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"N-no, it's fine! You're being too kind!"
Giacomo scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Even though he didn't recognize the young Pokémon at Kai's side, its small size made it clear that it had only recently hatched.
He didn't think there was any need to take it personally.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Giacomo's face lit up with enthusiasm.
The countless times he had rehearsed this introduction during his vacation flashed in his mind as he said, "My name is Giacomo. I'm a student in Class 5-G, and as of this semester, I've taken on the role of student council president. Chairwoman Geeta asked me to escort you around the academy, Teacher."
"Giacomo?"
Kai blinked, studying the well-mannered boy before him. The image just didn't fit with the mischievous, DJ-wannabe Team Star squad leader he remembered.
What's going on? How did he change this much?
And then there were others. Earlier, he had encountered a lively Nemona, who claimed she wasn't interested in becoming a Trainer. Was it possible that these were glimpses of who they used to be before their defining moments?
Noticing Giacomo's curious gaze, Kai quickly regained his composure. Clearing his throat, he asked, "Did Chairwoman Geeta tell you where to take me?"
"Oh, yes!" Giacomo nodded earnestly. "She was worried you might get lost on the campus, so she asked me to bring you to the principal's office. Chairwoman Geeta will be there with Director/Principal Clavell and Teacher Hassel."
"Got it. Lead the way, then."
"Of course!"
As the grand doors opened, they stepped into Naranja Academy's vast atrium.
The grandiose hall connected to the academy's enormous library, and the air was thick with the scent of old books. The sense of history and scholarship practically oozed from every corner.
Giacomo couldn't hide his pride as he introduced the space. "This is Naranja Academy's pride the library! It holds one of the largest collections in the world, with books on practically every subject. It's one of the reasons we produce so many top graduates in various fields!"
Kai took a moment to glance around, considering the idea of using the library to expand his knowledge of farming.
Despite his accomplishments, he knew his expertise in agriculture still had a long way to go.
Giacomo then led Kai toward a set of spiral staircases. Nearby stood several security terminals, preventing unauthorized entry into certain parts of the campus.
"Beyond this point are the teaching areas and student dormitories. Only authorized personnel can enter, which is why we have facial recognition."
"Since this is your first day, I'll handle it for you!"
Giacomo stepped up to one of the machines and let it scan his face. With a soft beep, the gate slid open, and he gestured for Kai to go ahead.
Kai nodded and stepped through with Growlithe trotting at his side.
Once Giacomo joined him, the boy hesitated before speaking. "Uh, Teacher? Can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Well… what subject are you teaching? You seem really young, so is it home economics or art?"
Kai couldn't help but smirk at the question. "Nope. I'm your new Battle Studies teacher. The chairwoman didn't tell you?"
"Wait, what?" Giacomo glanced at him, surprised. "She just told me to pick up a young teacher arriving on a Dragonite."
"But since you've trained such a strong Dragonite, you must be a pretty skilled Trainer, right?"
Kai chuckled at the question. Given his low profile, he wasn't surprised Giacomo didn't know him. Over the past year, Kai had spent his time challenging gyms and training in the wild, steering clear of major public events.
Additionally, the battles involving the Elite Four and Champion League were often confidential. Even his Live-streamed battle against Geeta had minimal viewership due to his obscure following at the time, leaving the public largely unaware of the new Champion-level Trainer.
"Don't worry," Kai said with a smile. "When it comes to skill, I'm pretty strong."
---
At the principal's office…
Giacomo left after escorting Kai to the door. Standing before it, Kai knocked.
"Come in," a voice called.
Pushing the door open, Kai stepped into the bright and spacious room. Three people seated around a small coffee table turned their attention to him.
One glance and Kai could sense the variety of gazes on him some curious, some scrutinizing, and others welcoming.
The curious look came from the bespectacled middle-aged man, whom Kai identified from his research as Principal Clavell.
The scrutinizing gaze belonged to a stern-looking man, whom Giacomo had described as Hassel.
Lastly, the warm, welcoming gaze was from Geeta, who gave Kai a friendly wave.
"Kai, come over here!" Geeta said with a smile.
"Chairwoman, it's been a while," Kai replied, nodding as he walked toward them with steady steps. Growlithe followed close behind, puffing out its chest as if trying to match Kai's confident demeanour.
"You must be the new Battle Studies teacher recommended by Chairwoman Geeta!" Principal Clavell said, standing to shake Kai's hand with a kind smile.
"Principal Clavell, it's a pleasure to meet you." Kai returned the handshake, his tone polite and composed. After exchanging pleasantries, he turned to Hassel, who remained seated.
"Mr Hassel, I presume? It's an honour," Kai said, offering his hand.
Hassel stared at Kai in silence for a moment before addressing Geeta. "Chairwoman, are you certain this young man is fit for a position that demands extensive battle experience?"
"Of course," Geeta said confidently. "He's a Trainer I personally respect."
Standing up, Hassel examined Kai carefully, his eyes briefly landing on the little Growlithe at his feet. A subtle but unmistakable expression of doubt crossed his face.
"With all due respect, Battle Studies requires exceptional personal skill," Hassel said, his tone critical. "It's not a role that just anyone can fill."
Kai immediately understood the situation Hassel was judging him based on his youthful appearance.
As someone who had crossed worlds and proven himself, Kai wasn't one to tolerate unnecessary disrespect. He prepared to summon Dragonite and Ceruledge to make his point clear.
Before he could act, however, Clavell interjected.
"Don't stress about it," he said firmly, "Kai here is a Champion-level Trainer. You shouldn't underestimate him based on his age."
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