"Actually, your grandfather cares a lot about you. Back when the pharmacy deal went through, it was only thanks to his behind-the-scenes support that our Oak family got such a large share of the pie. As for the Rare Candy project, he was already aware of it when you faced off against Garan!"
"If he hadn't been quietly keeping an eye on those families, a lot of them might've stirred up trouble just to provoke you!" Outside the Pokémon Center, Professor Oak and Ash's grandfather were sitting on a park bench, chatting quietly.
Hearing this, Ash's pupils shrank. So, the Dragon Clan had been helping him from the shadows all along.
He let out a long sigh and said, "Grandpa, I don't really hold a grudge against the Dragon Clan anymore. Most of the people I hated are already dead. It's just… I can't accept Mom going back to him."
Truthfully, Ash didn't feel much animosity toward the Dragon Clan—just toward Lance. His desire for revenge wasn't about the family but about not wanting his mother to return to Lance.
"You don't need to worry about that," Professor Oak said with a relieved tone. "Your mother has no intention of going back to your father. From her perspective, you're the only one she truly trusts now."
"When your grandfather gets here, you two can talk. No matter what's said, you're still the heir to the Dragon Clan. In my opinion, your chances of inheriting that legacy are high. Your talent speaks for itself." Professor Oak could see that Ash might not be too far from accepting the Dragon Clan surname.
"I'm not interested in family power struggles," Ash replied calmly. "Grandpa already knows I hate feeling shackled by anything. My dream is to explore every corner of the world with my partners, to uncover unknown adventures!"
That gentle smile on Ash's face showed his genuine spirit. Whether in his past or current life, Ash had always rejected the idea of being bound—it was simply in his nature.
Professor Oak wasn't surprised. Ash had always shown disdain for the restrictions of legacy and obligation. "I figured you'd say that. If you ever took over as head of the family, it would be a waste of your talent!"
As the two continued their conversation, the sound of helicopter blades echoed from the Pokémon Center's private airstrip. It seemed the Dragon Clan had arrived.
"Let's go see what's going on," Professor Oak said, patting Ash's shoulder before walking toward the landing area. When they got there, Delia and the others were already present. Apparently, Masaki Oak had informed them ahead of time.
The helicopter's doors opened, and an elderly man stepped out, followed by two middle-aged men and a young man.
As Ash laid eyes on one of the middle-aged men, his blood suddenly surged—it was as if something deep within him had been awakened. When his gaze met Lance's, their auras clashed.
This so-called aura clash was really a confrontation of waveguides. The two locked eyes, and the stones around them began to slowly float off the ground. Ash instinctively activated his Aura Sight.
Seeing the standoff between Ash and Lance, Skye Draconis and Professor Oak didn't interfere. Some things had to be settled between the two.
Lance called out, "Ash—"
"Don't call me that," Ash snapped, eyes sharp. "I don't have a problem with the Dragon Clan, but you—don't ever appear in front of me again. And stay away from my mother!"
Their auras were evenly matched, though in truth, Ash was holding back.
Just as Lance began to speak again, Ash cut him off coldly, not even trying to hide his disdain.
Seeing Ash's hostility, Lance could only sigh. Some mistakes couldn't be undone with just words.
"Ash, don't be like that… he's still your father," Delia said softly, trying to smooth things over. She was clearly worried, not just about the situation—but about her son's increasingly distant personality.
"I'm fine, Mom," Ash replied, deactivating his Aura Sight as he saw the concern in her eyes. As the glow faded from his gaze, he instinctively squinted—just a subconscious habit.
It was a natural reflex. For someone with nearsightedness, squinting briefly sharpened vision—a quirk almost every myopic person shared.
It was because of this gesture that Cynthia took notice—she could see that Delia was genuinely worried for Ash.
While both Delia and Professor Oak were aware of Ash's latent psychic abilities, they didn't fully understand the side effects.
Cynthia made up her mind. No matter what, she would make Ash acknowledge her as his fiancée. Men like him were rare—there was no way she would let him go!
"Let's not stand around here. Come in and sit down," Professor Oak said gently, noticing the tense air between Ash and Lance.
Everyone followed him into the Pokémon Center's dining lounge. It was already nighttime, just in time for a meal and some relaxed conversation.
The atmosphere gradually softened as they gathered around the round table.
"Pika!"
On the table, Pikachu happily munched on an apple, letting out a satisfied chirp. For some reason, Pikachu had a fondness for fruit—especially apples and tart oranges.
"Ash, I won't comment on the conflicts between you and your father. That's something the two of you must resolve yourselves," said Skye Draconis once the tension had eased.
"But no matter what, the blood flowing in your veins belongs to the Dragon Clan. As your grandfather, I hope you'll consider returning to us."
Delia, sitting beside him, smiled gently upon hearing this. No matter what, Ash was still part of the Dragon Clan by blood.
The Oak family—Delia's side—was only maternal. For him to be recognized by the patriarch himself was a big step forward. It also meant one less burden on her heart.
With a nod from Professor Oak, Ash finally responded. He didn't say much, but his silent agreement was clear. After all, half of his heritage did come from the Dragon Clan.
Seeing Ash give a nod, Skye Draconis looked visibly relieved.
Though guilt still lingered in his heart for the boy, this small gesture gave him hope that he might make it up to Ash in the future.
"Oh, by the way, Ash," Skye added casually, "I heard from Serion that you've awakened your Aura. From the looks of it, you've done well… but sooner or later, you'll need to come to the Dragon Clan estate. Without proper training, you won't be able to fully control the power of Aura."
"Aura?" Ash raised an eyebrow. "I think it's pretty simple to use. It's nothing strange."
As he spoke, he instinctively activated his Aura—it flowed through him smoothly, as natural as lifting an arm.
...
TN:
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