Having lost the Charmeleon, a powerful Pokémon with a type advantage, Satoshi struggled before finally deciding to send out Bulbasaur.
There was no other choice. Squirtle and Alakazam were both weak against the opposing type.
And Pikachu's electric attacks were not very effective against Grass-type.
Only Bulbasaur, with its matching Grass-type, had a chance of not being immediately disadvantaged.
"Bulbasaur, huh? Come on then."
Rika said calmly.
The outcome was predictable.
Bulbasaur was quickly defeated.
With Satoshi on the verge of being swept by Rika, not only was he feeling the pressure, but even those fans who hadn't done their homework were feeling stressed outside the screen.
They could only swallow their saliva to try and relieve the tension.
Just as Satoshi was forced to choose from his last three Pokémon, none of which had any significant advantages,
Team Rocket came to the rescue—again.
They sneaked into the gym, planning to steal the stock of perfume.
But they accidentally started a fire that quickly spread throughout the entire Tamamushi Gym.
The battle had to be stopped.
After escaping, Rika realized that Gloom, the Pokémon who had been with her since she was a child but wasn't very good at fighting, was missing.
She assumed it was still inside the gym.
Upon learning this, Satoshi didn't hesitate to rush back into the gym, now engulfed in flames and smoke.
This left Rika stunned, wondering why he would help his opponent who had just handed him two brutal defeats.
Takeshi and Kasumi explained to Rika what had happened on the Saint Anne and in the Lavender Town last week.
…
In the end, Satoshi successfully rescued Gloom without incident.
Upon receiving Gloom back, Rika presented him with the Rainbow Badge, a symbol of the Tamamushi Gym's recognition.
"Thank you for saving this child. I feel your love for Pokémon. Please, take this."
Just as Takeshi had said.
Earning a badge didn't always require defeating the gym leader. It was enough to gain their recognition.
This was the most complicated time for Satoshi to obtain a badge.
At the end of the episode, Satoshi called Professor Oak on video chat to inform him about the events surrounding this gym challenge.
"I see. So that's what happened."
On the other end of the video call, Su Yihuan, wearing old-age makeup, nodded.
"Don't refuse the badge. Since you have gained Rika's recognition, you deserve the Rainbow Badge."
"Charmeleon being disobedient, on one hand, some Pokémon do have personality changes after evolving, but I believe the more important reason is that your level as a Trainer is not high enough yet."
Satoshi, confused, asked: "My level as a Trainer?"
Professor Oak nodded seriously, "Yes. Since Charmeleon evolved, you haven't led it to win a single battle, have you? It might think it's better to fight alone than follow your commands. This is a common thought process for Pokémon who disobey their Trainers.
There are even more withdrawn Pokémon who think their Trainers are not qualified to command them and refuse to fight. There have even been cases of Pokémon leaving their Trainers entirely."
Professor Oak's explanation left the fans, who just last week were moved by the unwavering loyalty of the baby Haunter to its child, utterly speechless.
【Satoshi Pikachu】bar—
【No, that Charmeleon is such a traitor! Taking advantage of the situation! Satoshi saved your life!】
【Can't say that, Satoshi's commands have been questionable. Charmeleon has evolved, but Satoshi hasn't led it to a single victory. The battle with Rika was a humiliating defeat.】
【Honestly, Charmeleon being willing to fight for Satoshi is good enough. Didn't you hear Professor Oak? More extreme cases involve them refusing to work and leaving their Trainers entirely.】
【Does personality change so drastically after evolution?】
【After gaining stronger power, their mentality changes. Have you heard the saying, "Men change when they have money"?】
【Okay, okay, the first sword after going ashore is to cut down the person you love, right?】
【This battle made me realize how big the gap is between Satoshi and true masters.】
【Pokémon only need to consider fighting, but we Trainers have to consider so much more.】
…
The episode ends with a shot of Satoshi sitting in the setting sun, lost in thought.
After hearing Professor Oak's explanation, the camera also zooms in on Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and the rest for a big close-up.
In this rather depressing atmosphere, Su Yihuan's voiceover narrates:
"Satoshi, who has gained Rika's recognition, has successfully obtained the fourth badge, the Rainbow Badge. However, due to his insufficient level as a Trainer, Charmeleon is no longer willing to follow his commands. What kind of trials await Satoshi next..."
…
The ending song plays.
Those who were already reluctant to do their homework were even more reluctant after watching this episode...
Damn you, Su Yihuan! You dog!
You give me this kind of stuff for the final update of the summer break!?
Although it was brilliant, why make the plot so... frustrating?
Although it fits the development of the plot.
Can't you delay the gym battle for a few episodes, add a few episodes of everyday fun and let us watch it happily before going to school, feeling relaxed?
Damn!
Gotta go to Weibo and rant!
However, unfortunately, these students had no chance to complain to Su Yihuan.
Their mothers' loud roars came.
Get your asses back here and do your homework!