Chapter 35: Full Restore Capsule!

"Ash, where have you been?" Brock asked anxiously as Ash returned to the Cerulean City Pokémon Center.

"Don't even ask. I had a pretty lucky run today," Ash replied, rubbing his tired eyes. "But the gym challenge will have to wait until the afternoon. I need a proper rest. I'll leave my Pokémon with you for now."

Without waiting for more questions, Ash handed over his Poké Balls.

Although Brock wasn't sure why Ash looked so exhausted, he didn't press the issue. He simply took the Poké Balls and headed to the Pokémon Center's backyard, planning to prepare some food.

While the Pokémon Center could provide meals, Brock insisted on cooking himself—he saw every meal as a chance to improve his skills as a breeder. But the moment he released Ash's Pokémon, he was stunned.

Ash had actually caught Suicune, the embodiment of the North Wind—and alongside it, a powerful Tyranitar! Remembering Ash's weary state, Brock quickly pieced things together. So that's where Ash had been all morning—catching two incredibly rare Pokémon!

Around noon...

"And that's the story," Ash said between bites in the Center's dining hall. "That's why I was so drained this morning—I needed a proper break."

He wasn't trying to hide anything from Brock. As his travel companion and a generally trustworthy person, Brock was someone Ash felt comfortable talking to—though of course, he still kept the time-traveling and system powers under wraps. He did, however, mention the Sharingan-like abilities he'd gained.

"I can't believe it... Suicune, one of the three Legendary Beasts, actually acknowledged you?" Brock exclaimed, his eyes wide. "If the world found out, you'd become famous overnight, Ash! That's a Legendary, not a stray Rattata!"

Ash grinned but said nothing.

"Oh, right—how are those mental and stamina recovery potions I gave you working out?" he asked after finishing his meal.

"No issues at all! But seriously, Ash—you're a genius. I never imagined the same ingredients could be combined to create entirely different kinds of potions!" Brock replied, clearly excited. Ever since traveling with Ash, he felt like he was inching closer to his dream of becoming a top-tier breeder.

"Good. Make sure to memorize this formula carefully—get the order or proportions wrong and it won't work," Ash said, pulling out a special recipe and handing it to Brock.

"What's this?" Brock asked, curious.

"The Full Restore Capsule. It can completely cure status conditions for Pokémon—whether they're beginners or champions. It's basically a top-grade tonic," Ash explained. "The ingredients aren't as rare as those used in Rare Candy, but they're not exactly easy to come by either."

"This kind of item is usually circulated only among the big families and the Pokémon League. Regular trainers wouldn't be able to afford it. I want you to be the one to produce the Full Restore Capsule for me."

He paused, then laid out the plan.

"As for the profits—50% goes to the Oak family, 20% to the League, 10% each to the Joy and Jenny families, and the remaining 10% to your family."

Ash had bigger plans in motion. He was grooming Brock to become the chief breeder of the Oak family, and that meant serious training and trust. Brock didn't come from a powerful lineage—at best, his family was moderately influential in Pewter City, similar to Misty's situation.

"To think something like this even exists... Once it's refined, every major family will be fighting to get their hands on it!" Brock said, clutching the recipe like a sacred relic.

"I want you to act as my agent and handle the production and distribution," Ash continued. "That way, you'll officially become the chief breeder for the Oak family."

"But think it through. Once you make this decision, it ties your family to mine. The Pewter family will become an affiliated house under the Oak banner," Ash said seriously, making sure Brock understood the long-term commitment.

"Don't worry about it," Brock replied without hesitation. "We've actually been looking for a strong family to rely on. My grandfather's getting old, and there've been more and more powerful people eyeing the Pewter Gym. He's mentioned the Oak family more than once—he has nothing but praise for them."

In Kanto, the Oak family had a sterling reputation. Brock's grandfather had simply never gotten the opportunity to associate with them—until now. And with Pewter City being so close to Pallet Town, it made strategic sense for the families to cooperate.

"Alright then. Head back to your room, study the recipe carefully, and destroy it afterward. I'll go have a word with Uncle Masaki, then challenge the Cerulean Gym this afternoon," Ash said with a nod, satisfied with Brock's answer.

Ash wasn't surprised by Brock's decision—there was really no reason for his family to object. More than that, Ash trusted Brock's character. It wasn't just from the past few days of traveling together. He remembered the Brock from his past life, too—steady, kind, dependable. That impression had always stuck with him.

Even if his actions in this world caused butterfly effects that altered events, personalities didn't change so easily. That was something Ash had come to understand very well through years of observation.

After Brock returned to his room to study the recipe, Ash made his way to the Pokémon Center's phone booth. It was about time he got himself a mobile phone.

Since arriving in this world, Ash hadn't used one much at all. He'd matured early and didn't have many friends his age—there simply hadn't been anyone to keep in touch with. So, he kept putting it off. But now that things were changing, he figured he really should get one.

He picked up the receiver and dialed.

"Hello, Uncle Masaki?"

The call had connected to Masaki Oak's mobile, so there was no video—just audio.

"It's Ash. Where are you now?" Masaki's voice came through with a warm laugh. Thanks to the revenue from the two potions Ash had previously given him, Masaki Oak's life had become much more comfortable.

In fact, money had stopped being an issue for him altogether. And while money wasn't everything, not having it often made it feel like it was everything. Now, that problem was out of the way.

"I'm in Cerulean City," Ash replied. "I called because I wanted to discuss something with you."

He briefly filled Masaki in on his recent travels before getting to the point.

After hearing Ash's plan and learning about the Full Restore Capsule, Masaki Oak was amazed.

"To think something like this exists... Once the major families find out, they'll definitely scramble for it. It's a shame the supply will be limited—but I suppose that's what makes it so valuable."

"As for Brock," Masaki continued, "no problem there. I trust your judgment. If you believe in him, that's enough for me. I'll get in touch with his grandfather shortly."

Masaki's shock quickly turned to acceptance. After all, Ash's progress had long since surpassed their expectations. At this point, nothing surprised him anymore.

…

TN:

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