Seeing Ash's downcast, guilt-ridden expression, Yoko—and countless viewers watching the livestream from home—were filled with heartache.
"Aww… Ash is such a sweet, kind child…"
"I just want to hug him…"
"What a pure soul… This kid's future is bright, I'm telling you!"
Of course, Ash had no idea how the audience was reacting.
He only knew that there were a lot of people watching the livestream right now.
And after building up the emotional momentum… it was finally time to drop the real message.
"Although I still don't know what this superpower of mine is actually called," Ash began, "after experimenting over the past couple of days, I discovered something amazing."
"Besides healing injuries, when I channel this power into a Pokémon's body, it temporarily boosts their understanding of moves—it helps them learn new techniques faster!"
"To help others with this, I registered an online store on the official League trading platform. It's called [Ash's Move Mastery House]!"
Yoko blinked, surprised. "Wha—Ash, your power can help Pokémon learn new moves?! That's incredible!"
"But… you're only six years old. What made you think of opening an online store to earn money? Isn't that something adults usually worry about?"
Ash smiled brightly.
"I don't think it matters that I'm six. My dream is to stand at the top of the Pokémon world, to become the strongest Trainer of all time."
"And a dream like that—it takes money. Whether it's caring for my Pokémon, traveling across regions, or entering tournaments… nothing comes cheap."
"I'm just a regular kid from Pallet Town. My dad's been traveling somewhere far away and hasn't come back. I don't even remember what he looks like—he's never once sent money home."
"My mom takes care of me all by herself. She works hard, growing crops and making small crafts to sell in her spare time."
"But even with all her effort… we still couldn't scrape together enough money to pay the initial Pokémon registration tax."
The moment Ash said that, the audience in front of their TVs collectively felt a sting in their eyes.
"My God… this child… He's too mature."
"His father went away and never came back… He doesn't even know the truth. Whether his dad abandoned them or died during that so-called 'trip'… either way, Ash still believes he's just out there somewhere traveling."
"This is so heartbreaking."
"Most kids his age are still in their parents' arms… and this boy? He's already thinking about how to earn money and support his family."
"What a precious, thoughtful, and responsible child…"
"Just think about it—a kid with a dream to become a Pokémon Master, yet he can't even afford the fee to get his first partner… Life is so unfair."
"I understand that raising a child alone must be incredibly hard on Ash's mom. The fact that she raised such a mature, well-mannered boy speaks volumes. She's an amazing woman."
"But hearing that he's already six and still hasn't been able to pay for his starter Pokémon… it really breaks my heart."
"Is Ash's mom watching this broadcast? If so, this is my phone number: ********. Please contact me and send me your bank details. I want to help cover Ash's registration fee."
"Respect to the person above—what a generous heart!"
"I have two daughters and a wife who manages all our money, but I just can't bear to see this kid struggle. Please share your bank account after the stream—I'll contribute what I can."
"I'm just a student, I don't have much money… but did anyone catch the name of the online shop Ash mentioned earlier? I want to support his business once it's up and running!"
"Ash's Move Mastery House!!"
"Ash's Move Mastery House!!"
"Ash's Move Mastery House!!"
…
Ash, completely unaware of the tidal wave of sympathy he'd triggered, had only meant to casually plug his store.
But thanks to the instincts and memories from his past life, he had unknowingly played the pity card like a seasoned expert.
The result? A nation of viewers was left teary-eyed.
——
The truth was, people in the Pokémon world were naturally kind-hearted.
And Ash's story was genuinely tragic.
His father gone since infancy. A humble, struggling household. Despite his lofty dream of becoming the greatest Trainer alive, he couldn't even afford the registration fee for his starter Pokémon.
But Ash—an adult soul living in a six-year-old's body—never truly felt that sadness.
In his previous life, he was an orphan. Independent. Self-reliant. So in this new world, he approached life with gratitude and positivity.
He didn't dwell on tragedy.
He didn't resent poverty.
His first instinct was always to ask: "How can I fix this myself?"
Ironically, it was this optimism that made everyone love him even more.
What Ash didn't know was that, while he was already planning how to price his future skill-teaching services after camp ended, the viewers were desperately thinking of ways to help him.
——
"Wait… Ash-kun, are you saying… you haven't even paid the Pokémon starter tax yet?!"
Back at the camp, Yoko covered her mouth in shock.
Ash nodded. "Mm-hmm."
"The Pokémon League spends resources to help new Trainers receive their first Pokémon, so it's only fair that there's a registration fee."
"But… for a family like mine, even that small fee is a big burden."
"My mom worked so hard. Right before camp started, she finally managed to gather enough money to pay the tax."
"She was ready to go and pay it… but I stopped her."
"Wait, why?!" Yoko asked, completely puzzled. "Isn't your dream to become a Pokémon Master? How can you do that without your first Pokémon?"
Ash just chuckled softly.
"Heh heh~"
--------------
T/N:
Access Advance Chapters on my
P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals