Pokémon, who made him the gym leader?

Chapter 48

The battle between Gushin and Red was already a foregone conclusion, as Charizard was poisoned and Toxapex's defenses were simply too outstanding.

Although the red Charizard is a dual-wielding type (excellent in both physical and special attack), it's not very useful.

The battles that followed were already grueling for Crimson; most normal people would have given up by then.

Because there is absolutely no chance of winning.

However, Crimson's will was indeed tenacious. Even though the situation was extremely unfavorable, he still did not give up and was looking for an opportunity.

However, this unwavering persistence does not always yield results.

During another poison attack, Charizard was hit by Toxapex's venom blast and knocked to the ground again, but this time Charizard did not get up.

"Charizard is unable to battle, Toxapex wins."

"Since the challenger Red has lost all four of his Pokémon, Gym Leader Gushin has won this battle."

Little Blue waved her little flag and announced the outcome of the battle.

Upon hearing this announcement, the crimson eyes flickered dimly for a moment, but then blazed with renewed fervor as they gazed intently at Guxin.

"Even Chi-ge lost..."

On the contrary, Ash, who was watching the battle, was very disappointed and slumped his shoulders. His older brother, whom he had always admired and looked up to, had actually lost, and he felt a little sad.

The Charmander standing next to Ash was staring blankly at its fallen predecessor, Charizard, seemingly lost in thought.

"No trainer can guarantee a 100% win rate all the time, Ash."

Brock patted Ash on the shoulder and said with a smile, "There's no such thing as a truly invincible trainer."

"Even the champions at the top of the league aren't invincible, let alone Red, who's still so young, and besides..."

Brock looked at Crimson with a complicated expression. In fact, Crimson was a truly terrifying rookie trainer.

but……

Xiao Gang looked at Gu Xin again.

"Guxin is really strong, and his use of Poison-type moves is too good. It's not surprising that Red lost. However, an important thing for a trainer is whether he can learn from his failures and become stronger."

"Xiao Zhi, do you think your brother is that kind of person?"

Xiao Gang suddenly asked.

"Of course!" Ash replied without hesitation.

"That's right, I think the same thing as you," Xiao Gang replied with a smile.

"But……"

"There's no 'but' about it. Both of them are monsters. There's really nothing to worry about."

Xiaoxia interrupted Xiaozhi with a pout. In Xiaoxia's eyes, whether it was Guxin or Red, they were all the same monsters, and it wouldn't be strange who won or lost.

"Speaking of which, do you think Gusin would give the Rota Emblem to Crimson?"

Xiaoxia is now more concerned about this issue.

"Huh?" Xiao Zhi was taken aback and scratched his head, somewhat confused.

"Didn't Red-kun fail the challenge?" Ash asked, voicing his doubts.

Aren't gym badges loot and proof that challengers can only obtain by defeating the gym leader?

"Who told you that you have to defeat the gym leader to get the badge?" Xiaoxia retorted irritably.

Isn't that right?

Three question marks appeared above Xiao Zhi's head.

"Ash, gyms are League facilities that hone and train trainers. Essentially, gyms are a kind of test."

Brock patiently explained, as he had served as a Pine Gym Leader and was therefore quite qualified to speak on the matter.

"Whether or not a gym badge is awarded to a challenger ultimately rests with the gym leader. Defeating the gym leader and gaining their approval is the most direct way, as it indirectly proves your strength to the gym leader."

"But sometimes, when a gym leader approves of a challenger, even if the challenger fails, the gym leader will still choose to give the challenger his badge."

Xiao Gang described it in great detail; he had previously given badges to several newcomers he considered promising.

"Crimson's strength is beyond question. Even if he hadn't defeated Gushin, Gushin could have chosen to give Crimson the badge, but the decision was Gushin's."

Xiao Gang smiled and said that he had no doubt that even with his current strength, Crimson would have a very high chance of winning the Indigo League.

After all, Gushin and Red were already able to defeat Team Rocket executive Apollo.

However, some gym leaders require challengers to defeat them, so Xiaogang and Xiaoxia are unsure whether Gushin will give them the Crimson Badge.

"I see," Xiao Zhi said, suddenly realizing.

"However..." Ash tilted his head. If Guxin really wanted to give the Rota Badge to Red, would Red accept it?

