"Okay~" Green nodded enthusiastically.
Because it concerned her future career prospects, she was actually even more invested in the Feebas Beauty Makeup Album project than Ash had imagined.
While Ash had been busy competing in the Water-Type Pokémon Beauty Competition, Green had already begun drafting portions of the written content for the book.
"Ash, Green, what are you two talking about?" Gary asked with a puzzled expression.
"What beauty makeup album? Why do we have absolutely no idea what you're discussing?"
Green smiled and explained.
"It's like this. Yesterday, during the competition, Ash overheard a contestant who had entered a Goldeen talking in the waiting hall."
"The trainer was saying how beautiful Feebas' makeup designs were. Since the Water-Type Pokémon Beauty Competition only had four rounds, Feebas could only showcase four makeup styles."
"He wondered whether Feebas had even more beautiful looks and said that if a Feebas beauty and makeup album were ever published, it would definitely become a bestseller."
"Ash took those words to heart."
"So he decided to publish a Feebas beauty makeup album."
"Back when we were trying to help Feebas gain confidence in her appearance, Ash and I designed over a hundred different makeup styles for her."
"Every single design was beautiful and unique."
"Now that Feebas has evolved into Milotic, most of those designs will never be used again."
"So instead of letting them go to waste, we decided to publish them in an album and give them new value."
"And since Ash and I created those makeup designs together, he's putting my name alongside his as a co-author."
"This Feebas Beauty Makeup Album belongs to both of us."
Green's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"As for my own future career path, I've already decided to become a Pokémon Breeder."
"However, I still haven't completely figured out which specialty field I want to focus on."
"Ash thinks I have talent and passion in Pokémon beauty and cosmetics, so he suggested I specialize in that area."
"This album is basically my stepping stone into the profession."
"With Ash and Feebas' popularity backing it, I'm sure it will help me gain a lot of recognition."
"And when the album is officially released, maybe I'll become a small celebrity too!"
Her excitement was obvious.
As someone who had grown up in Pallet Town, Green couldn't help comparing herself to her two childhood friends.
Gary was the grandson of the world-renowned Professor Oak, a legendary authority in Pokémon research.
Ash, whose family background had originally been the most ordinary among the three, had completely transformed after attending Professor Oak's Pokémon Summer Camp.
His rise had been nothing short of extraordinary.
He had become the most famous and successful member of their generation.
Ironically, Green, who had once been comfortably in the middle, now found herself lagging behind the other two.
Of course, she was genuinely happy for her friends.
Their achievements filled her with pride.
But she couldn't deny that she also felt a certain amount of pressure.
Ash had already raised four Elite-tier Pokémon.
As a trainer, he was firmly on the path to success and far ahead of others his age.
In business, his accomplishments were even more astonishing.
Gary, meanwhile, treated Ash as a rival and constantly pushed himself forward.
As a trainer, he was already outstanding among his peers.
As a researcher, he learned daily from Professor Oak and improved steadily.
Compared to them, Green felt she had accomplished very little.
She had decided to pursue the Breeder profession, but so far her biggest achievement had been successfully registering for a short-term Breeder training program organized by the Celadon City Breeder Association.
To qualify, she had trained hard.
She had followed Ash and Gary into the City Arena and worked tirelessly to improve Dedenne's strength.
Yet the program had not even started yet.
As for what specific field of breeding she wanted to specialize in...
She was still rather lost.
She didn't yet have a clear direction.
Fortunately, Ash had helped her discover both her talent and her passion.
For the first time, Green truly felt that her future was bright.
"Wow!" Lily exclaimed.
"Ash, your business instincts are incredible."
"No wonder everyone online says you're not only a training genius but also a business prodigy."
Violet nodded in agreement.
"Publishing a Feebas Beauty Makeup Guide is honestly a brilliant idea."
"After this competition, Feebas has practically become a superstar within Kanto's trainer community."
"People everywhere are talking about her makeup designs."
"Releasing a beauty album at a time like this is perfect timing."
Daisy also smiled approvingly.
"I agree."
"Feebas' makeup designs are exquisite."
"For Coordinators and Performers alike, they hold tremendous reference value."
"If this beauty album is really published, it will absolutely sell extremely well."
"I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a small fashion bible within the Pokémon industry."
"The timing couldn't be better."
"And with Ash's current fame, this Feebas Beauty Makeup Guide is guaranteed to explode in popularity."
The praise from Daisy, Violet, and Lily was not empty flattery.
Unlike Misty, the three sisters possessed little talent as Pokémon Trainers.
However, when it came to business, they were exceptionally gifted.
Several five-star hotels throughout Cerulean City belonged to them.
Beyond hospitality, they had also founded their own seaweed-based skincare brand.
Within the trainer community, many people mockingly referred to the sisters as mere pretty faces.
But in the business world, they were genuine powerhouses and wealthy entrepreneurs.
Because of that, they understood exactly how valuable Ash's idea truly was.
And the more they learned about him, the more they liked him.
Their sense of closeness and approval toward their future brother-in-law deepened considerably.
After all, within the strength-obsessed trainer world, no matter how talented someone was in other areas, lacking trainer talent often invited criticism.
If the three sisters had been ordinary civilians, they would probably have been celebrated as business icons.
Instead, they were the daughters of the previous Cerulean Gym Leader.
Because none of them possessed the talent to shoulder the Gym's responsibilities, that burden had ultimately fallen onto their six-year-old youngest sister.
If only one of them lacked trainer talent, people might have overlooked it.
But all three elder sisters being unable to carry on the Gym's legacy had become the source of much criticism.
Thankfully, things were gradually improving.
As Misty continued growing stronger under Ash's guidance, the Cerulean Gym was steadily recovering.
Its future looked increasingly bright.
The beach celebration continued late into the night.
Everyone chatted and laughed together.
They spoke about dreams.
They discussed future career plans.
They talked about Pokémon training methods.
They exchanged ideas regarding Gym management.
They shared recommendations about Cerulean City's best foods and attractions.
Beyond the coconut-lined beach, the crescent-shaped bay stretched into the distance.
The wide fan-shaped coastline embraced the shimmering sea.
Moonlight danced upon the rolling waves.
Gentle ripples spread across the water in rhythmic patterns, creating a scene that felt both vast and enchanting.
Beneath the starlit sky and beside the softly glowing ocean, the group enjoyed one of the most memorable nights of their journey together.