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Glancing at Slowking's status information, there didn't seem to be anything abnormal. However, this guy was undeniably strong—even if its move set was rather bizarre...Since it wasn't a problem with the Pokémon's abilities, then it had to be something else—perhaps their identity. If Slowking was a "Slow Boss," then of course, things were different.
After all, think about it—between an ordinary person and a major boss, whose connections would be more useful? The difference is clear, and the answer is right there!
"I get it now. If I want some good talents, I need to interact with Pokémon of different statuses and standings."
Though it was still just a hypothesis, Hoshino felt it was highly likely. However, he wouldn't treat the Pokémon that came to him for help differently just to farm better talents.
Talents may vary, but friendship is priceless!
That aside, he immediately equipped [Not Slow At All], but his first reaction was... nothing. He turned to look at Cyclizar and deliberately tilted his head.
"Cycli?"
"Are you asking me what I'm doing?"
"Cycli~"
Cyclizar nodded. With that, Hoshino more or less understood the ability's effect.
It didn't let him literally understand Pokémon speech, but it enhanced his ability to interpret their intent—based on their cries, expressions, movements, and other cues, he could roughly grasp what they were saying.
At the very least, it wasn't like before, where he was completely lost as if listening to a foreign language. He even felt that, given enough time, he might truly be able to understand them entirely.
An enhanced learning ability—maybe that was the core function of this talent. Understanding and learning go hand in hand. Slow Boss really gave him something useful.
"So... about the compensation I lost?"
"Cycli~"
...
Time quickly passed, and soon, it was Monday—the first day of school.
Last night at the izakaya, Slowking had already informed him that he'd been placed in Grade 4, Class 1 at Pokémon School.
Though it felt a bit like going to elementary school, Hoshino memorized it nonetheless. However, as a transfer student, he first had to report to the school office.
Having not visited Nai-chan's restaurant in a week, he decided to stop by before heading to school. It was a chance to test out his new ability, pick up some extra skills, and grab breakfast.
Unfortunately, Nai-chan wasn't there today. Smiling Restaurant was closed, and to prevent customers—or him—from waiting foolishly, a note was taped to the door.
Written in light blue watercolor pen, it explained that the owner had gone out to buy ingredients and would be closed for two days. The handwriting had a youthful charm, with a heart circling the words, and next to it, a small doodle of a Gardevoir.
"As expected of Nai-chan…"
Hoshino wanted to complain but didn't know where to start. He had overheard from Slow Boss that Nai-chan was actually in her thirties.
Then again, discussing a Pokémon's age always felt a little weird…
With no breakfast available, he had no choice but to head home with Cyclizar.
Having lost a hefty sum of compensation money to Slow Boss, he wasn't going to let it slide so easily. Last night, during dinner, he raided the bar counter and swiped a bunch of snacks...
With breakfast taken care of, it was finally time to head to school. The Pokémon School was located in Hau'oli City's southwestern area.
It was adjacent to the city, separated by a forest, with the ocean on the other side—a quiet and serene location, perfect for learning.
There was a direct Exeggutor Bus route from the city to the school, though students with rideable Pokémon could travel on their own. For those without, there was no need to worry.
In Alola, people ran businesses offering trained ride Pokémon for rental. These Pokémon, both domesticated and wild, worked shifts—after work, some even went to Kabukichō to unwind…
Hoshino rode Cyclizar out of the Drifter's District, only to be immediately pursued by a horde of Meowth and Rattata.
Anyone who didn't know better would think he was their boss, leading his underlings into a turf war against some unknown gang.
"What kind of treatment is this? Just going to school, and they're sending me off with such a grand procession. I'm embarrassed."
Hoshino chuckled. He didn't mind these diligent little Pokémon—in fact, teasing them was a fun pastime.
Continuing on Cyclizar along the road, a sudden thought crossed his mind. He muttered, "Speaking of which… when was the last time I went to school? Ever since I graduated, I never went back. Now I'm suddenly nervous. What's up with that?"
Just as he was lost in thought, from the abandoned buildings around him, a group of hunters—who had been waiting for this moment—suddenly launched their attack!
"Meow!"
Alolan Meowth were cunning and intelligent, with both pride and high IQs. After failing multiple times, they had clearly come up with a well-thought-out ambush strategy.
"Cycli!"
"Huh?"
Seeing a swarm of Meowth dropping from above, Hoshino snapped back to reality and quickly tried to steer Cyclizar to dodge.
But none of them expected that at that moment, the sewer grate ahead suddenly flew open!
A Raticate, leading a pack of Rattata, leapt out and latched onto Cyclizar's legs. Some even climbed onto its back.
Startled, Hoshino slammed on the brakes—only for the airborne Meowth to crash into him. He tumbled to the ground with Cyclizar.
This time, he wasn't laughing anymore.
Messing with cats all the time… He finally got what was coming.
Seeing their plan succeed, the stray Pokémon grinned victoriously and pounced on him mercilessly, clawing at his clothes—or just outright biting him.
"Ow, ow, ow!!"
"Not the face—stop pulling my pants! And don't yank—"
The pitiful, helpless Hoshino screamed in distress. In the end, Cyclizar whipped its tail, sending the strays flying. Then, it grabbed the bloodied Hoshino and sped away from the battlefield...
At Hau'oli Pokémon School, the warm sunlight bathed every corner of the campus. As a Komala rang the school bell, the day's lessons officially began.
In Grade 4, Class 1, a dozen lively students sat in their seats, completely unfazed by the bell, continuing their conversations.
However, among them, a single girl had already taken out her textbook and placed it neatly on her desk, waiting quietly for the teacher to arrive.
Seated by the window, her long golden hair swayed gently in the ocean breeze. A faint smile graced her fair and delicate face, but within her emerald eyes, there seemed to be a trace of melancholy…
Just then, the classroom door swung open, and a man wearing a white lab coat with no shirt walked in—it was their homeroom teacher, Professor Kukui!
Seeing that most of the students hadn't even noticed his arrival, he didn't get angry. Instead, he clapped his hands and called out, "Alola~! Settle down, everyone, I have an important announcement!"
"Hm?"
As the students gradually quieted down, Kukui grinned. "The transfer student who couldn't make it last week is finally here today!"
"Really?!"
"Awesome, another rival! I hope they're strong!"
"Yeah, me too!"
Just as excitement built up, a knock on the classroom door caught everyone's attention.
"Speak of the devil—come on in!"
As the door slowly opened, everyone eagerly turned to look—only for their anticipation to freeze in an instant, replaced by sheer horror.
There stood Hoshino, looking like he had just returned from a battlefield—bloodstained goggles around his neck, bandages all over, his uniform dyed red.
Under the stunned gazes of the class, he wobbled in, barely lifting a hand.
"Uh… um… hello… No, wait—Alola."
"ALOLA, MY ASS!"