Pokemon: A New Path
Naoki’s class -I [672]

Although she was clearly intrigued, Briar didn't immediately approach Naoki for help.

She wanted to be certain first, to understand whether he truly believed in the contents of the Scarlet Book. If she made a mistake and revealed too much to someone who thought it was just a fairy tale, it could lead to unnecessary complications.

After finishing introductions to the faculty, Principal Cyrano smiled and said, "Alright, that wraps it up for now. You can start your class at this time next week."

Just then, the Dean of Academics stepped in and reminded him, "Principal, you haven't introduced our new teacher to the students yet!"

"Oh, right! I nearly forgot!" Cyrano slapped his forehead. "Let's go. I'll bring you to say hello to the students."

"No problem," Naoki said with a small nod.

They left the staff office, walked down a long corridor, rounded a corner, and arrived at a row of classrooms.

As they walked, Naoki listened to Cyrano's running commentary.

"These are our main lecture rooms for theory classes. First-years are on the first floor, second-years on the second, and third-years on the third. Each grade has four classes."

"That may sound like a lot, but don't worry. We've scheduled your lecture in one of the large halls to save time. The second and third-year students will be grouped together to attend your class."

Naoki blinked. "You're certainly making the most of me, Principal."

Cyrano just laughed.

"The students are already waiting. The lecture hall is on the fourth floor. Let's head up."

They climbed the stairs and soon reached the spacious amphitheater that served as the academy's primary large classroom.

At the door, Cyrano turned to Naoki. "Wait here a moment while I make the announcement. I'll call you in afterward."

Naoki gave a thumbs-up. He was familiar with this kind of routine. Introductions like these were common even in his old world.

With that, Cyrano entered the hall.

Inside, the students quieted almost instantly at the sight of the principal stepping up to the podium. Their murmurs died down as they turned to look forward, though a few hushed conversations lingered in the back.

"Hey, Nali, did you hear? I think there's a new teacher starting today," one girl whispered excitedly.

The girl named Nali adjusted her glasses, remained silent for a moment, then calmly replied, "Carmine, the principal is speaking. Whispering right now is disrespectful. It wastes time."

Carmine pouted and leaned her head against her hand, gazing out the window with boredom. "Group lectures like this are so boring."

At the podium, Cyrano smiled warmly at the students.

"As many of you have already heard, our school is welcoming a new teacher today."

The classroom stirred immediately.

"A new teacher?"

"Who is it?"

"Do you think it's a new battle instructor? Maybe someone really strong?"

Excited whispers spread through the room.

Cyrano raised a hand, letting the anticipation build a little longer. "As for this teacher… I believe some of you may have heard rumors about him."

He paused.

"Some say he's a simple rancher, quietly tending to his land in the countryside."

"Others say he's a legendary trainer, someone whose strength surpasses even Champions, a man admired by Legendary Pokémon themselves."

"There's even talk that he runs a unique ranch filled with rare Pokémon, where he hosts challenging trials for traveling trainers, helping them grow stronger."

"His stories have spread across the region, and even those who haven't begun their journey have heard of him."

Cyrano smiled as he delivered the final line, letting it echo through the classroom.

"He is Mr. Naoki from the Paldea region, the man many trainers call the Strongest."

After hearing the entire introduction, Naoki stood frozen.

Naoki: "..."

'This is way too embarrassing.'

Principal Cyrano turned with excitement and looked toward the door. He gave Naoki a nod and started leading the applause.

Naoki felt his scalp tingle. With no way to escape, he clenched his teeth and stepped into the classroom. In an instant, he was hit with the full weight of a hundred eyes locked on him.

He walked to Cyrano's side at the podium, nodded politely, and said to the students, "Hello everyone. I'm Naoki. Starting next week, I'll be teaching you about Pokémon care and battle techniques."

As soon as the name Naoki left his mouth, Carmine, who had been half-heartedly watching the scenery outside the window, suddenly turned her head.

She stared at the familiar figure on stage, her eyes wide, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.

Even Nali, usually calm and composed, looked shocked.

'So it's really that trainer.'

Nali glanced at her friend's stunned face.

That wasn't just a surprise. It was the look of someone who recognized the person.

She asked carefully, "Do you know him?"

"Yes, yes, of course I do!" Carmine's voice shot up with excitement, her eyes lighting up.

