Dande is the Pokémon Champion of the Galar region. During the Darkest Day, he confronts the Legendary Pokémon Eternatus to protect Galar from destruction. His attempt to capture Eternatus with a standard Poké Ball fails as the Pokémon breaks free violently, causing an explosive blast. He positions his Charizard to shield his younger brother Hop and the challenger Victor from the explosion, taking the full impact himself and nearly losing consciousness.

This failure plunges him into depression and psychological trauma. He experiences symptoms resembling PTSD, frequently replaying the events of his defeat and feeling powerless despite his undefeated reputation. Self-doubt surfaces as he prepares for his championship match against Victor, the challenger he endorsed and who ultimately succeeded against Eternatus with Zacian and Zamazenta's aid. Throughout this period, he maintains a public facade of confidence and smiles for the crowd, masking his inner turmoil—a behavior indicative of a Stepford Smiler.

His Charizard plays a crucial role in his emotional recovery. The Pokémon intervenes non-violently to help him regain focus and determination before the championship battle, serving as an emotional anchor. Physically, his appearance is notably more muscular and older-looking compared to his depiction in other media, emphasizing his Adaptational Curves.

In his championship battle against Victor, he demonstrates resilience by pushing through his lingering trauma. Though he ultimately loses the match, this defeat marks a turning point in his character development, allowing him to move forward from his perceived failure during the Darkest Day.