"…As of now, the clinic I've opened in my skill shop is my third one. The first two are located beneath Stone Bridge outside Pallet Town and in the valley behind the wild grasslands—Dashiwan Valley."
Ash spoke calmly, maintaining a composed smile as he faced the camera.
"The Stone Bridge clinic mainly treats wild Water-type Pokémon from the nearby river, as well as those from the estuary, shallow seas, and coastal waters downstream."
"The Dashiwan Valley clinic, on the other hand, serves wild Pokémon from the grasslands and the vast Viridian Forest beyond."
"Since opening these two clinics, each has received an average of over a hundred patients per day. Up to now, they've treated more than ten thousand wild Pokémon in total."
"Although these two clinics cover a wide area, I can't stay in Pallet Town forever."
"In the future, once I officially set out on my journey as a trainer, I'll inevitably leave."
"That's why I came up with the idea of opening a third clinic in my skill shop."
"With the help of the portable Poké Ball transfer system, I won't be limited by distance or location. Even while traveling, I'll still be able to treat Pokémon in need."
…
"I see…" Mina nodded, clearly impressed.
"We've also learned that your third clinic—aimed at trainers and the general public—is completely free of charge."
"So, Ash… why did you choose not to charge any fees?"
"As far as we know, your family wasn't particularly wealthy. Before the summer camp, your family couldn't even afford the cost of your starter Pokémon."
"After the camp, you worked hard to build your skill shop and earn money."
"Now that you've opened a clinic… why make it free?"
"Even if you charged high fees—perhaps even higher than traditional clinics—we believe many trainers would still be willing to pay."
"After all, your healing ability offers advantages that conventional medicine cannot—no pain, no bitter medicine, and injuries can heal almost instantly."
"For trainers who care deeply about their Pokémon, paying a premium would be worth it."
"So why choose not to charge at all? What was your reasoning?"
Mina repeated the question multiple times, emphasizing its importance.
Ash paused for a moment, organizing his thoughts.
Then, he answered.
"It's actually quite simple."
"When I treat Pokémon, I rely on my healing abilities. I don't need expensive medicine or equipment."
"So in terms of cost, the only things I spend are time… and effort."
"It's true—like you said—my abilities are a gift. They belong to me."
"Just like my skill shop, I provide a service using my own abilities and time."
"So yes, I absolutely have the right to charge fees."
"And because my healing is faster and reduces suffering, even charging more than traditional clinics would be reasonable."
"But…"
"The clinic is different from the move-learning service."
"When I teach moves, there's a set time cycle. I can plan and manage it efficiently, and still have time to do other things in between."
"But healing is different."
"When a Pokémon is injured or sick, it needs treatment immediately."
"If it doesn't receive timely care, not only does it suffer…"
"But its condition might worsen."
"And I…"
"Can't guarantee that I'll always be available."
"I'm a trainer."
"I need to train my Pokémon every day."
"I study at the Viridian Gym under Gym Leader Giovanni."
"I participate in battles at the city arena."
"And I manage my skill shop full-time."
"So after opening the clinic, I'll only be available at specific times each day—either in the morning or afternoon."
"I won't be on standby 24/7."
"If someone brings their Pokémon to me and I can't treat them immediately…"
"It could lead to dissatisfaction."
"So for now…"
"I've chosen not to charge any fees."
Ash's voice remained steady.
"But beyond all that…"
"This was always meant to be something closer to public service."
"Being able to treat injured Pokémon…"
"And help others…"
"To me, and to the ability I've been given…"
"That alone already makes it meaningful."
Mina listened carefully, then summarized:
"So, because your time and energy are limited, and your clinic can't operate continuously—combined with the low treatment cost and your desire to help others—you've chosen to offer treatment for free. Is that correct?"
"Yes," Ash nodded. "That's right."
Mina smiled slightly, then asked another question—one that carried a sharper edge.
"But earlier, you used the word 'for now.' Does that mean your decision about charging fees might change in the future?"
Ash didn't avoid the question.
He answered directly.
"Yes."
"There will be changes in how the clinic operates in the future."
"Right now, my schedule is extremely packed."
"I train Pokémon."
"I manage my skill shop."
"I study under Gym Leader Giovanni."
"I compete at the city arena."
"And now, I also run a clinic."
"My time… is limited."
"But when I turn ten and officially begin my journey…"
"The clinics at Stone Bridge and Dashiwan Valley will close."
"I also won't need to train at the Viridian Gym every day."
"And I won't be competing at the arena as frequently."
"In other words…"
"My schedule will become much more flexible."
"And at that point…"
"I'll be able to dedicate more time…"
"To the clinic."
A quiet determination shone in Ash's eyes.
The future—
Was already taking shape.
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