Much like the Lavaridge Gym, the Dewford Gym's final battlefield was an open-air arena surrounded by spectator stands.
A young man stood at the command post directly opposite, smiling as he watched Yong enter the arena.
His tousled teal hair fell to his neck, held back by a pair of orange goggles. He wore a black short-sleeved T-shirt, shorts close to the color of his hair, and a pair of sandals.
His skin was slightly darkened by the sun, and he looked cheerful and easygoing.
He was none other than the Dewford Gym's Gym Leader, Brawly!
As one of the Pokémon League's standout young Trainers, he had not actually been in charge of the Gym for very long. His strength had only just reached Gym Leader level, and he had yet to train in Seven Treasure Valley on Seven Island with Bruno, one of Kanto's future Elite Four. As such, he was still far from his peak.
An avid surfer, he favored straightforward battles and specialized in Fighting-type Pokémon!
"Long time no see, Brawly!"
Yong placed Marshtomp's Pokémon Ball on the medical station by the entrance. Seeing the older man who had always looked after him as a child made him happy, and he called out from afar.
"Looks like this journey has helped you grow quite a bit, Yong!"
Brawly grinned.
"You look like a real man now!"
"Hehe!"
Yong scratched his head.
"I'm going to stand at the top! Of course I'm a real man!"
Brawly clapped his hands and called out happily.
"That's the spirit! Waves always return to shore. A gifted wave like you... I knew you'd come back! Let me see how high this great wave has risen!"
"Of course! I've been wanting to battle you too, Brawly!"
Brawly waved a hand in satisfaction. A