The next day, in the afternoon.
Kukui's body had almost fully recovered. At this moment, he was leisurely sipping tea brewed by Lucas in a chipped teapot when he suddenly heard that Lucas was giving him the afternoon off. Kukui volunteered, "Do you have anything to do? I can help out!"
Lucas smiled, "Come to think of it, Kukui, I haven't told you this yet—besides being a farmer, I'm also a teacher. This afternoon, I have to teach a class at Naranja Academy in Mesagoza City."
A teacher! At Naranja Academy!
Kukui's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that, apart from being a farmer and a trainer, Lucas was also a teacher.
And not just any teacher, but one at Paldea's Naranja Academy—one of the world's most prestigious academies, whose name even he, hailing from Alola, had heard.
The more time he spent with Lucas, the more Kukui realized Lucas was like a treasure chest full of secrets. Lucas was only eighteen, but whether in experience or knowledge, he far surpassed Kukui.
Kukui's interest was piqued, his eyes sparkling: "Lucas, can you take me to visit Naranja Academy? It'd be even better if I could watch your class!"
With the blueprint for building up Alola in his heart, Kukui seized every opportunity to broaden his horizons.
Knowing Kukui's current ambitions, Lucas didn't refuse and scratched his head uncertainly. "Uh, let me ask?"
Kukui bowed deeply, "Sorry for the trouble!"
Lucas nodded and immediately called Yachi.
Though the dean was rarely seen throughout the year, it was much easier for Lucas to contact Geeta directly.
The call quickly connected, and Geeta's slightly amused voice came through: "You have a class this afternoon. You're not calling to ask for leave, are you?"
Geeta's tone with Lucas wasn't that of a superior to a subordinate—it felt more like casual chat between friends.
"Of course not." Lucas shook his head, thinking Geeta might not approve his leave anyway. "It's like this, I recently made a friend from Alola named Kukui. He heard I have a class today and wants to visit the academy. I figured I'd need your approval, so I'm asking."
"I understand. Give me a moment."
Geeta didn't answer immediately but instead started searching on her computer.
Soon, Paldea League's database pulled up some information on Kukui.
The details weren't extensive—after all, Kukui was from Alola. Mostly, it listed his honors and a check with the International Police database to confirm no criminal record.
Geeta's sharp eyes skimmed the information, finally stopping at a recent entry:
["Kukui distinguished himself at the Kanto Indigo League, earning the right to challenge the Elite Four. He defeated Lorelei, Bruno, and Agatha, but finally lost 4-6 to Lance's ace Dragonite."]
With just this, Geeta concluded that Kukui was a talent—the kind of promising trainer she most wanted to recruit.
Although Kukui had failed to defeat Kanto's Elite Four, his strength was real. With some more time and guidance, he might even pass the championship test Geeta oversaw.
Having made her judgment, Geeta nodded, "No problem. You can bring him to visit the academy. I'll have everything else arranged and notified, so there won't be a repeat of last time."
Lucas, knowing what Geeta meant, just smiled and moved on. He turned to the expectant Kukui and nodded.
"Alright!"
Even though Kukui tried to suppress his excitement, his voice was still caught by Geeta on the other end, who smiled and suddenly asked, "Lucas, your phone isn't on speaker, is it?"
Lucas replied, puzzled, "No, it's not."
Geeta nodded. "Then I'll be frank. Kukui is a rare talent—I want to see if we can get him to stay in Paldea for advanced training. Can you try to sound him out for me?"
Lucas glanced at Kukui, who was already gathering his Pokémon, and replied, "I'll give it a try."
But in reality, Lucas doubted that Kukui, who was so focused on building up Alola League, would choose to stay in Paldea.
…
Naranja Academy.
"Boss, you're really going to that guy's class again?"
"Yeah! For a teacher to tattle on us, how lame!"
The incessant chattering of his two lackeys annoyed Ortega. Several days had passed since Lucas had cut off his allowance.
Today was Wednesday—Lucas' classes were set for Wednesdays and Fridays, and soon Ortega would have to attend again.
With his financial support gone, Ortega had to lower himself and eat with the commoners in the academy cafeteria.
With his first bite, Ortega, unaccustomed to the down-to-earth cuisine, covered his mouth and dumped the tray in the trash.
For the next two days, he refused to eat in the cafeteria. Those who used to gather around him for his wealth disappeared, leaving only these two bumbling followers.
On the third day, even after seeking out the director/butler, Harrington, who was unusually firm, Ortega, unable to stand the hunger, had no choice but to wolf down the cafeteria food.
After the first time, there was a second—Ortega started appearing on time at the cafeteria. The looks he got from his former lackeys now carried hints of contempt.
Now, only these two idiots still stuck by him.
Ortega didn't answer directly, just rubbed his forehead. "It's about time, I'm going to class."
With that, Ortega walked to the field under the mocking and disdainful gazes of his classmates.
The two lackeys exchanged glances, then, as if making a decision, shouted, "Boss, wait for us—we're coming too!"
…
The meeting place was still the field. Kukui stood watching from a distance as Lucas scanned the assembled students and nodded in satisfaction.
Good—all fifteen students from last class were here, plus two newcomers.
Though he hadn't been notified of any new students, Lucas didn't mind. The two seemed to be Ortega's followers or friends.
Clapping his hands to get everyone's attention, Lucas said, "Did everyone receive the name of today's class?"
Nemona raised her hand, excitedly shouting, "Yes! You're teaching us essential skills for trainers, right?"
Finally, the teacher was about to impart more advanced knowledge!
Lucas nodded, "That's right. Today I'll teach you the most essential skill for a trainer—"
He drew out the words, and seeing the eager eyes of the students, he grinned, "For a trainer, the most important thing is a pair of legs that can outrun wild Pokémon in the wild."
"So, today's class is—physical training!"
At those words, Nemona's excitement visibly faded from her face.