"A few days ago, I consulted the Joy family about opening a clinic section in my move-learning online shop. They asked me to go to the Pokémon Center in Viridian City to undergo an ability evaluation for my Healing Grace—and to receive some basic medical theory and practical training."
Ash explained calmly.
"A representative from the Joy family has already arrived at the Viridian City Pokémon Center, so I'll be heading there this afternoon for the training."
"Oh, I see," Gary nodded. "Alright then. I'll head to Viridian City on my own later. Let's meet at the Battle Arena registration hall at 5:30, same as usual."
"OK~" Ash replied with a grin.
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That morning, Delia Ketchum and Miho—Gary's mother—had both gone to Viridian City early to manage the shop and coordinate with a studio to shoot promotional posters for their storefront. They wouldn't be home all day.
Fortunately, before leaving, Delia had already prepared lunch and stored it in the refrigerator. Ash only needed to cook rice and reheat the dishes.
Since Miho wasn't home either—and Gary had no intention of cooking or going to Professor Oak's lab to eat instant noodles boiled in a beaker—he shamelessly came over to freeload.
Watching Gary kick off his shoes and flop onto the sofa as if it were his own house, casually scrolling through his phone, Ash rolled his eyes.
"Gary, since I'm cooking, go feed the Magikarp and the other Pokémon sent by customers through the online shop."
"Ha?! Ash, you really know how to order people around. I'm a guest, you know~" Gary protested lazily.
"A guest? The only time you act like one is when I ask you to do something."
"Young Master Gary, hurry up and feed the Pokémon. There are over a hundred Magikarp. If you're too slow, there won't be any lunch for you," Ash threatened from the kitchen.
"This is ridiculous. I come over for a free meal and end up doing manual labor. Only you could pull this off, Ash."
Despite his grumbling, Gary got to work. He hauled out a large tub, filled it with water, opened the bag of Poké Balls handed down by Frogadier, and began releasing Magikarp one by one to feed them.
With Frogadier assisting and Rotom integrated into the phone to help monitor and record data, Gary managed without mistakes.
"Ash, do you really take care of this many Pokémon every single day?" Gary called out curiously from the living room.
"Mm-hmm. Most of the time they stay inside their Poké Balls, but morning, noon, and night I feed them like this."
"Geez… that's exhausting."
With Gary's help, things went much smoother. After lunch, Gary returned home, while Ash tidied up, locked the courtyard gate, and hopped onto his bicycle, heading straight toward Viridian City.
…
It was a beautiful mid-autumn day.
The sky was crystal clear, a deep, radiant blue.
Ash pedaled along the Viridian Highway, Pikachu perched comfortably while Frogadier rode behind. On either side of the road—and across the distant forest and hills—maple trees, wild persimmon trees, and Triadica trees had all been dyed red by the autumn wind.
"Pidgeotto!"
"Spearow!"
High above, Pidgeotto and Spearow soared freely, their steady flight embodying humanity's eternal longing for the sky.
After half an hour of riding, Ash exited Viridian Forest. In the distance, he could see Viridian City—a modern eco-metropolis seamlessly blended with surrounding forests.
Ten minutes later, guided by Rotom's navigation, Ash weaved through the streets until he arrived at the Pokémon Center.
"Pidgeotto, Spearow, you two can explore outside. I'll probably be inside the Pokémon Center all afternoon."
"Pidge!"
"Spear!"
With cheerful cries, the two birds flapped off to tour the city.
Ash parked and locked his bicycle, lifted Pikachu into his arms, and headed toward the entrance with Frogadier and Rotom.
Ding—ding—ding—whoosh—
The automatic glass doors slid open. Familiar chimes rang as he stepped into the bright lobby.
Directly ahead at the service counter stood a pink-haired nurse in a crisp uniform, her expression gentle and sweet—a Joy on duty.
In the Pokémon world, Officer Jenny represented sharpness and bold efficiency, while Nurse Joy embodied warmth and compassion.
Though their styles differed, both captivated countless admirers. And unlike other aristocratic families that arranged political marriages, the Jenny and Joy families were neutral factions. Their members often married ordinary civilians, giving them immense goodwill among the public.
For many men across the Pokémon world, being able to date or marry a Joy or Jenny was considered an honor.
Ash, regardless of whether in his past life or this one, was no exception. After all—who could resist the charm of a nurse or police officer?
"Hello, Trainer. How may I assist you?" the Joy at the counter asked with a radiant smile.
"Hello, Nurse Joy. I'm Ash from Pallet Town. A few days ago, I contacted your family head regarding opening a clinic section in my move-learning online shop."
"Your head asked me to come to the Viridian City Pokémon Center to undergo an evaluation of my healing ability and receive training in basic medical theory and practical skills."
"May I ask if the representative from your family has arrived?"
Joy's eyes brightened.
"So it really is you, Ash! I had a feeling when you walked in."
"Amelie Joy (Aunt of Clarissa) arrived two days ago, and Miss Clarissa came with her. I'll notify them immediately."
"The Light of Kanto, the future Champion of the Indigo League"—Ash's reputation had spread across the region. And ever since he opened his social media account—where Rotom regularly updated his daily life—recognizing him had become easy.
In fact, within the Joy family, his fame was even greater.
The reason? His possession of Healing Grace.
Rumor had it that the former matriarch had once pushed through heavy opposition to arrange a marriage engagement between Ash and the Joy family's treasured heir—Miss Clarissa.
Though for reasons unknown the engagement never materialized, it did nothing to diminish Ash's unforgettable impression within the Joy family.
As Joy turned to notify Elder Amelie and Clarissa, a spark of gossip lit up in her eyes.
After all…
When the Joy family's jewel and the prodigy of Kanto crossed paths—
How could there not be a story waiting to unfold?
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T/N:
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