Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

When he saw Miyamoto swallow the pill without hesitation, Cain nodded in satisfaction.

Miyamoto was a smart person. This was evident from the things he had said and done earlier. He was someone who clearly understood his position; he didn't have grand ambitions. His goal was probably just survival, and becoming stronger was the most effective way to achieve that.

Moreover, in the recent fight against the other four, he'd shown himself to be someone who fought without hesitation. If he truly lost his chance at survival, he would bite off the largest piece of flesh from the enemy without a second thought.

A smart person, someone who understood his position, willing to risk his life, and who only wanted to survive. With so many qualities combined, he was a pretty decent subordinate.

Of course, as long as he had enough loyalty. Based on how he betrayed his Officer without hesitation, his loyalty was questionable.

However, he was also a man who valued his life, and now that Cain held his fate in his hands, as long as he didn't send him on a suicide mission, there wouldn't be a problem for the time being.

As for how to handle him after leaving the island, that would be seen later.

"I like dealing with smart people. Bring out your Dodrio; if I don't treat it, I doubt it will last until tomorrow," Cain said.

Miyamoto looked at him and, without hesitation, took out Dodrio's Poké Ball and let it out.

Dodrio could barely stand. Of its three heads, only one could move normally; the other two hung limp, and one of them couldn't even open its eyes.

Cain shook his head; Dodrio's injuries were worse than he'd thought. It wouldn't last until the next day; in fact, it probably wouldn't survive more than three hours.

Pokémon: Dodrio (Green Grade) (Severely Injured)

Gender: Male

Level: 31

Types: Normal + Flying

Ability: Run Away

Equipped Items: None

Egg Moves: Supersonic, Mirror Move

Basic Moves: Tri Attack, Peck, Growl, Quick Attack, Rage, Fury Attack, Pursuit, Pluck, Double Hit, Agility, Uproar

Learned Moves: Snore, Stomping Tantrum, Knock Off

TM Moves: Protect, Taunt, Aerial Ace

Cain's system scanned Dodrio and showed two words in red next to its potential: "Severely Injured."

Its Run Away ability didn't surprise Cain. This explained why Miyamoto chose it as his transport Pokémon. It's a good ability for escape.

This also reflected Miyamoto's cautious nature. Despite being better with Fighting-type Pokémon, the only one left was this Dodrio. Though it wasn't clear if this was deliberate, it seemed obvious that this Dodrio was his last card to save his life.

Someone who fears death is easier to control.

"Keep your Dodrio calm; I'm going to treat it."

Cain didn't approach immediately. Although Dodrio looked weakened, it still had the capacity to attack, and Cain didn't want to take unnecessary risks.

Cain took a Poké Ball from his pocket and released the Arbok he'd captured the day before.

Thanks to an expensive pill and the use of a healing spray, its body had recovered quite a bit. After a night of rest, its mental state was also better. Although its fighting capacity wasn't at 100%, it wasn't far from its peak.

Its potential hadn't fully returned yet, but with the Pokéblocks Cain had given it that morning, it should be fully recovered in three days. It might even become stronger.

Miyamoto was surprised to see the Arbok Cain summoned. The size of the Arbok was massive, roughly double that of a regular Arbok.

He also sensed that this Pokémon had considerable power. Perhaps only his Primeape could match it in battle.

He looked at Cain's other Pokémon: Slowpoke, Murkrow, Tropius. Maybe he really could face those four monsters.

He didn't know why Cain had brought out Arbok.

Miyamoto obediently approached Dodrio. Seeing his Pokémon so injured, he didn't feel particularly sad, just defeated.

He recalled the days he'd served under the Team Rocket Officer, full of arrogance. He couldn't believe that after only one day on the trial island, he'd ended up like this.

He placed his hand on Dodrio's back, stroking its disheveled feathers, keeping it calm.

Feeling his trainer's intent, Dodrio, which was gathering its energy, almost collapsed immediately.

You could see how serious its injuries were.

"Arbok, bind them," Cain said calmly.

Arbok obeyed without hesitation; its respect for Cain had grown due to his ability to heal it.

Cain stopped it before it did anything too strong.

"Not too tight, just keep them bound."

Miyamoto went rigid. He thought Cain had summoned Arbok for some important reason, but now it was clear that it was just to bind them.

What was he planning?

Not daring to move, Miyamoto calmed the frightened Dodrio while they were wrapped up by Arbok. Once bound, they could only move their eyes.

Cain shrugged and said with a smile:

"No offense, but I'm concerned that when I treat Dodrio, the pain might make it lose control, and I'm not strong enough to restrain it."

Miyamoto felt speechless. Was Cain afraid of Dodrio or more of him?

He understood that Cain still didn't trust him, which was reasonable.

The more cautious he was, the more Miyamoto was convinced that Cain really planned to face off against one of the executive's subordinates.

Unable to move or resist, Miyamoto decided to stay still.

In turn, Miyamoto used words to soothe Dodrio, which was still restless.

Once Arbok confirmed everything was secure, Cain put on gloves and took out his toolkit.

Under Miyamoto's watchful eye, Cain disinfected Dodrio's wounds, applied healing medicines, realigned and splinted the broken bones, and finally asked Miyamoto to open Dodrio's mouth to give it one of the same pills he'd given Arbok, one that could save its life.

(End of Chapter)