First gyms for a League are always tricky. They want them to not be impossible for beginners, but also have the possibility of being a later gym leader depending on wherever the Trainer starts their Journey. Not everyone gets to start in the same city as the region's professor.

My name is Kunsai "Kuro" Kuronosa, and despite the nickname, my favorite type is Normal. Tgere's just something so amazing as seeing the potential of "boring" made powerful. This isn't the first region ti have a first gym be Normal...the Unova region changed their gym structure a few years ago, and a young scholar named Cheren took over first gym duties in one part of the region.

When I first got accepted to this gym, it had been after years of hard work as a trainer, and my team of all normal types were all fully evolved and trained. "You need a lower ceiling, a fresh start for the newbies." I was allowed to breed my beginner-friendly team, under strict guidelines because even the ones I chose could be very powerful with the right moves...but I was only allowed two Mon...I chose to breed a Lilipup, as my Stoutland had been a wonderful companion and her child was strong, but I was forced to use a Ratata for my other...frail thing it was, a good attacker could knock it out in one or two attacks...

But as the time went on, I started being derided...even the "weaker" Bug and Grass types were higher in gym level than me, and it started to grind my gears... I decided that I would stop messing around with someone who thought them above me. I gathered my best team, all six, and put on a bracelet I thought I was going to have to retire permanently...

I walked over to my favorite Mon...a pink squish ball that I just loved to hug when I was down because it was comforting...She had been with me the longest, and when I had heard about a special power for her, I searched it out. This time, I pulled out a pouch with a bead-like object on a string and holder. "Well...Next punk who thinks they can skip me and come back for easy pickings is in for a real challenge...and You're going to be right there." I placed the object over the Mon's neck, or best approximation, and gave her a few squishy headpats before walking towards the door.

"Leader Kuro, we have a young man here searching for his 5th Badge...You have a regulation team to use for this!" One of the trainers who studied under him arrived just as he was leaving the room.

"5th badge, eh? I'm going to stop holding back..." I pulled out a Pokeball that was pure red, usually only handed out for special occasions, and opened it facing my favorite behind me. After the recall, I walked towards the gym floor, 6 Balls fixed to my belt.

"B-but Sir! Not following regulation could-"

"Screw the League and that "regulation" of theirs...I didn't spend all that blood, sweat and tears training so hard to end up the laughing stock of trainers everywhere!" I made my way to the floor, and looked at the young man who had entered...He looked like a punk, complete with leather jacket and ripped jeans.

"Come on Teach, this will be easy...I've got your number and this will be a breeze!"

"State your name, for the record Young Man." My tone was clear, and a little annoyed...it had been less than 5 minutes and he was already insulting me.

"You can call me Blaze, sucker." The punk was being rude, and that was obviously some street name he made up to look big...I bet his real name was Maurice or Terrance or something like that...

"Well then, challenger...this will be a 6v6, if you think you can handle that."

"OOoooh yeah! I got your number loser! It don't matter how many you use, I've got you all figured out!" The punk was brash, and full of bravado.

I cocked an eyebrow. "Oh really? Release your first Mon, Challenger."

The punk smirked. "If you insist! Go! Pangoro!" *He tossed what looked like a Great Ball, and, as he stated, out popped the angry panda Pokémon..native to Alola...and super weak to my ace.

"Well then...I think it's time you met an old friend!" I tossed out the all-red ball, and didn't miss the look of disbelief on the rookie's face when he saw my Cherish Ball...and certainly, he thought there must be a monumental monster inside....when out popped the cute pink blob from earlier...and Audino, with a small round stone hanging on its body.

"Joy has been there through thick and thin...do you think you have what it takes to beat her?

"The match is between the Challenger's Pangoro and Leader's Audino. Switching is allowed, but will be considered a forfeit. You may begin."

I smile, and raise my my arm with the bracelet on it. "It's been a while Joy....You ready?" At the nod from the Audino, I raise my arm, and touch the Keystone embedded into it...Joy is surrounded by a cocoon of energy, and comes out almost pure white, with fluffier ears.

"Draining Kiss."