[But vaguely bitching about things is much more enjoyable!]

There is no guarantee that the outcome will be the same, even if I do change my method of training. Gyarados a naturally aggressive creature. Honestly, I would rather spend my time training a strong Pokemon that I know I can control.

[His frown deepens at the mention of "friends", like he's almost offended she would ask that.]

Something like that, but it is complicated now. Things are not the same as they were back then.