She never imagined she'd meet Mr. Naoki here of all places.

It had been years since they last saw each other.

Since then, she and Kieran had enrolled at Blueberry Academy. They had always meant to visit the ranch in Paldea again, but their school schedule was too packed. Otherwise, they would have definitely visited Mr. Naoki and Ogerpon.

'Wait a second...'

'Mr. Naoki is here... to be a teacher?'

The realization hit her like a shockwave.

Overcome with excitement, Carmine suddenly raised her hand and waved energetically in Naoki's direction.

Naoki and Cyrano both noticed immediately.

The principal glanced up, then turned to Naoki. When Naoki got a good look at the girl waving at him, he froze.

"That's... Carmine?"

He vividly remembered what had happened with Carmine and Kieran during his agricultural exchange in Kitakami a few years back.

But what was she doing here at Blueberry Academy?

Cyrano noticed the look on Naoki's face and asked, "You know that student?"

Naoki nodded. "I visited Kitakami in the past for agricultural exchange programs. She's from there."

"I see," Cyrano replied with understanding, then smiled. "Fate certainly works in mysterious ways."

Meanwhile, the buzz among the students was spreading like wildfire.

Whispers passed from row to row, and soon everyone was talking.

A quiet rancher. A humble farmer. A Champion-level trainer. The hidden powerhouse of the Paldea region. A man who had caught Legendary Pokémon.

To hear all of those titles describe one person made it feel like something out of a myth.

And now, that person was going to be their teacher.

"Mr. Naoki, when will you be teaching us?" one student asked with enthusiasm.

Just a few minutes ago, no one had cared much about the announcement. Some were even annoyed at the thought of an extra class.

But now, everything had changed.

This wasn't just another class.

This was a class taught by a true Champion.

Naoki looked at the eager student and smiled gently.

"I'll be here at this same time next week."

"Yes, Naoki still has responsibilities of his own," Principal Cyrano reminded the class. "He only has half a day each week to teach here, so make good use of that time. Understood?"

"Huh? Only half a day?" the students murmured, sounding a bit disappointed. A few heads drooped.

It wasn't that they didn't want to attend the class. The problem was that half a day felt so short.

Cyrano continued, "Mr. Naoki runs a large Pokémon ranch and is also taking care of a newborn baby. I had to work very hard to get even that half-day for you."

Upon hearing that, the students quickly changed their tune. Half a day suddenly felt very generous.

Naoki looked at the students, a little surprised.

'Were they really that excited for his class?'

After thinking for a moment, he leaned over and whispered something to Principal Cyrano.

Cyrano's eyes lit up as soon as he heard it. With a few parting words to the class, he gave Naoki a nod and stepped out of the room, leaving Naoki alone with the students.

All eyes turned to Naoki, filled with curiosity.

Naoki smiled calmly and said, "Since everyone seems to be looking forward to next week, how about we have a short chat today?"

He walked closer to the front of the podium and looked across the room.

"Let me ask you something. What do you think is the relationship between humans and Pokémon?"

"Partners!" one student called out.

Naoki nodded. "Good. Anyone else?"

"Friends!" another answered.

"That's also correct," Naoki replied with a smile.

"Family!" came another voice.

Naoki turned toward the voice. It was Carmine, her hand raised proudly.

"Carmine's answer is also spot on," he said with a warm nod.

Carmine's face lit up. Her chest swelled with pride.

'Mr. Naoki still remembers me!'

"There's no single right answer," Naoki continued. "Over time, Pokémon have become an inseparable part of our lives. They stay by our side longer than many people in our lives. Sometimes, they are with us longer than our parents, our spouses, even our children."

"From the moment we meet them, until the day we grow old and leave this world... they are with us."

The room fell silent. Many students had lowered their heads, thoughtful.

Naoki let the words settle, then gently shifted the topic.

"Raising Pokémon isn't just about strength or battle techniques. It's also about building a real connection."

"Your bond with them is also a kind of power."

"When your relationship is strong enough, a Pokémon might push through the pain and keep fighting so you don't feel sad. It might resist falling asleep when hit by Sleep Powder, just because it wants to protect you."

"So, my first lesson to you is this. Take care of the Pokémon beside you. Treat them well. Love them."

He paused, then nodded at the quiet classroom of students.

With that, Naoki turned and left.