After defeating the Rhydon, Ron skillfully began cleaning up the battlefield and gathering mission information.
In just a short time, the chaotic battlefield was neatly organized, and the gathered corpses were incinerated in unison by his Nidoking's Flamethrower under his command.
Having finished his task, Ron slowly approached Aki and the others.
"Fifty million League credits. Alternatively, it can be converted into League contribution points."
Before Ron could even speak, Aki took the lead.
Aki had initially wondered whether Ron was still as money-minded as before. However, the moment he demonstrated his meticulous looting skills before her, she immediately knew how to handle the situation.
"This is my account."
Ron didn't stand on ceremony and directly handed his account details to Aki.
"If there are more jobs like this in the future, remember to call me. The price is negotiable."
"No thanks. This kind of experience isn't something I want to go through more than once."
Seeing an old acquaintance again, Ron relaxed slightly and even cracked a rare joke.
Meanwhile, Yavin and the others watched Ron's materialistic attitude in disbelief, feeling as if the mighty warrior they had imagined was crumbling before their eyes.
"Are you free right now?"
After some thought, Aki turned to Ron and asked.
"Why? Are you asking me out?"
Rather than answering directly, Ron smirked and asked teasingly.
"I need your help with something."
"What's the payment?"
Seeing that Aki still insisted on asking for his help despite recognizing his reluctance, Ron stopped joking and inquired seriously.
He didn't need Aki to explain—he already knew she wanted him to deal with an enemy family.
Unfortunately, given his current position, it wasn't appropriate for him to get involved in such family disputes. Not to mention, Bruno still hadn't fully trusted him, which was why Ron had initially refused through humor.
Ron trusted that Aki understood his meaning, yet she still made the request. That meant she believed her offer was enticing enough to sway him.
Since that was the case, Ron didn't mind hearing her out. After all, whether he agreed or not was ultimately his choice.
"A fully matured Terraberry Tree. If you're unable to take care of it, I can arrange for someone to do it on your behalf. You won't need to pay anything, and all the fruit it produces will belong to you."
Although their time together wasn't long, Aki knew Ron's personality well. She didn't conceal anything and directly laid out the best offer she could provide.
"When do we act?"
After a brief consideration, Ron accepted without hesitation.
Even a single Terraberry could fetch a high price, let alone a fully matured Terraberry Tree that could yield thirty berries per year—without him even needing to cultivate it himself.
For Ron, who was practicing the breathing technique, the benefits of Terraberries were immense. If he had enough of them, he might even break through his current physical limits and begin training in the Six Powers.
Moreover, considering his relationship with Aki, helping out was reasonable. Though his League status made it inconvenient, it wasn't impossible. It wasn't that Aki was offering too much—just that he had no reason to refuse.
Besides, in the Kanto region, those long-standing family lineages and corporate powers—who could claim to be completely clean?
As long as they wiped them out completely, would anyone really step forward to defend them?
"No rush. We'll need at least a month or two to lull them into a false sense of security. That way, our chances of success will be much higher."
"But Ron, I must warn you—your task won't be as simple as taking down a quasi-Elite Four trainer. You may have to face multiple quasi-Elite Four trainers and even more Elite trainers."
"In a battlefield where anything can happen, I can't guarantee your safety. So you'd better think carefully. You have a month to decide."
"Of course, if you agree to take action, regardless of success or failure, I will honor my promised payment."
Seeing Ron agree so readily, Aki felt the need to clarify the risks, fearing that his growing strength had made him overconfident.
After all, if something happened to Ron, she couldn't guarantee that the League wouldn't come after her.
"Don't worry. I wouldn't gamble with my life. Just notify me before the operation begins."
"Also, I should tell you—I won't be using a direct assault strategy like others. I prefer swift strikes and a beheading tactic using Gardevoir's Teleport. I hope you can arrange a suitable mission for me accordingly."
Ron wasn't stubborn or offended by Aki's warning. Instead, he openly shared his strengths so she could maximize his effectiveness.
"Understood. I'll contact you before the operation begins."
With that, Aki stopped pressing the matter. After exchanging contact details with Ron, she stayed behind to wait for reinforcements.
Meanwhile, Ron left immediately, heading to track down his next target—Pokémon hunters.
Though Ron was confident in his own strength, he wasn't arrogant.
Within the next one to two months, he was confident he could make Bruno drop his surveillance of him. Additionally, he planned to strengthen his Machamp further to prepare for any unforeseen situations.
Shortly after Ron departed, a Pidgeot descended from the sky.
"Aki, are you alright? Where are the Mad Rhino Poaching Syndicate members who attacked you?"
Before even reaching the ground, the rider on Pidgeot leaped off, landing steadily before urgently questioning Aki.
Despite being over fifty, Ruben's long years of training had kept his body well-maintained. Combined with his short, sharp haircut, he looked no older than thirty.
As the only Elite Four-level powerhouse of the Murrigan family, Ruben had rushed over the moment he heard Aki was in danger.
However, looking at Aki and the others' relaxed expressions, he felt something was off.
Noticing Ruben's confusion, Aki began explaining in a calm voice.
Since Yavin and the others were present, Aki didn't mention her request to Ron.
Even if Ron himself didn't mind, Aki still wanted to help keep his identity hidden.
If she didn't truly need his power this time, she wouldn't have minded offering such a high reward just to give Ron an easier mission and strengthen their relationship.
For no other reason than Ron's immense potential and promising future, Aki believed it was worth investing in a good relationship with him.
In Aki's view, if she waited until Ron broke through to the Elite Four level before trying to establish ties, he might not even bother acknowledging her.
Thus, Aki decided that once they returned, she would discuss with Ruben what additional compensation—beyond the Terraberry tree—could be offered to satisfy Ron.
To Aki, any investment in Ron, who was destined to shine brilliantly in the future, was entirely worthwhile.
In fact, Aki had even entertained the idea of something more personal with Ron. After all, he had once taken a rather compromising photo of her.
Back then, she had found it somewhat embarrassing, but looking at it now… perhaps it wasn't such a bad opportunity after all.
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