Pokémon, who made him the gym leader?

Chapter 17: She's a challenger, but I'm not?

Understanding the cause of Nidonna's poisoning was indeed a new piece of knowledge for Kaoru, but the battle had to continue.

How can we fight like this?

Nidonna was poisoned, and for Kaoru, Nidonna's battle was a race against death.

The terrifying nature of highly toxic substances is no joke.

But can Nidona defeat Crystal Sprout during this time? Kaoru thinks it's difficult.

Although the battle hadn't lasted long, Kaoru felt...

Are people online seriously ill? Is this dojo giving away badges?

If we were to pinpoint the deepest impression Gu Xin left on Xunzi to this day, it would undoubtedly be his consistently gentle and polite manners, and his composed demeanor.

No matter how you look at it, this person is not a simple one, and the battle certainly reflects that.

Nidona leaped high into the air, attempting to use her Mighty Blow on Crystal Bud again.

"Venom Shock".

However, Crystal Sprout easily dodged Nidona's attack with a backward movement, and the deep purple venom condensed and sprayed directly onto Nidona's face.

Nidonna cried out in pain as her body was thrown through the air and crashed heavily to the ground.

Venomous Impact!

Nidora, a Poison-type Poison-type Poisoner, is resistant to Venom Blast, but Venom Blast's power is doubled when attacking a poisoned target, so this Venom Blast attack still deals considerable damage to Nidora.

Kaoru was getting anxious, and just then, a strange and terrifying deep purple poisonous light shone from Nidona's body, who had fallen to the ground and hadn't even gotten up yet.

The terrifying poisonous spots once again covered Nidona's body, and Nidona curled up in pain, letting out a groan.

A second, highly toxic act of poisoning!

"Nidonna..." Kaoru's fair forehead was covered in sweat from anxiety and heartache, but she was helpless at the moment.

No matter how you look at it, this situation... she can't break it!

She was in a panic, but she didn't know what to do; this feeling was agonizing!

Gu Xin looked at Xunzi, whose face was a little pale, with a hint of a smile in his eyes.

That's the charm of Poison-type Pokémon. It's very interesting to watch your opponent become bewildered and anxious after being poisoned, yet feel utterly helpless.

"Tsk~ Guxin! He's still as disgusting as ever!"

"Who are you calling disgusting! This is called tactical, Master! Huh?"

The receptionist turned around to retort with a displeased look, but paused when she saw who had spoken.

"What brings you here?" The receptionist looked at the handsome, spiky-haired boy in a black short-sleeved shirt and jeans with a strange expression.

She remembered clearly that this guy was none other than the young master Xiao Mao who had come to challenge her yesterday.

"The dojo is a semi-public place. Why can't I come here to observe and learn about dojo battles?"

Xiao Mao shrugged, his nonchalant and carefree demeanor still exuding a strong sense of arrogance.

"Tch~"

No matter how hard you study, you'll never beat the gym owner, hmph~

Although I didn't particularly like this young master who seemed superior in his words and actions, he was, after all, a guest, and...

Yes, the receptionist also read the comments under the dojo on the official website. Although they weren't very popular, this young master did keep his word and gave the dojo a good review.

The receptionist pursed her lips, stopped talking to Xiao Mao, and looked towards the battlefield.

Xiao Mao didn't care about this. After his failure yesterday, he went back and thought about it for a while, but he was still very curious about the dojo.

That's why he came to check it out today. He came in when the match started, but no one noticed him.

"Corrosive properties, huh..."

Xiao Mao leaned against the railing, gazing at Jing Guangya in deep thought. In reality, he was a very intelligent genius, especially in terms of his brain, but generally he only wanted to show off and rarely used his brain.

"In that case, even Steel-type Pokémon won't work."

Theoretically, Magneton, a Steel/Electric type, can easily defeat a Stardust, but this Corrosive type, Brilliant, cannot.

Moreover, Guxin clearly stated that all Crystal Buds have corrosive properties, which means that even after Crystal Buds evolve, they still retain this property.

How should we play?

Shigeru pondered the team's formation. Yesterday's crushing defeat was the first time he had ever lost so badly. He knew that the Aldebaran was not stronger than Wartortle and Cubone, but he still lost without any suspense.

So Gary has made up his mind that he, the indomitable Gym Leader Gary, must get the badge!

On the field.

