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Swampert was naturally gifted with immense strength. With a single Iron Tail, Arbok immediately felt as if every bone in his body was about to shatter.
A sharp, agonizing pain spread through his entire form, sending intense waves of discomfort through his nerves.
However, Arbok had astonishing regenerative abilities. The pain in his body quickly subsided, and he struggled to extract himself from the wall he had been slammed into.
But the moment he emerged, his vision was filled with Swampert's towering, mountain-like physique, exuding an overwhelming and oppressive presence.
For a moment, Arbok's entire body stiffened in place, not daring to act rashly. A deep wariness flickered in his eyes, and beneath that, a long-forgotten fear surfaced.
Although it had been only a single exchange, Arbok had already realized the vast gap between him and Swampert. Right now, he was absolutely no match for the opponent standing before him.
"How about it? Still want to fight?" Sato stepped out from behind Swampert, walking calmly up to Arbok with a stern expression.
"Let me make one thing very clear—you will never be able to defeat Swampert. That Iron Tail just now was merely a warning. If you dare to resist again, you'd better be prepared to be smashed into meat paste."
As he spoke, a cold and murderous glint flickered in Sato's eyes. At the same time, the aura of a powerful trainer erupted from him.
Arbok had tried to kill him multiple times. If the serpent could not be tamed, then Sato would show no mercy. Death would be the only fate awaiting such a rebellious Pokémon.
Faced with the suffocating pressure radiating from both Sato and Swampert, Arbok, who possessed a highly intelligent mind, finally understood his situation.
He had failed in his multiple attempts to eliminate Sato—now, it was his turn to be on the receiving end.
And right now, Sato intended to kill him. If he resisted and refused to submit, there was only one path left—death.
In the end, Arbok yielded. Though he was inherently vicious, ruthless, and bloodthirsty, it was precisely because he had witnessed so much death that he feared it himself.
The crimson light in Arbok's eyes gradually faded, and he slowly lowered his proud head before Sato in submission.
"From today onward, you are my Pokémon," Sato declared as he saw Arbok bowing his head. The killing intent within him rapidly dissipated. Under the watchful eyes of Swampert and Ditto, he confidently stepped forward and placed his hand on Arbok's menacing, scaled head.
"My orders are absolute. But don't worry—I know you desire strength. As long as you perform well, I will do everything in my power to make you stronger."
As soon as he finished speaking, Sato retrieved the PokéBall that Rondo had given him, casually tossed it to the ground, and stomped on it, shattering it to pieces in front of Arbok.
Then, he took out a brand-new Ultra Ball.
"Go, PokéBall."
With a calm but commanding tone, Sato pressed the center button of the Ultra Ball against Arbok's head. The ball immediately opened, transforming the serpent into a beam of red light and drawing him inside.
After shaking lightly in Sato's hand a few times, the button's flashing red light abruptly dimmed.
With Arbok's matter resolved, Sato turned his attention to Miltank. Compared to the vicious and aggressive Arbok, the gentle-natured Miltank was much easier to deal with.
With the help of the ever-friendly Ditto, Growlithe, and Bellossom, the mild-mannered Miltank quickly recognized reality and allowed Sato to reclaim her without the use of force.
After taking care of everything, Sato mounted his Acro Bike and sped down the main road toward Viridian Forest.
Viridian Forest was not unfamiliar to him. It was in this treacherous woodland that he had undergone his first true transformation.
This was also where he had met Bellossom and Growlithe, who had since become his steadfast companions.
However, the area where Sato had previously roamed in Viridian Forest was a danger zone—home to high-level wild Pokémon and powerful Pokémon colonies.
Now, however, he was entering Viridian Forest from Pewter City's main road, leading into a designated safe zone. As long as he followed the well-trodden path carved through the forest, he would not stray into hazardous territory.
Of course, in this safe zone, he would only encounter low-level wild Pokémon, mostly common species. Finding anything rare here was practically impossible.
Viridian Forest was the largest forest in Kanto, teeming with a diverse array of Pokémon. Since ancient times, it had been considered a land of abundant natural resources, with countless mysterious legends passed down through generations.
One of the most famous legends was the supposed gift of "Viridian Power" bestowed upon chosen individuals. This tale was widely known among trainers and often exaggerated into mythical proportions.
Most trainers were at least somewhat familiar with Viridian Power. Throughout history, those who possessed it had all become legendary trainers.
Take, for instance, the current Kanto Elite Four's Dragon-type specialist—Lance. He was said to be one such trainer blessed by Viridian Power.
According to rumors, he gained this ability by sheer chance while traveling through the forest.
Because of this, countless trainers from around the world journeyed to Viridian Forest every year, hoping to obtain the fabled power.
Unfortunately, despite the staggering number of trainers who had attempted to seize this opportunity, none had ever succeeded.
Some keen observers had noted that throughout history, all known wielders of Viridian Power were born in Viridian City.
Additionally, very few people had realized that Viridian Forest did not only favor humans—it was more inclined to bestow its blessing upon wild Pokémon with pure hearts.
Since Viridian Forest was the homeland of both Bellossom and Growlithe, Sato released them once he entered the forest, letting them ride with him—Bellossom on the bike's rear seat and Growlithe perched in the front basket.
Both Pokémon were visibly thrilled to return to their birthplace. Growlithe rested his front paws on the edge of the basket, panting excitedly as he took in the sight of the trees and bushes passing by.
Bellossom, on the other hand, clung to Sato's waist with a bright smile, her small body glowing faintly with a soothing green light.
Though the forest paths were rough and uneven, they posed no challenge for Sato's Acro Bike. The ride remained smooth, and he leisurely continued forward along the dirt trail.
As he traveled, he noticed several trainers walking along the same route, some engaged in intense Pokémon battles on the grassy roadsides.
However, what truly occupied Sato's thoughts was the task at hand. He had yet to locate the target of his mission, which puzzled him. He wondered if the people he was supposed to meet had already been overtaken by his bike's speed.
Still, he chose not to stop. Instead, he maintained a steady pace, continuing deeper into the forest's safe zone.
Before long, he had completely left the outskirts of Viridian Forest and ventured into its inner regions.
Just as he entered the deeper part of the safe zone, where no one else was around, a Pidgeotto suddenly swooped down from behind him. In its talons, it clutched a black parcel—one that it promptly dropped directly onto Sato's head.