Brock looked at Ash, speaking with sincere honesty.
"Your command in battle, and the bond you have with your Pokémon… it showed me that a Trainer can be so much more. To be honest, taking care of my siblings and managing the Gym does make me feel fulfilled, but sometimes… I really want to be like you—go out there, see the wider world, become a stronger Trainer. My dream… is to become a Pokémon Breeder."
In his voice, there was a faint, almost unnoticeable longing—mixed with a quiet helplessness.
Just then, the Gym doors opened again. A silhouette stood in the doorway, backlit by the sun.
"Dad?"
Forrest and the other younger siblings called out in shock.
Brock whipped around. The moment he saw that familiar yet distant figure, his whole body froze.
Flint slowly stepped inside, taking off his hat. On his face was a complicated blend of guilt… relief… and firm resolve.
He first looked at Brock, eyes full of pride.
"Brock, I saw your battle just now. You've already become an excellent Gym Leader."
Then he looked at all his children, before finally turning back to Brock.
"I'm sorry, kids… and Brock. All these years, I ran away from my responsibilities and made you all suffer. But this young man's words woke me up."
He glanced at Ash.
"Protecting a family doesn't mean disappearing. True growth and strength come from facing your responsibilities head-on."
He stepped up to Brock and rested a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Brock… your dream shouldn't be chained down by the Gym or by obligations. Go do what you want to do. Go become a Pokémon Breeder. Go see the world!
As for this home—and the Pewter Gym—from today on, I'll be the one to protect it. This is the responsibility I should have carried—as a father, and as a husband!"
Brock stared at the determination and warmth in his father's eyes, something he hadn't seen for many years. His vision instantly grew blurry. The weight pressing down on him for so long seemed to finally lift at this very moment.
"Dad… thank you…" he choked, nodding heavily.
Ash and Misty looked at this emotional scene and exchanged a warm smile.
Ash's little indirect nudge had actually reunited this family and freed Brock to chase his dream.
Misty secretly jabbed Ash's elbow, whispering,
"Ash, did you already realize that guy had something to do with the Pewter Gym?"
"Huh? What makes you think that?"
"When you bought that Everstone earlier—your speech sounded like it was specifically aimed at him. Don't tell me you had no intention behind it, 'cause I won't believe it."
"I was just making a guess." Ash explained.
"When he sold me those stones, his mind was totally elsewhere. He kept glancing in a certain direction over and over. I checked the map—that direction is exactly where the Pewter Gym is."
Misty glanced at him up and down.
"Didn't think you paid that much attention to detail."
"This is just normal behavior for an ordinary Trainer!"
Misty: "…"
You say it like it makes me look incompetent…
---
[Ding! The host has indirectly helped Flint return to his family, relieved Brock of his burdens, and significantly altered the fate of an important character. Reward: World Points +1000.]
[Current World Points: 3200 points.]
The system notification sounded. The amount was substantial—showing just how impactful this event was.
With a badge in hand, witnessing the family's reunion, and gaining a generous system reward, Ash's visit to Pewter City ended far more perfectly than expected. After bidding farewell to Brock's family with Misty, he once again set off on his journey.
As for Brock…
He had made his decision.