Infernape fell, but Zoroark had not achieved its breakthrough, even though it had defeated an opponent above its level.
Sato patted Zoroark's shoulder, indicating that it should not be anxious.
How could a breakthrough from Pseudo-Elite Four to Elite Four level be so easily achieved?
"Kuu..."
The dejected Zoroark shook its head, then turned and charged toward the Hunter Association's other Pokémon.
If one wasn't enough, then it would fight ten.
If ten weren't enough, then it would fight a hundred!
Hunter Q had already been subdued. With their leader gone, the Hunter Association was naturally much easier to deal with. Sato watched Zoroark's stubborn back and didn't say much.
At a time like this, it was better to let Zoroark vent.
The outcome of the battle was already clear. The Pokémon Hunters began surrendering in large numbers, no longer struggling.
After all, they could neither escape nor win. There was truly no point in resisting.
Among them, Sato had not only stopped everyone from the Hunter Association, but had also directly subdued their leader, Hunter Q. Without question, he had contributed the most.
Yet he was not especially happy. After all, if Cynthia had arrived earlier, she could have easily done the same.
Without helping Zoroark achieve its breakthrough, everything else was meaningless to Sato.
Before long, Zoroark, having vented its anger, quietly returned to Sato's side. Usually steady and composed, it rarely showed such helplessness.
"Don't worry. We still have plenty of chances."
Sato stroked Zoroark's soft, flowing fur, soothing it sincerely.
You're the Starter Pokémon I had across two lifetimes. How could you possibly fail to break through? Sato's calmness and trust eased Zoroark's unease and restored its fighting spirit.
"Kuu."
Zoroark nodded with determined eyes, then voluntarily drilled into its Poké Ball.
It wanted to recover