On the field.

"A fantastic battle, Crimson. You are the first truly formidable opponent I have ever defeated."

"I'm very happy with this battle."

Guxin walked up to Chihong, extended his hand to him, and smiled.

Of course he's happy! He really enjoyed the match!

Beside Guxin was Supervillain, who, just like in his Good-Bad Star days, shyly followed Guxin step by step.

"Thank you, I have learned a lot."

Chi Hong grasped Gu Xin's hand with one hand, and with the other hand pressed down the brim of his baseball cap, habitually using the shadow to cover his eyes.

"I will challenge you again!"

For once, Crimson became more talkative outside of battle, and even though it was shrouded in shadow, one could feel the burning gaze in his eyes.

Although the result of this gym battle was not good, Red was not particularly concerned about the defeat, as it was not the first time he had lost to someone of his generation.

He lost to his childhood rival, Green, as soon as he left Pallet Town.

But does that matter? No, during this period of travel, Crimson and that arrogant guy, perhaps by chance, ran into each other four times.

Every time they meet, they inevitably clash in battle, and so far, their record is two wins and two losses.

In Crimson's view, defeat is not terrible; losing to someone only means one thing.

Not strong enough!

A real and unforgettable failure is actually an invaluable experience; it won't defeat him! It will only help him learn from the failure and become stronger!

Until we reach the summit of Kanto! Until we become the pinnacle of the world!

"I look forward to your next challenge."

Guxin stared directly into Chihong's deep red eyes, which appeared somewhat dark due to the shadow cast by the brim of his hat, and the smile on his lips seemed to deepen.

Then Guxin took out a delicate little box from his pocket. When he opened it, there was a sparkling emerald green tree-shaped badge inside. The badge was small and beautiful, and the emerald green color was fresh and eye-catching, full of vitality.

This is the emblem of the Tarata Dojo.

"Although you did not defeat me, Akane, you are worthy of this Rota Badge."

Guxin took out the Rota badge and handed it to Crimson.

Gushin has always considered himself a qualified gym leader. Although Red lost to him, Gushin knows very well that Red deserves the badge.

"..."

Crimson gazed at the vibrant green Rota emblem and fell silent, not reaching out to take it.

"This is the first time I've wanted to give away a badge since my 'transformation,' Red."

Guxin was expressing his goodwill; he wasn't using this action to mock Crimson, but genuinely meant it.

And this is the first badge he wants to send out after he transmigrated!

"This badge... I can't accept it." Crimson shook her head succinctly.

"I'll challenge you at your gym next time, Gushin! I'll defeat you fair and square and take your badge!"

His ruddy, handsome face was serious and earnest; this was the first time he had ever spoken so much to someone he had just met.

Moreover, aside from his childhood friend, this was also the first time he had been defeated in front of other trainers of his generation!

"Oh?" Gu Xin raised an eyebrow.

They really are brothers. Although I had guessed that Red might not accept this badge that was "given away for free," it seems that Red, like Ash, also has the "never give up" trait.

"Since you put it that way, then I'll look forward to it. But Crimson, it will be difficult for you to defeat me and take my badge."

Guxin retrieved the Rota badge and spoke with a half-smile, teasing tone.

Since Crimson has made such a decision, we can only grant it.

"You might never get my badge in your lifetime."

"Guxin, I won't lose again next time!"

"Red said in a deep voice."

Ultimately, this was his first time battling such a powerful poison expert, and he had far too little experience.

With this experience of defeat, Crimson believes that if he makes sufficient preparations and adjusts his tactics next time, he will win!

It's just poison, isn't it?

"That's such touching confidence!"

Gu Xin seemed to be praising, yet also sighing. Perhaps that's how it is. If you want to truly reach the summit, how can you defeat your opponent without this unwavering will to win?

"I'll be waiting for you to come to my door, but hey~ next time I'll be using a team that's not necessarily poisonous."

Guxin spoke slowly. He wasn't prepared to die from Poison-type Pokémon, even though he was growing to love them more and more.

However, Guxin remains true to his original aspirations, and he will also build teams with other attributes.

"??"

Two question marks appeared in the crimson eyes.

What do you mean? Aren't you a poison specialist? You actually have teams with other attributes?

(End of this chapter)