"Heh heh~"
"Yoko-sis, did you forget?" Ash said, smiling. "For the Pokémon Summer Camp, if I place in the top three and earn the 'Outstanding Camper' title, not only will the League allow me to officially own a Pokémon before the usual age…"
"They'll even gift me a Starter Pokémon completely for free!"
"If I can earn that honor, then I'll have my very own starter, and all the hard-earned money Mom saved for the registration tax can be spared."
Ash's tone was light and cheerful, but Yoko and the entire audience watching from home only felt more and more heartache for this child—because he was simply too mature.
Yoko started to say something, "Ash-kun…"
But Ash gently cut her off, "Yoko-sis, while I really respect the other campers—and I know they're all strong—I'm no slouch either!"
"As of now, on the Summer Camp Leaderboard, I'm ranked number one! The only one at the top! I have total confidence in my abilities."
"And by the way, Yoko-sis, if any of your Pokémon need help learning moves in the future, please support my little online business!"
"I use my superpower to help Pokémon grasp new moves. Even though each move takes several days to master, I can guarantee a success rate of at least 95%!"
"If it fails, I'll issue a full refund—no questions asked!" Ash said with a wink, making a hard sell with the confidence of a seasoned businessman.
Of course, on the surface, it looked like he was just pitching to Yoko.
But Ash was really using this live broadcast to promote his store to the entire Kanto region—thousands, maybe tens of thousands of potential customers.
What he didn't realize… was that it wasn't just thousands.
It was millions.
Today was the first day of live broadcasting from the Pokémon Summer Camp, and viewership had exploded beyond anything Ash had imagined.
"When your store officially opens," Yoko said warmly, "I'll definitely support your business. I'll also recommend it to everyone I know."
"But… to be honest, rather than using your powers to help Pokémon learn moves through [Ash's Move Mastery House]…"
"I think you'd do even better if you opened a 'Healing & Cosmetic Clinic'! With your ability to cure injuries, I bet you'd have a line out the door every day!" she teased with a grin.
Ash scrunched his nose. "No waaay."
"My dream is to become the strongest Trainer in the Pokémon world—not the best cosmetic surgeon."
"Running this store is just a way to earn a little money, ease the burden on Mom, and save up for raising Pokémon and traveling in the future."
"I don't need to get rich. Just making enough to get by is good enough for me."
Yoko blinked, then nodded slowly.
"Well, even if your Move Mastery House doesn't earn as much as a clinic would… I'm sure your business will still be booming."
"Think about it! TM learning success rates top out at 60–70%, but your superpower gives a 95% success rate? That's incredible!"
"I wouldn't be surprised if Trainers are lining up for your help."
"And once you've earned enough to cover the basics—your family's needs, your training expenses, and travel costs—what would you want to do with any leftover money?"
Ash tilted his head thoughtfully.
"Hmm…"
"If I make way more than I need, first I'll save a portion of it—so that if Mom or I ever get sick, we won't need to worry."
"Then I'll buy some gifts for the people around me."
"And… I'd like to set up a charity fund. One that helps kids like me—kids from poor families who can't afford the registration tax to get their first Pokémon."
"I've seen rich people do that kind of thing on TV. When I have money, I want to use it to help others too," Ash said, his eyes pure and unwavering.
Yoko's eyes reddened.
After a brief moment of silence, she smiled gently and said with conviction:
"Ash-kun… I truly believe you won't just become the strongest Pokémon Trainer…"
"You'll also become the greatest, most beloved, and most respected Trainer in the world."
——
"Oh my God… what a kind-hearted child."
"He comes from poverty, yet instead of dreaming of mansions or yachts, the first thing he thinks of is helping others like him?"
"This kid… he's incredible. Yoko was right. He's destined not just to be the strongest, but the most loved Trainer out there."
"Rich people on TV start charities for show. But Ash… he's genuinely good."
"I sincerely pray to the Great Creator God Arceus—please, bless this pure-hearted boy. He is your emissary walking among the darkness of this world…"
——
Back at the camp, Ash smiled politely.
"Alright, Yoko-sis, you've been interviewing me for a while now. You can't just keep the camera on me—go chat with the others! Their families are probably waiting to see them on TV too."
Yoko grinned, wiping the corner of her eye.
"Ash-kun, you're too considerate…"
"Okay~ then I'll be off now, alright?"
"Finally~ You've been on me for too long!"
——
Meanwhile…
Arceus devotees: "…O Great Creator Arceus…"
Starwish devotees: "O Jirachi, Star of the Seven Nights, Embodiment of Hope and Desire, the Kindest of Holy Spirits… please bless this boy named Ash. He is so kind, so pure…"
Ash had no idea.
All he thought was that he'd taken the chance to plug his little store on camera, and now Yoko could go interview other campers.
What he didn't know… was that this small gesture had touched the hearts of millions.
Viewers were charmed beyond reason. Their fondness for Ash soared to unimaginable heights.
Followers, who worshiped Arceus, and Starwish followers, who prayed to Jirachi—the legendary wish-granting Pokémon—began offering heartfelt prayers for Ash, right in front of their screens.
——
Saffron TV had officially set up a livestream crew in the Summer Camp, and from now on, the entire camp would be broadcast to the nation.
Ash's personal goal had been to use this opportunity to promote his store, build a fanbase, and catch the League's attention.
What he didn't know…
Was that he had already achieved every one of those goals.
And not just met them…
He'd exceeded them beyond imagination.
--------------
T/N:
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