Pokemon: A New Path
Blueberry Academy- II [670]

"Blueberry Academy?" 

Naoki vaguely felt like he had heard that name somewhere before.

After a moment of thought, it finally came back to him.

A few years ago, Geeta had mentioned that the Paldea League had collaborated with the Unova League to establish Blueberry Academy, a sister school to Naranja Academy and Uva Academy, built on the ocean.

"They developed the technology to harness the power of Tera Crystals. Now the academy is fully operational, and they've begun expanding and recruiting new faculty," Geeta explained, revealing the reason for her visit to the ranch.

"The headmaster there heard about your reputation in the Paldea region and asked me to personally invite you to join Blueberry Academy as a teacher."

Naoki: "..."

To be honest, Naoki hadn't remembered much about Blueberry Academy until Geeta brought it up that day.

As far as Naoki knew, only two places currently had the ability to use Tera Crystallization, Paldea and Kitakami, the countryside featured in the first half of the Teal Mask DLC.

Which raised an interesting question. If Blueberry Academy also had Tera capabilities, could it be connected to the second part of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC?

Or even more intriguing, was the third Legendary Pokémon, Terapagos, the one associated with Area Zero beyond Koraidon and Miraidon, actually hidden somewhere within Blueberry Academy, out there on the sea?

While Naoki was lost in thought, Geeta smiled and asked, "So, what do you think? Interested in becoming a teacher there?"

Naoki was definitely curious about the place. But from what Geeta had said, Blueberry Academy clearly wasn't in Paldea. It was far from the ranch.

That was the real issue. He had Pokémon to care for, a home to manage, and a baby daughter to raise. He just didn't have that kind of time.

After a moment's reflection, Naoki shook his head. "I appreciate it, but I have a family to take care of."

He had already promised himself that he wouldn't follow in the footsteps of professors like Dr. Sada and Dr. Turo, the kind who leave their children behind in the name of research. He wasn't going to leave Elara alone at the ranch while both he and Iono were off working.

Naoki just couldn't do that. From the moment his daughter was born, he had sworn to be the kind of father who showed up.

Geeta didn't look surprised by his refusal. Instead, she chuckled softly. "I figured you'd say that."

Naoki looked at her, puzzled.

"In fact, when Headmaster Cyrano first reached out to me about recruiting you, I told him there was a ninety-nine percent chance you'd turn him down. So he made some... special arrangements just for you," Geeta said with a grin.

Naoki blinked. "Special arrangements?"

Geeta smiled wider. "If you agree to teach, you can set your own schedule. No need to relocate, no need to teach every day. Just one half-day class a week."

"And that's not all. The salary is one million Pokédollars per month. You'd have full access to all the academy's facilities, and you're free to catch any Pokémon that appear on campus."

Naoki stood there, stunned.

"All that... just to recruit me?" he asked, still in disbelief.

"Of course," Geeta replied, nodding confidently. "You're the hidden ace of Paldea, the strongest trainer in the region. You've even caught Legendary Pokémon like Zapdos and Raikou."

"If you agree to join, Blueberry Academy will definitely gain popularity. Lots of trainers would be drawn in just to hear you share your Champion-level experience."

Naoki: "..."

It suddenly hit him, was he really that well-known outside the ranch?

Until now, he had still thought of himself as just a simple rancher.

"So, think it over carefully," Geeta said with a smile. "No need to give me an answer right away. You can talk it through with Iono once she gets back."

"I've already passed along the offer. When you make your decision, just give me a call on your Rotom Phone, and I'll relay it to Headmaster Cyrano. That's all for now. I've got some league matters to attend to, so I'll be heading out."

With that, Geeta waved goodbye and left the ranch.

Not long after she was gone, Iono returned home from work.

That evening, after dinner, the family curled up on the couch with a few of their Pokémon and watched a movie together.

But Iono noticed that Naoki seemed distracted.

"What's on your mind?" she asked, gently nudging him. "Something happen today?"

Naoki blinked and sat up a little straighter. "Have you ever heard of Blueberry Academy?"

"Blueberry Academy?" Iono tilted her head. "Isn't that the one founded by the Paldea League and Unova League together? I've heard of it. They've been doing exchange programs with the academy here in Paldea the past couple of years."

Naoki nodded. "Their principal invited me to be a teacher. Geeta came by earlier and explained everything."

He then told Iono all about Geeta's visit.

Once she heard the details, Iono immediately understood what he was struggling with.

"Well, if you want to go, then go!" she said with a grin. "You'd only need to teach half a day per week. That's just two days a month. And they're offering a million Pokédollars in salary? That's an amazing deal!"

Naoki stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Since when did you become so money-minded?"

Iono laughed too. "I'm not. I just think this is too good to pass up!"

Naoki gave it some serious thought. It really was an incredible opportunity.

As the saying goes, a fool turns down free money.

But there was still one problem. What would happen to the ranch if he was away?

Before he could even voice that worry, Iono had already thought of a solution.

"Gym Leaders get one day off a week, right? You can schedule your teaching on that day. I can handle things here at the ranch with the Pokémon and Elara. You don't need to worry. Plus, Indeedee can help out too."

Naoki paused, then nodded slowly. That was a solid plan.