"Miss Kaoru."

Kaoru, whose mind was already in a bit of a mess, looked at Gu Xin who had spoken.

"To become an excellent trainer, staying calm during battle is the most basic requirement."

Gu Xin spoke in a gentle voice, and it was clear to everyone that Xunzi was very anxious at that moment.

But that's normal, since the situation is really bad for Kaoru.

Xunzi was taken aback by what she heard, but then she realized that Gu Xin was giving her a hint.

"...I'm sorry, I'm sorry you had to see me like this." Miss Kaoru said with a sense of shame.

"No need for that. Not everyone is born a great trainer. People always have to go through a growth process."

"Furthermore, our dojo was established specifically for challengers like Ms. Kaoru."

Guxin shook his head.

Upon hearing this, Xunzi stared blankly at Gu Xin. Could such a realization be uttered by a boy who was about the same age as her?

"I understand that Ms. Kaoru is anxious about this situation, but trainers also have a responsibility to their Pokémon. Analyzing the battle and making the best choice is an essential quality for a trainer."

Gu Xin subtly reminded Xunzi.

"I see."

Xunzi wasn't stupid; she knew what Guxin was reminding her of.

"Come back, Nidonna."

Kaoru recalled Nidona. Yes, no matter how you look at it, Nidona is no longer suitable to continue fighting against Crystal Sprout.

Changing your Pokémon appropriately is necessary, but...

Kaoru looked at the floating Crystal Sprout opposite her and was in a dilemma. What Pokémon should she use to fight Crystal Sprout?

She didn't seem to have anything particularly suitable in her hand. Actually, she had a rather special trumpet bud, which was her secret weapon and often had miraculous effects.

But it didn't work!

Crystal Buds float, and Bell Buds can't get close at all, so what Pokémon should I use? Kaoru was very conflicted.

"It's inevitable that you won't be fully prepared for your first challenge. If you haven't found a way to defeat me yet, you can try again next time."

Gu Xin naturally understood what was going on and took the opportunity to give the kimono-clad girl a way out.

"Don't feel embarrassed. Dojo challenges are not formal competitions. There is a chance to start over. After all, our dojo is here to hone you challengers."

After hearing these words, Kaoru, who had been hesitant, finally made up her mind.

"Yes, I am not yet able to pass your test, Master Guxin. I give up this challenge."

Kaoru bowed slightly to Gushin; this was the first time she had ever felt genuine gratitude and admiration for a dojo master.

"A wise choice," Guxin chuckled.

"Challenger Kaoru has forfeited; Gym Leader Gushin has won this battle."

The referee announced the result of the match.

Kaoru's cheerleading fans were all incredibly disappointed, but things were different on the other side.

"Yay~ The owner is awesome, he won again!" The receptionist was very excited.

"Guxin~" Eileen was also very happy, her beautiful eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Thank you so much, Master Gu Xin. I have benefited greatly from your teachings."

Kaoru wasn't upset about failing the challenge; her emotions were actually quite calm, and she even felt a little sentimental.

"You're welcome. I'm happy that the challengers can learn and gain insights during the challenge," Gu Xin said modestly.

Kaoru's big eyes sparkled. This gym leader! He's handsome, has a great temper, and is incredibly strong—how can he be so outstanding?!

"Gym Leader Gushin, I'm actually quite interested in Poison-type Pokémon. Could you please teach me?"

Kaoru hesitated with anticipation. She wasn't lying; her team did indeed have many Poison-type Pokémon, but she had never considered using Poison-type moves in battles. She mostly used moves of another type.

"I wouldn't presume to preach, but I do have some knowledge of poison, which I can discuss with Miss Xunzi." Gu Xin didn't refuse; his magnetic and gentle tone was nothing like that of someone who uses poison.

"Thank you so much!" Ms. Kaoru bowed politely to Guxin with great joy.

"Emmm..."

Seeing this, Young Master Mao fell into thought again.

He wasn't surprised that Kaoru failed the challenge; after all, the Rota Dojo was poisonous, and it wasn't easy to succeed in the challenge.

But the key point is that Xunzi's treatment seems completely different from how she was treated yesterday. Why is Guxin so friendly to this woman?

Why should I offer both comfort and advice?

good good!

She's a challenger, but I'm not? How can you treat me this differently?!

Young Master Mao was very unhappy!

(End of this chapter)