it would still struggle to keep up with Machamp's previous movement.
Part of this was due to Machamp's breakthrough into the Elite Four tier, but there was no doubt that the strange technique it had been training in also played a crucial role in this enhancement.
"Very good, Machamp. You've successfully grasped the essence of Second Gear."
Ron observed Machamp's remarkable speed with satisfaction.
Since boarding the ship, Ron had been exploring the potential that Machamp's new Elite Four-level power could unlock.
The difference between the High Elite tier and the Elite Four tier was significant. A High Elite Pokémon borrowed ambient energy from the surrounding air when using moves.
As a Pokémon's level increased, the amount of energy it could manipulate also grew, which was why environmental conditions could influence Pokémon battles.
However, upon reaching the Elite Four level, Pokémon no longer simply borrowed energy; they actively controlled it. Even without using a move, Machamp could now gather and condense Fighting-type energy to amplify the power of its Six Powers (Rokushiki) techniques.
This was a key distinction between High Elite, quasi-Elite Four, and true Elite Four Pokémon. Even under the same typing, a High Elite Pokémon's move would be significantly weaker. Against a different typing, an Elite Four-tier Pokémon could even manipulate ambient energy to suppress its opponent, not to mention the tremendous enhancement in its physical attributes, which further widened the gap between the tiers.
Beyond that, when Machamp reached the Elite Four level, the bond resonance between it and Ron didn't fade. Instead, it became an instinctive part of them, permanently imprinted into their beings.
This resonance allowed them to anticipate each other's moves with incredible precision. A simple glance or subtle motion was enough for them to understand the next tactical maneuver.
More importantly, this resonance also granted Ron a special ability—an immunity to the oppressive aura of Pokémon at the same level as Machamp.
This was something that every Elite Four-tier Trainer seemed to possess—a mysterious power unique to this world.
After getting accustomed to the changes brought about by Machamp's breakthrough, Ron focused on guiding it toward mastering Life Return (Seimei Kikan).
Thanks to the power boost from breaking into the Elite Four level, Machamp quickly grasped Life Return and was even able to bring one of Ron's theoretical ideas to life—an ability similar to Luffy's Second Gear.
Luffy's Second Gear technique involved using his legs or hands as pumps to accelerate blood flow, thereby enhancing his physical capabilities.
Machamp's version of Second Gear, however, was based on Life Return, drawing upon the accumulated energy from consuming high-quality energy cubes and other resources to activate a similar enhanced state.
As long as this stored energy remained, Machamp could sustain this state indefinitely. Moreover, as Machamp's mastery over Life Return improved, the boost provided by Second Gear would continue to grow.
After testing Machamp's newfound strength, Persian and Bellossom immediately resumed their own training. Having fully mastered the Six Powers, they had now begun working toward unlocking Life Return.
Determined to grow as strong as Machamp, neither Persian nor Bellossom was willing to waste a single moment.
Next, it was Nidoking and the others' turn. Initially, they had believed that their progress was already impressive and that their strength was sufficient.
However, after witnessing Machamp's test results, they finally understood just how vast the gap between them was. Without needing Ron's prompting, they instinctively threw themselves into intense training.
Even the three youngest Pokémon followed suit. From this moment on, they were steadily growing into warriors—warriors who wanted to ease Ron's burdens. Silently, they too joined the rigorous training sessions.
Seeing how dedicated his Pokémon were, Ron felt a deep sense of pride and was further motivated to become stronger himself.
No matter what, he would never allow such tragedies to unfold before his eyes again.
Before that, Ron had one more crucial task—to teach Machamp Armament Haki.
Whether Machamp could learn Armament Haki or not was uncertain, but Ron was willing to at least pass on the training methods, leaving the rest up to Machamp's own perseverance and experimentation.
To aid in this training, Ron assigned Persian as Machamp's sparring partner, having it launch relentless attacks to help Machamp awaken its latent ability to manifest Armament Haki.
With an Elite Four-tier body, Machamp could endure Persian's strikes, even if it meant taking multiple direct hits. And even if injuries occurred, it would be nothing more than fuel for Machamp's growth as Ron was always there to treat it in time.
Persian's sharp claws gleamed with a cold light, its eyes filled with excitement.
An opportunity to attack Machamp openly without retaliation? Persian treasured such moments.
Watching Persian, Machamp silently made a decision—it had to master Armament Haki. That way, once Persian started training in it, Machamp could be the one to personally "instruct" it. It would make sure Persian never forgot the experience.
Thus, after each day's training, Ron had an additional task: cleaning up the bloodstains on the floor, preventing the ship's cleaning crew from suspecting he was up to something shady in the training room.
Although using wooden sticks and similar tools could also be effective, Ron preferred having Persian use its claws. Only by feeling a strong sense of danger could one truly push their potential to the limit.
As evening approached, Ron took a short break before heading to the deck with Larvitar.
With his current Elite Four-level strength, Ron wasn't the least bit concerned about others recognizing Larvitar's value and attempting to make a move on him. If anything, he welcomed it—it would only help him accumulate more resources.
Leaning against the railing, Larvitar sat beside Ron, casually tossing pieces of red stone into its mouth like candy.
Perhaps charmed by Larvitar's adorable appearance, a few girls nearby had their eyes sparkling as they repeatedly whispered, Kawaii!
The sea breeze carried their voices to Ron, allowing him to hear them discussing how to get his contact information.
Not that Ron was boasting, but with his striking purple eyes alone, he could easily be considered handsome.
And that wasn't even factoring in his rigorous breath control training, which gave him an undeniable aura of strength.
Before the girls could make a move, Gardevoir—who was resting inside its Poké Ball—sent a warning to Ron: a submarine was approaching.
There was no need to guess. Trouble was coming.
By now, Ron had fully accepted his reality—he was just like a protagonist in a novel, cursed with an attraction to trouble.
Still, he wasn't bothered. In fact, he welcomed it.
He might as well treat it as a welcoming gift for his arrival in the Hoenn region.
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