The main purpose of Axel's visit to Pallet Town was to reunite with the Arbok he had defeated in the tide. After capturing the pseudo-king rank Abra, he had entrusted it to Oak to help calm it down. Additionally, Axel wanted Oak to investigate how the Abra had acquired the move called "Regeneration."
"So, did you find out anything?" Axel inquired.
"I don't have concrete evidence regarding how it learned the move. I even tried asking it through Alakazam, but it refused to divulge any information. The only plausible explanation I have is that it somehow evolved its ability 'Shed Skin' into the move 'Regeneration.' However, such a phenomenon has never been observed before. How a Pokémon of only pseudo-king rank achieved this is truly peculiar," Oak explained.
Although Axel anticipated a disappointing answer, hearing it made him feel disheartened. If he could uncover the secret behind the move, he could potentially replicate it with his other Pokémon. He had intended to capture the Abra due to its strength.
Axel requested Oak to take him to the location where the Abra was residing. They took a short walk toward the forest. As Axel approached, the Abra began hissing menacingly, indicating its readiness to strike. However, it refrained from attacking Axel because it recognized Oak's strength as a Pokémon trainer and the presence of Alakazam.
"How have you been, Arbok?" Axel greeted.
The Abra responded by baring its fangs, expressing its readiness to attack.
"I've kept it alive only at your request, but this Pokémon is extremely violent. I've tried to communicate with it multiple times over the past two months, but it only wants to harm anyone who comes near. Such Pokémon shouldn't be kept alive," Oak remarked.
Axel nodded in agreement. He didn't want to resort to killing the Arbok. Recognizing its strength, he saw the potential for it to become a valuable addition to his team.
"Listen, I understand that you're still angry with me after our previous encounter. However, I'd like to make you an offer. I want you to join my team. You're aware that I possess a strong lineup of Pokémon, some of which are even stronger than you. So, why don't you become a part of my team?" Axel proposed.
Without any hesitation, the Arbok lunged towards Axel, only to be swiftly repelled by Alakazam's psychic power.
"If you don't wish to be a part of my team, I understand. Let's make a deal instead. I want you to teach one of my Pokémon a move called 'Poison Damage Transfer.' Once you've taught it, you'll be free to go wherever you please. How does that sound?" Axel presented another offer to the Arbok.
This offer piqued the Arbok's interest, prompting it to stop hissing and contemplate the proposal. It understood that it could perish in this encounter, given the superior strength of the Pokémon accompanying Axel. It didn't want to meet such a grim fate, nor did it desire to become a part of someone as vile as Axel.
Surprisingly, the Arbok nodded in agreement, leaving Axel elated. He assured the Arbok that he would keep his promise.
Axel planned to have Nidorino learn the move, as it had requested it after winning the competition. Currently, Nidorino had already learned two new moves: 'Spinning Poison' and 'Poison Spread'. Adding 'Poison Damage Transfer' to its arsenal, alongside 'Poison Spread', would significantly enhance Nidorino's power.
"Are you sure about this, Axel? You're really going to let it go. I can see it harbors a grudge against you, and at some point, it might seek revenge. I don't want any loose ends, and you shouldn't let it go," Oak advised.
"I'm certain, Oak. If there are future issues, I'll handle them myself," Axel affirmed.
Axel acknowledged the likelihood of future retaliation. However, he had confidence in his abilities and the system. By the time the Arbok would strike in the future, Axel would have grown even stronger.
Axel summoned Nidorino and instructed it to learn the new move from Arbok. Axel expected the learning process to take a day or two, but he was proven wrong. After seven days of relentless practice, Nidorino finally grasped the new move.
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Ding!
Nidorino has learned a new move - Poison Damage Transfer
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The move involved transferring the opponent's damage, caused by poison, to heal Nidorino. However, for the move to take effect, Nidorino needed to establish contact with the opposing Pokémon, either through poison or physical touch. It was a complex move, but if strategized well, it could be deadly.
With the move successfully acquired, Arbok was free to depart. Without wasting any time, it disappeared into the forest. Axel was unsure of its destination, but he frankly didn't care. He could have eliminated Arbok after Nidorino learned the move, but he wished to honor his word.
Now that the move had been mastered, it was finally time to visit the Venu family. It had been a while since Axel had seen his three friends, Adam and the leader of the Venu family.
"You're embarking on your journey again. You must understand that you won't be able to defeat Charles in the upcoming Indigo League competition. What do you plan to do?" Adam questioned.
With the Indigo League just ten months away, Axel realized that training alone wouldn't be sufficient to overcome Charles. He didn't even possess a King rank Pokémon, while Charles had six Champion rank ones.
"I plan to win against the Elite Four first and then challenge Charles when I'm adequately prepared," Axel replied.
"Hmm, that's a good strategy, but remember that once you defeat the Elite Four, you'll have only one year to challenge Charles. I wish you the best of luck. Even if you lose to Charles, remember that you're progressing at a commendable pace," Oak advised.
After bidding their farewells, Axel headed to the Venu family to meet his friends.