The referee's announcement echoed throughout the Fuchsia Gym. Koga looked at the Ariados lying motionless on the ground and slowly recalled it into its Poké Ball.
The tension on Koga's face gradually eased. The coldness in his gaze toward Dongshu faded, replaced by a measure of recognition and praise.
He walked slowly over to Dongshu, took a delicate, entirely pink badge from his robes, and placed it in Dongshu's palm.
"Congratulations, Dongshu. This Soul Badge is yours." Koga's voice remained hoarse. "I have never seen a Chansey raised so superbly. Your Pokémon all possess exceptional resilience, and even more rare is the trust between you and them—it far surpasses that of ordinary Trainers."
"Thank you!"
Dongshu grinned as he looked down at the final badge in his hand. Now, he had finally collected all eight Gym Badges of the Kanto Region!
Next, he would head to the Indigo Plateau and take part in the Indigo League tournament.
However, he had challenged the Gyms too quickly, and there was still a long time before the League tournament began.
Still, he wasn't in a hurry.
The Pokémon on his team had yet to evolve into their final forms. Wartortle had not evolved into Blastoise, Chansey had not evolved into Blissey, and Haunter was still some distance away from becoming Gengar.
Not to mention the unhatched Dratini and Larvitar.
Even counting those two, he only had five Pokémon on his team.
Dongshu's thoughts turned, and he solemnly thanked Koga again. "Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Koga."
Koga waved a hand.
His gaze swept over Suicune standing quietly behind Dongshu. A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, too subtle to notice, but he did not ask any questions. He merely said in a deep voice, "The Indigo League is filled with experts.