Grandfather and grandson sat across from one another in the quiet study of the Rowan estate.
"Is there truly no other way, Grandpa? I can't accept this."
Silver Rowan's fists clenched at his sides. The humiliation he had suffered replayed endlessly in his mind—especially the cold, disdainful gaze of Ash Ketchum. That look alone ignited a surge of fury in his chest.
Old Rowan exhaled slowly.
"At present, the Rowan family cannot confront the Ketchum family head-on," he said gravely. "If we move rashly, we won't just face Ash. We may find ourselves standing against several Eastern families at once."
He tapped his cane lightly against the floor.
"And think carefully. If something truly happens, will the Sato family or the Takahashi family help us? The Sato family has always been our rival. Since you became Johto Champion, we used your authority to squeeze many benefits from them. Do you believe they've forgotten that?"
Silver's expression darkened.
"In this situation, the Takahashi family certainly won't assist us either. At best, they would watch the fire from a safe distance. But we cannot sit and wait for disaster. You've already clashed with Ash. According to intelligence from our investigation office, he has no intention of letting this go."
Old Rowan's eyes narrowed.
"However, his power surpasses ours. Before the upcoming Johto League Conference, we must secure a powerful ally. Only then can we withstand this storm."
Silver's grandfather was nearing seventy, yet his mind remained sharp. He understood Ash's temperament well. Once Ash decided to act, he would not hesitate. The Rowan family might become the first target of restructuring.
But if Ash were present, he would likely dismiss such calculations.
In the face of absolute strength—especially one backed by Aura and overwhelming Pokémon power—schemes were nothing but fragile illusions.
The Takahashi Estate
"Father, let's do it."
Ryo Takahashi's voice carried rare urgency.
"As long as we obtain the video from Ash, our family will no longer be suppressed by the Rowan family. We've always had stronger foundations than them, yet because of political pressure and Silver's Champion status, we've been forced into concessions time and again."
Ryo had already explained everything—his confrontation with Silver, the recorded evidence, and Ash's conditions.
His father frowned.
"This is indeed an opportunity. But if we move against the Rowan family and fail to secure the video, the consequences will be severe. Silver's position as Johto Champion gives him many ways to hinder our industries."
The risk was real.
But before Ryo could argue further, a firm voice cut in.
"Proceed according to Ryo's proposal."
Old Master Takahashi spoke calmly, yet decisively.
"We have endured their suppression long enough. Opportunity never knocks twice. Without daring to fight, how will we know whether success is possible?"
His gaze was sharp.
"Even if Silver uses his Champion identity to create obstacles, the Takahashi family will not collapse so easily. In truth, if conflict erupts, our strength exceeds theirs."
He continued, analyzing coldly:
"The Sato family will not aid the Rowan family. The League itself has recently grown dissatisfied with Silver's interference in internal affairs. From every angle, this is a favorable moment."
The room fell silent.
"Grandfather, rest assured," Ryo said confidently. "Ash's interest lies in rare medicinal herbs. That is precisely our specialty."
The Takahashi family's status in Johto was built upon medicinal cultivation. Though they could not compare to the global scale of the Joy family, in terms of rare and high-grade herbal resources, they were second to none in the region.
Some formulas that were considered treasures in the outside world were routine within their estate.
The herb industry was a field of staggering profits. And with Ash's demonstrated pharmaceutical breakthroughs—particularly recovery formulations rivaling advanced Full Restore Capsules—everyone could see the immense wealth such technology could generate.
If the Takahashi family secured cooperation with Ash, it would not merely be revenge.
It would be transformation.
A restructuring of power in Johto.
And perhaps, the beginning of a new order.
Ordinary medicinal materials were manageable—almost every major family was involved in growing them. After all, to develop exclusive pharmaceuticals, a family had to maintain its own supply of herbs.
But rare medicinal ingredients were a different matter entirely.
The growth cycle alone could span years. Beyond that, precise environmental conditions were required—humidity, soil composition, temperature fluctuations, even energy density in the surrounding air. A single deviation could ruin an entire batch.
Because of this complexity, many families chose not to enter the high-grade herb industry at all. Only clans with massive manpower—like the Joy family—could sustain large-scale cultivation.
Yet the Takahashi family was different.
Their founding Head possessed extraordinary botanical talent and developed proprietary cultivation techniques. Over generations, those methods became the Takahashi family's greatest foundation. This was why Ryo Takahashi was confident he could negotiate with Ash Ketchum.
Rare herbs?
That was precisely their specialty.
Meanwhile, Ash had already returned to his previous campsite, waiting quietly.
A ripple distorted the air.
With a flash of psychic light, Sabrina appeared—teleported by Mewtwo.
Ash looked at the departing figure of the Legendary Pokémon and smiled faintly.
"Thanks, Mewtwo."
Mewtwo gave him a cold glance.
"Don't involve me in trivial matters like this again. Even using me as transportation is excessive."
With that, it vanished in another Teleport, leaving Ash scratching his cheek awkwardly.
Sabrina stepped forward, her crimson eyes scanning Ash from head to toe. After confirming he wasn't injured, she folded her arms.
"You're practically a god-tier figure in Kanto now," she said flatly. "I saw the news. Many girls treat you like an idol."
Her gaze sharpened.
"Some even openly said they want to 'have your children.'"
A faint psychic pressure stirred in the air.
"It seems your schemes run deeper than I thought."
Ash coughed lightly.
"You're overthinking it."
But Sabrina's expression didn't soften. The slight chill in the atmosphere made it clear—
She was jealous.
Ash stepped closer and gently took her hand.
"No matter what others say, it doesn't matter," he said calmly. "You know what I'm aiming for."
His Aura flowed subtly—steady, warm, reassuring.
Sabrina's psychic fluctuations gradually settled.
Ash smiled inwardly.
The storm brewing across Johto had already begun to take shape.
And he stood calmly at its center.