"What I said earlier, if you've traveled for two months and have collected four Gym Badges, I can take you in. This is actually a rule set by my brother, and it's posted right at the entrance of the Fuchsia Gym."
Aya's words left Ash momentarily stunned, then his expression became exceptionally peculiar.
Traveling for two months and having four Gym Badges; besides himself, Ash only knew of one other person who met these criteria, Gary.
Isn't this rule specifically targeting the two of them?
"Why set such a rule?"
"Because my brother guessed that you might come to the Fuchsia Gym to challenge him, and you see the state of the Fuchsia Gym. If you came to challenge in the normal way, you might be stuck in line for three days without getting in, so he set this rule. Those who meet these conditions can cut the line and get in early."
It's not a rule targeting two, but rather specifically targeting Ash.
"Your reputation has already spread to the ears of various Gym Leaders. My brother also wants to see what kind of person can obtain five badges in two months and also defeat the Saffron Gym Trainer."
Aya spoke while scrutinizing Ash.
In terms of appearance... except for being a little handsome, everything else was quite ordinary. The Pikachu on him looked harmless without any aura of a strong opponent. Is someone like this really the one who beat the Saffron Gym?
"Hehe, I didn't expect to be this famous already, even Mr. Koga has heard of me," Ash said with a smile, wiping his nose. Gaining fame at a young age was indeed one of the things he hoped to achieve through traveling!
Unexpectedly, in just two short months, he was already becoming famous in Kanto!
"Let's go, I'll take you to my brother." Aya waved her hand and led Ash and the others through the back door of the Fuchsia Gym.
...
"Venonat, dodge to the left, then use Tackle!"
In the outdoor arena of the Gym, Koga, dressed in ninja attire, commanded Venonat to dodge the Sandshrew's attack, then finished it with a Tackle.
The challenger's attempt ended in failure.
However, Koga still handed a badge to the opponent, as defeating the Gym Trainer isn't always necessary to earn a badge.
Otherwise, against an Elite Trainer like Koga, unless your Pokemon's strength is significantly higher, there's almost no chance of winning against him.
Therefore, as long as you put on an impressive performance in a battle with Koga, he would award you a Gym Badge.
Regardless of the outcome, Koga would offer some guidance after the match. Those lining up to challenge were there for his post-match teachings!
After evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the challenger's battle, Koga had the staff escort the person out.
He then placed Venonat's Pokeball onto a portable healing machine beside him.
With that machine and approximately a dozen Pokemon he used against regular challengers, Koga could battle for over twelve hours a day!
Originally, Koga only faced challengers for a few hours each day, occasionally having Aya handle some to cultivate her combat experience.
After all, once he moved to Johto to serve as an Elite, the Gym would pass to Aya. Even if he wasn't around, the reputation of Fuchsia Gym couldn't decline.
Recently, he's been putting in noticeably more hours, handling challenges solo, all to boost his reputation ahead of his upcoming appointment as an Elite.
For an Elite Trainer, fame is as important as strength.
If a trainer suddenly took on the Elite role out of nowhere, how would the public perceive the League?
So alongside qualifications, fame is crucial for an Elite, which is why there's a position for prospective Elites, to give the public time to accept a new Elite.
If an Elite suddenly appeared without warning, it'd be hard for local trainers to accept, especially since each Elite has their own fans who'd be upset to see their favorite Elite suddenly replaced.
It'd lead to outcry against the League… Ultimately, it's still a democratic age, at least on the surface.
Thus, Koga is currently working to build his reputation for his Elite appointment, otherwise, why would he tirelessly take on so many challenges?
Putting in such strenuous 'work' is all for ensuring a good reputation once he becomes an Elite.
After mentoring the challenger, Koga waved for the staff to send in another challenger.
Just then, a call rang out: "Brother, wait a moment!"
Aya's figure appeared, following the voice.
"Aya? Where have you been?"
"Just wandered around for a bit, but that's not important now. Look who I brought!"
Following Aya's gesture, Koga saw three figures emerging from the Gym's building. Seeing the leading figure, Koga was visibly surprised: "Are you... Ash?"
"Yes, Mr. Koga. I've long heard of the fame of the four major Gym Leaders of Kanto. Ash from Pallet Town has come specifically to challenge you!"
Ash respectfully cupped his hands, speaking politely, though the gesture seemed a bit awkward, and his smile appeared somewhat forced.