"Ah—!"
With a flash of red light, a towering, muscular figure over two meters tall appeared behind Robert. White vapor burst from its nostrils as it stared coldly ahead. This formidable presence was none other than the red Pokémon—Charizard.
Seeing the enormous fire-type Pokémon appear behind Robert, with its intimidating aura and piercing gaze, Shan Dou instinctively staggered backward, taking several steps before halting.
"My dear confident uncle," Robert said with a grin, "what do you think of my Pokémon? Is its size appropriate for the P1 Fighting Competition? Why don't you help me train it for a couple of days?"
"Gulp…" Shan Dou swallowed hard as he stared at the towering Charizard, its cold gaze boring into him. He couldn't help but back away again, sweat forming on his brow.
With Charizard's oppressive presence bearing down on him, Shan Dou's earlier arrogance completely vanished. Replacing it was fear—palpable and paralyzing. He was terrified that if he said even one word of rebuttal, Robert might actually order Charizard to "educate" him.
"Well… ahem, I think you're right. My skills are indeed lacking. I haven't even won the P1 Fighting Championship yet. I'm in no position to train others' Pokémon. I should probably go home and study more..."
Seeing Shan Dou's dramatic change in attitude, Robert sneered. "Oh? Where's all that confidence and bravado from earlier? Don't tell me you've already given up?"
"If you understand your own limitations, why are you still hanging around here? Do you want me to escort you out personally, or would you prefer I treat you to a nice little 'farewell meal' from Charizard?"
At that, Shan Dou turned on his heel—and ran. No longer walking, but fleeing, like a beaten dog with its tail tucked between its legs. The once-arrogant "fraud uncle" was now nothing but a joke.
With the nuisance out of the way, Robert turned to Ash.
Ash was kneeling beside Infernape, his expression sincere as he spoke softly. "I'm sorry, Infernape. I was too impulsive… I didn't consider your feelings at all. I nearly..."
"Monkey~"
Before he could finish, Infernape gently patted Ash on the shoulder and shook its head, wearing a forgiving look.
Pokémon are simple and loyal creatures. Even if Ash had truly sent it away, Infernape wouldn't have blamed him. It would have only believed that Ash did it for its own good. Some Pokémon would even go so far as to commit crimes for their trainers—joining dangerous organizations like Team Rocket—just to stay close to them.
"Thank you, Infernape. From now on, I promise—I'll never send you away. Not unless I'm no longer here." Ash pulled Infernape into a warm hug, declaring his vow loudly.
"Monkey!"
Infernape returned the embrace happily, its arms wrapping around Ash as if to say, "I'll be watching you from now on."
"Hehe…"
Watching their heartfelt reunion, Robert couldn't help but smile. It was like witnessing the fulfillment of a childhood dream. Hopefully, Ash had learned his lesson and wouldn't make the same mistake again.
"Ash! Infernape!"
Just then, two familiar voices rang out. Brock and Misty ran toward them, their faces lighting up with surprise and joy when they spotted Robert nearby.
"Huh? Isn't that...?" Misty's eyes widened, but she couldn't immediately recall his name.
"Yes, it's Robert—Xiaolu," Brock reminded her gently.
"Oh, that's right! Robert, I'm so sorry, I totally blanked on your name for a second."
"It's nothing," Robert said with a casual wave. "We've only met once before, and we didn't spend much time together. It's perfectly normal to forget."
"I'm glad you're not upset. I promise I'll remember next time," Misty said, sticking out her tongue playfully. Then, as if remembering something important, she asked, "Wait—Robert, why are you here?"
"Yeah," Brock added, "Weren't you ahead of us on the road? What happened?"
"It's a long story," Robert replied vaguely. "Let's just say I was passing by, saw a bit of commotion, and came to check it out. Didn't expect to bump into Ash and you guys here."
He didn't mention his recent disruption of Team Rocket's nearby base. Instead, he casually explained that after finishing his challenge at the Rainbow Gym, he took Charizard and the rest of his team to train in the nearby forest.
"I see," Brock nodded. "No wonder Gym Leader Ajia praised you so highly. She said you were the strongest rookie trainer she's ever seen. Looks like you really earned that reputation."
As Brock spoke, he glanced at Charizard, who had now retracted its overwhelming aura and appeared calm. But as an experienced Gym Leader and Pokémon Breeder, Brock could sense its immense strength. Its size, posture, and the steady blaze of its tail—everything pointed to a Pokémon on par with the strongest ones his father, Flint, had ever raised.
"I just worked a little harder than most," Robert replied modestly. "With Charizard's cooperation, I was able to come this far."
"Whoa! What a massive Charizard!" Ash suddenly exclaimed, only now noticing the imposing fire-type Pokémon. "Wait—wasn't this the Charmeleon you had before, Robert? It evolved?!"
His eyes widened with excitement as he circled Charizard, marveling at its size and strength. He eagerly reached out a hand, clearly wanting to touch the majestic creature.
Charizard, however, wasn't as enthusiastic.
It glared at Ash, then promptly opened its mouth and spat out a small fireball. In an instant, orange flames engulfed Ash.
"AHH! Hot, hot, hot!" Ash yelped, flailing and rolling on the ground in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames.
"Haha! Serves you right," Misty chuckled. "That's what you get for trying to touch Charizard without permission."
"Misty, please—help me! I'm burning!"
"Alright, alright. Since I'm feeling generous today…"
Misty released her Starmie, which quickly used a water-type move to douse the flames clinging to Ash. The water splashed all over him, steam rising in the aftermath.
"Ahh… So refreshing…" Ash sighed in relief, sprawled out on the ground like he had just stepped out of a hot spring.
Everyone around burst into laughter, even Robert and Brock. It was one of those chaotic but wholesome moments that made their journey unforgettable.