He could spend his weekdays at the ranch as usual, and just take one morning a week to visit Blueberry Academy. That added up to only two days per month.

And truthfully, he was curious. He wanted to know more about Blueberry Academy and how it connected to Terapagos.

With that thought, Naoki pulled out his Rotom Phone and sent a message to Geeta.

[Naoki: I'm in.]

...

The next morning, Cyrano, the principal of Blueberry Academy, arrived at Tree House Ranch.

As soon as he heard that Naoki had accepted the academy's invitation, Cyrano had made his way from Unova to Paldea overnight without hesitation.

When he arrived at the ranch, Naoki was in the middle of milking one of his Gogoats.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Naoki turned and saw a man in a white suit, dark-skinned, wearing a polished gentleman's hat. He had the refined presence of someone from a distinguished family, reminding Naoki faintly of fashion styles he'd seen in documentaries from his previous life.

From Geeta's description the night before, Naoki immediately recognized who this man was.

"Good morning, Mr. Naoki. I'm Cyrano, principal of Blueberry Academy. I heard from the Champion that you've accepted our invitation, so I came personally to greet you," Cyrano said warmly, removing his hat in a polite bow.

"Hello, Principal Cyrano," Naoki replied.

Just then, Iono came outside, having heard voices. Cyrano turned to face her with a smile.

"This is my wife, Iono," Naoki introduced casually.

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Iono," Cyrano said politely.

Iono nodded with a small smile in return.

Naoki finished bottling the Life Goat Milk and gave his Gogoat an affectionate pat on the head. Then he gestured toward the house.

"Please, come inside. We can chat in the living room."

"Then I'll gladly accept your hospitality," Cyrano replied with a grin as he placed his hat back on and followed them indoors.

Inside the cozy living room, several Pokémon were playing together. Cyrano's sharp eyes quickly took note of how rare and unique they were.

A golden humanoid Pokémon shimmered in the sunlight. Another, resembling a small girl in a mossy green cloak, floated near the window. A third hovered playfully overhead with mischievous eyes and small tiger-like fangs—it looked like a cross between a Mismagius and a mythical trickster.

Each one was extraordinary, Pokémon not even catalogued in the Pokédex.

'As expected of the most mysterious and powerful trainer in Paldea,' Cyrano thought. He couldn't help but admire the scene.

Noticing the guest, the younger Indeedee, brought over a tray of steaming black tea and gently placed it on the table. Her older brother, gave the room a quick sweep with a broom before quietly retreating.

"Thank you very much," Cyrano said with sincere gratitude.

"Aiya~" the younger Indeedee chirped happily, turning with the empty tray and humming as she resumed her chores.

"I heard you helped found Blueberry Academy, Principal Cyrano. Building an entire school on the ocean is no small feat," Naoki said, striking up conversation.

"Well, it wasn't just me," Cyrano replied modestly. "Many talented people and dedicated Pokémon helped make it a reality. But I'm truly glad you accepted our invitation."

"I'm curious too," Naoki admitted. "I want to see what a floating academy looks like."

Cyrano gave a knowing smile. "Then have you made your final decision?"

He was referring, of course, to Naoki's agreement to teach.

"Yeah." Naoki nodded: "I have tried many things in my life, but I have never tried teaching, so I want to experience it."

He has been a human for two lifetimes. He has been a social animal and worked in a factory as a summer intern. After crossing over, he became a farmer. Now he has the opportunity to be a teacher. Naoki still wants to try it.

"Haha! Mr. Naoki, you're far more fascinating than I imagined," Cyrano laughed. "In that case, I won't say more. Come see for yourself when you visit the academy."

As it happened, Naoki had free time today.

It was the weekend. The Levincia Gym was closed, and Iono was at home.

Cyrano had come with a purpose, to personally escort Naoki for a tour of Blueberry Academy and introduce him to the staff, students, and facilities.

Naoki and Cyrano hit it off right away, and Iono gave her full support.

"Hehe, in that case, go ahead and enjoy yourself," she said. "Leave everything here to us!"

At ten o'clock sharp, Naoki handed over the day's ranch duties to Iono and set off for Blueberry Academy, flying through the skies on the back of Koraidon.

Principal Cyrano accompanied Naoki on a Squawkabilly flying taxi, the signature aerial transport of the Paldea region. In just over two hours, they reached their destination.

The sky was clear, and the ocean below sparkled under the morning sun. Far in the distance, Naoki spotted a massive blue structure rising from the sea's surface.

The building resembled a massive igloo, its architecture rounded and futuristic. A long, narrow battle bridge stretched from its front, connecting it to a cluster of modern facilities. Behind those stood an enormous glassy dome that gleamed beneath the sunlight.

Their flying taxi descended onto the battle bridge, where they were quickly surrounded by students in sharp blue uniforms.

This academy had a very different feel compared to Naranja or Uva Academy in Paldea. The students here ranged from young teens to university-age trainees, most appearing between eight and twenty years old.

"We've arrived. Welcome to Blueberry Academy," Cyrano announced as he looked proudly at the school's majestic skyline. "Come with me. I'll give you a proper tour."

Naoki nodded and followed him forward across the bridge.