Hypothetical: Ash Challenges The Kanto League Again!

[GeminiAngel87]

So hypothetically what if sometime down the road in the anime Ash goes back to his home region of Kanto to participate in the Indigo Conference and challenges the gyms again.

I believe there is potential for a good journey through Kanto again and Ash doesn't necessarily have to challenge the same gym leaders from before, the writers can create new gym's to keep it fresh.

I mean the first time around Gary ended up with two extra badges and different ones that Ash didn't have and I thought that was very creative on the writers part.

However I would like him to challenge at least one or two gyms he challenged before and the writers could tie up some things that might need clearing up.
​

So with that said (hypothetically if he journeyed through Kanto again):

1. What kind of gyms types would you like to see Ash challenge? (that he didn't challenge the first time)
2. What gyms would you like him to challenge again?
3. Would you like him to travel with past companions, new ones or travel alone?
4. Would you like him to use new Pokemon he catches in Kanto or use his older Pokemon?
5. And last would you like to see a final climax/show down between Ash & Giovanni/Team Rocket? (I mean he's dealt with every evil team so far, so why not Team Rocket? )

So I would love to hear what you guys think, plus I like friendly discussions. ​

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My answers:
1.) Well I'd like to see him challenge Flying, Dragon, Fighting, Ice & Dark
2.) Well this is no surprise but Misty for one then, Sabrina, Lt. Surge & Blaine
3.) I would like him to travel with past companions but new ones would be cool too.
4.) I would like him to use both old and new. rotate them like he did in BW.
5.) Yes and No. Yes because he didn't help take down Team Rocket in Kanto yet. he did that in Unova and that was another team's home region. No because I would like for that confrontation to happen much later.

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[P.S- If there is already a topic like this one, meaning very very similar please let me know so I don't step on anyone's toes. Thank You. ]

 

[ii kanji]

Disclaimer: This post contains pure fantasy which I have no expectation will ever happen.

A last hoorah through Kanto with Satoshi, Kasumi and Takeshi and destruction of the Rocket Dan is my pipe dream ending for the anime.

I'd want to see him challenge the same 8 gyms really - it wouldn't be fun otherwise! But I wouldn't mind him battling them Johto style (with the replacement leaders) plus Jiro instead of Takeshi. It would be super fun to see him battle Shigeru as leader no. 8 but I guess Sakaki still owns the gym and Shigeru's path has completely diverged in the anime, so I'd also settle for a TRio gym rematch ;-)

He could always start the journey off with Takeshi and pick Kasumi up after re-winning her badge. No one else.

In terms of Pokemon, the original Kanto starters + Pika would be just fine as far as I'm concerned. He still has Kingler, Betobeton and Kentauros even if he can't use Butterfree or Pigeot :'(

Yes I'd like him to finish off the Rocket Dan with help of the TRio who get disillusioned and absolve themselves of their sins just in time for a happy ending

 

[Gengarzilla]

I really don't have the interest or nostalgia goggles for yet another Kanto journey since we already gave it another go in AG with the Battle Frontier. The overall idea gets a no from me.
Honestly, the only thing I'd be remotely curious about is who they choose for the Viridian Gym Leader since they didn't use Gary for that.

 

[Nicolas721]

A battle with Misty would be very nostalgic, and a battle with Sabrina would be good. I'd like Ash to use Pokemon from all regions, with preference for Kanto ones, and the Jigglypuff gag coming back.
Also, an episode where Butterfree is revelated to have tons of children, and an episode where Pidgeot forgets who Ash is and after some emotional scenes he re-joins Ash on his quest. Primape could get a cameo as the winner of some international competition.

 

[Matleo]

this could happen after 12 generation.

 

[Muur]

He said he couldn't challenge the Viridian Gym again back in the Frontier Arc as he already had the badge. Since's it's proven there are anime only gyms, perhaps Ash can fight 8 of those but he still has the 8 badges, so logically he can probably just show up to the league when they hold it each year like sup m8s, I'm back. I suppose they could say "old badges run out after they are used for a league" but then they'd have to ninja in computer chips or something and they weren't shown when Cascasde badges were shown being made in Chronicles. Still another thing shown was that you can use Johto badges to get into Kanto leagues (or just Johto's?) and vice versa, when Sakura had a mix of both and planned to enter the league. So unless she was an idiot, Ash actually has 16 badges for entry into the Kanto league already.

