"Waking up and it's already school again? This holiday was too short…"
Early in the morning, Hoshino stood at the entrance of the Yorozuya, basking in the sun and grumbling.
The weather was nice today, and the temperature had completely started to warm up, but going back to school was a bit of a mood killer, with make-up exams everywhere.
"Forget it, make-up exams are make-up exams. Anyway, I'm not in a hurry. Procrastinating until the last day is still procrastinating…"
It was business as usual anyway; he would go sleep for another day today. According to the logistics information, the express delivery should arrive in the evening, just in time for him to pick it up after school.
He had never really eaten ingredients from a Titan Pokémon before. According to Lillie, a Titan Pokémon is a Pokémon that transformed after eating a plant called "Herba Mystica" brought from Area Zero.
Titan Pokémons are very fierce and enormous, even larger than the Alpha Pokémon recorded in history that only existed in the past. They guard the Herba Mystica and prevent other people and Pokémon from approaching.
As for Titan Pokémon ingredients… to put it simply, if a Slowpoke became a Titan Pokémon, then its ingredients would be Slowpoke tails marinated with Herba Mystica, understood?
Hoshino knew very little about Paldea. After all, he had died on the spot before even getting to play the game, so he didn't have time to research it, let alone the unreleased strategy guides and art books.
Therefore, most of his understanding of Paldea came from leaked game information, and some of that information might even be wrong, so he couldn't completely trust it.
Moreover, Paldea had now become a reality, so there must be significant differences from the Paldea in his impression. Only partial information could be found online, and to understand it in depth, he could only honestly attend school.
He actually really wanted to go to the Paldea region, because Cyclizar is a unique Pokémon there. If he went, perhaps he could investigate Cyclizar's origins and its relationship with Miraidon… It's just a pity he didn't have the means to travel.
"Cycli~"
"Coming!"
Hearing Cyclizar's growl, Hoshino came back to his senses. After tidying up his school uniform, he closed the Yorozuya's door and walked down.
As he sat on Cyclizar, Gengar helped him put on his helmet and goggles, then settled into his arms, sitting with Vulpix.
Since he was going to school, he certainly couldn't leave Vulpix at home alone. Although Braixen would help take care of it, if it didn't see Lillie, the little one would definitely cry again.
"Hold on tight, don't fall off."
"Vul~"
With a familiar rocket start, Cyclizar quickly sped off in that direction. It had been over a month since they were chased by the stray Pokémon at the street corner, maybe they had given up, but he couldn't let his guard down.
…
They arrived at school very quickly. Because it was the start of the school year, it was unusually lively. "Alola~" could be heard everywhere. Hoshino walked through the crowd and arrived at the classroom.
Cyclizar went off to play. He walked in, holding Vulpix and Gengar. He came a bit early today, so there weren't many people in the class, but it was still noisy.
Everyone was chatting about what Pokémon they had caught during the winter break or how much their strength had improved, but he was still noticed, though no one came over to greet him.
Vulpix looked around curiously. It was its first time in a classroom. Gengar, however, loved it here. Whenever a certain someone slept in class, it would sit on the desk and diligently listen to learn knowledge.
"Just wait a moment."
"Vul~"
Vulpix lay on the desk, wagging its fluffy, curly tail, which was very eye-catching. Gengar sat beside it, reaching out a hand to stroke its fur.
After a while, Moon and the others walked into the classroom door in a line, chatting and laughing about their winter break.
Lillie followed behind her. The moment she entered, her gaze fell upon Vulpix over there, so she immediately ran over and greeted them.
"Alola~"
"Alola~"
Hoshino responded casually, as usual, then began to talk with Lillie about some things concerning Vulpix.
"Hmm?"
Watching this scene, Moon and the others couldn't help but be stunned, remembering what Sun and the others had said earlier. It seemed to be true…
"This guy!"
Moon's expression darkened. She led Lana and the others directly over, surrounding Hoshino, and questioned him, "Hey! What exactly did you do to our Lillie? In just one winter break, how did you two get together? Your relationship is too close!"
Hoshino waved his hand and replied, "What did I do… Of course, all sorts of things."
