55. Boulder Badge

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"You still won't move out of the way!" Brock, usually very gentle with his younger siblings, was uncharacteristically strict at this moment.

Although becoming a Gym Leader wasn't his dream, the Gym was the lifeblood of the family. It took a lot to care for his nine younger siblings.

This situation in the gym was indeed his responsibility as the Gym Leader.

He scolded his younger siblings severely, something they did not expect. To them, Brock had always been a gentle person.

"But... but we just wanted to protect Onix, who big brother has worked so hard to train. Besides, he fouled first," Brock's third sibling said, feeling wronged and looking up at the ceiling.

The water from the fire prevention system had stopped, and the damaged Water Spout device could be seen.

"The rules of the Pokémon League state that as long as it's within the playing field, it's fair game," Ash said lightly. "Even in the air, if it's within the field's scope, it counts as part of the battle. This regulation helps cultivate adaptable Trainers."

For a truly outstanding Trainer, adaptability is crucial. As long as it is within the field, even things like ceilings and chandeliers can be used. The arena is just a place to fight. Even if a Pokémon is kicked out, as long as it can still fight, it can return to the arena.

As a Gym Leader, Brock knew this better than anyone, which is why he was so uncharacteristically angry.

"Besides, your big brother's Onix is carefully trained, but so are other people's Pokémon. You know how much effort every Trainer puts in to challenge a Gym and participate in the Pokémon League," Ash continued.

"It's not fair to think that your big brother's Pokémon shouldn't be injured while others' Pokémon can be. Every Trainer cares for their Pokémon just as much."

Brock's younger siblings fell silent, understanding their mistake. Onix had stood up again now that the water had stopped.

After listening to what Ash said, Brock's siblings understood their mistake. Now that the water had stopped, Onix stood up again.

"I'm sorry this happened. I lost this game," Brock admitted to Ash with a deep tone of apology.

Brock walked into the arena, touched Onix's body lightly, then approached Ash and took out an octagonal badge from his pocket.

"This is proof of defeating the Pewter Gym. Boulder Badge. You played well. I learned a lot from fighting you."

Brock was well aware of the Pokémon League rules and strongly agreed with what Ash had said. Everyone cares about their Pokémon in the same way. The effort put into caring for Pokémon cannot judge whether a Trainer cares about Pokémon.

Ash's words made Brock admire him from the bottom of his heart. It was hard to believe Ash was just a rookie Trainer. There was no doubt he was qualified to take the Boulder Badge.

"Thank you!" Ash said, accepting the Boulder Badge. He had won, after all. There was nothing to be hypocritical about. After taking the Badge, he shook hands with Brock.

"Also, I apologize to you on behalf of my brothers and sisters," Brock added.

"It's nothing!" Ash replied. Despite the minor incident, the outcome was what he had hoped for. He didn't hold a grudge against the kids. Besides, he had great respect for Brock, especially considering his responsibilities compared to his own parents.

"Then, I'll take my leave first. Pikachu, let's go!" Ash called out to his partner.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu responded, shaking off the rainwater on his body before running over and jumping onto Ash's shoulder.

Then Ash took Pikachu and Misty and left together. After watching Ash and Misty leave, Brock stood there for a long time without saying a word.

"I'm sorry, big brother!" the siblings, who realized their mistake, murmured, feeling the heavy atmosphere and lowering their heads one by one.

"Forrest, take the younger siblings home first," Brock said, not appearing too angry but very calm. The calmer he was, the more disturbed his siblings felt.

Seeing this, Forrest didn't dare to disobey and quickly led the others away while Brock stayed behind to clean up the venue by himself.

At this moment, a figure watching from a high window looked at the scene with tears and deep self-blame in their eyes before cautiously leaving.

. . .

"I didn't expect such a thing to happen, but at least you got the Badge," Misty remarked as they headed back to the gym.

"It's nothing. After all, they are just children," Ash replied with a smile.

"Huh? Your attitude is completely different now! You looked very angry just now," Misty noted, surprised at the change.

"I was really angry! I don't like people who don't respect the rules. But Brock didn't do anything wrong. Kids are just ignorant. Now that the match is over, there's no point dwelling on it," Ash explained.

Misty nodded understandingly and quietly noted Ash's perspective.

"Actually, we can't blame them entirely for what happened," a voice suddenly said.

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