If he decided to I guess win second versions of badges he already owns, I wouldn't really be interested. Maybe one against Janine, since she'd be a new fight but otherwise nah. Plus who would be in Viridian? Gary the retired trainer turned professor? Giovanni who for some reason is allowed to stay as gym leader and take challenges? Blue, the Gary lookalike? Agatha was filling in as they tried to find a new leader in the Frontier, so maybe it's a filler guy?

I suppose Forrest is a new fight too... but eh, I have little interest in Ash fighting the gyms he has already done. Send him after the gen 4 frontier if we're going back somewhere, since he didn't do that one.

 

[Gengarzilla]

Send him after the gen 4 frontier if we're going back somewhere, since he didn't do that one.

Yeah, this is what I'd rather see. Not another Kanto trip.
When we count Pokémon Origins there's already been 3 individual series focusing on Kanto, I'd say it's time to move on.

 

[ii kanji]

I won't pretend that this is the reason why I would want to see rematches, but don't a lot of people complain about the poor way in which Satoshi obtained his Kanto badges? A rerun might allow him to earn some of those pity badges in beautiful, strategic, XY-style battles and thus claw back some scraps of dignity.

 

[Shoutmon]

The Kanto gym leaders besides Sabrina and Blaine were pretty poor trainers so Ash at his DP/XY level would curbstomp them

 

[GeminiAngel87]

The Kanto gym leaders besides Sabrina and Blaine were pretty poor trainers so Ash at his DP/XY level would curbstomp them

But Ash was a beginning trainer back then with hardly any battle experience. I would think that if he challenged them again they would be tougher. and with the new animation, they would be some awesome battles.

 

[IncineROAR]

He already have 8 badges for the Kanto region. It makes no sense for him to re-challenge the gyms to get the badges again.

 

[pokemon fan 132]

Ash going through Kanto again is something i wouldn't be against.

Revisiting all those places, familiar people and challenges in company of Misty and Brock he once as rash and highly presumptuous kid has been to underestimating everyone and thinking whole world is on his palm. But also being kid with big heart, lot of care and loyalty for friends and pokemon coming top 16, which was pretty darn good success for first try.

So seeing Ash after years of traveling, gathering all kind of new knowledge and skills through other parts of world and putting to test everything he learned in his hometown region would be very satisfying and gratifying experience.
Im not counting Battle Frontier, because it was so scarce and poor in references and revisit of recognizable places characteristic for Kanto, that for all intents and purposes you could freely call BF extension of Hoenn. Because it was nothing like Kanto for most part honestly.

Story wise Ash going back to his rots and from where everything began would play lot of significance. Because one could say how someone who ever hopes to become pokemon master and strongest trainer in world would need to end up recognized as skilled, practical and innovative trainer in not just one part of world, but all regions out there. Especially in your hometown where your family, starting point you underwent asa person and trainer and many friends come from.

With win over E4 members and champion over there carrying lot of credibility and weight behind itself.

Nonetheless if I recall right, in Sinnoh saga Lucian from E4 mentioned something about winners of hometown leagues earning privilege to battle winners of other leagues in pokemon world(unless I misunderstood something).

So there's that as well in case if its true.

Marketing wise im willing to bet how first generation of pokemon franchise will either get remakes. Releasing Kanto through 3D individually. Or receive sequel in way as connection and possibly part of quest in future games. Showing what's been happening to Kanto champion, E4 and gym leaders (maybe even promote Misty/Kasumi to E4 position). Based on how passionate just as anime counterpart she is in games in wanting to travel, battle much stronger trainers and idolize E4 members(with Lorelei being her idol).Alongside all mysteries, trainers and people related to it.


Whatever it would be im almost certain how from Kanto game wise we haven't heard last from, due to extremely iconic status and huge popularity this generation enjoys among public and players(always earning company massive amount of money).

