"Four years from now, when we all officially set out on our journeys, don't forget our promise—come to Kanto and travel together," Ash said with a smile.
"Of course we won't forget!"
"I've been wanting to explore Kanto for ages—there's no way we'd miss that chance."
"Deal! And when the time comes, Ash, you little rich guy, you better cover our round-trip tickets. First class only!"
"Haha, I'll be waiting for you all," Ash replied warmly.
After chatting happily for a while, they hung up and returned to their own business.
Outside, night had already fallen. Lights flickered on across Viridian City, neon signs glowing and blending into a vibrant sea of illumination.
After a quick search on their phones, the four of them picked a well-reviewed restaurant, had a simple meal, and then hailed a taxi straight to the city battle arena.
"By the way, Clarissa," Ash said as they arrived, "did you get any updates on those Pokémon items I asked you to check last night?"
It hadn't even been 24 hours since he made the request. Honestly, he wasn't expecting results so soon.
At least not this quickly.
But he had underestimated her efficiency—and more importantly, how much she cared about his matters. He had also underestimated the influence of the Joy family… and how seriously they regarded him.
Clarissa's answer instantly lit up his expression.
"Ash… the six items you wanted—there's already news."
"The Quick Claw and Sharp Beak—our family already had them. When my mother and grandmother heard you needed them, they sent someone this morning on a Skarmory to deliver them."
"Here—"
She rummaged through her pink Chansey satchel and handed him a palm-sized brocade box.
Ash opened it.
Inside, exactly as she said, lay the Quick Claw and Sharp Beak—two items he had been actively searching for.
Using his Aura, Ash sensed the powerful energy within them.
They were genuine.
"Clarissa… you've really helped me a lot this time," Ash said sincerely. "Please thank your family elders for me. I'm willing to pay 30% above market price for these. Could you ask them if that's acceptable? If not, we can negotiate further."
But Clarissa shook her head.
"You don't need to pay. My mother and grandmother said… this is a gift from the Joy family."
"That won't do," Ash replied immediately, surprised. "If it were an ordinary gift, I'd accept it without hesitation. But these are valuable items—"
He wasn't lacking money. With his Skill Copy business running, earning Poké Dollars wasn't difficult.
And because of that, he refused to casually accept such a significant favor.
Debts of gratitude were far harder to repay than money.
But Clarissa's next words made him pause—and rethink everything.
"What are you saying? These items may be valuable, but the most precious treasure of the Joy family has already been taken by you. Why refuse such a small gift?" she said, her tone lightly reproachful.
Ash blinked, confused.
"The most precious treasure…? When did I take that?"
"…You're so annoying, Ash!" she burst out, her face flushing red as she turned and ran off.
Watching her reaction, realization dawned instantly.
Clarissa Joy—the daughter of Joy Elena, granddaughter of the matriarch Joy Rong, the beloved jewel of the Joy family, and its future heir—
She was the family's most precious treasure.
"So that's what she meant…" Ash murmured, a smile spreading across his face as he looked at her retreating figure.
He glanced down at the box in his hands.
This time, he didn't mention paying again.
Instead, he quietly stored the items in his system inventory.
Now that he and Clarissa had entered a relationship—mutual affection, mutual trust—the foundation between them was already firm, even if still new.
And more importantly…
This wasn't just about personal feelings anymore.
The Joy family, upon learning he was gathering items to strengthen his Fearow, had immediately sent over what they had.
That alone spoke volumes.
This wasn't a simple gift.
This was investment.
Ash was now a top-tier talent in the Kanto League, a rising force with immense potential. His Skill Copy business had already connected him with major families, and his strength was advancing rapidly—reaching elite-level training results in just two months.
And beyond that, the patent he planned to file would open an entirely new blue-ocean industry.
Even at just six years old, his future influence was undeniable.
With Clarissa—future head of the Joy family—as his partner, their interests were already intertwined.
The stronger he became, the more the Joy family would benefit.
So why refuse?
What he once saw as a "favor" now felt more like… a natural exchange within a shared future.
Catching up to Clarissa, Ash spoke softly,
"This gift… I'll accept it."
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T/N:
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