Pokemon: A different Ash

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Koga, the Gym Leader of the Fuchsia City Gym, is no ordinary Gym Trainer; he specializes in using Poison-type Pokémon. 

Currently a Gym Leader, Koga is destined to become one of the Elite Four in the Johto Region in the near future. In other words, even though Koga hasn't yet reached Elite Four status, his abilities far surpass those of typical Gym Leaders. 

He will undoubtedly be a formidable rival. Following him is Blaine, the Gym Leader of Cinnabar Island's Gym, who was once a high-ranking member of Team Rocket. 

Blaine also played a key role in the Mewtwo project. Though he has since left Team Rocket, his strength remains unparalleled. 

As Ash continued his journey, he decided to slow down and focus on training his Pokémon. After leaving Rainbow City, Ash, Brock, and Misty camped in a nearby forest. 

Once the camp was set, Brock and Misty prepared food while Ash found a clearing near a river, a few hundred meters from their campsite. 

"Everyone, come out!" Ash exclaimed as he threw his Poké Balls into the air. With a burst of light, Pokémon emerged one after another, all looking excited to see their companions. 

"Everyone, our next rival will be very tough. Before challenging the Gym, we need to undergo special training!" Ash said seriously, addressing his team. 

Hearing Ash's words, the Pokémon responded enthusiastically. They were well-accustomed to the rigorous training sessions. In fact, they eagerly anticipated the opportunity, as they knew each session made them significantly stronger. 

"Pika!" Pikachu and the others cheered, their excitement palpable. 

However, one Pokémon stood out. Charmeleon lounged on a nearby rock, its arms behind its head as it lazily yawned. 

Ash and the other Pokémon turned to look at Charmeleon. Frowning slightly, Ash said, "Charmeleon, it's time to train!" His tone was firm but calm. 

Looking at Charmeleon's indifferent demeanor, Ash felt a twinge of worry. He had hoped that the unique circumstances of their journey would lead to a better bond, different from what he had seen in the past. 

Yet, it seemed evolution had altered Charmeleon's personality regardless of their connection. Real-life Pokémon relationships, unlike those in games, involved complex personalities that weren't simply dictated by badges or levels. 

Training would be crucial—not just for improving strength but also for fostering trust and teamwork within the group.

After evolving into Charmeleon, its personality became undeniably arrogant. This change stemmed from its undefeated streak since being captured by Ash as a Charmander. It had never tasted defeat, even after evolving.

Notably, Charizard's winning streak included victories over formidable opponents like Aerodactyl and Magmar at the Cinnabar Gym. However, it wasn't until the Orange Islands that Charizard experienced its first loss, facing defeat at the hands of Poliwrath.

This undefeated streak had bred overconfidence. Charmeleon, and later Charizard, began to dismiss weaker opponents, believing it no longer needed training. In the anime, this arrogance ultimately cost Ash a critical match against Ritchie, as Charizard refused to obey commands.

Still, Ash was partially to blame. As Charmeleon's trainer, Ash should have addressed the rebellion when it began, instead of letting it worsen. Without Poliwrath's intervention, Charizard might have continued to disregard its trainer's authority.

"Char me!" Charmeleon exhaled loudly, scratching its belly nonchalantly, ignoring Ash's plea to train.

By this time, Misty had joined them. With the cooking now in Brock's hands, she decided to check on Ash's progress.

"Pikachu! Pika-pika!" Pikachu cried, frowning at Charmeleon's defiant attitude. It approached the lounging Pokémon, calling out sharply. Charmeleon cracked open one eye, staring at Pikachu with a lazy expression.

"Pikachu!!!" Pikachu's tone grew more assertive, urging Charmeleon to respect Ash's instructions. Charmeleon let out a low growl, as if to say, Mind your own business.

"Pika-pi?!" Pikachu clenched its small fists, challenging Charmeleon to a fight.

"Humph!" Charmeleon snorted disdainfully, then lazily launched a fireball at Pikachu. Though Pikachu dodged, the fireball grazed its tail, igniting its tip.

"Piiiiii!" Pikachu yelped, sprinting to the river to douse its tail. With a loud sizzle, the flames extinguished, and Pikachu sighed in relief.

"Char me Char!" Charmeleon chuckled mockingly. The other Pokémon exchanged uneasy glances, disapproving of Charmeleon's behavior. Pikachu, however, got up angrily and marched toward Charmeleon.

"Pikachu!" Ash called firmly, stopping Pikachu mid-step. The Electric Pokémon turned to its trainer, puzzled.

"What's going on, Ash?" Misty asked, confused by the tension.

"Nothing," Ash replied, adjusting his cap. He stepped toward Charmeleon, his expression serious.

"Do you think you've grown so strong that you don't need training or a trainer anymore?" Ash asked calmly.

"Char!" Charmeleon lay still, its silence suggesting it agreed.

Ash took a deep breath, determined to address this growing rift. Strengthening their bond was essential—not just for battles but for their partnership.

This struggle would pave the way for a deeper connection, one crucial for their future as a team.