There are significant differences between the Norman of the anime and the one in the Pokémon Adventures manga.
In the manga, Norman is powerful, mysterious, and possesses an aura that keeps people at a distance. He hides intense emotions deep within his heart; he is resilient, strict, and looks utterly dominant.
The anime version of Norman is much gentler. While his voice is full of vigor and authority, he is more approachable—even going out of his way to create surprises for his wife. In some ways, he is more empathetic.
One cannot say which version is superior. However, in terms of accessibility, the latter is certainly easier to engage with—which is likely why he has an entire city of fanboys and fangirls.
Kashiwagi's arrival was met with a warm welcome from the couple. When Max had video-called them, he had specifically mentioned Kashiwagi as the first friend he had made after leaving home. This prompted Max's mother, Caroline, to insist on cooking for him, and she wouldn't take no for an answer.
At the dining table.
"Ma'am, you really didn't have to be this hospitable," Kashiwagi said to Caroline, half-laughing and half-overwhelmed.
"Hahaha! It's only right. You've come from so far; how could we not host you properly? Max would blame us if he found out," Norman laughed heartily. He added, "Besides, only with a full stomach can you bring out your full strength, right?"
"That's true enough." Kashiwagi had to agree.
A common trait among top-tier experts in the Pokémon anime world is their approachability and confidence. Whether they are facing a ten-year-old child or an arrogant veteran, they maintain a proper demeanor.
"The bread is fresh out of the oven. Please, eat your fill," Caroline said, placing two plates of bread before them.
Fortunately, the portions weren't massive, much to the relief of Kashiwagi, who had already eaten breakfast. As he looked closer, a rich, wheaty aroma wafted up, flooding his senses. For a split second, he saw visions of rolling golden waves of grain.
"This smells amazing!" he blurted out.
He wasn't just being polite; the aroma was so intense it actually triggered a minor hallucination. Is it the ingredients?
"If you like it, I'll make more for you to take on the road," Caroline smiled. Norman gestured for him not to be shy.
Kashiwagi thanked them and quickly asked about the source of the flour. Caroline explained that it was a brand from Verdanturf Town, quite famous in Hoenn, though not as legendary as Lavaridge Rice Crackers.
"Verdanturf Town..." He vaguely recalled it being a great place for recovery. Good land and good water produce good grain. With Verdanturf flour, perhaps his own cooking could level up. After all, the quality of raw ingredients is paramount.
After a satisfying "pre-battle meal," Kashiwagi saw the satisfied look on Norman's face and knew the Gym battle was finally about to begin.
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Standard Battle Court.
Kashiwagi and Norman stood at their respective positions.
"Is this your first Gym challenge?" Norman asked.
"Yes."
"Choosing the Petalburg Gym as your first stop might not be the easiest choice. I don't go easy on anyone."
"It's an honor."
"Just so you know, my basic requirement is a three-on-three battle, regardless of how many Badges you have. Do you have enough Pokémon ready?"
Hearing Kashiwagi's affirmative response, Norman smiled. "In that case, let's begin. Kenny, sorry to trouble you today."
"Yes, Teacher!"
Kenny held a green and a red flag, shouting loudly: "The Gym challenge match is about to begin! Each side will use three Pokémon. The match ends when all Pokémon on either side are unable to battle. Additionally, only the challenger is allowed to switch Pokémon during the match!"
Gym challenges often grant the challenger certain advantages, such as the freedom to swap mid-battle.
Norman spoke up: "Kashiwagi, in a Gym challenge, winning or losing isn't actually everything. If a Trainer can show me the synergy between them and their Pokémon—if I can see their will—they can earn a Badge even if they lose. However, I still hope you aim for victory. Understood?"
"Understood!"
"Then, I declare—the battle begin!"
Norman was the first to throw a Pokéball. "My first Pokémon is—Spinda! I'm counting on you!"
Pop!
A flash of white light revealed a red-spotted bear-like doll about half the height of a person. Its eyes were swirling spirals, and it had a pair of thick ears. It wobbled and swayed on the spot, looking as if it were performing a drunken martial arts routine.
Kashiwagi took out his Pokédex and scanned it. Not because he didn't know what it was, but because the Pokédex only registers a Pokémon after it's been scanned in person.
Though he wasn't sure of its Ability, he had already devised a strategy for dealing with Normal-types.
"Go!" He tossed his Pokéball.
Thump.
Aggron landed, its significant weight causing the ground to tremble slightly.
"Aggrooon!" The giant beast let out a powerful roar. It felt like it hadn't been on stage in a while; it was time to show off.
"Flash Cannon!" Kashiwagi initiated the attack without hesitation.
Norman waved his hand calmly. "Teeter Dance!"
"Roar!" Aggron opened its maw, and bright silver light gathered rapidly, forming a thick silver beam that shot toward Spinda.
Hum!
But just as the beam was about to hit, the wobbling Spinda suddenly leaned back and dipped its waist, dodging it perfectly. The timing was impeccable.
Immediately after, the rubbery Spinda snapped its head back up, twisting its body and flailing its arms like seaweed, performing a mysterious dance.
Kashiwagi frowned. His memory was correct; some of Norman's Pokémon mastered a special swaying rhythm that allowed them to dodge and counter close-range or ranged attacks with ease.
In the anime, Ash faced a Vigoroth with this trait; Kashiwagi was facing a Spinda.
"Dig!"
Hearing the command, Aggron lunged forward, successfully diving underground before the Teeter Dance could affect it.
"Don't stop, keep using Teeter Dance!" Norman responded quickly, his eyes scanning the field. Suddenly, he shouted, "Roll to the right!"
The swaying Spinda abruptly tilted to the right, rolling away like a discarded ragdoll.
The next second—BOOM!
The ground where it had just stood erupted as the silver behemoth burst forth!
"Aggroon!" Aggron returned to the surface, looking somewhat incredulous that it had missed its target again.
Norman seized the opening immediately. "Drain Punch!"
"Surf!" Kashiwagi followed up instantly.
"Spinn-~" Spinda swung a small fist shrouded in brown energy, slamming it into Aggron's abdomen with a thud. Aggron's expression didn't change at all; a blue swirling vortex formed in its claws and slammed right back into Spinda's body.
Crash!
The sphere of water exploded just as Spinda tried to lean away, engulfing it in a crushing wave. It rolled uncontrollably in the current until the water dispersed. It struggled to support its body, only to see a massive tail sweeping toward it like a bolt of lightning!
"Dodge it!" Norman commanded, but this time Spinda truly couldn't react. It was swatted away like a fly.
Smack.
Spinda fell outside the boundary, its body twitching, unable to stand again.
"Spinda is unable to battle! Aggron is the winner!" Kenny shouted, raising the flag.
Norman looked slightly surprised. "That Aggron is quite a high level..."