It was already late by the time the flower shop closed. After pulling down the shutters, Ash got into the car with Mihoko and headed back toward Pallet Town.
Viridian City wasn't exactly close—cycling would normally take him around half an hour—but four wheels were obviously faster than two. With Mihoko driving, they made it back in just fifteen minutes.
"Auntie, could you stop the car outside the town?" Ash said as they approached. "You and Mom go ahead. I still need to check on the injured Pokémon gathered at Stone Bridge and Dashiwan Valley."
He had already extended his Aura Power to scan the area. Because he'd spent the entire afternoon in Viridian City for the clinic's opening, a large number of injured wild Pokémon had gathered again at both locations.
Wild Pokémon didn't live like those raised by humans.
Food, berries—even a patch of territory—could trigger fights at any moment. The law of the jungle was harsh and ever-present, and injuries were simply part of survival.
That was why, every single day, so many wounded Pokémon came to him for help.
Ash understood something clearly—humans shouldn't interfere too deeply with nature's balance. Many of these Pokémon would have been eliminated by natural selection or fallen prey to stronger hunters.
The most he could do… was create a small sanctuary.
Within the boundaries of his two clinics, battles were forbidden. Here, injured Pokémon could rest, recover, and breathe safely—for just a little while.
That was his limit.
"Alright," Delia said softly, her eyes filled with concern as Ash opened the door. "Be careful, and come back as soon as you're done."
Though he was only six, the weight he carried far exceeded that of most adults. As a mother, she felt both proud—and a little heartbroken.
"I will. Don't worry," Ash replied with a smile, patting Pikachu in his arms. "I've got Pikachu and Greninja with me."
He waved, then headed toward the riverbank. Greninja followed closely behind like a silent, steady guardian.
—
〈〈Buzz〉〉
"Everyone, sorry for the wait. I was busy in Viridian City this afternoon and just got back," Ash's voice spread outward through Aura Power.
"Please line up in order. If anyone's condition is critical, let me know—I'll treat you first."
The moment his voice reached them, the gathered wild Pokémon erupted in excitement.
They quickly tried to form lines… though "order" was a bit of a stretch. Without any real system, the queues were messy and chaotic—but fortunately, Ash's treatment speed was fast enough that it didn't matter much.
Unlike the online clinic, where most Pokémon suffered from illnesses, the wild ones here mostly had battle injuries.
And external wounds?
Those were the quickest to heal.
After today's massive workload, Ash's Viridian Power had surged from Level 43 to Level 53. With this increase, both his efficiency and precision had improved significantly.
Even when minor arguments broke out over queue positions, before things could escalate, Ash had already healed the Pokémon involved.
"Shellder…"
"Kingler…"
"Magikarp…"
"Goldeen…"
"Marill…"
"Butterfree…"
"Beedrill…"
"Pidgey…"
"Rattata…"
"Sandshrew…"
One after another, Pokémon stepped forward—injured, tired, hopeful—and left healed, renewed, and grateful.
—
Stone Bridge: 67 Pokémon
Dashiwan Valley: 83 Pokémon
Viridian Power: Level 53 → Level 55
—
As his power grew, each level required more experience. But with three clinics now in operation—the online clinic and the two wild sanctuaries—Ash had a steady, overwhelming stream of "patients."
In just one day, his Viridian Power had increased by twelve levels.
If the Psychic Society in Saffron City knew about this, their jaws would hit the floor.
Even Sabrina, the so-called psychic prodigy, might snap a spoon in disbelief at Ash's growth rate.
But they didn't know.
In fact, many psychics had previously voted against inviting Ash to join their association, dismissing his ability because it lacked offensive power.
Perhaps one day they would realize how wrong they were.
But by then?
It would already be too late.
They wouldn't be able to reach him anymore.
No—truthfully, even now, they were already beneath him.
—
"Phew… finally done."
Ash let out a long breath, watching as the healed wild Pokémon gradually dispersed into the vast, quiet grasslands.
Fatigue hit him all at once.
"Let's go. Still no rest yet—we've got to feed the Pokémon back home."
"Pika…"
"Grena…"
Both Pikachu and Greninja nodded, their eyes filled with concern.
They had watched him work nonstop since morning. Even now, long after sunset, he still couldn't stop.
But alongside that concern was something else.
Pride.
Admiration.
—
Using his phone's flashlight to illuminate the road, Ash returned to the main path. From his system storage, he pulled out his bicycle and began riding back toward home.
Night had fully fallen.
Pallet Town wasn't as dazzling as Viridian City, but under the quiet glow of scattered lights, it felt warm and alive.
—
The moment he got home, Ash immediately released the Pokémon entrusted to him by his customers.
Earlier, Pikachu and Greninja had already eaten during dinner—but these Pokémon had been waiting all this time.
Over a hundred of them.
Hungry.
Tired.
Trusting him.
Ash moved quickly, preparing food and feeding each one carefully.
These weren't his Pokémon.
But that didn't mean he cared any less.
Every Trainer who sent their Pokémon to him did so with trust—and worry. Their hearts were tied to these companions.
So while feeding them, Ash also sent messages in his fan group, apologizing for the delay.
At the same time, he had Rotom record videos—so every Trainer could see their Pokémon's condition with their own eyes.
Because to Ash…
Responsibility didn't end with treatment.
It extended to every small detail.
Even something as simple as a meal.
--------------
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