What happened next truly confirmed Lance's opinion.
The scene continued—
[Ash and his friends were sailing on Cleopatra Island (yes, that's the name, hahaha) when they encountered a Pokémon Trainer named Xiaoying on the sea.]
[When their eyes met, a battle began.]
[Xiaoying challenged Ash.]
[Xiaoying used a Poliwrath.]
[This Poliwrath wore a Fighting Champion Belt and was an exceptionally powerful Pokémon.]
[In the first round, it easily defeated Ash's Pikachu with overwhelming strength.]
At this moment, Ash remembered:
He was a master of countering type disadvantages.
Naturally, Pikachu, with its Electric-type advantage, wouldn't be able to win this battle.
[So, Ash sent out Charizard, which, in theory, had no type advantage against the Fighting-type Poliwrath.]
[However, Ash's strategy failed this time.]
[During the battle, Charizard still refused to obey Ash's commands. Poliwrath seized the opportunity and used Ice Beam, freezing Charizard and winning the match.]
Kanto Region, Rocket Hideout
"Charizard is so weak it can't even beat a Pokémon like this," Executive Ariana sneered.
"I've been saying this Charizard is no good. Haven't you noticed? It's even shorter than an average Charizard," said Proton, another Rocket Executive, mockingly.
"This is the result of forced evolution. A Charizard like this might bully weaker opponents, but now that it's facing more experienced Pokémon, its flaws are obvious," he continued.
"It's hit its ceiling. If Ash wants to step into high-level battles, he'd be better off training new, stronger Pokémon. Like the Fire-types from Johto," Archer added with a smirk.
"Hahaha, true. A well-trained Typhlosion or Infernape would easily outclass this Charizard," Proton replied lightly.
Sinnoh Region, Veilstone City
Paul shook his head in disdain as he watched Charizard's poor performance.
Many Trainers across regions began to doubt Charizard's future.
They believed it would be impossible for Charizard to break through its limits.
After all, the Pokémon a Trainer meets early in their journey often have limited potential.
No top Trainer could turn a weak, unremarkable Pokémon into a champion, could they?
Well, except for the Bug-type Elite Aaron from Sinnoh Region.
But... wasn't he the weakest Elite?
The scene continued—
[With Charizard frozen and defeated, Ash immediately forfeited the match to care for his Pokémon.]
[The seaside was cold at night, but Ash lit a fire to warm Charizard and treated its frostbite over and over again.]
[Even when his hands turned red and raw, he refused to give up.]
"I'm sorry, Charizard. I know I'm still an inexperienced Trainer."
"You don't listen to me because you think I'm not strong enough, right?"
"Haha, I get it. It's my fault. But… I promise you, my dream is to fight alongside you someday."
"I want to win battles with you. I'll never give up on you, Charizard. You'll always be my partner!"
This heartfelt scene moved the audience.
Palace Gate Stadium Audience Seats—
"Wow, this is so emotional! I'm tearing up!"
"Ash's determination is amazing. He really never gives up!"
The audience gave Ash a thumbs-up for his unwavering spirit.
Champion Guest Seats—
"While Ash isn't a mature Trainer yet, his love and care for Pokémon are truly remarkable," Cynthia said with a warm smile.
"Right now, they're weak. But someday, they'll emerge as something extraordinary," she added, her eyes filled with belief.
"This is why Ash can form such deep bonds with his Pokémon. He never gives up," Steven Stone commented.
Wallace and the other Champions began to admire Ash's spirit. Even Raihan, who had previously doubted Ash's abilities, started to recognize his rare qualities.
Kanto Region, Cinnabar Island
"ROAR!!!"
Charizard suddenly emerged from its Poké Ball.
It looked at the screen, seeing Ash tirelessly caring for its frostbite, and was deeply moved.
Memories of its journey with Ash flashed through its mind:
Being abandoned in the rain.
Ash's helping hand during a storm.
The snowy mountain night.
Laughter on their travels.
Fierce battles in the gym.
Charizard's heart swelled with emotion.
"Charizard, what's wrong?" Ash asked, confused.
"ROAR!!!"
Charizard released a massive flame into the sky, its eyes blazing with determination.
It had made up its mind:
It wanted to help Ash win the Indigo Plateau Conference!
The scene continued—
[The next day, Charizard recovered fully, its blazing tail flame proof of its renewed strength.]
[Charizard accepted a rematch against Poliwrath.]
[This time, Ash and Charizard fought in perfect harmony. Charizard learned Dragon Rage during the battle and used Seismic Toss to claim a decisive victory against the type disadvantage!]
The audience erupted in cheers.
"Unbelievable! What a comeback!"
"No matter how many times you see it, Ash and Charizard's bond is incredible!"
This was proof:
The combination of Trainer and Pokémon, bound by trust, could overcome even the strongest opponents.
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