In the game: I stole Groudon at the start.

Ash was taken aback. Yes, he had always talked about his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master because it was what he longed for most, and he had never doubted it.

But he never considered how he could surpass everyone and become the strongest trainer if he didn't become stronger.

"If you can't even become stronger, how can you confidently proclaim your dreams?"

"Ash, you are already a trainer. After this year, you will no longer be a rookie."

“I understand that you consider the elves your family, and your bond is very deep; your feelings for each other cannot be severed.”

Bakura sighed, looking at Ash who was holding Pikachu in a daze, and began to narrate in a low voice.

"But a trainer's responsibility is not just to accompany their Pokémon on carefree adventures; that's the role of an adventurer, not a trainer."

"The meaning of being a trainer lies in growing stronger together with your Pokémon, constantly becoming stronger together for dreams, goals, and perseverance, and then standing on this stage to show the world your light and warmth."

Bakura raised his hand, showing Ash everything around him.

This is the Quartz Conference Hall on the Quartz Plateau, the highest point in the Kanto region!

This is the stage that countless trainers dream of!

"You have your own very clear goal, but you haven't even figured out where you stand."

"Traveling with Pokémon isn't just about the scenery and new things along the way; it's more about growth, Ash. Haven't you realized that?"

Bakura shifted his gaze back to Ash.

"Is there any difference between you now and the you on the Saint-Antoine when we first met?"

Ash was startled by what he heard. Was he any different from the Saint-Tiannu at this moment?

Of course there's a difference!

Ash wanted to argue back, but looking at the badly injured Pikachu in his arms, he couldn't say a word.

"In my opinion, no, you are still so naive."

Bakura shook his head.

"Aside from the fearlessness in the face of challenges, you haven't made any progress, but fighting isn't something that can be won by fearlessness and passion alone."

"Everyone has their own path to growth, but Ash, one thing all trainers have in common is hard work!"

Bakura held up one index finger to Ash and said in a deep voice.

At least before the Hoenn region, Ash in the original series really wasted his Pokémon talent. Apart from necessary plot points, we almost never saw him undergo any special training.

Ash only began to mature after his fateful battle with Gary at the Johto Silver Conference.

In the Hoenn series, Ash also learned that he should raise and train his Pokémon in his daily life, and this change is obvious.

Bakura doesn't want to change Ash's habits and style, because Ash's bond with Pokémon is his greatest charm.

He just hoped that the child would try harder in his daily life in the future.

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(Please give me flowers, votes, and subscriptions. This chapter has a lot of dialogue and might be a bit filler, but how should I put it? Every time I write a Pokémon story, I can't help but want to teach Ash a lesson... I really love Pokémon, and I love Ash too, but the more I love him, the more I want to pat him on the head and make him smarter. Sometimes he really drives me crazy; he's such a blockhead.)

Chapter 482 If Moltres defeats you, I will be the strongest (Please subscribe to all chapters)

"Tsk tsk~ You've been taught a lesson, haven't you? What are your thoughts?"

Beside the railing, Qinglu crossed her arms and watched the arena with a clicking of her tongue, glancing sideways at Chihong beside her. "Zhi really needs to grow, which is a good thing."

Beneath the crimson brim of his hat, his red eyes looked at the silent Ash, paused for a moment, and then said softly.

How could his older brother not know about Ash's flaws?

However, being inarticulate, Chi Hong didn't know how to teach her younger brother.

But now that Bakura is willing to teach Satoshi, Red doesn't see it as a bad thing.

"Tch~ I thought you'd have some other reaction." Qinglu rolled her eyes and shrugged, looking bored.

"But his words really spoke my mind."

"Standing on such a stage, showing my light and warmth to the world! This is truly wonderful."

However, Qinglu then looked at Bakura with a slightly burning gaze. Yes, Qinglu's dream was to become the strongest trainer!

The strongest!

He wanted to prove to the world that he, Da Mu Qing Lü, was the strongest person of this era!

The joy of winning after giving it your all against a powerful opponent in the arena, the moment of being recognized by the world—that's what Qinglv craves!

