Chapter 80: Agatha and Koga's Discussion

As Gladion stood by the ruined battlefield, still reeling from the overwhelming force of Collosus's Hyper Beam, he felt a looming presence beside him. He didn't need to turn to know who it was. Sabrina, his ever-annoying yet oddly helpful companion, had that unmistakable aura of someone about to say something either condescending or unsettling—probably both.

"You know, for someone who boasts such control over his power, you sure are reckless," she said with a smirk, arms crossed as she watched the debris still settling. "Should've at least trained your Pokémon in, oh I don't know, not nearly killing the opponent?"

Gladion winced. "It wasn't that bad—"

"Oh, right," Sabrina interrupted, pointing at the battlefield where workers were scrambling to repair the cratered floor. "Not that bad. Just destroyed half a professional battle arena. No big deal."

Gladion groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't know Collosus's Hyper Beam would be that powerful."

"Wow," Sabrina deadpanned. "You never tested a move known for being one of the most destructive attacks in existence? That is what we call 'a lack of foresight.'"

Gladion's face flushed slightly. "I—I mean, it's not like I had anywhere to test it! You don't just fire off Hyper Beams in random places! That's how you get banned from cities!"

Sabrina shrugged. "Sounds like a you problem."

Gladion groaned again, shooting her an exasperated look, but she was already walking over to Collosus. The Pupitar, who had been quietly observing the aftermath of his attack, let out a low, rumbling growl—part satisfaction, part curiosity.

Sabrina, however, did something unexpected. She stopped in front of the massive cocoon Pokémon, placed a hand on his rocky exterior, and spoke—not to Gladion, but directly to Collosus. "You did well. Strong. Powerful. A real force of nature."

Collosus let out a pleased growl, standing even taller as if the praise fueled him. Gladion blinked.

'Wait… she actually knows how to talk to Pokémon properly? But she has no idea how to talk to people?' He narrowed his eyes at her.

"You know, for someone who's so bad at human interaction, you're surprisingly good with Pokémon."

Sabrina shot him a smug glance. "Maybe Pokémon are just better company."

Gladion scowled. "Wow. Thanks."

Sabrina smirked but said nothing, turning back to watch as Koga approached.

Koga, ever the composed ninja, walked towards them, his expression unreadable. Though his Nidoking had been saved from near obliteration, he didn't seem upset—if anything, he looked thoughtful.

"Gladion Vortex," Koga said, his voice calm yet authoritative. "There is no need to continue this battle."

Gladion's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, what?"

Koga nodded. "Your Pupitar's strength is undeniable. He was already overwhelming Nidoking, and his potential is immense. Even if I sent out my last Pokémon, I have no doubt that Pupitar would be able to defeat it."

Gladion was stunned. He had expected to fight until the last moment, but here Koga was, acknowledging his strength without needing to continue. "But—"

Koga raised a hand. "A Gym Battle is not just about defeating an opponent. It's about proving that you are ready for the next step. Your Pokémon's raw power and your strategic thinking have already done that. There is no shame in ending a battle when the result is clear."

Gladion hesitated, then finally nodded. "I… understand. Thank you."

Koga reached into his robes and pulled out the Soul Badge, placing it in Gladion's hand. "You have earned this."

Gladion looked down at the badge, feeling a strange mix of satisfaction and reflection. He then turned back to Koga, bowing his head slightly. "I'm… sorry. I let things get out of hand."

Koga gave him a sharp look before nodding approvingly. "Acknowledging one's mistakes is a sign of growth. You will do well to remember that."

Gladion exhaled, feeling a little weight lift off his shoulders. He accepted the badge, bowed and left towards the Pokemon centre with Sabrina in tow.

After Gladion and Sabrina left the arena, Koga remained standing in the quiet aftermath, gazing at the damaged battlefield. Agatha, who had been watching from the stands, approached him, her expression unreadable.

"So," she said in her raspy voice, "do you think the boy is ready?"

Koga's eyes remained fixed on the field. "Not yet."

Agatha raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why not? The boy held his own against you, and his Pupitar—Collosus, was it?—was strong enough to force you to end the battle early. That's not something just any trainer can do."

Koga exhaled "He is strong. His Pokémon are powerful, yes. His battle instincts are formidable. He even demonstrated an impressive grasp of different battle strategies, such as using both versions of Stone Edge in quick succession. I have not seen the other version of Stone Edge since the war ended." He paused, exhaling slowly.

"But his experience is lacking. And more than that… he lacks control. In short, his Pokémon's strength is immense, and his psychic abilities are developing well. But raw power alone is not enough."

Koga's gaze darkened slightly. "Had my Crobat not intervened, my Nidoking would have been severely injured—perhaps even killed." His fists clenched slightly at the thought. "That kind of reckless power is dangerous. If he cannot rein it in, it could cost him dearly in the future."

Agatha chuckled dryly. "Reckless power? You sound just like the others when they speak about Lance boy."

Koga didn't respond immediately, but his eyes flickered with something unreadable. Finally, he sighed. "Perhaps. But the difference is that Lance always knows how to control his power, even when he was as young as the kid. Gladion… he still hesitates, still underestimates the consequences of his Pokémon's strength."

Agatha smirked. "Hmph. And yet, despite all that, you still think highly of him."

Koga nodded. "Yes. His potential is undeniable. His Pupitar is proof of that, and the fact that he has trained it so well is a testament to his dedication." He glanced toward the doors where Gladion had exited. "But more than that… he is resourceful."

Agatha's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ah, yes. That 'social media' concept he introduced?"

Koga's expression remained neutral, but his tone was thoughtful. "It is already spreading like wildfire. In just a short time, he has created a network capable of influencing opinions, gathering information, and reaching millions. It may not seem significant now, but in the future, this kind of reach will make him a powerful individual."

Agatha chuckled. "A boy who is strong, intelligent, and connected… quite the combination."

Koga nodded. "Indeed. With it, he is gathering influence. Wealth. Information." He looked at Agatha, his expression serious. "He will become a powerful player in this world. If he learns to use his strengths wisely, he could be a great asset."

Agatha's smile widened, though there was something eerily knowing about it. "And a great addition to the Kanto Aura Guardian Corps."

Koga remained silent, letting her words hang in the air like a foreboding omen.

-----Author Notes------

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