This intense training session brought Ash and Charizard's bond value up to an impressive 245 points.
It's worth noting that once a bond value surpasses 200, gaining more points becomes increasingly difficult.
Clearly, training in aerial riding was a phenomenal way to strengthen their bond. Unfortunately, this method only works with Pokémon that can be ridden.
Still, with this kind of progress, there was no need to worry about what came next!
"Man, Team Rocket really is something. They actually managed to break out of prison again!" Ash groaned as he recalled sending them flying once more.
"To be fair, we should probably thank them," Brock said with a grin. "Their robot dug open that tunnel, and thanks to that, we got a hefty reward. Our travel funds are looking good again."
Throughout their journey, they had received several rewards—whether it was for protecting a rich man's silver trophy or helping clear that tunnel. One way or another, they were getting paid.
In a strange way, Team Rocket really was like their lucky charm.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket themselves seemed to be stuck in a cycle of poverty and hunger.
"Ash, you're amazing! Your Charizard is so strong now!" Misty gushed, clearly impressed by the display of power.
But Ash shook his head. "In terms of pure battle strength, Charizard's still got a long way to go!"
By now, the trio had passed through the last town and arrived at a mountain valley.
"You there! Don't you know this area is off-limits to ordinary people?"
A tall young woman with long green hair tied into a clean ponytail appeared in front of them. She carried herself with confidence and authority.
"Hi! I'm Brock. Could I get your contact info, please?" Brock had already darted forward with sparkling eyes.
Ash facepalmed. Why not just ask for her Instagram while you're at it? That pickup line is terrible.
"I know exactly where we are," Ash stepped forward, speaking with clarity and purpose. "This is Charicific Valley—the natural sanctuary where Charizard live. I came here for a reason!"
The woman studied Ash for a moment. "That's right. This is Charicific Valley. And I'm Charizard trainer Liza."
"You're here for your Charizard, aren't you?"
Ash nodded. "My name's Ash. I came to challenge the Charizard here—with mine!"
Maybe his Charizard wasn't quite as strong as the ones in this valley yet, but this place might just be the key to reaching the final 10 points in their bond!
"I see. Then follow me." Liza turned and called into the sky, "Charizard, come here!"
The moment her voice echoed through the air, a blazing column of flame burst from above—so powerful it cut through the sky like a fiery lance.
Moments later, a Charizard descended, carrying a sling basket beneath it, and landed right in front of them.
This Charizard was clearly female, with a pink bow on her head and long lashes framing her large eyes—surprisingly elegant and beautiful.
The basket she carried contained groceries and supplies that Liza must've brought back from town. The funniest part? A pink heart was painted on the side of the basket.
Who would've thought that such a composed, goddess-like woman would actually have such a girly side?
Still, it was obvious this female Charizard had been trained extremely well.
"This is my Charizard. Her name is Charla!" Liza introduced her with pride.
"Alright then, the young lady and the gentleman—please hop into the shopping cart!" she said cheerfully, leaping onto Charla's back and beckoning Misty and Brock.
"Let's go, Charizard!"
Ash grinned and tossed out a Poké Ball. With a roar, Charizard burst forth in a blaze of glory.
"Easy, buddy. You'll be in a real fight soon. I promise the opponent's worth your time," Ash said calmly, while Pikachu was already perched on Charizard's shoulder.
"Impressive. That Charizard's got serious spirit," Liza noted, clearly impressed.
Both Charizard took to the sky at once.
Ash's Charizard was just a little bit faster!
"Haha! Liza, think your Charla can keep up with us?" Ash teased, not caring that Charla was hauling a full basket of supplies.
He was guiding Charizard through daring aerial maneuvers—loops, spins, sharp dives. It was all part of their specialized training to boost their bond.
However, ever since they hit 245, not even their most daring stunts had been able to push the number up any further.
Despite the acrobatics, Ash and Charizard stayed perfectly in sync as they flew alongside Liza and Charla.
"I'm impressed. You're really good," Liza complimented without holding back.
Many Charizard trainers had come to this valley hoping to prove themselves, but none had shown the kind of skill Ash just had.
"Ash, you're amazing!" Misty cheered excitedly from below, thrilled by the performance.
Soon enough, with Liza leading the way, they arrived at the entrance to Charicific Valley.
The entrance was deep within the mountains, with a broad river flowing through it. Towering statues of Charizard stood on either side of the riverbank.
In this valley, Charizard was revered as a guardian deity and considered a symbol of good fortune. Especially the wild ones—untamed and untrained—they commanded immense respect.
These Charizard didn't rely on human help to grow stronger. They trained themselves and battled one another to improve constantly.
This was the Charicific Valley—a haven where only the strongest Charizard came to challenge and evolve through their own effort and rivalry.
"This… This is exactly why I came here!" Ash declared boldly.
He was the first to land before the great stone gates of the valley. As if responding to his Charizard's presence, the gates opened on their own—without Liza needing to say a word.
From inside, dozens of Charizard turned to face them, their sharp gazes falling on Ash and his partner.
A particularly massive Charizard stepped forward from beyond the gate.
It must have been the one who opened the entrance!
"Charizard, let's burn bright! Let's fight! We're going to get stronger—stronger—and even stronger!!"
Charizard: 246/255