Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command!

Some battles are planned, others are unexpected—but a true Champion embraces them all. Consider this bonus chapter one of those surprises.

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Ash sent out Charizard.

Grass/Steel typing, four times weak to Fire.

Charizard's arrival visibly boosted Ash's confidence.

The commentators perked up immediately upon seeing the Fire-type Pokémon.

"Ash has sent out Charizard! Fire-type moves are extremely effective against Ferrothorn. With Charizard on the field, Ash has a good chance to win this match."

"In his previous battles, Ash has shown several instances of sweeping through opponents. This Charizard exudes power—it's entirely possible that Ash could use it to defeat all three of Nock's Pokémon!"

Hearing this analysis, the audience, who had initially thought the outcome of the match was a foregone conclusion, found their interest reignited.

After all, everyone loves a good underdog comeback.

But before the commentator could finish their sentence, an unexpected development occurred.

Charizard glanced back at Ash, then flopped onto its side on the battlefield, yawning lazily with no intention of fighting.

The fierce entrance just moments ago? Completely a facade.

Commentator: "..."

Audience: "..."

Ash: "..."

Everyone was speechless.

Especially the commentator, who had just praised Charizard moments ago.

He had confidently predicted Ash's victory and even held out hope for his advancement—only for Charizard to pull this stunt.

The reversal came faster than a hurricane.

Years of experience allowed the commentator to recover quickly, maintaining a professional demeanor as if nothing had happened. "It seems Ash's Charizard is not following commands."

"This must be why Ash didn't use Charizard in his earlier battles! In matches like these, where both trainers are strong, having a disobedient Pokémon could put Ash in serious trouble!"

Hearing the commentator's earnest analysis, Luo Yuan had to stifle a laugh.

On the opposite side, Nock had initially worried that Charizard might instantly take out his Ferrothorn.

But seeing Charizard's behavior... Nock figured there was no need to switch Pokémon.

"Ferrothorn, use Ingrain!"

Taking advantage of the moment, Ferrothorn began restoring its health by rooting itself into the ground.

Watching his opponent recover, Ash became increasingly desperate.

"Charizard, use Flamethrower!"

"Charizard, Fire Blast!"

"Charizard, Ember~!"

Ash's commands grew more and more pleading, but Charizard remained unmoved. It even scratched its ear in disinterest.

Nock, watching from across the battlefield, started feeling a bit sorry for Ash.

But pity wouldn't stop him from aiming for the Indigo League championship. He had to advance.

Seeing that Ferrothorn had recovered a significant amount of health, Nock made his move. "Ferrothorn, use Toxic!"

Ferrothorn opened its maw and unleashed a cloud of purple, noxious gas toward Charizard.

Just as Nock thought Charizard would be caught off guard, the seemingly half-asleep Pokémon suddenly opened its eyes.

A flash of disdain flickered across Charizard's gaze.

With a powerful flap of its wings, Charizard blew the toxic mist right back at Ferrothorn.

Fortunately for Nock, Ferrothorn's Steel typing rendered it immune to poisoning. The mist had no effect.

"What just happened...?"

Nock was dumbfounded.

Wasn't Charizard just lying there, refusing to fight? What was this sudden change?

Nock felt betrayed.

Before he could recover, Charizard leapt into the air, wings flapping as it unleashed a barrage of slicing winds at Ferrothorn.

"Air Slash!"

Clearly, Charizard hadn't reviewed Ferrothorn's stats. Assuming it was purely a Grass-type, Charizard opted for a Flying-type move.

But Air Slash was nearly useless against the Grass/Steel Pokémon, whose high defenses absorbed the attack effortlessly.

Swish, swish, swish!

The bladed winds struck Ferrothorn, leaving only a few minor scratches.

Nock finally snapped out of his daze and barked an order. "Ferrothorn, use Flash Cannon!"

He quickly reached for his Poké Ball, intending to recall Ferrothorn after it launched the attack. Keeping it in the battle against Charizard was unwise.

But before Nock could act, Charizard performed a flawless barrel roll mid-air, dodging the silvery beam with ease.

Then, like a bomber plane, Charizard dove straight down, unleashing a fiery inferno as it descended.

The roaring flames spread out in the shape of the kanji for "big"—Fire Blast.

The attack hit Ferrothorn, which was rooted in place, with devastating precision.

Boom!

The moment Fire Blast made contact, an explosion of flames engulfed Ferrothorn, sending waves of heat across the battlefield.

When the fire subsided, Ferrothorn lay on the ground, charred and unconscious.

"Ferrothorn is unable to battle! Charizard wins!" The referee raised his flag.

"Roar!"

Charizard stood tall, roaring triumphantly as it shot flames into the air.

Ash beamed with excitement as Charizard basked in the spotlight, exuding dominance.

Meanwhile, the commentator's eye twitched.

Another slap in the face.

Even with years of experience and a thick skin, the commentator couldn't help but feel his face burning.

When he said Charizard could win, Charizard refused to cooperate. But the moment he doubted it, Charizard roared to life, proving everyone wrong.

The commentator was convinced this Charizard was out to get him.

Nock shared a similar sentiment.

But unlike the commentator, he suspected Charizard and Ash had been acting all along.

The disobedience was just a ploy to lower his guard, setting up a decisive counterattack.

If he hadn't let his guard down, even with Ferrothorn's quadruple Fire weakness, it wouldn't have fallen so easily.

Eyeing Ash, Nock's expression grew serious.

There was no way someone capable of such a convincing act was as clueless as they seemed.

If he wanted to advance, he would need to give it his all.

Recalling Ferrothorn, Nock selected his second Pokémon.

"Go, Ampharos!"

"Awoo~!"

With a cute cry, a yellow Pokémon with a white belly, red orbs on its head and tail, and a glowing tail tip emerged onto the field.

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T/N: Heh it's only natural, Charizard is the best after all

A true Champion knows that every battle, every choice, and every unexpected twist shapes the path to mastery. Consider this bonus chapter a rare encounter—one that wouldn't be possible without the right support.

That's why you should support WiseTL at [patreon.com/WiseTL]—where every pledge helps bring more high-quality translations to life, staying true to the original while flowing naturally in English. After all, excellence is in the details.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more to prepare for. But you? You should take this opportunity—you never know what rare finds await.

—Cynthia