"What?! Ash, are you serious? A potion that can restore up to half a Pokémon's stamina using just common materials?!" Masaki Oak blurted out in disbelief after hearing Ash's explanation.
Everyone knew how valuable healing potions were in the Pokémon world. Even the best mass-produced potion on the market could only restore about 30% of a Pokémon's stamina. But Ash was claiming that a new formula—crafted from easily obtainable ingredients—could restore a full 50%. If that were true, it would be nothing short of revolutionary, and the Oak family would gain a powerful economic foothold in the industry.
"I'm serious," Ash said firmly. "The success rate is around 90%. Right now, I'm just short on materials. That's why I called—I was hoping you could help me gather a batch. I want to run full-scale tests."
Masaki understood Ash's urgency. After all, family progress was tied to resources, and resources required money. If Ash's formula was even half as effective as he claimed, it could be a massive breakthrough.
"Got it. I'll prep everything you need. I'll get the supplies to you in under an hour and a half!" Without wasting another second, Masaki hung up the phone, threw on his clothes, and began mobilizing contacts to collect the ingredients Ash had requested.
Masaki knew Ash well enough to trust him. Ash never joked about serious research. Over the years, Professor Samuel Oak had avoided countless dead ends thanks to Ash's input—Ash's insights had repeatedly guided major discoveries at the Oak lab.
If Ash was now turning his focus to pharmaceutical research, Masaki believed that his potential rivaled even his father's. It was just a matter of time.
"What's going on?" his wife, Yuko Oak, asked groggily, having woken up to the sudden flurry of movement.
"It's okay. Go back to sleep," Masaki said, gently helping her settle back in. "Ash called—he says he's developed a potion using ordinary materials that can restore 50% of a Pokémon's stamina. If it works, it could change everything."
"Really? Then our Oak family might actually be able to compete with the Joys in the pharmaceutical industry," Yuko said, wide awake now.
"Exactly. That's why I need to act fast. Ash has the theory, but we need to see if it holds up in practice."
The Joy family had long been untouchable in the field of Pokémon medicine. No other family's products came close to theirs. But if Ash's formula delivered on its promise, the Oak family might finally have a product that could compete.
"Ash is incredible… So young, and already doing things that seasoned researchers would hesitate to attempt. Delia is really lucky to have a son like him." Yuko smiled, admiration in her voice.
"Yeah, Ash is the most gifted among his generation, no doubt. If the Dragon Clan—especially Lance and his father—knew what kind of talent they cast aside, they'd be eating their hearts out. The Oak bloodline is anything but ordinary," Masaki said with pride. "I'd like to see what those two—Lance and his old man—would say now."
Ash already knew the truth about his lineage. Professor Oak had told him. Ash had shown little interest in the Dragon Clan, but he had never forgotten the pain they caused Delia.
Lance, to his credit, had resisted his family's pressure at first. He'd genuinely loved Delia. But in the end, he gave in and left her and their child behind. That betrayal had left a deep scar—one Delia never truly recovered from.
And even though Ash had grown up without knowing his father, this life had shown him what it meant to be abandoned firsthand. The pain of discovering the truth wasn't just emotional—it was a cut layered upon another, one that would not heal easily.
"Watching Ash grow like this… I really think Gary needs to shape up. He wastes too much time chasing fads and girls. At this age, Ash is already achieving real breakthroughs," Masaki muttered, clearly frustrated.
While Gary had always excelled in theoretical studies, his practical results were far less impressive.
"I'll speak with Gary," Yuko replied, nodding. "With Ash as his rival, he won't want to fall behind. We've spoiled him a bit too much over the years."
Meanwhile, over at the Oak Research Institute in Pallet Town, Professor Samuel Oak had also just received word of Ash's discovery—and he was visibly excited.
"Ash, are you absolutely sure? If this potion works, it could change everything for us!"
"I'm confident," Ash replied. "The success rate is around 90%. And the cost of production should be lower than that of the potions currently available in stores."
About forty minutes later, the sound of a helicopter landing filled the air as it touched down in the backyard of the Oak Research Institute. Masaki had personally overseen the logistics and sent the supplies. Assistants began unloading boxes of ingredients from the cargo bay and bringing them into the lab.
Ash's next step had arrived—the trial phase would begin.
"Ash, take a look—are these the herbs you mentioned?" Masaki Oak asked as he stepped into the research institute. He gave Ash a careful once-over, then nodded in approval.
With his own experience nearing the level of a Champion in his later years, Masaki could easily gauge a trainer's strength. At just seven years old, Ash had already reached the peak of the Elite rank. But what impressed Masaki even more was Ash's calm and rational demeanor. His composure in handling matters gave Masaki full confidence in the success of Ash's pharmaceutical research.
"The herbs are correct," Ash confirmed, glancing at the large bundles brought in. "But this is way more than I need. I'm just one person, and for now I only planned to run a few trial experiments."
Masaki laughed heartily. "No problem at all! I figured it's better to have too much than too little—use as much as you need!"
Ash didn't argue further. He gave a small smile, then turned toward the ingredients. "Alright, give me a bit. I'll start refining the potion—it should take around half an hour."
With that, Ash carefully selected a handful of herbs and carried them into his lab.
This particular room was Ash's personal research space, built specifically for him by Professor Oak. Whether it was training or research, Ash did most of his work here.
...
TN:
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