A moment later, Lt. Surge recalled Raichu, then walked forward, directly approaching Ash. He stood before Ash.
His large build loomed over Ash. Misty and Brock behind him both felt a sense of pressure, and couldn't help but swallow.
It was no wonder they felt scared. Just by his appearance, Lt. Surge was indeed a person who would give off immense pressure. "What's this guy going to do? Could it be that he lost the match and got angry?"
"Th... that shouldn't be right! He's a Gym Leader after all!" Brock responded with some uncertainty.
"Ah!!" Just as Brock finished speaking, Misty screamed as Lt. Surge extended his fist towards Ash.
"Ash, you won beautifully. I am thoroughly convinced. It's been a long time since I had such a satisfying battle. This Orange Badge is yours."
Suddenly, Lt. Surge revealed a hearty smile, then turned his fist over and opened it in front of Ash. He had originally intended to scare Ash, but seeing Ash unmoved, Lt. Surge admired him even more.
At this moment, Lt. Surge's hand held a multi-angled orange badge resembling a sunflower. Ash smiled at this and reached out to take the badge.
"Thank you!" Ash said after taking the badge.
"You're absolutely right, Ash. Blindly evolving Pokémon while neglecting their training is indeed a mistake. Today, you taught me this. I should be thanking you!"
"I hope you achieve good results in the Pokémon League!"
Lt. Surge heard this and shook his head slightly, then actively extended his hand. Ash also extended his hand, and the two shook hands.
Putting everything else aside, Lt. Surge's personality was actually quite good. His personality made him seem rude, but in reality, he was hearty and straightforward, not someone who couldn't accept defeat.
"Thank you for your kind words! Then... we'll be taking our leave." Ash responded. Having already received the badge, he had no intention of lingering further and bid farewell.
"What an incredible young man!"
Watching Ash and his friends leave, Lt. Surge couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. He had been a Gym Leader for so long. While he hadn't been undefeated, this was the first time he had encountered such a special trainer.
...
"Phew!! That scared me. I almost thought he was going to hit us." After leaving Vermilion Gym, Misty let out a big sigh of relief. Inside, she had actually been a little afraid that Lt. Surge would lose his temper.
"What's there to worry about? Aren't you from a Gym? Don't you know that if a Gym Leader resorts to physical violence, the consequences are very serious?"
A Gym Leader's duties, besides accepting challenges from trainers from all over, also include protecting the city when necessary.
Ordinary trainers, apart from official Pokémon battles, are not allowed to fight casually, nor are they allowed to use Pokémon battles for personal revenge.
Otherwise, they would be severely punished. In severe cases, their trainer qualifications could even be revoked. Many criminals who join criminal organizations and are active in the underground world had their trainer qualifications revoked, which is why they began criminal activities.
And Gym Leaders are even less allowed to clash with ordinary trainers. Not only would their Gym Leader qualifications be revoked, but they might also face severe penalties from the League. So, such things are almost impossible to happen.
"Of course I know that. But still, that guy was too scary!"
As a trainer from Cerulean Gym, Misty naturally knew this very well. It was just that Lt. Surge's bulk always made people feel intimidated.
"Then let's hurry up!" Ash heard this and smiled, no longer saying more. He took the lead and walked towards the Pokémon Center. Misty and Brock quickly followed.
Meanwhile, outside the gym, three sneaking figures emerged from the nearby bushes, watching Ash and his friends leave.
"To think that Pikachu actually defeated Raichu. That's truly incredible." These three were none other than Team Rocket.
"Such a powerful Pikachu is worth stealing." Jessie excitedly said, listening to James. The stronger Pikachu was, the more worthwhile their hard work in following it.
"But how are we going to deal with such a strong Pikachu, Meowth?"
"Yeah! That twerp is too troublesome." James also sounded a little worried. After losing to Pikachu so many times, Pikachu was getting stronger and harder to deal with.
Looking at the previous battle, Pikachu was able to defeat Raichu because of Ash's command. Not just Pikachu, the twerp seemed even more troublesome to them.
"Hmph! As long as we don't give up and keep following them, we'll definitely find an opportunity." Jessie, however, was fearless upon hearing this.
"That's right! To get promoted to executive! Let's go!!"
Pokémon Center
Ash and his friends also returned to the Pokémon Center, entrusting Pikachu and Eevee to Nurse Joy. Nurse Joy was surprised when she saw Ash bring Pikachu and Eevee.
Pikachu and Eevee were not as severely injured as other trainers' Pokémon. Although injured, they were conscious and lively. Nurse Joy curiously inquired about the situation and then learned that Ash had actually defeated Lt. Surge.
After her surprise, she congratulated Ash, then took Pikachu and Eevee away.
What surprised many trainers who had previously challenged Vermilion Gym was that their nightmare, the Vermilion Gym Leader Lt. Surge, also came over when Ash and his friends left for the restaurant.
And he came to treat his Pokémon. Many trainers were surprised, especially those who had lost to Lt. Surge.
Lt. Surge coming meant he had been defeated, so he came to treat his Pokémon. Nurse Joy was also surprised when she saw Raichu. Its injuries were not much better than those of the Pokémon brought in by the trainers it had defeated before.
Other trainers didn't know who had defeated Lt. Surge, but Nurse Joy clearly knew it was Ash.
However, Nurse Joy didn't make a big deal out of it. She just complained to Lt. Surge when he came, telling him not to be so heavy-handed with other people's Pokémon.
Despite his large stature, when scolded by Nurse Joy, Lt. Surge awkwardly scratched his head and smiled, saying he would pay attention next time.
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