Teaching Charmander

From up close, Xinhai could more clearly sense the condition of these Charmander.

Their scales were smooth and taut, their eyes bright and lively, and the flames on their tails steady and vigorous. Every one of them looked exceptionally healthy, with active and pure Fire-type energy within their bodies.

"What do you think, Xinhai? The Charmander here all look pretty great, right?" Flannery stood nearby, pride evident in her voice. "Our Gym has plenty of experience raising Charmander! Once they evolve into Charizard, their affinity for Solar Energy and their control over their own flames are absolutely among the best of their kind."

"They really are outstanding." Xinhai praised them sincerely. He could sense that this environment and method of training had brought out the potential of Charmander to an exceptional degree.

As his gaze swept over the area, he quickly noticed one particularly unusual Charmander.

Rather than crowding together with the others to fight over Pokéblocks, he stood alone on a slightly elevated rock, intently watching a Charmeleon nearby practice Flamethrower at a plume of geothermal steam.

The flames the Charmeleon released were condensed and swift, blasting the steam apart.

This Charmander watched with extreme focus. He even unconsciously mimicked the other's stance, his little mouth opening and closing slightly as the flame on his tail flickered rhythmically.

After a while, he turned around to face the empty space before him, puffed out his chest with effort, took a deep breath, and then suddenly spat out flames!

"Fwoosh—!"

A streak of orange-red fire shot forth. Though its range and power were far inferior to that Charmeleon's, it made Xinhai's eyes light up.

Flannery noticed Xinhai staring at the Charmander practicing alone for so long. Following his gaze, she smiled.

She lightly nudged Xinhai with her elbow and lowered her