Chapter 72: Everything Went Just as Planned

Maki had actually started adding Dragon-type berries into Charmander's usual Pokéblock diet long before this moment. His intention was to lay the groundwork for future Dragon-type move training.

Looking at the results now, it wasn't a wasted effort. In fact… it was quite effective.

From Charmander's perspective, he was simply gathering Dragon-type energy the same way he would when using moves like Ember. The only difference was that it took significantly more effort—far from the effortless summoning of Fire-type energy.

Even so, this was already an incredible feat. After all, Charmander wasn't a Dragon-type Pokémon. At best, he could be considered a Dragon-adjacent species, given that his Mega X evolution did gain the Dragon typing.

Despite having a natural Dragon-type affinity, achieving this at his current stage was quite impressive. Many pure Dragon-types struggle to control their own power during their growth period.

Maki nodded slightly, observing the faint blue energy gathering in Charmander's mouth. He was genuinely pleased with this progress.

However, as time passed, his expression began to change.

Why… why hasn't the energy stopped gathering?

The Dragon-type energy accumulating in Charmander's mouth grew denser, deepening in color from a light blue to a more intense shade.

Once it reached its limit—when even Charmander himself felt he could no longer control it—he unleashed it all in one go.

Perhaps due to his lack of mastery over Dragon-type energy, the attack was scattered, dispersing like a gaseous blast rather than a concentrated strike.

A warm gust rushed past Maki, overturning several tables and chairs in its path.

"Cotton!"

The Cottonee in Maki's arms frowned in displeasure. She extended a tiny leaf to swat at the lingering heat in the air—only for it to dissipate instantly.

Though Cottonee had only recently hatched, she was still a Fairy-type. Unless there was a massive level gap, Dragon-type moves were virtually ineffective against Fairy Pokémon.

"So… was that Dragon Breath?"

Seeing the aftermath of Charmander's attempt, Maki felt relieved that he had moved out of the way beforehand. Otherwise, he might have taken the attack head-on.

Meanwhile, Charmander panted heavily, blinking in confusion as if unaware of what he had just done.

"Char?"

Did I succeed?

Seeing the overturned furniture, Charmander hesitated before looking up at Maki for confirmation.

"Uh… how should I put it? I guess… you could say you succeeded?"

Maki was momentarily at a loss for words.

If he called it a success, then technically, it wasn't what he had planned—Charmander was supposed to be training Dragon Rage, not Dragon Breath.

If he called it a failure, that wouldn't be fair to Charmander either. After all, he had managed to learn a Dragon-type move on his own.

"Hmm… well done!"

Regardless, the attempt was a success in its own way.

Aside from Charmander's innate Dragon-type potential, Maki suspected that the steady diet of infused Pokéblocks played a crucial role in this unexpected development.

Despite the slight mishap, since Charmander had now learned Dragon Breath, it only made sense to continue refining the technique.

"Hehehe~"

Cottonee chuckled mischievously as she watched Charmander struggle through his training.

"Just so you know, you'll be going through the same kind of training when you grow up. Better start preparing yourself now."

Maki wasn't about to let Cottonee laugh at someone else's hard work without consequences. He leaned in close and whispered this little reminder into her ear.

"Cotton?"

Cottonee's giggles stopped abruptly. She let out a pitiful whimper, as if pleading for Maki to tell her he was joking.

"Of course, if you don't want to train, that's fine too. If all you want is to relax in my arms forever, I have no problem with that."

Maki chuckled lightly. If he wanted, he had more than enough resources to raise Cottonee as nothing more than an adorable companion. If necessary, he could always find another suitable Pokémon for battle.

He respected the choices of all his Pokémon. If Cottonee only wanted to be a team mascot, he wouldn't force her otherwise.

"That said, if you choose that path, we'll still be partners—but I won't treat you as a battle companion. The choice is yours."

Maki left the decision entirely in Cottonee's hands.

"Cotton~"

Cottonee hesitated, looking conflicted. She adored Maki, and she also liked Charmander, who shared those delicious Pokéblocks with her. She enjoyed being with them.

"If you're unsure right now, take your time. We have plenty of time to decide."

Maki reassured her, not pushing for an immediate answer.

After some internal struggle, Cottonee finally floated into the air, shaking her head.

"Cotton!"

She pointed at Charmander, then at herself—as if declaring she wouldn't lose to him.

"So it's settled, then? From now on, we're not just partners—we're teammates."

Maki extended a hand toward Cottonee, who immediately stretched out a tiny leaf, touching his palm as if sealing a pact.

"Charmander! Take a break for now."

Maki called off Charmander's training session.

Though he was drenched in sweat from all his effort, Cottonee didn't seem to mind. She extended a leaf toward him.

"Cotton!"

"Char?!"

Charmander was momentarily stunned before eagerly high-fiving her with his claw.

However, in his excitement, he used a little too much force. Given that Cottonee's flying skills weren't the best to begin with, she was sent tumbling back into Maki's arms.

"Char?!"

Realizing his mistake, Charmander panicked and waved his arms frantically in an attempt to explain. It was an accident, I swear!

"Cotton~"

Cottonee wobbled a bit as she regained her composure in Maki's embrace, signaling that she was fine. Charmander sighed in relief.

"Well, she is made of cotton, after all. Soft and fluffy."

Maki chuckled as he playfully ruffled Cottonee's cottony body, enjoying its irresistible texture.

"Cotton!!!"

Struggling free from Maki's mischievous hands, Cottonee huffed in protest against his antics.

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