Stone Bridge: 45 Pokémon treated
Dashiwan Valley: 37 Pokémon treated
Online Clinic: 300 Pokémon treated
Viridian Power: LV.55 → LV.59
In a single day, Ash's Viridian Power had risen by four levels.
Although it wasn't as dramatic as yesterday's growth, the workload had been cut in half this time—yet the improvement remained significant. That alone was enough to leave him deeply satisfied.
Still, he noticed something.
The higher his Viridian Power level climbed, the more experience it required to level up.
A few days ago, treating around 70 Pokémon was enough for one level.
Now?
It had risen to an average of 80 Pokémon per level.
Even so, Ash had no complaints.
This kind of growth speed was already incredible.
And more importantly—
"The third Online Clinic really was a brilliant decision."
Walking home with his Pokémon, Ash couldn't help but feel pleased with himself.
When he pushed open the door, the lights were already on.
Inside, a soft glow filled the living room. Floating lazily above the sofa, Flabébé watched TV, its tiny form gently bobbing in the air.
The sight made Ash's heart warm instantly.
Though he longed for the thrilling adventures that awaited him in the future…
He cherished this quiet home in Pallet Town just as deeply.
"Mom, I'm back."
Holding Pikachu in his arms, Ash stepped inside and called out.
"Ash, one of the customers from the flower shop brought a basket of lychees today. I washed some and left them in the kitchen—go wash your hands and have some."
Delia Ketchum said as she continued mopping the floor.
"Okay!"
Even after returning home, Ash didn't get to rest.
He quickly released all the Pokémon belonging to his Skill Shop customers and began feeding them.
Over a hundred Magikarp.
Five other ordinary Pokémon.
Even with Greninja and the others helping, it still took nearly half an hour to finish feeding them all.
After that, he spent a few more minutes helping another batch of Pokémon learn new moves.
"Phew… finally done."
Ash drained the water from the large tub used to hold the Magikarp, propped it against the wall to dry, and placed his hands on his hips, letting out a breath.
"Now that the Online Clinic is fully on track, I can copy thousands of moves every day just by treating Pokémon…"
"But the Skill Shop's business still needs to expand further."
However—
"Even just feeding customer Pokémon three meals a day takes up a lot of my time. If the business grows even more, I'll be exhausted every day."
"For example… should I outsource this part of the work?"
It was a question he had never considered before.
But now, with his schedule packed to the brim, he had no choice but to think about it seriously.
Most of the Skill Shop's operations had already been handed over to Rotom, leaving him as more of a hands-off manager.
Yet even so, it still consumed a huge portion of his time.
In the future, once the popularity of "Magikarp + Tackle" died down and his contract orders with the major Kanto families ended, the workload would decrease significantly.
But long-term?
The Skill Shop would only continue to expand.
After all, it relied on the system's Skill Copy Module—but publicly, Ash had attributed everything to his psychic abilities to avoid exposing the system.
Whether for profit or to meet the ever-growing demand from customers, expansion was inevitable.
Right now, his service only covered the Kanto region.
But in the future?
If he expanded to multiple regions, facing billions of potential customers—
Releasing only five slots per week would never be enough.
At the same time, Ash had many other responsibilities.
And there would only be more in the future.
If he tried to handle everything personally…
He'd burn out.
"So outsourcing really is necessary…"
But almost immediately, he shook his head.
"No… I don't feel comfortable handing it over to outsiders."
"If anything, it'd be better to invest in building a dedicated breeding center for the Skill Shop."
The concept was simple:
Feed the customer Pokémon three meals a day.
Let them out regularly for fresh air.
That was it.
Not complicated at all.
The idea quickly took root in his mind.
"Still… since the Skill Shop involves both the system and my psychic powers, I need people I can absolutely trust."
"I'll think about the private breeding center later when I have time."
"For now… I'll just have to tough it out."
With that, Ash temporarily set aside the idea.
After finishing his work, he returned inside with his Pokémon.
He rested briefly, then went to shower, tossing his dirty clothes into the washing machine for his mother to handle later.
Afterward, he sat on the living room sofa, watching TV and chatting with Delia.
From time to time, he also sent messages on his phone—to Serena, Clarissa Joy, and Misty.
By around nine o'clock, Ash headed upstairs to his room.
Tonight, he planned to help Fearow integrate the newly acquired held items—
And continue his daily meditation training.
But just as he stepped into his room—
His phone rang.
Ash glanced at the caller ID… and froze for a moment.
"Misty…? Why is she calling me at this hour?"
He didn't dwell on it for long and quickly answered.
"Hello? Misty—you're still awake? Is something urgent?"
On the other end, Misty's voice carried a hint of excitement.
"Ash, I talked it over with my sisters. In a couple of days, we're planning to host a Water-type Pokémon Beauty Contest in Cerulean City, under the name of the Cerulean Gym."
"What do you think? Would you be interested in joining?"
Ash paused, thinking.
"…Hmm."
He didn't answer immediately.
"Misty, what made you suddenly decide to host a Water-type Pokémon Beauty Contest?"
There was a brief silence.
Then Misty spoke again—this time, her tone softer, more serious.
"We don't really have a choice…"
"Ever since our parents were sacrificed during that League operation against Team Rocket, the responsibility of running the Cerulean Gym fell onto the four of us sisters."
"My three older sisters… they don't really have talent as trainers. Most of the time, they can only rely on water ballet performances to attract attention and keep the gym relevant."
"But whenever challengers come…"
"They get defeated completely. Gym Badges are practically being handed out for free."
"The League hasn't shut down the Cerulean Gym because of our parents' contributions."
"But if this continues…"
"Not only will we become a joke among trainers in Kanto…"
"Even the other Gym Leaders will start talking behind our backs."
....
PokePals's Note:
From the latest comments, I understand that many readers feel the pacing of this fanfic has been somewhat slow. Thank you all for your patience and support. I'll do my best to begin Ash's journey as soon as possible and pick up the pace moving forward.
In the meantime, feel free to check out my latest Pokémon fanfic release and read it alongside this story!
✦ Pokémon: Endless Genesis of the Chosen One ✦
It's published under my secondary Webnovel account: MPHFics.
Feel free to read both stories in parallel, and I hope you enjoy it.