"Also, Parasect is another excellent choice," Ash continued thoughtfully. "Its mushrooms are highly nutritious and can be used to prepare recovery and health-boosting meals. At the same time, its spores have medicinal properties, so it's definitely a healing-type Pokémon worth considering."
"And then there's the Slowpoke line. They might look a bit slow and goofy, but they can learn Heal Pulse, and even more importantly, Life Dew, which is extremely effective for treating burns. Their training value is very high."
"Another example is the Zubat line. When you're traveling and encounter injured Pokémon in areas with poor medical facilities, their ultrasonic waves can basically function like X-ray scans."
"And don't forget the Magnemite line. If a patient's heart stops, their electric attacks can be used for resuscitation…"
Ash listed example after example, his tone calm but packed with insight.
"There are many Pokémon with healing abilities. And even those that don't directly heal can still play important roles in treatment through their unique skills. That part… you'll need to explore on your own."
"Right now, your priority is studying medical knowledge. So before officially setting out on your journey, I'd recommend keeping your team to no more than three Pokémon."
"Since Viridian City is right next to Viridian Forest, your next capture could be something like Oddish or Paras."
"Of course, you can also do what Gary and Green did this afternoon—use remote video capture to obtain specific Pokémon from other regions, or even rely on your family's resources to acquire them directly."
Ash made it clear that these were just suggestions. No matter how close they were, he would never impose decisions on her.
"Mm… I understand," Clarissa nodded, her voice soft and sweet. "I'll think carefully about it when I get back. Thank you, Ash."
In the waiting hall of Battlefield No. 6, the two sat side by side, watching the ongoing matches on the large screen while discussing her future team.
After about ten minutes, a staff member wearing a headset and ID badge stepped in, knocked lightly, and called out:
"Mr. Ash, Miss Clarissa Joy, as well as contestants Shimoya and Keizawa—the next match is yours. Please prepare to enter."
"OK~"
"Got it."
Along with Ash and Clarissa, two other trainers stood up—both young men in their early twenties, one short and stocky, the other tall and lean.
"Ash, go easy on us out there," the tall, skinny one—Keizawa—grinned.
Ash chuckled. "Shouldn't I be the one asking for mercy? You two are the ace double team of Field No. 6. I'm bringing Clarissa along today—don't crush me too hard."
"Hahaha! You're bringing your girlfriend into battle? Then we're definitely wiping the floor with you today," Keizawa laughed. "No choice—we're single, after all."
"Oh? That ruthless, huh?" Ash smirked. "Then don't blame me later. I've decided—I'm going all out this match. Just don't hold a grudge if you lose."
"That's exactly what I was about to say," Shimoya added with a grin. "And hey, if we lose, don't blacklist us from your skill shop—we still want to learn moves from you."
These two—Shimoya and Keizawa—were a well-known duo in Battlefield No. 6. Ash had encountered them before when he deliberately kept his ranking low to farm rewards.
Back then, he had teamed up with Gary—and the match had been one of the rare times Ash had to fight seriously instead of intentionally holding back.
They were strong.
Very strong.
"This will be a tough battle," Ash thought.
"But things are different now."
"Back then, I used Fearow. Today, it's Pikachu."
"Even if Clarissa's side is weaker and ends up dragging us down a bit… I can still carry this match."
"After all this training, Pikachu's combat system is fully developed now."
"Today… I'll show them what real power looks like."
At the entrance to the battlefield, both sides split off into their respective tunnels. The bright lights at the end of the passage seemed to pull them forward.
"Ash… I…" Clarissa's voice trembled slightly, her worry evident.
Ash gently squeezed her hand. "Don't worry. Winning and losing are normal here. There's no pressure. And besides… I've got this."
"Mm…" she nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
The arrow was already on the bowstring—there was no turning back.
No matter how strong the opponent was, all she could do was give it everything she had.
Outside, the commentator's voice rang through the stadium:
"Ladies and gentlemen! The single battles have concluded, and now it's time for a '2-on-2' doubles match! Let's give a warm welcome to our next contestants!"
"On the red side—we have the well-known duo of Battlefield No. 6, the 'Shimoya Brothers'!"
"But their opponents… are even more formidable!"
"They are the pride of Kanto—Ash—and Miss Clarissa Joy from the Viridian Pokémon Center! The 'Ash & Clarissa Duo'!"
"SHIMOYA BROTHERS!!"
"AAAAAAH!!"
"ASH!!!"
"ASH!!!"
The Shimoya Brothers had their share of supporters—but compared to Ash, the difference was like fireflies against the moon.
The moment the commentator announced Ash's name, the entire crowd erupted. Cheers instantly shifted, overwhelmingly favoring him and Clarissa.
"Let's go," Ash said softly.
He gave her hand another reassuring squeeze, Pikachu perched confidently on his shoulder, and stepped out onto the battlefield.
Beside him, Clarissa followed closely, matching his pace step for step as they entered the roaring arena together.
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T/N:
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