After obtaining the Wing Badge, Ash and Sabrina left Bellflower City and headed toward the next Gym city. Before doing so, however, the two deliberately made a detour to the famous Charizard Valley located in the Johto region.
"Ash, it's unbearably hot here…"
Sabrina floated beside him using her psychic powers, wiping the sweat from her face with a handkerchief from time to time.
"You already have Charizard. Why take a special trip here?"
"I'm looking for either an exceptionally strong Charizard," Ash replied calmly, adjusting the brim of his cap, "or a Charmander with outstanding potential. You know that although I've already established my own influence, my forces are still far from sufficient."
"The combined strength of Mewtwo and you is indeed terrifying," Ash continued. "If we truly joined hands, unifying half of Kanto wouldn't be difficult. But this era isn't ruled by brute force alone. Given my current identity, doing something like that would only destroy my reputation and public support."
"So instead, I plan to conquer Pokémon with real potential. In the future, when I officially call upon my followers, I'll need enough strength to protect you. Of course, that's only if they can prove themselves. If they can't rise on their own, I won't accept them—even if they're handed to me freely."
Ash pushed his cap up slightly. What he wanted weren't just subordinates who could follow orders, but powerful ones. After all, this so-called military force was made up entirely of Pokémon. Because of that, Ash had already decided to gather a group of promising Pokémon and send them to Dream Forest for focused training.
Just as Ash and Sabrina were about to head deeper into the valley, a sharp voice suddenly rang out.
"Stop right there. Outsiders are not allowed to enter this place."
Ash looked up and saw a young woman not far away. She wore a red uniform and held a staff in her hand, her expression alert and cautious as she blocked their path.
"I'm a Trainer from Pallet Town in Kanto," Ash said frankly. "I came to Charizard Valley to subdue a few Charizard—or possibly a Charmander."
The woman immediately frowned upon hearing that.
"No," she said firmly. "This valley is inhabited by Charizard. The Pokémon here cannot be captured."
"Why not?" Ash asked, his tone turning cold. "According to the information I obtained, this place isn't restricted territory, nor is it protected by the Pokémon League. It isn't owned by any family either. By definition, this is an open area."
"There's no rule that forbids Trainers from capturing Pokémon here. So on what grounds are you stopping me?"
Ash met her wary gaze without backing down. Charizard were powerful Pokémon, yes—but they weren't rare enough for the League to designate this valley as protected land.
There was also nothing of strategic value to develop here. The major families had no interest in it, which was precisely why Charizard Valley remained an open zone—one where any Trainer could come and attempt to capture a Charizard of their choosing.
"I said no—and that means no," the woman snapped.
Ash's words left her unable to refute him logically, yet she still refused to step aside, acting as though Ash was committing some unforgivable offense.
"Your name is Jike," Ash said flatly. "You may be the manager assigned to Charizard Valley, but you don't have the authority to stop me from capturing Pokémon here."
"If you insist on obstructing me," he continued, his voice sharpening, "I have every right to submit a formal complaint to the Johto Pokémon League and request that they replace the manager of this valley."
Ash had thoroughly investigated Charizard Valley before coming. While the area itself was unowned, the League had assigned a manager here solely to maintain ecological balance.
Charizard might not be rare Pokémon, but they were undeniably powerful. Even among Dragon-types, many couldn't compare. As a result, while Trainers were allowed to capture Pokémon here, there were still rules and limitations.
But outright forbidding capture?
That was something Jike had no right to do.
Just like the Kanto Wild Area, Charizard Valley could be used for capturing Pokémon—but only under strict regulations.
And Liza's current behavior clearly violated several League rules.
"Well then, go ahead and report me," Liza said with open contempt. "Let's see whether the Johto League believes you or believes me."
Trainers did have the right to report League officials or ecosystem managers, but such complaints rarely caused immediate consequences—unless many Trainers reported the same individual. This was the difference between the influence of ordinary Trainers and those backed by eminent families.
Ash's expression grew cold.
"Ordinary Trainers might fall for your intimidation," he said. "But I'm not one of them. I am the Champion of the Kanto region. Now—repeat what you just said."
The moment he finished speaking, Ash's eyes sharpened.
The three-tomoe Sharingan spun into life—its glare slicing straight through Liza's confidence.
She froze.
Her heart pounded.
If Ash truly was the Kanto Champion, then her actions today weren't minor misconduct—they were enough to destroy her career… and worse.
Ash snorted.
"Unbelievable. Using your position to intimidate Trainers in Johto? Truly disgraceful."
Liza flinched as his voice struck her like a whip.
Her face burned red with humiliation.
If this incident spread, her reputation would be ruined.
And if the League took it seriously…
She could even be imprisoned.
Yes—prison.
The League was strict when it came to protecting the credibility of Trainers. And someone without a powerful background had absolutely no way to shield themselves.
Ash narrowed his eyes.
"What's wrong? Don't believe I am who I say I am?"
He glanced toward Sabrina.
"Sabrina, notify the Johto League. Tell them I'm here and request they send someone immediately."
"Yes."
Sabrina calmly took out her phone.
Liza panicked instantly.
"W-wait—no! I understand!" she shouted, her voice trembling. "I'll take you in right away!"
Without hesitation, she raised a whistle to her lips and blew sharply.
(End of Chapter)
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