Brock looked at Ash and said sincerely, "Your skill as a commander and your bond with your Pokémon have shown me so many more possibilities for what a Trainer can be.
Honestly, even though taking care of my brothers and sisters and running the Gym is fulfilling, sometimes... I really want to go out and see the wider world, just like you. I want to become a stronger Trainer, but my real dream... is to become a Pokémon Breeder."
There was a hint of longing in his voice, mixed with a faint trace of helplessness.
Just then, the Gym doors were pushed open once more. A figure stood in the doorway, silhouetted against the light.
"Dad?" Forrest and the other siblings cried out in surprise.
Brock spun around, his body freezing the moment he saw that familiar yet distant figure.
Flint walked in slowly and took off his hat, his face a complex mixture of guilt, relief, and resolve.
He first looked at Brock, his eyes filled with pride. "Brock, I saw the battle just now. You've become an exceptional Gym Leader."
Then, his gaze swept over all the children before finally returning to Brock. "I'm sorry, kids... and Brock. All these years, I ran away from my responsibilities and made you suffer.
This young man's words woke me up." He glanced at Ash. "Protecting a family doesn't have to mean leaving it. True maturity and strength lie in bravely facing and assuming one's burdens."
He stepped forward and placed a hand on Brock's shoulder. "Brock, your dream shouldn't be shackled by this Gym or your responsibilities. Go and do what you've always wanted to do.
Go become a Pokémon Breeder and gain experience in the outside world! From this day forward, I will protect this home and the Pewter Gym! This is the responsibility I must take up as a father and a husband!"
Looking into the long-lost determination and affection in his father's eyes, Brock's eyes instantly welled up. The heavy burden he had carried for years finally seemed to lift in that moment. He choked back a sob and nodded heavily. "Dad... thank you!"
Ash and Misty watched the touching scene and shared a smile.
Ash's metaphor had actually managed to bring this family back together and set Brock's dream free.
Misty nudged Ash's elbow and whispered, "Ash, did you figure out that old guy was connected to the Pewter Gym a long time ago?"
"Huh? How could you tell?"
"The way you talked back when you were buying that Everstone... it was like you were saying it specifically for him. I don't believe for a second that you didn't have an ulterior motive."
"It was just a guess," Ash explained. "When he was selling those stones earlier, his mind was clearly elsewhere. He kept glancing in one direction over and over again. I checked the map, and that was exactly the direction of the Pewter Gym."
Misty gave Ash a long look. "I didn't realize you were so observant."
"It's just the standard reaction of a normal Trainer!"
Misty: "..."
Saying that just makes me feel useless.
[Ding! The host has indirectly facilitated Flint's return to his family, resolving Brock's worries and significantly altering the fate of a major character. Reward: 1,000 World Essence.]
[Current World Essence: 3,200 points.]
The System's reward notification chimed. Such a massive amount was clear evidence of how profound the impact of this event truly was.
With his Badge in hand, a family reunited, and a generous System reward, Ash's visit to Pewter City had come to a far more perfect conclusion than he had ever expected. He and Misty bid farewell to Brock's family and set out on their journey once again.
As for Brock, he had already made his decision.
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