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Ash received the water drop badge, and Misty's mood improved considerably because of Ralts. Ralts seemed to sense Misty's low spirits and actively jumped into her arms, offering a comforting hug.
Although she was still young, her emotional intelligence was quite high. When she grew up, she would likely be a clever and intelligent powerful 'woman'.
Holding Ralts, Misty looked at her three older sisters with a complex expression. Not long ago, she had boasted to them that she would display the demeanor of a true Trainer.
But now she had been defeated so miserably. Her sisters probably wouldn't miss the chance to scold her.
The eldest sister, Daisy, stepped forward and then... placed her hand on Misty's head.
"Eh?"
"What, you didn't think we'd mock you, did you? You've already done very well, Misty. If it were us, even commanding the same Pokémon, we'd probably lose even more miserably." Violet said with a smile, teasing her.
"Although your beauty can't compare to ours, we do acknowledge your Pokémon commanding skills. You can't be blamed for this battle, Misty. We've seen so many matches, but we've never seen a Trainer as reckless as this guy." Daisy also looked at Ash and awkwardly comforted Misty.
Ash pointed at himself, his mouth twitching slightly. What did she mean, as reckless as him? This was a normal, conventional tactic, alright? He was getting shot while lying down.
"We were wrong before. Being a Gym Leader is indeed very hard. You have to battle people, guide others during battles, and also bear the pressure of being defeated. This responsibility is not easy." Lily also hesitated before speaking her mind.
Misty looked at her three sisters with teary eyes... How many years had it been... How many years since she had heard them speak to her so kindly!!
Indeed, no matter how much was said, it was not as effective as letting them experience it for themselves. It was only after experiencing what it felt like to be a Gym Leader that they understood how difficult it was!
"No... it's fine, sisters, you all work very hard too. If it weren't for the money you earned, I wouldn't have been able to train my Starmie to be so strong. I also had my faults before."
The four sisters finally spoke their minds, and the knots in their hearts were untied.
Afterward, Misty looked hesitant. She looked at Ash and Brock, then at Violet and the others, feeling conflicted.
Since her sisters had admitted their mistakes, should she continue to be the Gym Leader? If Violet and the others were to be Gym Leaders, not to mention how hard it would be to combine performing and being a Gym Leader, the reputation of the Cerulean Gym would probably be ruined.
Apart from her Pokémon, the highest level in this Gym was only Advanced Level... To be precise, the Pokémon that could be commanded were only Superior Level.
There was also a trump card Pokémon in the Gym, and that Pokémon's level had already reached Professional Level, but that Pokémon... let alone Violet and the others, even Misty might not be able to command it.
Moreover, Misty had a deep fear of that Pokémon and would not use it unless absolutely necessary.
So, in terms of combat power, her Starmie was already the strongest Pokémon she could bring out. If she guarded the Gym, it would be extremely beneficial for both the long-term prospects and the reputation of the Cerulean Gym.
But... she was a bit reluctant to leave this team. Although she had only spent a little over ten days with Ash, she felt that these ten days had been more exciting than her entire past decade.
Traveling with Ash seemed to allow her to see many things that ordinary people couldn't, whether it was Ho-Oh, the Shinny Ralts, or even the bizarre sight of Ash's body directly resisting Pokémon... These exciting experiences simply couldn't be found by staying in the Gym.
Therefore, Misty was currently very conflicted about whether to follow Ash or stay at the Gym.
"Misty, go on your journey." Violet seemed to have seen through Misty's thoughts. She parted her red lips slightly and made the decision for Misty.
"Sister Daisy..."
"Only by seeing the outside world can you go further on your path as a Trainer. Didn't you say that? If you stay here forever, perhaps one day you might become a Trainer like Mom and Dad, but that's not enough... I look forward to the day when you, as you said, become the strongest Gym Leader in the Kanto region."
Daisy smiled and encouraged Misty.
If Misty chose to stay at the Gym, it would indeed be a good thing for the Cerulean Gym. In fact, it wouldn't be long before, once Misty's Pokémon truly reached Professional Level, the Cerulean Gym could shed its title as the weakest Gym.
But this would definitely not be good for Misty's long-term development.
Therefore, Daisy encouraged Misty to leave the Cerulean Gym and go with Ash and the others to see a wider world.
As for the mess at the Cerulean Gym... anyway, the Gym assessment wouldn't come that quickly, so let it be the weakest Gym for now.
She believed in Misty. When Misty returned, the Cerulean Gym would definitely reach new heights. Until then, her sisters would hold the fort.
"Exactly, didn't you say you wanted to become stronger than Mom and Dad? You haven't achieved the boast you made earlier."
"Just go, anyway, the Cerulean Gym is the weakest Gym with or without you, so you might as well go and become stronger and come back."
Misty's other two sisters said, subtly praising her while seemingly mocking her.
Although they were sharp-tongued, they genuinely hoped for the best for Misty from the bottom of their hearts.
Misty wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, her face showing a determined expression: "I understand. I will become stronger and stronger, and then I will return to revitalize the Cerulean Gym! Before then, you all must hold on!"
..."Goodbye, you can also come back to the Cerulean Gym to visit if you have time!"
"And Misty, remember to catch some powerful Pokémon and send them back. Your sisters don't want to lose so miserably every time!"
"Exactly! Also, Misty, I've already taken a picture of you crying just now. I'll send you that photo when you become a powerful Trainer~"
Daisy's words made Misty, who was happily waving goodbye, freeze. She had just felt the warmth from her sisters, that must have been a delusion!
These sisters were still as fond of teasing her as ever!
This time, setting off again, Misty left the soon-to-evolve Goldeen at home. With normal care, Goldeen should evolve into Seaking within a month. By then, even with her sisters' commanding abilities, they would at least have some ability to fight back against challengers.
And so, the three set off again for the third Gym—Vermilion City Gym!