Ash, however, wasn't concerned about any of that.
Right now, his strength still wasn't enough. Maintaining a subtle, ambiguous relationship with Team Rocket gave him valuable time to grow. At the same time, becoming Giovanni's disciple meant he could learn from a Champion-level powerhouse.
And in the future…
If master and disciple ever turned against each other—
He might even "honor his teacher" in the most dramatic way possible.
Team Rocket itself didn't interest him much.
But the Viridian Gym?
That was a different story.
A massive, inheritable asset—something truly valuable.
…
In a strange twist of fate—
Giovanni was currently eyeing Ash's Viridian Power.
And Ash…
Was already thinking about inheriting Giovanni's legacy someday.
A truly… filial master and disciple pair.
"Today's number of registered patients is quite high. The portable Poké Ball transfer machine's battery probably won't last—we'll need to plug it in."
"When the transfer starts, the device screen will display the sender's address and code. When we send the Pokémon back, just select that same address."
"At the beginning, we'll call patients in groups of three. Once we get familiar and improve efficiency, we can increase it to five at a time."
"When the Pokémon arrive, place them directly on the treatment table. Then quickly hand me the diagnosis report prepared by Nurse Joy…"
Since this was the clinic's very first consultation—and being broadcast live—Ash carefully went over every detail with Clarissa.
He didn't want even the slightest mistake once things got busy.
"Got it," she replied.
She was quick-witted—one explanation was all she needed.
That alone saved Ash a lot of effort.
"Alright… it's exactly 13:30."
"Let's begin."
"Clarissa, inform Rotom—we're starting patient calls."
"Understood."
Despite her delicate, doll-like appearance—
Clarissa moved with efficiency and precision.
She immediately coordinated through the system, connecting with Rotom and Pokémon Centers across Kanto.
…
Outside, the reporter lowered her voice as the live broadcast continued.
"Dear viewers, after a period of preparation, Ash's online clinic is now officially beginning operations."
"To avoid disturbing Ash and his assistant during treatment, I'll be minimizing commentary and speaking more softly. Thank you for your understanding."
"Earlier, many viewers were curious about Ash's assistant."
"After confirming with a Nurse Joy here, we've learned that her name is Clarissa."
"She trained alongside Ash at the Pokémon Center and worked with him during his internship."
"During that time, when Ash became the attending physician in the emergency room, she served as his dedicated assistant. The two worked together seamlessly…"
-----
Kalos Region — Vaniville Town
Vaniville Town
Inside a countryside house with a large backyard and a Rhyhorn training field—
A girl with light brown hair sat in front of her laptop, watching the live broadcast.
She murmured softly:
"Clarissa… from the Joy family…"
"A classmate… a colleague… and his assistant…"
It was Serena.
Originally, this afternoon was supposed to be her baking practice time.
But the moment she heard Ash's clinic would be livestreamed—
She canceled everything and rushed back to her room.
Now, watching the screen—
Seeing a girl her age standing beside Ash—
Serena felt a subtle, unfamiliar emotion rise within her.
Not jealousy.
Not quite.
More like…
A quiet sense of urgency.
Ash was brilliant.
Not just as a trainer—but in so many ways.
To Serena, he was like a small sun—
Radiating warmth, courage, and light to everyone around him.
So many people were drawn to him.
And that was only natural.
…
At the summer camp—
He had helped her overcome her shyness and build confidence.
He had also helped countless others.
Many boys who once saw him as a rival had become his friends.
And many girls…
Had quietly begun to admire him.
Serena didn't feel surprised.
Nor did she feel resentful.
Instead—
She felt proud.
And determined.
"I already confessed to him before leaving Pallet Town…"
"And he accepted…"
"But I can't stop other girls from liking him."
Her gaze sharpened with resolve.
"I just need to become better."
"Only then… can I keep standing by his side."
"I promised him—when we turn ten, I'll go to Kanto and travel with him."
Her dream was to become the world's greatest Performer.
But Kanto didn't have Performer competitions—
Only Coordinator Contests.
She turned toward her partner.
"Fennekin… from now on, our training changes."
"We'll still study performance, baking, fashion, filming, editing, and Pokémon grooming…"
"But we're also going to train as Coordinators."
"It's going to be tough."
"But we'll do it together."
"When I finally go to Kanto…"
"I want to become someone even more dazzling."
"Someone who will surprise Ash."
Her eyes burned with determination.
Not shaken—
But ignited.
And she wasn't the only one.
-----
Cerulean City — Cerulean Gym
Cerulean City
Inside the Water-type Gym—
Another girl watched the same broadcast.
"Clarissa… from the Joy family?"
"She's pretty… gentle… no wonder boys like her."
"And Ash… is so outstanding."
"It's only natural…"
"That other girls would like him too."
Her voice was calm—
But her thoughts were anything but.
Far away—
In different regions—
Different girls.
Different feelings.
All connected—
By one person.
And at the center of it all—
Inside that treatment room—
Ash's first consultation…
Was about to begin.
--------------
T/N:
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