novelraw Chapter 194 194: A Worthy Challenger
Chapter 194 194: A Worthy Challenger
He had entered the Viridian Gym full of confidence—
And left in tears.
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Watching the boy run off with a runny nose and tear-streaked face, Sam felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
Serves him right.
For someone like that—
This was the best possible outcome.
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It was the first time Yellow had experienced something like this, and she looked a little uneasy.
"Brother Sam… was I too harsh?"
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"Too harsh?" Sam shook his head.
"You're still too soft."
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"Huh???"
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"The harsher you are with someone like that, the faster they understand how cruel the real world is."
He spoke calmly.
"Think about it—if you hold back and let him believe he's strong, he'll go out traveling with that confidence… and might end up getting seriously hurt."
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"So being strict now is actually saving him later. Understand?"
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Sam knew he was pushing her thinking—
But Yellow's kindness was a problem in battle.
If she kept hesitating—
It could cost her dearly one day.
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Yellow frowned slightly.
It sounded reasonable…
But also confusing.
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Seeing her hesitation, Sam stepped forward and patted her shoulder.
"Do you think I'd lie to you?"
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"No!" she answered immediately.
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"Then trust me."
He smiled.
"In battle, hesitation is your worst enemy."
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"…Okay. I understand, Brother Sam!"
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"Good."
Sam nodded, satisfied.
"The next challenger will be here soon. Get ready."
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Only now did he fully appreciate how smart it had been to take on an apprentice.
If not for Yellow—
He'd be stuck dealing with kids like that all day.
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Now?
He could just sit back, relax, and watch.
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By evening, after Yellow defeated the final challenger—
Sam finally had time to think.
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The Future of Viridian Gym
He couldn't stay here forever.
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A Trainer's life was about traveling.
Exploring the world.
Meeting strong opponents.
Growing through battle.
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That was what he wanted.
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Viridian Gym?
Just a stepping stone.
A path toward the Elite Four—
And beyond.
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So eventually—
He would have to leave.
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Which meant—
Someone else had to take over.
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And the best candidate was obvious.
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Yellow.
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She was still inexperienced—
But her talent was undeniable.
Even without her special abilities, she had strong potential as a Trainer.
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More importantly—
She genuinely loved Pokémon.
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That mattered more than anything.
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The only problem?
She wasn't strong enough yet.
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But that could change.
There was still a full year before the next major League events.
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Plenty of time to grow.
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"Hello—is this Viridian Gym? I'd like to challenge it."
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A new voice broke his thoughts.
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Sam looked up.
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This challenger was different.
Around twenty years old—
Calm, composed.
Clearly experienced.
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After days of easy wins—
Sam finally felt a spark of excitement.
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"Yes," he said.
"I'm Sam, the Gym Leader. You want to challenge?"
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"Wasn't Giovanni the Gym Leader?" the man asked, confused.
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Sam clicked his tongue.
"That's old news. I'm in charge now."
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"Ah—sorry. I'm from Sinnoh, so I didn't know about the change."
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"Sinnoh, huh…"
Sam looked at him more carefully.
Why does he seem familiar…?
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"Register your name."
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"Reggie. I'm Reggie, from Sinnoh. Please guide me, Leader Sam."
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Reggie.
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Now Sam remembered.
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Paul's older brother.
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"Let's keep it simple—one-on-one," Sam said.
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"No problem."
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"Then let's begin."
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"Come out—Charizard!"
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Charizard burst onto the field—
Clearly excited after being held back for so long.
It circled the arena with a powerful roar.
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"Charizard…"
Reggie nodded, then threw his Poké Ball.
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"Come out—Drapion!"
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A massive, purple-armored scorpion appeared—
Its body gleaming with excellent condition.
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"Nicely trained," Sam said, impressed.
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He remembered—
Reggie would later become a Pokémon breeder.
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Looking at Drapion now—
That talent was already clear.
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"Let's see…"
Sam quietly assessed it.
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Pokémon: Drapion
Type: Poison / Dark
Strength: Mid Gym Level
Potential: Gym Level
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Strong.
Well-raised.
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A Trainer and a breeder… both paths fit him.
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Sam's thoughts shifted.
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If I could bring him into the Gym…
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A place like Viridian Gym needed more than just strength.
It needed people.
Talent.
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But now wasn't the right time.
Reggie was still chasing his Trainer dream.
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"Leader Sam?" Reggie called out.
"Can we begin?"
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Sam snapped out of it.
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"Ah—sorry. Got distracted."
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He smiled slightly.
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"Let's start the battle."