Pastoria City, Pastoria Gym.
As soon as Gary got off the train, he ran into Crasher Wake, Pastoria City's Gym Leader, known as Crasher Wake Mask.
Apparently, this burly man had once raised funds on his own initiative to protect the Great Marsh, even going into the wrestling ring himself to earn money.
That was how he had earned the title of Crasher Wake Mask.
"The sun over the Great Marsh always sets. The eagle of the Gym has grown weary of brawling..." Inside Pastoria Gym, Crasher Wake tirelessly recounted his experiences.
"Ahem... All right, that really is admirable." Gary nodded and thumped his chest with a fist. "Then, out of respect for my opponent, I've decided to beat you to a pulp~"
Crasher Wake froze mid-pose... Wait, after everything I said, that's all you took away from it?
Young Master Mao nodded seriously. "Giving it your all is proper battle etiquette."
"All right, then bring it on!" Crasher Wake flung off his coat, revealing his powerful muscles.
Coupled with his height of over two meters, he was a veritable muscle monster.
"But... why do you guys who've been in the fighting world all like taking your clothes off before a fight..." Gary couldn't help remarking. "And where's your referee?"
Crasher Wake waved a hand casually. "No need for all that trouble. The rules are simple: knock out my three Pokémon, and the badge is yours.
"Besides, people have reputations just as trees cast shadows. I know a thing or two about your methods, Young Master Mao. Let's just call this a sparring match and not worry about the details."
Young Master Mao looked blank for a moment, but still nodded. "That works."
What he meant was, *Kid, you don't know how to hold back. If anyone sees this, what'll