Chapter 42: Satoshi: No one can shake my belief!
“You know what... If I were impulsive, I might have also wanted to use Charmeleon, to defeat the opponent's Pokémon fair and square...”
“It's about standing up for yourself! That's the only way to feel good!”
“Then, not surprisingly, you would be beaten by the opponent...”
“Well, it's a surprise, a surprise! It's really just a surprise...”
...
【Professor Oak: Satoshi, as Shigeru said, winning and losing in Pokémon battles is only natural! Don't be affected by such people's words! Steadfastly be yourself!】
【Hanako's Mother: Mom thinks Satoshi looks super cool when he battles!】
【Drago: Satoshi undoubtedly made a mistake in this battle, knowing that Charmeleon had just evolved and wasn't yet comfortable with its power, but still choosing to use it against... But didn't that newcomer also go through this?】
【Shiba: That's right! Treat his words like air!】
【Clemont: I have to say, Satoshi is reckless, but Satoshi's philosophy towards Pokémon is not wrong!】
【Alder: That's right! Satoshi, don't be influenced! Stick to your life creed and keep walking forward with unwavering resolve!】
【Cynthia: Winning or losing is just a matter of experience. Don't get discouraged. I look forward to the day I battle you.]
【Leon: That should be me saying that. Satoshi, I look forward to the day you reach me! I'm waiting for you in Galar!】
【Misty: Satoshi is unfit to be a Trainer? That guy needs to look in a mirror! It's just the outcome of a battle! What makes a Trainer is their character! Character, do you understand? Someone who doesn't respect Pokémon is the one who doesn't deserve to be a Trainer!】
Misty stomped her feet in anger!
“This person... This person, how dare he!”
Misty pointed at Cross on the screen, her face flushed with anger.
Angry!
Super angry, okay!
While furiously cursing in the chatroom, Misty turned to Satoshi beside her.
Her eyes seemed to be burning with flames.
“Satoshi!”
“Don't let that guy's words affect you!”
“Do you understand?!”
Seeing that Satoshi didn't speak, Misty widened her eyes in even greater anger.
Wait!
No way!
Satoshi, could he actually be affected by this?!
Misty couldn't comprehend it.
Misty couldn't believe it!
Could Satoshi, someone so idiotic, truly be affected by a few words from someone else?
Gary also looked at Satoshi with concern.
Pikachu stood on Satoshi's shoulder, its expression showing some hesitation and doubt.
“Pika... Pika...”
Satoshi clenched his fists, his gaze fixed on the screen and the chatroom.
The air around him grew even quieter.
Misty, Gary, and Pikachu didn't dare to make a sound.
Just then.
The sound of Satoshi forcefully sucking in his nose rang out.
“Sniffle...”
Tears suddenly appeared in Satoshi's eyes.
“I...”
Satoshi raised his hand and pulled at the brim of his hat.
For a moment, he found it hard to express his current feelings.
To say he wasn't affected by Cross's words at all...
That's impossible!
Although the Satoshi on the screen was from the normal world.
But every decision he made, every thought he had.
Satoshi agreed with them all.
He was sure.
In the same environment, under the same circumstances.
He would have made the exact same choices!
Even though he knew that Charmeleon hadn't adapted well to its power.
He would still have chosen Charmeleon!
Because it's Satoshi's belief!
So when he heard Cross's condescending criticism and rebuke.
Satoshi felt it deeply!
However.
What surprised Satoshi even more was...
Everyone was actually on his side!
They were frantically comforting him!
Supporting him!
Telling him to steadfastly be himself!
These people included friends, rivals, complete strangers, and even champion trainers at the pinnacle of their careers!
Looking at these comments and words of comfort.
Satoshi's heart was instantly filled to the brim.
A tingling, numb sensation, filled with a mix of sadness and joy, surged through his limbs!
Tears welled up in his eyes without him realizing it.
When Charmeleon fell, Satoshi didn't cry!
When Cross belittled him, Satoshi didn't cry!
But in the face of countless voices of support.
Satoshi finally couldn't hold it back any longer!
“I...”
Satoshi suddenly pulled his hat off, and his eyes transformed from bewildered to unwavering determination!
“I... will never be affected!”
“I will continue to follow my own path!”
“Pokémon will always be my friends!”
Friendship between Pokémon is the best!
At that moment!
Satoshi seemed to be radiating a dazzling light from head to toe!
Gary and Misty, upon seeing this, finally smiled in relief.
Yes!
That's it!
This is the Satoshi they knew!
Determined and fearless!
Unafraid of hardship!