The old man paid no mind to Xia You's attitude. He simply stared at him and asked, "Did you figure something out from that riddle about the wig?"
Xia You smiled. "I heard that Blaine, the Gym Leader of the Cinnabar Gym, is a hot-blooded old geezer who loves riddles... er... an elderly gentleman. And since he went bald early in life, he likes wearing a wig. Besides, the Gym belongs to the League. Even if it's been turned into a hot spring now, I really can't think of anyone besides the Gym Leader himself who would have the authority to remodel it."
"Very clever!" Seeing that his identity had been exposed, the old man readily admitted it. "That's right. I am Blaine, the Gym Leader of the Cinnabar Gym!"
Then his tone shifted, and he added somewhat awkwardly, "As for that baldness you mentioned, that's nothing but a rumor. Don't go spreading it around. It's just that the weather on Cinnabar Island is so hot that I shaved my head."
Blaine's explanation sounded rather unconvincing and forced. Not only Xia You, but even Misty and Brock could tell that his attempt to hide the truth was only making it more obvious.
Of those present, Ash seemed to be the only one who believed him. He stepped forward and said excitedly, "So you're Blaine! Mr. Blaine, I'm Ash from Pallet Town. I came here specifically to challenge you!"
"Ahem, I suggest you give up." Blaine shook his head and pointed behind him. "The Gym has already become an inn. I stopped being a Gym Leader a long time ago. If you want a Badge, go to another town."
"Huh?" Ash was utterly stunned. "It really became an inn? How could this happen?!"
Blaine folded his arms, looking helpless. "Blame those