Unveiling the Unseen: Pokémon Horizons Explores Forgotten Gym Leaders

Summary

Gym leaders in Pokémon Horizons are portrayed as important community figures, offering support and mentorship to new trainers.

As a gym leader in the Galar region, Kabu is widely adored and considered a local celebrity. The dynamic between protagonists Liko and Roy and the gym leaders is characterized by a nurturing and supportive atmosphere, in contrast to Ash's competitive encounters.

In Pokémon Horizons, the protagonists have a different objective than collecting gym badges, which may lead one to think that they would have little interaction with gym leaders. However, this unique approach offers a glimpse into a lesser-known side of these leaders compared to the experiences Ash typically had.

Currently, our heroes find themselves in the Galar region, where they unexpectedly meet gym leader Kabu. Kabu, whom Ash never encountered before, holds potential information about the elusive Black Rayquaza. Taking note of their shared goal, Kabu agrees to provide some training to aid them in their eventual encounter with Rayquaza. Interestingly, this is not the first instance where Rayquaza has guided Liko and Roy towards a gym leader. In a previous episode, Roy engaged in a practice battle with Brassius, a gym leader from Paldea. These encounters shed light on the multifaceted roles that gym leaders play beyond challenging aspiring trainers for badges, revealing their significance as influential figures within their communities.

Gym Leader Kabu is a Beloved Local Celebrity

Liko and Roy first encountered Kabu at the end of episode 19, prompting surprise and delight among the nearby crowd as they spotted their local gym leader. Kabu not only offered to allow a child to visit his gym, but also commended Liko's battling skills. However, before offering information about Rayquaza, Kabu insisted on helping them train. During their encounter, Liko and Roy also met Wakaba, an aspiring gym trainer hoping to work under Kabu in the future. Throughout the episode, Kabu took on a mentorship role, providing advice and emphasizing the importance of failure in the journey towards becoming stronger.

By showcasing Kabu's connection with Scarlet and Violet's Brassius, the series highlights the notion that being a gym leader entails not only overseeing gym battles, but also serving as a community leader. In this role, gym leaders assist new trainers in learning how to handle Pokémon and equip them with the necessary skills to flourish independently. While Ash primarily engaged with gym leaders as challengers, resulting in different interactions, it is worth noting that some gym leaders did assist Ash throughout his travels, even if briefly. Nevertheless, Liko and Roy have had the opportunity to witness a more nurturing side of gym leaders.

Given that champions are often depicted as defenders of their territories, it is quite logical to assume that gym leaders would also possess a role of protection and support within the cities they operate in. This portrayal of gym leaders presents them as dignified individuals who carry not only the responsibility towards their Pokémon and gym but also towards the well-being of their entire community. This is another distinctive aspect of Pokémon Horizons, distinguishing itself from the previous series and providing these characters with fresh narrative possibilities.