Grusha's face remains hidden behind his scarf, as do his emotions as he watches the Gym Challenger he just beat dejected walk away back down the mountain. He may look stoic but he feels a strange mix of pride, relief and pity.

Though if he wasn't the strongest Gym Leader, what else would he have now?

It was painful enough that they recognised him from his days as a snowboarder, internationally ranked, one of the strongest in the world. Arceus, he really hated when people brought it up, asking what happened, asking if he still snowboards now...

With a quiet sigh he heads back towards the Gym building, intending to sit in his office until it's time to go home.