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[epitaffio]

[Something has been bugging Doppio.

Seasoned travelers may be able to recognise where he's sitting right now: the Blackthorn City Gym, primed to watch Clair take on today's challengers. There is an uncharacteristically pensive look on his face.]

I've been wondering who's the "strongest" trainer out there.

[Usually, this isn't something he'd care about in the slightest. He's never wanted to be the strongest or the best or the most powerful in much of anything; he knows that's not the kind of guy he is.]

Even though... it's kind of hard to know what that means, right? Being strong isn't all about having the best Pokémon, or knowing what moves hit the hardest... Being "powerful" isn't the same as being "good."

[But he isn't doing this for himself. He's not even doing it for the badges.

Clair isn't the best of the best, and brute force still wasn't enough. That's why he needs to figure it out.]

I dunno. What do you guys think? Who's the best trainer in the world, and how'd they get there?

[Doppio knows he's not alone, but he can't expect the Boss to guide his every step; he's in hiding for a reason. Doppio needs to be sure he can measure up.

He doesn't need to be the best - that's where the Boss belongs. He just has to be someone who can pave the way forward for the best.]