"Kadabra, use Psychic!"
Receiving the command, Kadabra immediately attacked.
Under the force of the gathered psychic energy, Dodrio instantly lost its ability to fight.
By now, Kadabra had fully adapted to its newly advanced strength.
In just half a year, Gu Yuan had gone from an ordinary person to a Senior Rank Trainer with two Senior Rank Pokémon, one Intermediate Rank, and two Junior Rank. His growth was nothing short of astonishing.
But Gu Yuan was not satisfied yet.
Opening his map, he saw that after passing through this forest, his next destination would be Lavender Town.
Since he had already decided that Mankey would evolve into Annihilape, Gu Yuan naturally planned to improve Mankey's strength first.
As a Fighting-type Pokémon, even after evolving into a Ghost-type hybrid, it might not automatically grasp the powers of the Ghost-type.
So, Gu Yuan planned a trip to the Lavender Town so Mankey could experience more Ghost-type Pokémon firsthand, giving it a psychological edge.
At the same time, if the chance arose, Gu Yuan wanted to find some Ghost-type resources to help Mankey adapt to that energy in advance, laying the groundwork for its final evolution.
Of course, even if he couldn't find any Ghost-type resources, it didn't matter. Gu Yuan could always exchange points for them later.
The most important thing was gaining experience in battling Ghost-type Pokémon.
For that reason, back in the Saffron City, Gu Yuan had bought the move Foresight for Mankey.
"Let's go, Mankey. It's your turn now."
"Before we leave the forest, any opponent we meet is yours."
Gu Yuan smiled as he patted Mankey's head.
Upon hearing that, Mankey's eyes immediately lit up.
Ever since Saffron City, it had only watched Charizard and the others fight, itching for its own turn.
Now that it finally had the chance, the fact that it wasn't jumping around wildly showed how composed it had become.
In Gu Yuan's arms, Ditto looked at the excited Mankey, then at Gu Yuan, falling into hesitation once again.
Before Ditto could think for long, Kadabra used Teleport, bringing them before Mankey's first opponent.
"Go, Mankey! Rush in and use Covet!"
At the command, Mankey charged forward at full speed.
Sensing the danger coming from Mankey, Paras grew cautious.
But when Paras prepared to strike, Mankey suddenly acted cute. The sudden contrast made Paras hesitate for a moment.
Gu Yuan seized the opening, and Mankey's fist slammed into Paras.
Then it used Leer.
The pain from the hit made the move even more effective. Fear slowed Paras's reactions.
Then came Fury Swipes, leaving several fresh wounds on Paras's lowered defense. But Mankey's assault wasn't over.
It unleashed Cross Chop, now at Junior Rank strength, smashing straight into Paras's back.
After the barrage of heavy hits, Paras fainted on the spot.
No matter how many times Ditto saw such scenes, it still couldn't help feeling thrilled.
Even though both sides were evenly matched in strength, Paras had failed to launch a single effective counterattack. Once again, Ditto realized just how much Gu Yuan's strategy mattered.
After some thought, Ditto finally made up its mind.
After defeating Paras, Gu Yuan had Kadabra use Teleport again to carry them forward.
But before he could order Mankey to attack another target, Gu Yuan's communicator suddenly rang.
Although it was an unknown number, curiosity made him answer.
"Hello, Gu Yuan. This is Michael. Please forgive me for contacting you so suddenly."
"I just wanted to tell you that the Mizutani family has recently made some personnel movements. It seems they still haven't given up. I think you should be careful for a while."
Michael's voice came through the line.
Though his words were subtle, Gu Yuan understood the message.
It seemed that someone from Silph Company who had infiltrated the Mizutani family had informed Michael about their actions against him. Michael was now repaying a favor by giving him this warning.
"Yes, I understand. Thank you for the reminder. I'll keep it in mind."
Although Gu Yuan had already guessed the Mizutani family wouldn't let things go, he remained vigilant. Still, since the other side had reached out in goodwill, he wouldn't reject the gesture.
Even so, he didn't forget Shadow's warning; build connections, but always keep some distance.
After hanging up, Gu Yuan didn't let the matter affect his mood. Instead, he kept commanding Mankey to fight.
The results were unsurprising. Every battle ended with Mankey's victory.
With its growing physical strength and Gu Yuan's strategies, these wild Pokémon stood no chance.
Before, Gu Yuan had only suspected that the Mizutani family might make another move.
Now that Michael had confirmed it, Gu Yuan decided not to rush out of the forest.
You can't guard against a thief for a thousand days.
No matter who they sent or how strong they were, Gu Yuan needed to meet them head-on and gauge their level.
He also knew that hiding Kadabra's existence was probably impossible. His enemies would definitely prepare for it.
So this was a good chance to test his opponents.
If they were weak, he would deal with them immediately. If they were strong, he'd take his time.
Of course, after their previous failure, the Mizutani family might again send weaker agents to die.
"Kadabra, stay alert. Tell me if anyone approaches, but don't let Charizard or the others notice yet."
Using Telepathy, Gu Yuan instructed Kadabra, then continued leading Mankey through more wild battles.
This time, instead of leaving the forest, he circled around.
At the same time, three men entered the forest from another direction.
"According to the report, this should be the forest," the thinnest of the three said slowly.
"Kuro, tell us what to do next," said Woodman, the burliest of the group, his tone impatient, almost eager for battle.
"What else can we do? The guy has a Psychic-type Pokémon, so ambushes are useless. We'll have to chase him down and fight head-on."
"The tricky part is locating him and restraining his Kadabra. Teng, that's your job. Woodman and I will handle the fighting."
Kuro sighed slightly as he answered.
"Don't worry. I already know what to do. My Houndoom and Azumarill are ready. Just follow my lead."
Hearing that, Teng stepped forward confidently.
"Good. Woodman and I will protect you. Let's move."
With that, Kuro released his Pokémon, and Woodman followed suit.
After making their preparations, the three began tracking Gu Yuan.