Personally while im aware how there is greater chance of hell freezing over than this happening sadly. I would actually love to see Ash reunite with Misty and Brock on his second campaign through Kanto. Reunion of such a close group of friends who understood themselves that well and went through lot together being there when everything just started should happen dedicating them one more adventure.

Brock could join Ash right away as traveling doctor, seeking for new knowledge and advice from experienced pokemon doctors living in Kanto. Passing some tests and helping to save pokemon when their life is endangered.

Comparatively Misty could join after her gym battle against Ash which would hold lot of significance. Why I say that?
Because it would not only serve as memorable trip in both remembering their starting days and how this close friendship between them blossomed. But could also give proper chance that Ash and Misty measure each other strength and how much they improved for all this time. With both having big fighting spirit and love for competing resulting in various hilarious situations they had as result of it.
Not to mention their gym match was interrupted never being finished.

Afterwards it would be actually logical to see Misty joining Ash and Brock to travel and meet stronger pokemon specialist, discover about new mysteries related to water specie and how to unlock their true potential. Enter tournaments and various test to advance her goal of becoming water pokemon master. And ultimately E4 member catching up to her idol Lorelei. Who could take her in foreseeable future as her apprentice, thus giving Misty character closure to her story.

Admittedly enough exploring more on her past like being in search for parents who abandoned her as child seeking for answers and letting us learn if Misty huge passion and dedication toward oceans and everything related to it could been inherited from mother or father would allow to told very compelling side story adding even more depth to her character which definitely has untapped potential.

With those three discovering unexplored parts of Kanto region and be on Ash side just like in good old days as he prepares to conquer Kanto championship.

Aside from this, I would be all for Ash battling Sabrina, lt. Surge, Blaine etc All in updated designs and with new additions to their pokemon teams. Seeing Brock brother Forest in action again with Ash this time challenging him and Brock directly seeing how much his brother improved would be very Welcomed too.

Lastly having Ash involved with his very first two companions involved in massive, all out conflict vs forces of Giovanni and Team Rocket. Would create material for a spectacular and very evoking storyline,. Not only in finally openly putting in danger possibly strongest and definitely most widespread villain network in world. Being fitting to attack root of problem which is after all in Kanto. But also giving lovable trio Jessie, James and Meowth opportunity to escape from this organization they got dragged into through plexus of unfortunate circumstances and tragic pasts. Finding their purpose in life and who they want to be.

Although for this confrontation, it would be also fitting that Ash and co gets all help they could get with all past main characters and rivals being called upon.

The Kanto gym leaders besides Sabrina and Blaine were pretty poor trainers so Ash at his DP/XY level would curbstomp them

To be fair its not like gym leaders as someone who serve there as examiner go at full force against rookies and average, mediocre trainers. Likely holding back, using weaker pokemon or less complex strategies.

So Ash success vs them back in his rookie days doesn't exactly give accurate picture of how strong they really are.
Likewise while it could be said how due to inherent nature of what job of gym leader is about they can enter danger of starting to stagnate due to lack of more concrete challenge and ways to excel their power(hence explaining why many gym leaders go on solo journeys, to enter tournaments etc to gain more experience).
During all this years Ash has been improving, so did this gym leaders.

 

[Shoutmon]

But Ash was a beginning trainer back then with hardly any battle experience. I would think that if he challenged them again they would be tougher. and with the new animation, they would be some awesome battles.

Misty never proved to be a good trainer and neither did Brock so nah

 

[pokemon fan 132]

Misty never proved to be a good trainer and neither did Brock so nah

I beg to differ, fact that both Misty and Brock were recognized as skilled, resourceful and knowledgeable enough to obtain positions of gym leaders already gives them credibility by that status alone how they were anything but pushovers. Even more so in Misty case who by her acts, intelligence and actions was recognized as such by various much older trainers and PIA inspector Joy thus being gym leader already at age of 10. Compared to most who are in teens or adulthood.

Coming top 8 in big scale tournament like Whirl Cup, winning Seaking tournament, Alto mare race, Princess queen tournament.

