Paul, a Pokémon Trainer hailing from Veilstone City in Sinnoh, first challenges Ash Ketchum's training methods. His philosophy prioritizes strength and victory above all, leading him to release Pokémon deemed weak, like a Starly that defeated Ash's Starly yet fell short of his standards. This approach stems from his brother Reggie's failure against Pyramid King Brandon, causing Paul to reject sentimental bonds in favor of rigorous, results-driven training. Paul's Chimchar exemplifies his harsh methods. Initially abandoned for perceived weakness despite its potential, Chimchar endured intense training that left it emotionally and physically strained. Paul later releases Chimchar to Ash, where it thrives and evolves into Infernape. This stark contrast fuels their rivalry, culminating in a Sinnoh League quarter-final match. Ash's victory, secured through Infernape's Blaze ability triggering mid-battle, forces Paul to confront the limitations of his philosophy. Paul's development includes adopting elements of Ash's strategies, such as the "Counter Shield" technique. He also demonstrates increased respect, notably complimenting rival Barry after a battle despite previously dismissing such gestures. Following his Sinnoh League loss, Paul shifts his goal from surpassing Reggie to becoming a Gym Leader, aiming to help others achieve their potential—reflecting a more constructive outlook while retaining his competitive intensity. Paul reappears later, aiding Ash's training for the Masters Tournament. His assistance shows a grudging respect for Ash's methods, though their dynamic remains one of rivalry rather than friendship. His Electivire and other Pokémon display loyalty, indicating his severe training style still fosters strong battlers who choose to follow him.