Whether big or small, countless illnesses continued to torment people due to the limits of modern medicine. Among them, rheumatoid arthritis was one of the most stubborn—chronic, painful, and notoriously difficult to cure. So when word spread that Ash had completely healed such a condition, the shock and excitement that surged through the crowd were only natural.
But just as hope began to bloom, one trainer's words fell like cold water over everyone.
"Don't get your hopes up," he said. "If it's a Pokémon with these illnesses, sure—you can book an appointment, send it over during Ash's consultation hours, and he'll probably treat it without hesitation. But if it's a human? Forget it. Ash has already said he won't use his powers to treat people."
"Why?" someone immediately asked.
"I heard this from a trainer in Viridian City who watched his interview earlier," another person chimed in. "Apparently, it's because of what happened at the summer camp. Ash treated a kid named Goh like a friend, even saved his life when he got injured… and in return, that guy spread rumors and slandered him. Left a real scar on him. That's probably why he avoids treating humans now."
"Ah… I remember that," someone else muttered. "That Goh kid really had a terrible personality."
"Yeah! If Professor Oak hadn't stepped in quickly with evidence to clear things up, Ash might've been dragged through the mud by the entire internet."
"And that's not even the worst part," another added. "That same guy abused his Pokémon—the Magikarp he got at camp."
"What?! That kind of person shouldn't even be allowed to be a trainer!"
"Exactly!"
"Honestly, I'm still embarrassed he's from our Vermilion City," someone grumbled.
"No kidding—he's a disgrace."
"Still, the punishment he got was kind of light," another voice said. "He was expelled from the camp, and the League forced him to attend weekly re-education at the police station before he turns ten. Plus community service. And when he officially starts as a trainer, he'll have to pass an evaluation—fail that, and he's banned for life from becoming a registered trainer."
"Well… at least it's something."
"He's still a kid, after all. If he were an adult, the consequences would've been much harsher."
The conversation gradually shifted away from Goh, the mood stabilizing.
"Anyway… back to Ash. Do you think there's any chance he might treat humans someday?" someone asked hesitantly. "People suffering from chronic illnesses like asthma or arthritis… they're really struggling."
"I wouldn't say it's impossible," another replied thoughtfully. "Ash may be only six, but he's incredibly mature—and more importantly, kind. Just look at what he's doing now: treating Pokémon for free."
"Exactly. He's talented, hardworking, and filial. His character speaks for itself—that's why people call him the 'Light of Kanto.'"
"Not everyone's like Goh," someone added. "Ash is genuinely kind."
"I think if someone sincerely asked him for help, he might agree… even if he initially resists."
"Yeah—but it has to be done properly. You can't just show up at Pallet Town and pressure him. That'd feel like emotional blackmail."
"Right. Reach out, explain sincerely, and wait for his availability. He's already insanely busy."
"No kidding. Even before this, his schedule was packed. And now with the clinic running…"
"He's just a kid… yet he works harder than most adults. It's honestly both admirable and heartbreaking."
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Viridian City Pokémon Center
Because the TV crew was filming from outside the treatment room through soundproof glass, neither the reporters nor the viewers watching on television and online had any idea what disease Ash had just cured.
But in Vermilion City's Pokémon Center, the truth had already exploded like a bomb.
Kawarayōhei—the trainer of that Machoke—had cried, shouted, and celebrated so openly that he unknowingly revealed the truth: Ash had cured rheumatoid arthritis, a condition modern medicine couldn't fully treat.
The ripple effects of that revelation were already spreading—fast. From Vermilion City outward, across Kanto… and soon, perhaps, the entire world.
Yet at the center of it all, Ash remained completely unaware.
Right now, he was simply focused on his work—treating Pokémon one after another.
"Clarissa," he said, just after finishing treatment on a Wartortle, "tell Rotom to temporarily close appointment registration. We've already got more than enough for today."
He glanced at the system panel. The number had quietly climbed past 500 patients.
Even with his speed—two to three minutes per Pokémon—and even accounting for increasing efficiency as he got into rhythm, that was still an overwhelming workload.
At this rate, he might not even finish before nightfall.
If they kept accepting more patients, not only would he burn out, but those waiting might not even get treated in time.
"Got it," Clarissa replied immediately, moving to relay the instruction to Rotom and the clinic backend.
Meanwhile, Ash flexed his fingers slightly, feeling the subtle surge of power within him.
His Viridian Power pulsed warmly—stronger than before.
Exhausting, yes… but deeply satisfying.
And this was only the beginning.
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