Being able to tame disobedient pokemon and reach to its inner feelings establishing emotional connection with Gyarados who was completely furious. In much faster period of time than Ash did with Charizard, Dawn with Mamoswine or Iris with Dragonite.
Being able to quickly adapt to underwater battling against Coastline leader Dorian scoring higher success there with water pokemon than Ash did.
For example.

Using creatively Staryu spinning in opposing direction to get pokemon out of Whirlpool, bubble beam trap set up by Molly.Etc, etc alongside her Gyarados, Staryu, Politoad, Starmie all being very strong fighters(Psyduck could be counted as such due to incredible unlocked potential too). As well always being rivaled with Ash when they fought proved that she is powerful trainer who in this long period of absence of 10 years is without doubt likely much more powerful than she was at end of Johto, early Hoenn.

As for Brock he may have battled less due to peaceful and non battle related goal of his. Which was more about nurturing pokemon, healing them, preparing food to keep them in good shape etc. Which likely caused his battle capacities to get rusty a bit, However Brock pokemon like Steelix, Fioretress, Croagunk etc all showed to be strong pokemon with lot of resistance. Ands Brock success when he did battled like vs May in contest on first try coming to finals, battle vs Charizard and Aggron in defending Pewter gym, being able to hold of Iron Mask marauder and his Tyranitar, creative use of Brick Break delivering problems to Ash and Paul in Hearthome tournament etc. All proved how he is formidable force to fight against.

Not like it matters, because if Ash ever rechallenged Pewter gym. Chances are he would go up against Forest, but Brock was definitely not weak.

 

[GeminiAngel87]

I beg to differ, fact that both Misty and Brock were recognized as skilled, resourceful and knowledgeable enough to obtain positions of gym leaders already gives them credibility by that status alone how they were anything but pushovers. Even more so in Misty case who by her acts, intelligence and actions was recognized as such by various much older trainers and PIA inspector Joy thus being gym leader already at age of 10. Compared to most who are in teens or adulthood.

Coming top 8 in big scale tournament like Whirl Cup, winning Seaking tournament, Alto mare race, Princess queen tournament.

Being able to tame disobedient pokemon and reach to its inner feelings establishing emotional connection with Gyarados who was completely furious. In much faster period of time than Ash did with Charizard, Dawn with Mamoswine or Iris with Dragonite.
Being able to quickly adapt to underwater battling against Coastline leader Dorian scoring higher success there with water pokemon than Ash did.
For example.

Using creatively Staryu spinning in opposing direction to get pokemon out of Whirlpool, bubble beam trap set up by Molly.Etc, etc alongside her Gyarados, Staryu, Politoad, Starmie all being very strong fighters(Psyduck could be counted as such due to incredible unlocked potential too). As well always being rivaled with Ash when they fought proved that she is powerful trainer who in this long period of absence of 10 years is without doubt likely much more powerful than she was at end of Johto, early Hoenn.

As for Brock he may have battled less due to peaceful and non battle related goal of his. Which was more about nurturing pokemon, healing them, preparing food to keep them in good shape etc. Which likely caused his battle capacities to get rusty a bit, However Brock pokemon like Steelix, Fioretress, Croagunk etc all showed to be strong pokemon with lot of resistance. Ands Brock success when he did battled like vs May in contest on first try coming to finals, battle vs Charizard and Aggron in defending Pewter gym, being able to hold of Iron Mask marauder and his Tyranitar, creative use of Brick Break delivering problems to Ash and Paul in Hearthome tournament etc. All proved how he is formidable force to fight against.

Not like it matters, because if Ash ever rechallenged Pewter gym. Chances are he would go up against Forest, but Brock was definitely not weak.

Couldn't have said it better myself; I feel the same way. I love reading your posts, please keep doing what you do. also even if you don't mean to thank you for spreading the Misty Love!

 

[Galactic_V]

I'd only ask for an explanation towards Natsume's story... What's up with that doll version of her? Why phychic powers were exclusive to that plot and never returned? Why Satoshi kept Ghost with her family? How her mother felt to be turned into a doll? How's she now after being "cured"? Too badly explained that particular plot >_>

Other than that I'd like to see Butterfree, Okorizaru and Pidgeot again... Only dreaming though, that will never happen.