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Thank you, fellow cultivators～
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"This feeling of being cared for… You really haven't changed at all," Lusamine murmured as she awoke, watching Ash tidy the room. In their past life, she'd been the sole recipient of his attention. Now, with Elesa lounging nearby, she knew there would be others—but for once, jealousy didn't stir.
Ash helped them both dress, casual as ever. "Stop overthinking. We're lucky to have this second chance. At least you don't have anorexia anymore—saves me the trouble." He paused, holding up a spice jar. "But seriously, what do you prefer now? Sweet? Sour? Gotta adjust the menu."
"Everything you make is perfect. Just like before," Lusamine said softly, her smile bittersweet. "Though it's louder here now… warmer."
Elesa nibbled toast nearby. "Was he always this… dad-like?"
"Oh, yes. A natural caretaker."
"Then I definitely hit the jackpot."
"Ugh." Ash's ears burned as they laughed.
With Lusamine needing rest, the group stayed another day in town. Brock sat alone on the beach, sighing dramatically. "Why does Ash get all the love? Meanwhile, my springtime never comes…"
Far from the pity party, Ash coached Gladion's team.
"Deep Breathing—it's foundational. Works for Normal, Grass, Fighting, even Fire types. Think of it like… ripples in water." He mimed tossing a stone. "Breathing creates waves in the body, channeling energy. Call it 'Ripple Overdrive' if you want. My Pikachu, Meowth, and Chansey have mastered it. Even simple breaths become power boosts."
Gladion's eyes widened. "So in battle, we recover stamina… while opponents waste theirs?"
"Exactly. Let's start with Eevee and Persian. But you," Ash tossed Gladion a set of weights, "are joining them."
"Wait—me?!"
Ash stripped off his jacket, revealing defined muscles. "Training together bonds you to your Pokémon. Plus—" he grinned wolfishly, "—if some punk tries mugging you? You'll break their nose."
Gladion gulped. This would hurt.
Nearby, Lusamine chuckled, content to watch. Her original plan—using Ultra Wormholes to search for Ash's past world—was obsolete. He was here. Now, only one thing mattered: eliminating threats.
Time to clean house. Her smile turned icy. Those endangering her family would vanish.
Ash joined her later, noting her sharp gaze. "Big plans back home?"
"A few weeds to pull. Nothing you need worry about."
He handed her a violet card emblazoned with a golden 'C'. "The Continental Hotel's yours now. Resources, alliances—use them. Let others get their hands dirty."
Lusamine tucked the card away. "As expected of my hero." Leaning into him, she whispered, "I'm glad we found each other again."
"Me too."
Across the field, Gladion collapsed mid-pushup, wheezing. Worth it… but gods, their PDA is lethal.
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