"It'll be soon, very soon we'll be able to fight him!"

Upon hearing this, Crimson lowered the brim of his hat slightly, and his lifeless red eyes, like those of Azure Green, shone with a burning light.

It will be soon!

The quarterfinals are just around the corner, and more and more players are being eliminated. Soon they will have the opportunity to fight against Bakura!

Although Crimson and Green don't get along, and Crimson's introverted personality is completely different from Green's flamboyant personality, their essence is the same!

Get stronger, fight, and win!

A formidable opponent is an obstacle that both of them must overcome!

……

And at this moment on the field.

"You don't usually train your own Pokémon, do you, Ash?"

"How can you truly become stronger like this? You have a wonderful older brother. If I were you, I would ask him for advice."

Bakura looked at the silent Satoshi and shook his head.

"That seems like a bit too much. So, what was your last Pokémon?"

Bakura changed the subject. He had already said everything he needed to say, and since Little Intelligence couldn't listen, it was none of his business.

In a sense, Xiao Zhi is very smart; he understands many things very quickly.

But sometimes, Xiao Zhi is foolish, or rather, stubborn.

Once he sets his mind on something, he will stubbornly stick to it to the end.

"...Charizard!"

Xiao Zhi looked up, somewhat confused, feeling a bit of a mess in his head.

Bakura's words had a great impact on him.

He believed that he had been growing all along the way with his elf, hadn't he?

Is it really appropriate to subject Pokémon to rigorous training simply to become stronger?

Wouldn't the elf be in a lot of pain?

Xiao Zhi hadn't thought about this issue. Perhaps he was really getting stuck on a rut?

But now is not the time to think about that; we are still in the competition.

As Ash threw out a Poké Ball, a Charizard, slightly smaller than its counterpart, appeared on the battlefield.

It is the Charizard that evolved from the red-skinned lizard that was trembling with fear at Kona's aura on the Saint-Tiannu!

"Old man..."

Bakura glanced at the fire-breathing dragon, and a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

Ash's Charizard, that's a really long time ago.

"Charizard! Use Flamethrower!" Ash shouted to Charizard.

According to the original story, Charizard during the Indigo League actually ignored Ash.

But perhaps due to the butterfly effect, Charizard actually obeyed Ash's commands.

In reality, it was Ash's Charizard that was properly trained by Red's Charizard...

The fire-breathing dragon spread its wings and took flight, unleashing a fierce pillar of fire that hurtled towards the Flame Emperor.

"Destruction Ray".

After glancing at the flames, Bakura calmly gave the order to the Flame Emperor.

Although Charizard is Ash's current ace, his strength is still not enough to impress Bakura.

Without the trials of the Charizard Valley, Ash's Charizard's strength is indeed limited.

Emperor Yan opened his mouth, and a black, destructive beam of light went straight at the flames.

The Hyper Beam powerfully suppressed the advancing Flamethrower, finally striking the Charizard in mid-air with tremendous force.

boom!

With a violent explosion, Charizard fell directly from the sky and crashed onto the battlefield.

"Charizard is unable to battle. Since Ash has lost all six of his Pokémon, Bakura wins."

The referee observed the Charizard for a moment, then raised his flag and announced loudly.

Ash looked at the Charizard, now unable to battle, with a sense of loss. Although he had anticipated defeat, it was still very disheartening.

"The battle wasn't very satisfying, but Ash, I look forward to your next challenge."

Bakura walked up to Ash, patted the boy on the shoulder, and smiled encouragingly.

"People need to grow. Your journey as a trainer has only just begun. You will definitely become stronger in the future, right?"

"Yes! I will definitely become stronger!"

Ash was taken aback by what he heard, then came to his senses and firmly said to Bakura.

Yes, he's not strong now, but he will definitely become stronger in the future! Very strong!

"That's right. Your Pokémon all have great potential, Ash. You should ask them for their opinions."

"If you want to become stronger, hard work is an indispensable thing. Without this will, you will never be able to catch up with your brother."

Do you understand what I mean?