>>54172922I understand your point of view, but consider the in game perspective.
You have just defeated Lance, the Official champion of Indigo, you've faced all obstacles and came out victorious, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are Johto's number one son. At this point Kanto is a milk run for you, you're the champion doing a victory lap proving that nothing what the remaining gym leaders throw at you can take you down, all the way up to Blue.
Blue is the only gym leader who's ever beaten Lance, and he's the only League official who can give you any real challenge, but you still beat him because you're the motherfucking champion.
You've beaten every contender, nothing can stop your momentum. You go to find the very last person who can possibly give you a fight. Former Champion Red, the trainer who beat Lance and Blue back to back. You're not afraid though, why would you be? After everything you've gone through nothing can stop you. Then you hit the literal peak and meet the mute man himself, and the level gulf is vast. Red is the toughest opponent you've ever faced by a mile and for a child running it their first time it is frustrating. There is no easy exp in between, you're either going to have to play it smart or grind a ton to beat him.
I like when games show their story beats with the mechanics, rather than just saying it.
