"When that time comes, I still won't charge any fees for treating Pokémon."
Ash's voice remained calm, but firm.
"However, I do plan to introduce a donation feature in the clinic section."
"Trainers whose Pokémon receive treatment from me can choose to make small voluntary donations."
"And I plan to use those donations to establish a personal foundation."
"A donation system? A personal foundation funded by donations?"
Mina's expression showed clear confusion.
She didn't quite understand why Ash would go through such trouble.
Ash didn't keep her guessing. He simply smiled and explained.
"If you—and the viewers watching—have seen my interview during Professor Oak's Pokémon Summer Camp…"
"You might remember something I said."
"That once I earned enough money…"
"Besides giving my mother—who endured so much—a better life…"
"And sharing my success and happiness with those around me…"
"I also wanted to set aside a portion of my income for charity."
"I want to establish a personal foundation…"
"To support children who were once like me."
"Children who come from poor families…"
"But still dream of becoming Pokémon trainers."
"Children who can't even afford the starter Pokémon tax."
"I hope that when I have the ability…"
"I can help them."
"So they, too, can have a chance to chase their dreams."
"..."
For a moment, Mina was speechless.
At first, when Ash mentioned that the clinic being free was only "for now," and that a donation system would be introduced later…
She had misunderstood him.
She thought—
That perhaps, despite everything, Ash was still just a six-year-old child.
That maybe his sense of morality wasn't as perfect as people believed.
But now—
After hearing his full explanation—
What she felt was no longer doubt.
It was shock.
And shame.
Shock at his kindness.
Shame at her own assumptions.
She had judged him with the mindset of an adult—calculating, skeptical, utilitarian.
While he—
Had been thinking about helping others all along.
When Ash eventually began his journey, he would have more time to dedicate to his clinic.
And the donations he accepted wouldn't be for profit—
But to build a foundation.
To help children who couldn't even take their first step toward their dreams.
That kind of heart…
That kind of character…
Even as an adult—
She couldn't compare.
"Ash… when your clinic enables donations…"
"I'll definitely contribute to your cause."
"I promise."
Mina spoke sincerely.
But Ash only smiled and gently shook his head.
"There's no need to be so emotional, Miss Mina."
"The donation system I mentioned…"
"Won't accept just anyone's contributions."
"Only trainers whose Pokémon have received treatment at my clinic will be allowed to donate."
"After receiving help, they can choose—voluntarily—to pass that kindness forward."
"To let that goodwill continue to reach more people."
"And even then, the donation amount can't be too large."
"And for each treatment, only one donation is allowed."
"The more times their Pokémon receive treatment, the more opportunities they'll have to donate."
"…Why?"
Mina couldn't help but ask.
"If this is charity, shouldn't you accept as much as possible?"
"The more donations you receive, the more people you can help, right?"
Ash paused briefly.
Then he answered.
"…How should I put it?"
"Just like right now—my clinic isn't open all the time."
"If someone urgently needs help, I might not be available."
"I'm not a 'dedicated' doctor."
"That's why my clinic will never charge fees."
"As for the foundation…"
"I will do my best to help those in need."
"But I'm not a philanthropist."
"At least—not an exceptional one."
"So I only accept donations from those I've personally helped."
"And I limit the amount."
"My clinic can only treat a limited number of Pokémon."
"And my future foundation…"
"Won't be able to help every struggling child."
"Managing a foundation isn't just about money."
"It also requires time. Energy. Responsibility."
"And right now…"
"I don't have enough of those."
"Kindness… comes in many forms."
"Some kindness is like a gentle spring breeze."
"But some…"
"Is condescending."
"Overbearing."
"Or even self-serving."
"No matter what form it takes…"
"When it reaches me, it becomes a responsibility."
"And I will do my best to carry it."
"But I don't want that kindness…"
"To become pressure."
"To be used to demand things from me."
"To force me into doing things I'm not comfortable with."
"So—"
"My clinic will only accept donations from those it has helped."
"And only in small amounts."
"Because at the end of the day…"
"I'm just a six-year-old child who wants to help others."
"You can't expect me to carry everything."
"My family wasn't well-off either."
"Back during the summer camp, some people who saw my situation wanted to donate money to support me."
"But I refused."
"Because relying on myself…"
"I was able to get my first Pokémon."
"Raise my team."
"And build my own business."
"Yes—my abilities helped."
"But more importantly…"
"I worked hard."
"So the foundation I want to build…"
"Is for children who are even more desperate than I once was."
"Children who truly have no way forward."
"Not for those who could try…"
"But choose not to."
"Who don't want to think, or put in effort for their dreams."
"They're not the ones I intend to help."
"..."
Mina hesitated.
Then, cautiously, she spoke:
"But… Ash…"
"Not every child from a poor background is as talented or capable as you."
"If you draw that line… and treat them differently…"
"Wouldn't that be unfair?"
This time—
Ash didn't answer directly.
Instead, he simply looked at her—
With a calm, knowing smile.
"See?"
"You haven't donated anything."
"And yet you're already questioning my choices."
"You're telling me what I should or shouldn't do."
"That's exactly the kind of pressure I was talking about."
"The kind that tries to use kindness…"
"To control others."
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