Pokemon: The Legendary Trainer

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In truth, Arbok didn't have to die. After all, he had indeed helped Sato in the past. If he had chosen to walk away, Sato would've let him go. If he had chosen to repent and stay, Sato would have continued training him just like any other Pokémon.

Unfortunately, he made the one choice Sato despised the most—he went mad and actually tried to kill him.

Sato, who had returned from the mysterious island, knew exactly what to do when faced with a creature that wanted to take his life. He would never hesitate. Death was the only outcome he allowed for his enemies.

With Protect from Kecleon shielding him, Arbok's sneak attack was nothing more than a joke. Then, under the heavy strike of Swampert's frost-charged fist, defeat was inevitable.

The entire battle lasted less than ten seconds. Following Sato's command, Swampert used Ice Punch to freeze Arbok solid, rendering him completely powerless.

Sato didn't choose to execute Arbok in front of the other Pokémon. After having Swampert freeze him, he returned Arbok to his PokeBall and left the training room with Swampert.

Roughly ten minutes later, Sato returned with Swampert—but Arbok was nowhere to be seen.

Though Sato didn't say where Arbok had gone, the rest of the Pokémon in the training room clearly understood his fate. With Sato returning in complete silence and an unreadable expression, the entire team silently immersed themselves in intensive training.

Even the usually playful and carefree Natu, and Pichu who loved to snuggle up to Sato and act cute—both were now quietly practicing their moves, not daring to interrupt him.

Sato wasn't feeling great himself—after all, he had just ended Arbok's life. But he didn't regret his decision.

"Sigh… Why did you have to be so stupid? I never intended to kill you, but you left me no choice. If I hadn't, I would've lost all authority in front of the others. You forced my hand."

Sitting in his chair, Sato stared blankly at Arbok's now-empty PokeBall. After a long pause, he let out a deep sigh, his thoughts heavy.

Soon, Sato composed himself and returned his focus to the Pokémon's move training.

After removing the unstable element that was Arbok from the team, Sato didn't forget the other loose cannon—Persian. He glanced at Persian, who was currently training with impressive focus, then began walking directly toward him.

In fact, ever since Persian saw that Arbok hadn't returned with Sato, he had completely dropped his lazy, evasive habits and was now working as diligently as Heracross.

But when Persian noticed Sato approaching, he was so terrified he collapsed flat onto the ground, covering his head with both paws and trembling as he looked up at him.

Persian was far more cunning and sharp than the average Pokémon. The moment he noticed Arbok hadn't returned, he knew the snake's fate was sealed.

Now that Sato was approaching him immediately upon returning, Persian was sure it wasn't for anything good. Thinking of the things he had done back in Cinnabar Town, his body shook even more violently.

He knew full well that he had once again disappointed Sato by disobeying his explicit instructions before leaving. And this time, there likely wouldn't be an easy way out like last time.

Still, Persian also understood that as long as he didn't act recklessly like Arbok, he'd likely escape with just a beating—and not share Arbok's fate.

So, to minimize the pain as much as possible, Persian's only option now was to immediately show submission in front of Sato.

Seeing the sly Persian now pretending to be diligent, and then pretending to be afraid, Sato couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and amusement.

In truth, Sato hated Persian's actions in Cinnabar Town even more than what Arbok had done. He saw it clearly now—Persian was a bad apple, too far gone in his habits.

Now that he had dealt with Arbok, Sato decided it was time to decisively handle Persian as well.

"No need to act, Persian. I know you're not really afraid of a little pain. Don't worry—I'm not going to hit you this time. Maybe not ever again."

"Judging from your behavior at both Elusa's daycare and the one in Cinnabar, I can tell—deep down, you crave freedom. You miss the life you had back in Saffron City. You don't like being restrained by me. So now I'm giving you two choices."

"First: I set you free. I won't hurt you. You can walk right out that door."

"Second: You stay, and I train you into a powerful Pokemon. I'll provide you with everything you'd need, but from now on, if I catch you stealing even once, I'll sever your front paws."

Sato didn't mince words. Using telepathy, he made his intentions crystal clear to Persian, then placed his PokeBall on the floor and used telekinesis to open the training room door.

"Meow…"

Persian stopped trembling the moment he heard Sato's words. He lowered one paw and cautiously looked up, staring at Sato in disbelief.

Clever as ever, he didn't fully trust what Sato was saying. His shifty eyes locked on Sato's, trying to read his expression.

But before long, he realized that Sato's face was calm and dead serious—this wasn't a joke.

Slowly, Persian stood up. He glanced at the PokeBall on the ground, then at the open door. Conflict flashed in his eyes.

About a minute later, he finally made his decision. Persian lowered his head toward Sato, then, without looking up, walked through the open door and out of the training room.

Even though life in Sato's team had been very comfortable—good food, good sleep—Sato was right. Persian had always longed for his old life. He never liked being trapped inside a small ball. He yearned for freedom.

"Those who want to leave... can't be stopped. So, farewell, Persian. I hope you live well out there."

Sato didn't stop him. He watched with a blank expression as Persian slowly disappeared from view. His heavy heart suddenly found a release, growing calm once more.

He had known for a long time—Pokémon were no different from humans. They had their own goals and dreams. If they truly wanted to leave, no amount of force would make them stay. Better to let go early—for both sides.

Once Persian vanished completely, Sato picked up the PokeBall from the floor... and pressed the release button.