Chapter 031: The Bard Nando

"Hm? You finally found Dawn? Come eat, then. But what's going on? You two look like you're sulking."

Brock's lunch was ready, but as he spoke, he noticed something off about Ash and Dawn's expressions. Both looked displeased, as if they'd just had a fight.

"It's nothing. Someone was just picking a fight for no reason," Ash said casually.

"It's nothing. Someone just won't admit their own mistakes. So petty," Dawn retorted, her tone equally dissatisfied.

Brock: "…"

So, I don't see you for ten minutes, and you're already at each other's throats?

Brock looked helplessly at Ash and Dawn, who were pointedly avoiding eye contact. He'd thought Ash had matured, but now it seemed he'd judged too soon.

Truly mature adults wouldn't bicker over trivial matters, especially since whatever Ash and Dawn were arguing about couldn't be that serious.

"Alright, alright, stop fighting. Nothing's worth arguing over. Let's just eat—"

"Of course it's worth it!" ×2

Though they'd been squabbling a moment ago, they united against Brock with startling coordination, leaving him caught in the middle.

"(♪~) Please cease your quarreling. On such a fine afternoon, wouldn't it be a waste to sour your mood?"

"?!"

The sound of a harp reached their ears, accompanied by a gentle male voice. The voice, woven with the music, felt like a song, calming their emotions considerably.

"Who are you?"

Brock looked at the approaching man, who wore a dark green hat and a matching cape. His long hair covered nearly half his face. Despite the trio's curious stares, the man showed no signs of nervousness, merely plucking his harp strings lightly, producing a pleasant melody.

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nando, a wandering bard."

Nando set his harp down and began speaking earnestly with Ash and the others.

"I overheard what seemed to be a dispute, so I thought I'd offer a bit of advice. After all, meeting is fate. As traveling companions, I think it's better to understand each other~ Though, I don't believe you're truly angry with one another."

"No way!" ×2

Ash and Dawn refuted in unison again.

"See? Such harmony. In all my years of traveling, I've rarely seen people as in sync as you. Your personalities actually mesh well, don't they?"

"…"

Ash and Dawn finally fell silent, realizing they couldn't outtalk Nando. Rather than keep arguing, they figured staying quiet would at least save some energy.

Though Ash and Dawn felt a bit frustrated, Brock was delighted. He'd been wondering how to calm them down, and Nando had resolved what seemed an impossible task with just a few words.

"By the way, Mr. Nando, would you like to join us for lunch? I made a bit extra today."

With Ash and Dawn's issue temporarily settled, Brock invited Nando to eat. Truthfully, he was more worried that if Nando left, Ash and Dawn might revert to bickering.

Like Nando, Brock could tell they weren't really fighting, but their constant back-and-forth was genuinely annoying.

"I'd be honored." Nando smiled faintly, accepting Brock's invitation.

…

At the table, Ash and Dawn seemed to have forgotten their earlier spat—or perhaps they couldn't argue with an outsider present. Either way, they were now getting along harmoniously, chatting with Nando, the bard, about various topics.

This cheerful atmosphere lasted only until…

"Pokémon Contests are the way to go! Mr. Nando, your elegance suits Contests perfectly. Only by competing in Contests can you truly showcase your talents!"

"No, it's the Pokémon League~ Mr. Nando, aren't you seeking growth? If so, the League, where you face opponents head-on and give your all in every battle, is the better choice."

In just a few minutes, the two began debating over Nando's dilemma. In short, Nando was at a crossroads. He loved Pokémon Contests but also yearned to shine in the Pokémon League.

When Nando shared his quandary, Ash and Dawn, each with their singular focus, passionately championed their preferred competition. Naturally, this debate led nowhere, so Nando spoke slowly:

"I understand your perspectives. Whether it's the Pokémon League or Pokémon Contests, both are competitions I cherish…

Honestly, giving up either feels unbearable.

But… I'm unsure if I have the ability to pursue both. Even one demands immense effort. If I try to grasp both, I fear I'll end up with nothing. That's what worries me most."

"…"

After hearing Nando's words, Ash and Dawn fell into silence.

They now realized Nando's concern wasn't trivial. Compared to their playful squabbles, he was clearly grappling with his future.

His own future, and that of his Pokémon.

"Maybe…" As Dawn stood stumped, Ash's expression suddenly turned serious and earnest.

He said, "If it's for chasing a dream, even failing the first time isn't something to fear…

I've failed plenty of times, but I never regret choosing to become a Pokémon Trainer.

Opportunities aren't one-and-done. In the future, we'll have countless chances to try again. Instead of stalling here, why not take one shot? What if you actually succeed?"

Nando: "…"

After hearing Ash's words, Nando was quiet for a few seconds before breaking into a warm smile. He lifted his harp again, playing a melodious tune.

"Well said. I was advising you earlier, and now you're the one guiding me."

Nando couldn't help but quip. If the Ash arguing with Dawn moments ago seemed like an ordinary, immature kid, the Ash now felt like a seasoned veteran sharing hard-earned wisdom.

At the very least, Nando felt the conviction in Ash's words.

"I think I know what to choose now. Thank you. I look forward to facing you in competition."

"You bet! I'll go all out to beat you!"

Ash nodded, meeting Nando's gaze with fiery determination.