Ash didn't say much about Goh.
But the host understood.
And once the program aired, every viewer across Kanto would understand as well.
In their eyes, the reason Ash now resisted using his healing abilities on humans…
Was because he had once been hurt.
Deeply.
At the summer camp, Ash had treated Goh as a friend.
When Goh recklessly tried to catch a Gyarados he had hooked—cheating in the fishing event—and ended up being severely injured, it was Ash who exhausted himself using his healing power to save him.
And yet—
What followed was betrayal.
While recovering in the hospital, Goh accepted an interview with a tabloid outlet.
There, he deliberately spread rumors.
He claimed Ash had relied on connections with Professor Oak.
That his achievements at the camp were undeserved.
That everything was rigged.
Those words ignited public doubt.
Even online harassment.
And now—
Because of that incident—
Ash had been hurt.
So of course he would hesitate.
Of course he would reject treating humans.
Even though the program hadn't aired yet, the atmosphere in the interview area had already shifted.
The host, the camera crew, the nearby trainers watching—
All of them wore the same expression.
A silent understanding.
Ash, quietly sensing the emotional currents with his Aura, could tell exactly what they were thinking.
They weren't saying it out loud.
But in their hearts—
They were already condemning Goh.
And seeing that reaction—
Ash couldn't help but feel satisfied.
He wasn't being petty.
What Goh had done—spreading malicious rumors—was a fact.
And more importantly—
In the original storyline, this was someone who would eventually compete with him…
Even take part of his protagonist's fortune.
That was something Ash would never allow.
Even if those events hadn't happened yet.
Even if they might never happen.
He still preferred to eliminate the risk early.
Protagonist's fortune… is too important.
If there's even a chance it could be taken…
Then it's better to cut it off at the root.
In this life, I'll keep striving to be a good person.
But when it comes to Goh…
Just this once—
Let me be the villain.
Ash's thoughts settled.
"Alright," Mina said with a warm smile, bringing the interview toward its conclusion.
"I have one final question."
"Now that your clinic is officially open…"
"When will you begin your first consultation?"
Ash thought for a moment, then answered clearly.
"I had already prepared the clinic interface and functions a month ago with a web design company."
"Right after receiving my certification and medical license…"
"I had Rotom install and activate the system plugins."
"The clinic is already live."
"As for the first consultation…"
"I was just thinking about that during this interview."
"If I want to test whether everything runs smoothly…"
"There's no better way than to try it."
"So…"
"Instead of picking another day—"
"I'll start today."
"Right after this interview."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Since we're already at the Pokémon Center, we have access to proper treatment rooms and equipment."
"That should minimize any unexpected issues."
Mina's eyes lit up.
"Right after the interview?"
"Then… would it be possible for Viridian TV to broadcast your first consultation live?"
Ash paused briefly.
Then nodded.
"Sure. No problem."
For others, the clinic might seem like charity—something that brought no profit.
But to Ash—
It was something far more important.
The clinic didn't earn money.
But it generated something far more valuable—
Experience.
Every Pokémon he treated contributed to the growth of his Viridian Power.
And compared to money—
Power was what truly mattered.
Still—
Although the clinic was hosted on his already popular skill shop, ensuring a steady flow of patients…
Expanding its visibility further—
Would only benefit him.
And that—
Was exactly what he wanted.
After wrapping up the interview with a few casual exchanges, Mina quickly sent the recorded footage back to the station for rapid editing and release.
At the same time, she made an urgent call to the station director.
After all—
Inviting Ash to do a live broadcast of his first consultation had been her own spontaneous decision.
She hadn't asked for approval.
But instead of being reprimanded—
She was praised.
Ash was currently one of the hottest names in Kanto.
Anything related to him—
Guaranteed attention.
The station had already treated this interview with the highest priority.
Now, with a live broadcast opportunity—
They didn't hesitate.
The scheduled afternoon program was immediately canceled.
A dedicated broadcast slot was opened.
Even before Ash officially began his first consultation—
While he was still coordinating with Rotom and the Pokémon Center staff, preparing everything—
The live stream had already started.
Within moments—
The numbers skyrocketed.
Television ratings surged.
Online viewers flooded into the stream.
The speed—
Was terrifying.
From executives to ordinary staff—
Everyone at Viridian TV gained a new understanding of just how popular Ash had become.
What was a "traffic magnet"?
Ash was the traffic magnet.
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