"His ability can't be passed down through bloodline? Is that even possible? I've never heard of such a thing."
"Are you doubting the generosity of the offer we made him? Or are you doubting the charm of the girls in our Joy family?"
"The boy was clearly tempted in the beginning and seemed genuinely regretful when he declined. That tells me he was being honest. And even if it sounds bizarre, a power like the Healing Grace was unheard of before as well, wasn't it?"
The older Joy woman—her hair now pale pink, her expression calm yet clearly disappointed—sighed as she looked out through the ornate stained-glass window of the Joy family's estate in Saffron City.
The Joy family had long held a monopoly in the medical field, with deep roots in both human and Pokémon healthcare. Their obsession with medical research was more than just a family tradition—it was a creed. And if they could obtain the Healing Grace ability… their knowledge, influence, and breakthroughs would skyrocket.
So the moment the summer camp ended, the elder Joy had already pulled every string possible to reach out to Ash and offer him the most generous terms imaginable.
But to their shock… this miraculous "Healing Grace" couldn't be passed on through genetics.
It was… truly a regret beyond words.
"…By the way, Elena," the elder Joy turned toward her daughter with a thoughtful look, "Isn't Clarissa the same age as Ash? If he values free love so much, how about we let Clarissa travel with him in a few years?"
"Mother! Are you joking?!" Elena Joy's elegant expression cracked into one of sheer disbelief. "Clarissa is my daughter! Your precious granddaughter! She's the shining jewel of the Joy family and our future matriarch!"
"Before, you convinced the clan to consider Clarissa marrying Ash only because they thought we'd get access to his 'Healing Grace' bloodline. But now? If that ability can't be passed down… wouldn't we just be giving away our most precious gem for free?!"
"You fool." The elder Joy turned sharply, her voice stern. "The Joy family has great wealth and power, yes—but that's because we've remained neutral and stayed in close alliance with the Jenny family. We've kept our distance from all major clans and powers."
"We produce doctors and nurses, not warriors. Our strength lies in medicine. That's why we've always refused political marriages—to avoid becoming someone else's pawn."
"But even with all our care… we still need strong ties to ensure our survival in this chaotic world. That's why our girls have always chosen their husbands from the ranks of civilian Trainers."
"Clarissa is the future head of our family. To protect the Joys' legacy, she too must choose a civilian Trainer to marry."
"And you, Elena—you only saw the boy's Healing Grace. You didn't see what I saw: his astonishing talent as a Pokémon Trainer."
"Two weeks ago, ever since the Saffron City TV station began its 24/7 broadcast of the Pokémon Summer Camp, I've been watching him."
"That boy—Ash—has unbelievable potential. He's kind, diligent, and laser-focused. He wakes up at 6:30 every morning to train his Pokémon near the edge of the camp."
"He has talent, ambition, and he works hard. It's only a matter of time before he becomes one of the most powerful Trainers in the world. He treats people with respect, honors his mother, and his character is impeccable. I can think of no one better for Clarissa."
"He adores Pokémon, and Pokémon love him back. While other campers played around when training ended, he ventured into the wild to heal injured wild Pokémon—every single one, regardless of type."
"His compassion and devotion to Pokémon… it's more Joy-like than any Joy I've ever seen. If someone like him doesn't marry into our family, it would be a cosmic injustice."
"And you know what else?" The elder Joy's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Professor Oak recently submitted a League aptitude report for all the top Summer Camp students. Do you know what rating Ash received?"
"…Hmm," Elena Joy hesitated. Her mother's words echoed in her mind. The boy was first place in every assessment. "Eighty percent chance of reaching Elite Four rank?"
League aptitude ratings were a strict metric system developed by the Pokémon League to forecast a Trainer's future potential. An "80% Elite Four" rating meant the candidate had an 80% chance of reaching that tier of strength—already an extraordinary prediction.
When her daughter Daisy Oak—topped the Summer Camp in her year, Professor Oak only rated her at 60% Elite Four. So giving Ash a higher rating was already a big deal.
But instead of agreeing, the elder Joy smiled faintly and shook her head.
"Too low."
"…Too low?!" Elena was stunned. "Eighty percent Elite Four isn't high enough?!"
If a civilian-born Trainer received such a rating, she'd immediately offer Clarissa's hand in marriage—without hesitation.
The Elite Four were the peak of power within the Pokémon League. Reaching that level was already enough to earn influence and prestige.
And yet, her mother claimed Ash's rating was far higher?
"You guessed correctly," the elder Joy nodded, eyes bright. "Ash's League aptitude rating is far higher than that."
"How high…?" Elena whispered.
"One hundred percent."
"One hundred percent Champion potential."
Elena's eyes flew wide open, her breath catching in her throat.
She didn't doubt the rating. The League's evaluation system had a near 90% long-term accuracy rate, backed by years of follow-up tracking.
Ash was still just a six-year-old boy… but with 100% Champion-level potential?
That was beyond rare. That was unprecedented.
And most importantly… Ash was a civilian. For powerhouses like the Joy family, a high-potential civilian Trainer was the most sought-after treasure of all.
Someone unaligned. Someone moldable.
Someone perfect.
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T/N:
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