The rider training pushed their bond to 245—an explosive leap past 200, where gains typically dragged.
Carrying a trainer forged unbreakable sync, but only rideable Pokémon qualified. Perfect for the next spot. No worries now.
"Team Rocket's persistent—jailbreak artists," Ash muttered, recalling their latest launch.
"Silver lining: their bot tunneled us a shortcut. Rewards padded our funds," Brock grinned. Mansion trophy, mountain pass—Rocket unwittingly bankrolled them. Liars starving while funding rivals.
"Charizard's unstoppable now!" Misty gushed.
Ash shook his head. "Battle-wise? Miles to go."
They'd passed the town, entering a rugged valley.
"You kids know normals stay out, right?"
A tall woman with green ponytail appeared—sharp, athletic.
"Hello, I'm Brock. Your contact?" He lunged.
Ash sweatdropped. WeChat? Lame pickup.
"I know. Charizard Valley, natural park—Charizard habitat. That's why I'm here," Ash said.
She eyed him. "Right. I'm Jiko, Charizard specialist."
"For my Charizard—to challenge yours."
"Got it. Follow." She whistled skyward. "My Charizard—come!"
A fire pillar streaked down, distance jaw-dropping. A Charizard glided in towing a green basket—female, pink bow on head, big eyes, elegant. Basket brimmed supplies, pink heart painted on side.
Girly touch from a goddess-type trainer. Well-raised ace.
"Cute Lisa!" Jiko named her.
"Shopping cart time, girl and guy!" Jiko vaulted onto Lisa, waving Misty and Brock.
"Charizard, out!"
Ash's roared free. "Easy, buddy—fight soon. Opponent you'll love." Pikachu perched ready.
"Strong presence," Jiko noted. Expert eye.
Both took flight. Ash's edged ahead in speed.
"Haha—catch us, Jiko? Lisa?" Basket or not.
Ash pulled aerial stunts—barrel rolls, dives—honed in training for deeper bonds.
245 stalled after. Still, effortless alongside Jiko and Lisa.
"Impressive," Jiko praised freely. Few trainers matched this flair.
"Awesome, Ash!" Misty cheered from below.
Valley entrance loomed: deepest crag, wide river flanked by Charizard statues.
Wild Charizards revered as fortune guardians—untamed strongest earned deepest respect. No humans; pure rivalry forged them. Self-made strongest valley.
"Exactly my goal."
Ash landed first at gates. Charizard aura hummed; doors creaked open unbidden—no Jiko signal.
Dozens turned inside, eyes locking.
A massive one strode out—gate-opener.
"Charizard—burn! Fight! Stronger! Stronger! Stronger!"
Charizard: 246 / 255