"Also… I want to apologize."
Standing before the camera, Ash's tone remained calm and sincere, but there was a weight behind his words that made the entire livestream fall silent.
"To those who were queued later today—and especially to those who couldn't get a number after registration closed—I'm truly sorry. We have limited manpower, so our efficiency is still not high enough."
He paused slightly, then continued:
"I'm also deeply sorry for making some of you wait so long. And to those who didn't get a slot today, please accept my sincere apology."
His gaze softened as he added:
"And to all the Nurse Joys across Kanto—at every Pokémon Center in cities and towns—thank you for helping coordinate everything today. I know this increased your workload significantly. I'm truly grateful… and I'm sorry for the trouble. You've all worked hard."
There was no pretension in his voice—only honesty.
"Today, on the first day of the clinic, we treated 579 patients. Going forward, consultations will still be held in the afternoon. I'll finalize the exact schedule as soon as possible."
"However, since we have very limited staff, the number of daily appointments will be reduced compared to today… so I hope everyone can understand."
…
For a brief moment, the livestream chat froze.
Then it exploded.
"ASH, YOU WORKED SO HARD!!"
"He's too kind…"
"579 patients in one afternoon?! Which doctor could do that?!"
"He shouldn't be apologizing—we should!"
"He didn't even take a break for 6–7 hours… and he's only six years old…"
Then, as always, chaos followed.
"Wait… six hours without a bathroom break? Kid's got insane kidneys 💀"
"…Bro?? That's your takeaway??"
"Yeah nah that's a weird thing to notice."
"Anyway my kidneys are great too."
"GET LOST 🤣"
"Little Ash, I love you!!"
…
Inside the Pokémon Center, Ash couldn't see the flood of messages—but he could feel the warmth behind them.
Just as the atmosphere settled, the reporter, Mina, leaned forward slightly.
"Ash, earlier this afternoon, a trainer from Vermilion City claimed that you cured his Machoke's rheumatoid arthritis. Is that true?"
Ash blinked once.
He already knew the answer.
His power could cure even conditions modern medicine struggled with—chronic diseases, even some considered incurable. But acknowledging that openly…
That would invite trouble.
So he simply shrugged lightly.
"Maybe. I didn't really pay attention."
It was vague enough to deflect, yet natural enough to pass.
Mina pressed on.
"Then… if a human suffering from rheumatoid arthritis came to you, would you treat them?"
Ash glanced at her.
A flicker of helpless amusement passed through his eyes.
There goes the goodwill she earned earlier… gone in one question.
Still, he didn't refuse outright.
"The answer to that question," he said calmly, "was already given in the interview earlier today. If you're interested, please watch the full episode of Today's Focus on Viridian TV."
Then, with a polite smile:
"That's all for today's livestream. See you next time."
He handed the microphone back, nodded to the camera, and turned away with Clarissa.
…
After changing clothes, Ash stepped out to find Gary and Green waiting—they had rushed back after finishing their matches at the Viridian City Battle Arena.
The four of them headed out together, taking a taxi to a newly opened Vermilion-style grilled fish restaurant.
After a long, exhausting day, it was finally time to relax.
…
Halfway through dinner, as Ash prepared food for Pikachu and the others, Clarissa leaned slightly toward him.
"So… what's your plan for the clinic from tomorrow onward?"
Ash paused, thinking for a moment before answering.
"Mornings are reserved for Pokémon training, so consultations can only happen in the afternoon. Now that I've finished training at the Pokémon Center, I do have more time—but…"
He sighed lightly.
"That month of training replaced my study time. I still need to catch up on theory, and I also have to continue learning at the Viridian Gym under Mr. Giovanni."
"So even in the afternoon, I can't dedicate the entire time to consultations like today. At most… three hours."
Clarissa nodded thoughtfully.
"Then what about the location? Why not keep using the Pokémon Center? The facilities are perfect—and I can help you here too."
Ash hesitated.
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble for you? What about your regular internship?"
She shook her head with a soft smile.
"It's fine. Helping you is basically the same as working in the ER—just busier, actually. I'll probably learn even more here."
Then, with a playful tilt of her head:
"And besides… I'm your personal assistant, aren't I? You're not going to abandon me just because you opened your own clinic, right?"
"Clarissa, that's not what I meant—" Ash quickly waved his hands in protest.
"I know," she interrupted gently. "But we're friends. Helping each other is natural."
She paused, then added with a light, teasing tone:
"If you still feel bad… then take me with you to the battle arena every afternoon. Let me team up with you for double battles and level up a bit."
Ash considered it for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"Alright. Deal."
He didn't refuse.
Because deep down, he knew—
With Clarissa by his side, everything ran smoother.
And more than that…
He genuinely enjoyed her presence.
The quiet understanding between them, the seamless coordination—it wasn't something easily replaced.
And maybe, just maybe—
Some things were better left to grow naturally.
--------------
T/N:
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