Delia's flower shop was located on Lilac Street, where the second ring road met the residential district, while the Pokémon Center and the Viridian Gym were both situated in the city center.
Since everything was along the way, Ash first stopped by his mother's flower shop to take a quick look. After that, he headed to the Viridian Gym to greet Giovanni—his "cheap mentor."
He briefly explained that he would soon be going to the Pokémon Center to receive his Pokémon Physician Certification and medical license, and that he would also be interviewed by a TV station.
Once he officially obtained his license that afternoon, he would immediately launch the clinic section of his online shop.
Today was bound to be extremely busy.
He wouldn't have time to train under Giovanni, nor would he be able to head to the city battle arena in the evening as he usually did.
-----
After leaving the Viridian Gym, Ash pedaled his bicycle and soon arrived at the entrance of the Pokémon Center.
"Mr. Ash, you're finally here! I'm a reporter from Viridian City TV. We've heard that you've been training here for over a month, and today the Kanto League's medical department will officially award you your Pokémon Physician Certification and medical license."
"Would you mind sparing a few minutes for a short interview?"
Ash had just parked his bike, recalled Magikarp and Feebas into their Poké Balls, and let Pidgeot and Fearow fly off for some free time. Only Pikachu and Greninja remained by his side.
The moment he stepped onto the Pokémon Center's front steps, a group of reporters carrying cameras and microphones rushed toward him.
"No problem, of course," Ash replied with a polite smile. "But let me receive my certification and license first."
Earlier that morning, Viridian TV had already contacted him. Through Rotom, Ash had agreed to the interview.
Now that he was here in person, there was no way he would refuse.
Still, as he had said—
He preferred to settle the important matters first.
Even if nothing was likely to go wrong, Ash always liked to handle things properly before moving on.
"Of course!" the reporter quickly responded, following him inside along with her crew.
As long as Ash agreed to the interview, her task was already a success.
…
Walking into the Pokémon Center lobby with Pikachu in his arms and Greninja by his side, Ash immediately drew attention.
Viridian City, as one of Kanto's top-tier metropolitan hubs, had a population exceeding a million.
There were tens of thousands of trainers and Pokémon professionals.
And as the most frequented place for such people, the Pokémon Center was always bustling.
The moment Ash entered—
He was recognized.
After all, a six-year-old with his own Pokémon was already eye-catching enough.
Add to that Pikachu, and especially Greninja—a rare sight in Kanto—and the recognition was inevitable.
Not to mention—
His performance at Professor Oak's Pokémon Summer Camp.
His recent battles in the city arena.
His extraordinary talent and strength as a trainer.
His frequent appearances in major media outlets.
And, of course—
His wildly successful skill shop and the explosive popularity of the "Magikarp + Tackle" service.
In short—
While it might not yet be guaranteed in other regions, within Kanto, Ash was already a household name.
Among trainers and Pokémon professionals, there was practically no one who didn't know him.
"The Light of Kanto."
"The Future Champion of the Indigo League."
These titles were not given lightly.
"That's Ash!!"
"It really is him!!"
"I'm not blind—I know it's Ash!!"
"I heard he's been training at the Pokémon Center recently. Once he's ready, he'll launch a clinic feature in his skill shop. Honestly, he's a business genius."
"He really is—but what's even more impressive is that his clinic will be completely free."
"I heard that too! If I had healing powers, I'd definitely charge—and probably more than regular clinics."
"Exactly. That's what makes Ash so admirable. His character is on a completely different level."
"He truly deserves the title 'Light of Kanto.'"
"I also heard that this upcoming clinic will actually be his third one."
"After the summer camp, he already set up two clinics near Stone Bridge and a valley near Dashiwan Valley, treating injured wild Pokémon."
"He's so kind. I remember during the camp, he would go into the forest every day to treat injured wild Pokémon."
"Yeah, and didn't he once save a camper who was attacked by a Gyarados during a fishing activity?"
"Right—and that same person repaid him by spreading rumors out of jealousy."
"What a despicable person. What was his name again?"
"I think he was from Vermilion City… his name was Goh."
As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Ash simply smiled politely and nodded to acknowledge them.
Then, he made his way to the front desk.
Today's attendant was Kinsey Joy.
"Kinsey Joy~"
After over a month of training at the Pokémon Center, Ash had become quite familiar with the doctors and nurses here.
"Ash, you're here! Congratulations on completing your training," Kinsey Joy said cheerfully.
"The League's medical department has already issued your Pokémon Physician Certification. Your medical license and all related documents for opening your online clinic are also ready."
"Elder Amelie Joy has them. She said that once you arrive, you should go to the training classroom to find her."
"Got it. Thanks, Kinsey Joy."
Ash nodded, then turned and headed toward the classroom where he had spent the past month training.
The next step—
Was to officially step into a brand-new chapter of his journey.