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"Ha!" As the smoke gradually dissipated, Ash's face broke into a knowing smile.
Koga's expression shifted instantly upon seeing Ash's confidence. The clearing dust revealed a silhouette standing on the battlefield, its tail swaying slightly, flames dancing within the thinning smoke.
A deep crater had formed in the ground, with an unconscious Golbat lying motionless at its center. Charmeleon stood nearby, covered in dust and breathing heavily.
Both Pokémon had suffered serious injuries, but Charmeleon's superior willpower had ultimately made the difference.
Willpower was crucial in Pokémon battles. Since Ash began his journey, all his Pokémon had worked tirelessly to strengthen their resolve. He couldn't help but remember scenes from past Pokémon League competitions he'd witnessed. Many trainers had reached their limits but ultimately lost because their willpower faltered at critical moments.
Ash was determined never to let that happen. Both he and his Pokémon would develop willpower beyond ordinary trainers.
"Golbat is unable to battle! Charmeleon wins, which means the victory goes to Ash!" Aya announced, surprise evident in her voice.
She hadn't expected her brother to lose. Few trainers came to challenge their Gym, and even fewer emerged victorious. Koga hadn't tasted defeat in quite some time.
After his initial shock, Koga's expression returned to its calm demeanor. A faint smile appeared on his face as he took out Golbat's Poké Ball and recalled his fallen Pokémon.
"Thank you for your hard work," he said to the Poké Ball before approaching Ash.
"It's been a long time since I've experienced such a passionate battle! Your match with Charmeleon has finally convinced me to pursue something I've been considering for a while." Koga smiled as he addressed Ash.
As a Gym Leader, he faced many challengers each year, but few fought with the enthusiasm Ash had displayed today. Moreover, Koga had his own ambitions that he'd been hesitant to pursue. After this battle with Ash, he'd finally made up his mind.
Ash was slightly taken aback. He could guess what Koga had decided to do, but he hadn't expected their battle to be the catalyst.
"Brother, have you finally decided?" Aya approached them. She knew her brother had been uncertain before, but she hadn't expected him to make his decision now.
"Yes, Aya! My mind is made up," Koga turned and responded firmly.
"What's been decided?" Misty and Brock came forward, confused by Koga's declaration.
"I've been planning to challenge the Elite Four for some time! Now I've finally resolved to do it," Koga explained openly. Hearing this, Brock and Misty exchanged surprised glances.
This was no small announcement. The Elite Four challenge differed significantly from Gym battles. The Elite Four represented the highest level of battling prowess in each region and League.
With only four such positions in a region, their strength was legendary.
Ash hadn't expected that Koga had been preparing for an Elite Four challenge. While Ash was readying himself for the Pokémon League, the League itself was merely a stepping stone to the Elite Four. Each Elite Four member typically had several League Champions under their belt.
"If you challenge the Elite Four, what will happen to the Gym?" Misty asked, confused. If Koga succeeded and became an Elite Four member, he would naturally step down as Gym Leader.
"The Gym will be left to Aya!" Koga had clearly thought this through, nodding toward his sister.
"I see!" It made sense for Aya to take over as Gym Leader in Koga's absence.
With Aya as the new Gym Leader, the Fuchsia Gym might attract even more challengers. After all, a Gym led by the sister of an Elite Four candidate would certainly present a formidable challenge for rookie Trainers.
"I almost forgot—this Badge is yours, Ash!" Koga unrolled a small scroll to reveal a Badge inside.
The pink, heart-shaped Soul Badge of the Fuchsia Gym gleamed as Koga handed it to Ash.
"Thanks!" Ash accepted it gratefully, storing the Badge safely away.
"If you're collecting Badges, it must be to challenge the Indigo League, right? I wish you success in advance!" Koga expressed his confidence in the young trainer before him.
"Thank you, and I wish you success in your Elite Four challenge as well!" Ash responded after securing his new Badge.
For Ash, the Pokémon League was just the beginning. Eventually, whether facing Elite Four members or Champions, he would compete with them as equals.
"Let's both work hard toward our goals!" Koga extended his hand, and the two shook on their mutual respect.
"We should be going now," Ash said. Having obtained the Badge, they had no reason to linger, especially considering the Gym's many traps. Koga and Aya personally escorted the three friends outside.
Soon they reached the Gym's exterior, where they said their goodbyes. Koga watched the trio depart, remaining outside rather than returning indoors.
"Brother, you seem happier than you've been in a long time. Is it because of Ash?" Aya couldn't help but ask.
"Yes! Having made my decision, I feel much more at ease. I have Ash to thank for that! That boy's potential is limitless. The future is uncertain," Koga placed his hands on his chest, optimistic about Ash's prospects. Aya didn't disagree.
Although Koga was encouraging Ash's League ambitions today, he likely couldn't imagine that in the near future, the young man standing before him would reach heights even greater than his own.
Indeed, any Trainer who battled Ash and left an impression on him would eventually share Koga's sentiment.