So according to director Yuyama, they picked Gary to pose the Pokemon Master question because "he's the reason the line is what it is".
And that got me thinking: were there many other characters who talked about being a "Pokemon Master"? Or that used that phrase before they heard Ash say it?
Like, most of the trainers Ash meets have a goal of being the best at something - best *insert type* pokemon trainer, champion, winner of leagues, etc. But aside from Gary, did anyone else specifically say Pokemon Master?
Maybe "Pokemon Master" is not a thing at all. Maybe it was a childish title Gary made up, and Ash went with it because he wanted to beat Gary. That's why the question of what it was has never been answered - because its nothing but a kids dream. That's why it makes sense for Gary to ask it, because he realises that its a meaningless title and that Ash needs to make his own definition/goal now.
And that got me thinking: were there many other characters who talked about being a "Pokemon Master"? Or that used that phrase before they heard Ash say it?
Like, most of the trainers Ash meets have a goal of being the best at something - best *insert type* pokemon trainer, champion, winner of leagues, etc. But aside from Gary, did anyone else specifically say Pokemon Master?
Maybe "Pokemon Master" is not a thing at all. Maybe it was a childish title Gary made up, and Ash went with it because he wanted to beat Gary. That's why the question of what it was has never been answered - because its nothing but a kids dream. That's why it makes sense for Gary to ask it, because he realises that its a meaningless title and that Ash needs to make his own definition/goal now.