Hearing this, Lana, as always, said something astonishing and asked, "Did you two perhaps start dating?!"
At these words, the entire class was shocked. Everyone's gaze locked on Hoshino.
The class darling, who was cared for by everyone, was secretly taken by a wild boar that jumped over the wall? Why would we have such a dream?
Hoshino: "???"
"Hey! Don't talk nonsense, alright?!"
Lillie shouted angrily. She and Hoshino were just ordinary friends. Why would these people think that way? It was too outrageous…
Finally, after her explanation, the others understood that he was helping her take care of Vulpix, and they hadn't expected these two to become friends.
She didn't mention the Yorozuya because Kabukicho couldn't be easily exposed, and there were also various other matters, to avoid unnecessary trouble.
After the situation was explained, Moon finally smiled, then heavily patted Hoshino on the shoulder and said, "I heard before that you seemed to really like Pokémon. It looks like it's true…"
"But how can you keep something like this a secret? Lillie is our class darling, and her matters are our matters!"
Seeing her suddenly become enthusiastic, Hoshino was full of discomfort: "Her mood changed too quickly…"
"That's how it is in our Alola."
Moon's happiness wasn't because of him, but because Lillie had finally mustered the courage again to try and interact with Pokémon. If Vulpix succeeded this time, everyone would be very happy.
"…"
Hoshino looked at these people, his body unconsciously leaning against the wall, feeling as if it offered more security. He still didn't want to deal with these people.
Fortunately, at this moment, Professor Kukui, whom they hadn't seen in a month, pushed open the door and walked in. Before they knew it, it was already class time, and the others could only return to their seats for now, saving any further discussions for after class.
Professor Kukui was still dressed the same. He rolled up his sleeves, leaned his hands on the podium, and scanned the room.
He lingered a moment on Hoshino, then his gaze fell on Vulpix on Lillie's desk at the front, and he couldn't help but be a little surprised.
Then he smiled and greeted, "Alola~ It seems that after a winter break, everyone has grown quite a bit."
"Needless to say!"
"Haha, still so energetic."
Professor Kukui smiled and continued, "Next, I have something to say that some of you may have already heard: this semester, we're going to collaborate with another school again!"
"Hmm?"
Hoshino looked up curiously. Collaborate with another school? How does this collaboration work?
Seeing that even he was curious, Professor Kukui smiled and began, "At the beginning of April, our class will go to the Naranja Academy in Mesagoza, Paldea region, for studies. You will be there for two months of advanced study before returning!"
"What?!"
Some students who hadn't heard this news, after a brief shock, instantly became excited. Even those who had known in advance reacted the same way upon hearing it.
Hoshino was greatly surprised. He had heard before that this school would have courses involving studying and surveying in other regions. It seemed it was true!
He quickly nudged Lillie in front of him and asked about the situation. Why hadn't he heard about it? She turned sideways and quietly replied, "I was running to the Yorozuya every day and then busy with website matters when I got back, so I didn't pay much attention."
"…"
"Last year, we also went to Jubilife City in the Sinnoh region for studies. I was lucky enough to even meet Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion, and got her autograph, so I'm really looking forward to this study trip."
Because Naranja Academy is one of the few ancient schools in the world, and also the largest, attracting Trainers from all over the world to study there.
Unlike the martial-spirited Galar region, the Paldea region is truly a sacred place for learning. There are no age restrictions; from 3-year-old dojo kids to 146-year-old martial arts emperors, anyone can enroll…
Looking at the students' excited faces, Professor Kukui stood with his hands on his hips, wearing a helpless expression, and continued, "This is an opportunity I painstakingly acquired by talking with the newly appointed Principal Clavell over there. Because our class has the best performance in the school, don't embarrass us over there, okay."
"Yay! Don't worry!"
Not only them, but Hoshino was also very excited at this moment. Going to the Paldea region, how could he not look forward to it? Then, the next second, his smile vanished…
Because Professor Kukui suddenly added, "Of course, this trip is limited to the excellent students in our class. But I don't suppose there are any stragglers in our class who have failed several semester courses, hmm?"
"…"
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