Sabrina's rhetorical question left Ash nodding blankly, still stunned by the revelation that Sabrina had once faced off against Lorelei of the Elite Four.
The Elite Four of Kanto were one of his goals since beginning his journey. Only by defeating the Elite Four and becoming the Kanto Champion could he prove he had taken a significant step towards becoming a Pokemon Master.
It also showed he was drawing ever closer to the strongest Champion, Leon.
However, Ash thought that his battles with the Elite Four would be in the distant future, considering that with his current strength, he couldn't possibly rival them, even with his Elite Advanced Level Gengar.
He never expected that Sabrina had already gone toe-to-toe with one of the Elite Four and managed a draw.
It's worth noting that the strength of the Elite Four of Kanto is Champion Level. Even if Lorelei held back, it was extraordinary for Sabrina to hold her own against Lorelei with an Elite Level Pokemon.
Coming back to his senses, Ash realized his hands were still gripping Sabrina's shoulders. Even through her clothes, he could feel a certain smoothness.
Ash quickly let go, apologizing with a sheepish smile, "Sorry, I got a bit carried away with excitement and lost control."
"The Elite Four... are they really powerful people?"
"You don't know the Elite Four?"
"I've heard of them, but I'm not interested, so I forgot," Sabrina replied succinctly as always.
"I can't believe there's someone even less informed than I am who doesn't know the Elite Four of Kanto. They're led by Lorelei..." Ash began enthusiastically explaining about the Elite Four of Kanto, momentarily forgetting he had just finished challenging the Gym and earning his badge.
Misty and Brock, standing nearby, didn't interrupt Ash and Sabrina's conversation, as per Sabrina's father's request.
At this moment, Sabrina's father revealed his identity to the two of them and asked them not to disturb Ash and Sabrina's exchange.
Previously, Sabrina was always cold and distant, rarely communicating or speaking to anyone. She would typically just battle and then turn people into dolls, arranging them among the small trinkets she'd crafted.
Now that she was speaking, and doing so in a calm and patient manner, this increase in normalcy suggested she was on the path to recovery.
So interrupting the conversation between Sabrina and Ash was not an option.
...
"...So, the Elite Four of Kanto are your targets for this journey, right?" Sabrina concluded after listening to Ash.
"It's more of a stage goal. After defeating the Elite Four, I'll have to beat Champions in various regions, and ultimately defeat Mr. Leon. Achieving this would signify I've reached a temporary endpoint on the path of a Trainer," Ash corrected.
The Elite Four weren't his final goal. If anything, the ultimate challenge was currently the world's strongest Trainer, Leon.
It's said that since Leon debuted, he has never been defeated. Who knows who will hand Leon his first defeat?
"A stage goal..." Sabrina murmured to herself, eyes twinkling with mysterious light.
"In any case, stop doing those things. As a Gym Leader, you should fulfill your duties. Turning the defeated into dolls is too bizarre; no wonder people are afraid of you," Ash advised.
"I understand."
"Mm-hmm, as long as you understand..." Ash nodded, relieved. But then he paused, realizing something odd—this once unapproachable and defiant Sabrina was suddenly so agreeable?
"In the future, will there be another chance to battle you?"
"For sure. In a few years, Ash from Pallet Town will be known far and wide. When that time comes, you're welcome to come find me for a battle anytime!" Ash declared confidently, patting his chest.
"Alright, I will come find you then," Sabrina replied seriously, secretly contemplating another plan in her heart.
"Sabrina, you..." Sabrina's father finally spoke after watching Ash and Sabrina finish their conversation, but hesitated after calling her name.
"Father," Sabrina looked at her father and calmly uttered these two words.
Yet it was these simple words that brought tears to her father's eyes, realizing he hadn't heard Sabrina call him 'Father' in so long.
Ash watched Sabrina's father with a surprised expression, tears streaming down his face. He hadn't expected this man to be Sabrina's father, though it explained why he knew her so well. But if he was Sabrina's father, why would he stop challengers outside the Gym?
Also, Sabrina's previous demeanor might be somewhat tied to their relationship, right?
"You've... you've come back, Sabrina?"
"Come back? I never left," Sabrina tilted her head and responded flatly.
Then she gestured, summoning a doll from deep within the Gym.
Sabrina looked at the doll with a complex expression. Her lingering superpower surged, and in the next moment, the doll transformed into a middle-aged woman.
The middle-aged woman emerged, her gaze softening as she looked at Sabrina. Then she turned her eyes to Ash and bowed to him.
"Thank you, Ash. Although I was turned into a doll by Sabrina, I was aware of everything that happened here. Sabrina's mental recovery to this state is entirely thanks to you."