Chapter 24: ch-24
"Charizard, we can't give up yet!"
Seeing Charizard in tears, Ash immediately spoke up.
Goh, Misty, Pikachu, and Charizard were all stunned.
Ash continued sincerely:
"No matter what, you are my Charizard. Even though we aren't their rivals now, as long as we work hard..."
"Talent or anything else doesn't matter at all!"
Charizard: !?
Ash's tone and gaze were firm and unwavering.
"Charizard, I understand how you feel. You, who have faced almost no rivals in your daily life, suddenly realized how vast the world is and how many powerful opponents are out there. It's frustrating, isn't it?"
"But no matter what kind of Charizard you are, I will never give up on you."
"As long as we work together, we can—no, we will—become the world's number one Charizard!"
Ash's eyes burned with determination. He firmly believed in his Charizard.
"Pikapi!!" Pikachu chimed in support.
Despite Charizard's sorrow, Ash and Pikachu didn't waver. They kept encouraging it to stand tall.
"Roar--!!"
Charizard looked at Ash and Pikachu, recalling all their shared experiences. Deeply moved, it wiped away its tears and gave Ash and Pikachu a thumbs up!
For tomorrow and for Ash, it had to become stronger!
Galar Region, Palace Gate Stadium
While the audience continued discussing Charizard's future, the video resumed—
[Since arriving at Charizard Valley...]
[Seeing so many powerful Charizards, coupled with a string of defeats...]
[Ash began to realize that his Charizard wasn't as strong as he had once believed.]
[Even Team Rocket, who were usually troublemakers, couldn't bear to see Charizard, their usual nemesis, so disheartened.]
[In an uncharacteristic act, the trio built a machine overnight and attacked Charizard Valley the next day.]
[Ash's Charizard leapt out of the water at the commotion and knocked Team Rocket's machine away, sending the trio flying.]
[The noise prompted Liza to open the valley gates.]
[At that moment, she invited Ash's Charizard to stay in Charizard Valley for training.]
[It wasn't Charizard's victory over Team Rocket that impressed her, but its unyielding spirit that inspired the other Charizards.]
[Liza saw in Ash's Charizard a weak yet tenacious soul.]
Team Rocket Headquarters, Kanto Region
"These three fools! What are they doing helping that brat?!"
Team Rocket Executive Ariana was speechless.
"What kind of evil organization feels sorry for its enemies?!"
She shook her head, disappointed in their antics.
The video continued—
At Charizard Valley,
[Ash's Charizard, knowing its own weakness, resolved to stay in the valley to become the strongest Charizard in the world!]
[However...]
[This meant saying goodbye to Ash and Pikachu.]
[Charizard's eyes reflected its reluctance.]
[But by now, Ash had grown strong after experiencing the separation of Butterfree.]
[He chose to respect his Pokémon's decision.]
"Charizard, don't come over here."
"This isn't your place anymore!!"
"That's your place—over there!"
[Ash lowered the brim of his hat and pointed toward Charizard Valley.]
"I don't need a weak Charizard."
"Charizard, listen carefully. You have to become stronger. When we meet again, you'll be the strongest Charizard!"
[With those words, Ash bid farewell to Charizard and left Charizard Valley with tears in his eyes.]
Palace Gate Stadium Audience Seats
"Wow~~ Ash and Charizard parted ways just like that."
"This is so emotional! I feel so sad!"
"I'm crying—"
"Don't cry. This isn't goodbye forever. Charizard is staying to train. When they reunite, it'll be as a Mega Strong Pokémon!"
The audience was deeply moved by the bond between Ash and Charizard.
Champion Guest Seats
Cynthia: "Parting is necessary for a stronger reunion."
Diantha: "That's the right choice. I believe that when Ash and Charizard meet again, Charizard will be an incredibly powerful Pokémon."
"I think so too. Good luck to Ash and Charizard," Alder said earnestly, clearly admiring Ash's fiery determination.
Alder chuckled, recalling his own passionate youth. "That Ash reminds me of myself back then!"
Team Rocket Headquarters, Kanto Region
"What's with this sentimental nonsense?"
Proton scowled.
"What's the point of training in Charizard Valley? No matter how hard it works, it can't match Pokémon with extraordinary talent," Archer sneered disdainfully.
Ariana added, "I'd like to see how strong it can get after all this training. Don't disappoint us!"
Little did they know how powerful Charizard would become upon its return...
Galar Region, Palace Gate Stadium
As the audience continued reflecting on Ash and Charizard's emotional farewell, the screen shifted—
A new figure emerged.
It was a Pokémon with orange-red fur, strong limbs adorned with iron rings, and a red six-pointed star on its cheeks.
Its saffron-colored mane featured a clover-shaped mark on its forehead, and white smoke trailed behind it.
Champion Guest Seats
"That's... Entei, one of the Legendary Beasts!" Diantha exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.
Even the seasoned Champions were astonished by the sudden appearance of such a majestic Pokémon.
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