How to Act as a Pokémon Champion

Ash's grin was sharp and confident. "Let's finish this, Greninja! Water Shuriken!" He mirrored his Pokémon's stance, the strange synchronicity of their bond sending a ripple of anticipation through me.

"Charizard, Max Knuckle! Meet it head-on!"

Energy crackled around my partner as he charged, the air thrumming with power. The two forces collided in a blinding flash. The stadium groaned under the strain, and I held my breath.

And then, silence.

Slowly, the dust cleared. Two figures stood opposite each other, breathing hard. One was undeniably Charizard, the flames of his Gigantamax form fading.

The other...was the challenger's Greninja.