For starters, gym challenges grant you certain perks if you have the badges from them. Like being able to fly on Pokémon large enough to fly on, or ride on Pokémon big enough to ferry people on water, for example. I have four badges already, and have twelve left to get. Think of it like...
[There's a pause before he continues, reminding himself he's not dealing with Iwaizumi, who doesn't need volleyball comparisons nearly as much as people like the boy in front of him.]
Ah, think of it like the road to nationals. The more you win, the tougher your opponents get and then you'll be at the finals battling the reigning champion.
[Lack of bitterness and malice at mentioning Nationals is something that throws Tooru off for a second despite him having been the one to mention it, but his goals have shifted enough to allow him to somewhat let go of that failure back home. Besides, his goals back home were always destined for an even grander stage.]
no subject
[There's a pause before he continues, reminding himself he's not dealing with Iwaizumi, who doesn't need volleyball comparisons nearly as much as people like the boy in front of him.]
Ah, think of it like the road to nationals. The more you win, the tougher your opponents get and then you'll be at the finals battling the reigning champion.
[Lack of bitterness and malice at mentioning Nationals is something that throws Tooru off for a second despite him having been the one to mention it, but his goals have shifted enough to allow him to somewhat let go of that failure back home. Besides, his goals back home were always destined for an even grander stage.]