Chapter 223: Charizard's Inner Struggles
The battle between Grovyle and Charizard quickly escalated into a heated showdown.
"Grovyle, Magical Leaf!"
With Gary's command, Grovyle's arm leaves glowed a vivid green before it flung a storm of razor-sharp leaves at Charizard.
Charizard, unfazed, prepared to counter with Flamethrower again, intending to burn the leaves into ashes.
However, this time, Charizard miscalculated.
A sharp glint flashed in Grovyle's eyes, and suddenly, the Magical Leaf attack changed direction midair, curving around from both sides to target Charizard!
Caught off guard by this unexpected shift, Charizard hesitated, looking around in confusion, unsure of how to react.
Seeing this, Ash quickly shouted, "Charizard, dodge quickly!"
Asahi: "....."
He had hoped Blaine's training would have brought Ash some improvement, but… it was still the same old routine.
Ash, what exactly did you train?!
That being said, there were still some noticeable improvements. At the very least, Charizard was now much more obedient. The moment Ash gave the command, Charizard flapped its wings fiercely and took to the sky, attempting to evade Grovyle's attack.
There was no denying it—Charizard's combat skills were impressive. Its movements were smooth and precise, and it managed to take off successfully before the Magical Leaf could hit.
However…
"That's Magical Leaf!"
Asahi couldn't help but facepalm. He was certain Ash hadn't read the book Gary had given him, or else he would've known the most basic fact about Magical Leaf—it always homes in on its target.
At this moment, Charizard, now airborne, was preparing to launch a counterattack on Grovyle. But before it could act—
"Charizard—"
Ash's anxious voice rang out, but it was already too late.
Whoosh—!
Boom!
The Magical Leaf attack struck Charizard—right on the butt.
Despite the type disadvantage, the embarrassment was immense.
The look on Charizard's face? As if it had just swallowed a pile of dirt.
Charizard was not happy.
Seeing this, Gary smirked, casually brushing back his bangs. "Hmph. Ash, you really haven't improved after all this time, huh?"
He had actually been a bit nervous when he saw Ash send out Charizard. But after seeing how clumsy Ash's command was, Gary realized—Ash's Charizard was all flash and no substance. Even with the type disadvantage, he could still turn the battle in his favor with solid strategy!
Thinking this, a smug smile appeared on Gary's face.
Ash, infuriated by Gary's attitude, clenched his fists. "Charizard, show Gary the results of our training! Use Flamethrower!"
High in the sky, Charizard took a deep breath, adjusted its posture, folded its wings, and suddenly dived toward Grovyle!
At the same time, it unleashed a powerful Flamethrower at its opponent!
With Charizard charging in full force, the Flamethrower posed a significant threat to Grovyle. However, Grovyle had anticipated this and bent its knees, leaping high into the air.
Timing it perfectly, it spun its body midair and swung its glowing Leaf Blade directly at Charizard!
Leaf Blade!
Charizard, having seen Grovyle's movement, should have dodged. Ash's command was also to avoid the attack.
But this time…
Charizard had had enough.
It still remembered getting hit by Magical Leaf earlier. Even now, its butt still stung.
So this time…
A fierce glint flashed in Charizard's eyes.
In a shocking move, it rolled its body in midair and faced Grovyle head-on!
Taking a deep breath, Charizard opened its mouth.
This time, what it unleashed was not Flamethrower, but Heat Wave!
The scorching hot wind engulfed Grovyle entirely.
Heat Wave!
At such close range, it was practically unavoidable!
Instantly, the leaves on Grovyle's arms, head, and tail started to curl and turn yellow from the heat.
Groaning in pain, Grovyle tried to retreat.
But Charizard wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away.
Ignoring the pain from Grovyle's Leaf Blade, it grabbed Grovyle and shot straight up into the sky!
As it ascended, Charizard abruptly stopped in midair—then, with a sudden drop, it dove straight down, still clutching Grovyle!
At the last moment, Charizard released Grovyle and flapped its wings powerfully, halting its descent midair while letting Grovyle crash into the ground.
Boom!
Dust and debris flew everywhere.
As the smoke cleared, Charizard stood like a king, its foot planted firmly on the unconscious Grovyle.
"Grovyle!"
Gary's triumphant smirk vanished. Just moments ago, he had been laughing. Now, he was completely stunned.
Charizard's sudden change in battle style—it was almost like it was an entirely different Pokémon!
This… doesn't make sense!
…
No.
This makes perfect sense.
Asahi had witnessed the entire fight.
Now, that was Charizard's true strength.
Previously, when it had struggled against Magical Leaf, it was clear that Ash's commands were limiting Charizard's full potential.
Perhaps if Ash had continued directing the battle, Charizard still would have won in the end. But it wouldn't have been as smooth as this.
Blaine's special training had only solved the issue of obedience, deepening their bond. It hadn't fixed Ash's lackluster battle strategies.
Which is why when Charizard fought on its own… it performed far better than when Ash was in control.
Gary snapped back to reality, recalling Grovyle and shaking off his surprise.
It was just bad luck. His Grovyle had been at a disadvantage against Charizard.
This time, he wouldn't let Ash win so easily.
Reaching into his pocket, Gary pulled out another Poké Ball and threw it into the arena.
"Roar!"
A deep growl echoed as a massive, imposing purple Pokémon appeared.
Nidoking!
Pounding its chest and swishing its thick tail, Nidoking effortlessly crushed a rock into dust.
"It looks really strong..."
Ash considered switching to Kingler.
But then, he glanced at Charizard.
Unlike before, where Charizard would ignore him, this time it spat out a flame and took a battle stance, signaling that it wanted to continue.
"Alright, Charizard—let's do this!"
....
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