>>48290889So the argument is that no character should be strong unless we observe an entire multiple-decade process in which they become strong. By this metric, all strong characters who aren't Ash are "Gary Stus". Perhaps, and this may shock you, Ash is a hilariously slow learner? His progress is so slow because he's so impractical and insistent upon winning his way (none of these are bad traits btw) that it took him three times as long as the more prodigal characters to attain excellence as a trainer.
Tsurugi has shown no narcissistic traits. He's protective of Pokemon, hates hunters, and has a dry, insulting demeanor towards recklessness. He's a multiple-time advocate for Goh, a clumsy louse who no narcissistic person would ever advocate for, and has evidently been on many adventures, on account of his fully evolved Weavile and Urshifu. He's probably way more experienced in battling strong wild Pokemon than Ash ever will be.
