Since we were kids. We didn't grow up together or anything - I was raised in Hammerlocke, and he's from this sleepy little farming town called Postwick. We met on our Gym Challenge, so the rivalry just sort of kicked off from there... We've been mates ever since.

[ granted, the push to head the Battle Tower may have been a desire to take responsibility after what happened with Rose. he hasn't actually had a chance to talk to Leon about it, since he threw himself into the project only shortly after losing his title. he has to wonder if everything is alright... but he wants to believe in Leon, too. ]

You said you and Blue grew up together, right?