So the Mewtwo experiment really did run into trouble… and now they need my Healing Grace to stabilize it?
Ash muttered inwardly.
Outwardly, however, his expression remained innocent and sincere.
"Helping a sick Pokémon receive treatment? That's no problem at all," Ash said sweetly. "But if even Pokémon Doctors can't cure it, I can't guarantee success either."
"And… using my psychic abilities consumes a lot of energy. I'm still very young, and my psychic power is quite weak…"
As he spoke, Ash unconsciously rubbed his fingers together—as if counting money.
On the other end of the video call, Jessie and the others immediately understood. Before Jessie could even open her mouth, the man seated on the sofa behind them spoke decisively.
"As long as you're willing to help, Ash," Giovanni said smoothly,
"Whether the treatment succeeds or not, the Viridian Gym will provide a generous reward."
"And in addition, this will also serve as an apology gift for Jessie and James' earlier unfriendly behavior."
"What do you think?"
"We'll also send people to escort and protect you. You won't need to worry about your safety at all."
Giovanni's tone was warm, almost benevolent.
"This gentleman here is the Viridian Gym Leader I mentioned earlier—Uncle Giovanni," Jessie chimed in cheerfully.
"What he says carries real weight~!"
"Wow!! So you're the Viridian Gym Leader!" Ash exclaimed, eyes sparkling.
"That's amazing! Since Uncle Giovanni has said so much, of course I'll agree!"
"But…" Ash continued earnestly,
"Earlier today, my online shop launched a new service—helping Magikarp learn Tackle. Business has been extremely good, and many major Kanto families and powerful factions have placed orders."
"I'll probably be very busy for the next couple of days. After I finish handling these orders and finalize contracts with those families, I'll come to the Viridian Gym. How about that?"
"After all, Uncle Giovanni, you'll need some time to prepare too—especially since the Pokémon you want me to treat isn't actually at the Gym right now, is it?"
Ash smiled brightly, but every word carried meaning beneath the surface.
"Of course," Giovanni replied, breaking into a rare, hearty laugh.
He had clearly understood the reminder hidden in Ash's words.
"But there's no need for you to send people to pick me up," Ash added casually.
"You're busy managing the Gym. I'll come on my own—I can protect myself."
"My Charizard is Champion-Class, you know. It's super strong. If bad guys come looking for trouble, one Flamethrower is enough to burn them to ashes."
"ROOOAAAR—"
Behind Ash, Charizard released a murderous roar straight at the camera, its killing intent unmistakable—as if the people on the other side of the screen were enemies marked for execution.
"Charizard, don't roar so loudly," Ash scolded gently.
"I'm on a call."
"Sorry about that. It's eaten a bit too many spicy berries lately—its temper's been a little explosive."
Ash apologized with a sunny smile.
"Hahaha… not at all," Giovanni laughed.
"That Charizard is indeed powerful—more than capable of protecting you. No one would dare lay a hand on you."
"And you're impressive too, Ash. At such a young age, you've already started a business—and succeeded."
"When I was your age, I was still struggling in the slums, barely able to get a full meal."
"You're being too kind, Uncle Giovanni," Ash replied politely.
"Nowadays, people don't care about the process—only the results. Whatever your past was doesn't matter. Right now, you're the Viridian Gym Leader."
"And everyone knows the Viridian Gym is the strongest Gym in Kanto—even the Psychic Gym in Saffron City can't compare."
"ASH—what are you doing upstairs? Charizard's roaring so loudly!"
From the courtyard below, Delia's voice rang out.
"I'm going to Miho's place for a bit. Later, help turn over the corn drying in the backyard."
"Okay, Mom!"
Ash leaned out the window and answered.
Watching this scene through the projected screen, Giovanni and the others wore complicated expressions.
They seemed almost… stunned.
As if realizing that this calculating, sharp-minded, ruthless child also had a side that was filial, hardworking, and considerate.
"You're a very good child, Ash," Giovanni said softly.
"I have to be," Ash replied with a gentle smile.
"Mom works really hard taking care of me and the house. Of course I should help share the burden."
"After all… I only have one home. And she's my only family."
Giovanni fell silent for a moment.
"Oh, right," Ash added casually,
"My mom plans to open a flower shop in Viridian City soon with my friend's mother. Since Viridian City is your territory, Uncle Giovanni, please take good care of her."
"In a couple of days, once I'm done here, I'll head to the Viridian Gym and help treat that rare and special Pokémon of yours."
"A flower shop in Viridian City?" Giovanni smiled.
"Good. When it opens, I—and the Gym staff—will definitely go support it. We'll buy flowers."
"Thank you, Uncle Giovanni!!"
They chatted like family for a while longer before ending the call.
There was no hostility in their words—only calm, polite understanding.
Ash had learned exactly what Giovanni wanted.
And Giovanni now understood exactly what Ash cared about.
Ash:
Help advance the Mewtwo Project? Of course. I couldn't ask for a better opportunity.
Giovanni:
So everything this child has done… was simply to protect his small home, and his only family.
What a good child.
"And yet…" Giovanni thought quietly,
"I took over Team Rocket to give children from ordinary families—children with no future under the League's rigid system—a chance to chase their Trainer dreams."
"But after all these years, not only has nothing improved… it's rotted even further."
"Pokémon poaching. Black-market trading. Live experiments."
"And stealing Pokémon from the very children I once wanted to protect."
"Does a Team Rocket like this… still deserve to exist?"
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T/N:
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