"It's—it's fine. You're too kind."
Pina scratched his head. He didn't recognize the Pokémon beside the New Teacher, but its size alone made it clear that it had only recently hatched. He had no reason to take offense.
Taking a deep breath, Pina wore an excited expression and slowly recited the self-introduction he had practiced countless times at home over the break. "My name is Pina. I'm a student in Class 5-G, and starting this semester, I'll be serving as the academy's Student Council President. Chairperson Poppy asked me to show you around."
"Pina?"
Luo Mu blinked, trying to reconcile the boy before him, who looked every bit the model student, with the delinquent-like leader of Team Star's second squad from his memories, whose dream had been to become a DJ.
What a huge change!
And then there was the lively Pepper he'd met before, and Nemo, who hadn't wanted to become a Trainer. Had growing up really changed them this much?
Under Pina's puzzled gaze, Luo Mu used an adult's ability to keep his composure. He cleared his throat, quickly recovered, and asked, "Did Chairperson Poppy say where you should take me?"
"Oh! Yes." Pina nodded and replied promptly. "Chairperson Poppy was worried you might get lost on campus, so she asked me to show you around. She's waiting for you in the principal's office with Principal Mui and Dean of Students Taro."
"Then I'll trouble you to show me the way."
"Sure!"
They opened the door and entered the academy. The first thing they saw was Naranja Academy's enormous main hall.
It connected to the school's vast library, renowned for its extensive collection. As soon as they entered, the rich scent of books and the weight of history washed over them.
Pina introduced it with pride. "This is Naranja Academy's much-vaunted library. Its collection is among the largest in the world, covering knowledge from all walks of life. It's one of the resources that allows the academy to produce outstanding graduates in so many fields."
Luo Mu looked around, thinking he could come here to brush up on farming knowledge whenever he had time. His knowledge was still far too limited.
Pina then led Luo Mu over to a nearby spiral staircase, where several security gates stood, barring entry to anyone not affiliated with Naranja Academy.
Pina explained, "Beyond here are the classrooms and student dormitories. You need to use facial recognition to enter these areas."
"But since this is your first time at Naranja Academy, I'll take you in."
As he spoke, Pina scanned his face at the security gates. They slid open with a whoosh, and he gestured for Luo Mu to go ahead.
Luo Mu nodded and walked through the gates with Growlithe.
Pina followed him through and continued leading the way.
As if a question had suddenly occurred to him, Pina asked curiously, "Teacher, may I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
Pina asked, "What subject will you be teaching? You look so young. Are you teaching home economics or art?"
Luo Mu's expression turned a little odd. "No. I'm your Battle Teacher. Didn't Chairperson Poppy tell you?"
"Huh?" Pina glanced discreetly at Luo Mu, looking surprised. "Chairperson Poppy didn't mention that. She just told me to meet a young new teacher who'd be arriving at the main entrance on a Dragonite."
"But if you've already raised such a powerful Pokémon as Dragonite, you must be a formidable Trainer, right?"
Luo Mu blinked. Pina's question didn't surprise him.
After all, over the past year, he'd spent his time either challenging Gyms or training in the wilderness. He hadn't been caught up in many major events, so it made sense that ordinary people hadn't heard much about him.
In most Leagues, challenges for the Elite Four and Champion were kept highly confidential. Even Kofu's livestream had only been approved because of her Gym Leader status.
And back then, Kofu had very few followers. The livestream itself had been the best she could manage, and there'd been no way to record it, so the battle was little known.
Apart from a few people with the right connections, most residents of the Paldea region didn't know that a new Champion-level Trainer had appeared.
It was only natural that Pina didn't know and had asked.
Thinking this, Luo Mu smiled. "Don't worry. In terms of strength, I'm pretty good."
Outside the principal's office.
After bringing Luo Mu there, Pina bowed and took his leave. Standing in front of the principal's office, Luo Mu knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Luo Mu pushed the door open. A bright, spacious office came into view, and the three people seated together on a nearby sofa turned to look at him.
One gaze was appraising, one was scrutinizing, and one was friendly.
The appraising gaze belonged to a middle-aged man wearing black-rimmed glasses. Luo Mu had looked up the information and remembered that this was Mui, the current principal of Naranja Academy.
The scrutinizing gaze came from a stern-looking middle-aged man with slicked-back hair held in place by gel. This was Taro, the Dean of Students Pina had mentioned.
The third, friendly gaze naturally belonged to Poppy.
She gave him a suitably warm smile, waved, and said, "Luo Mu, come on over."
"President, it's been a while." Luo Mu nodded and strode over steadily under the three people's gaze.
Growlithe did its best to keep up, walking proudly at Luo Mu's heels.
"So you're Luo Mu, the Battle Teacher Chairperson Poppy recommended. I've heard a great deal about you!"
Mui stood up and shook Luo Mu's hand with a friendly smile.
"Hello, Principal Mui." Luo Mu smiled warmly too. After exchanging pleasantries with Mui, he looked at Taro, who was sitting on the sofa without a word, blinked, and offered his hand. "You must be the Dean of Students. Hello."
Taro was silent for a moment and didn't respond. Instead, he looked at Poppy, sounding perplexed. "Chairperson, are you sure you want to recommend this young man for the position of Battle Teacher? It takes extensive practical experience to do that job well."
Poppy folded her hands together and smiled. "Of course. He's a Trainer I believe in."
Taro stood up, met Luo Mu's gaze, then looked over the tiny Growlithe at his feet. A deeply concealed look of disdain crossed his face. "With all due respect, a Battle Teacher needs to have exceptional personal strength. Not just anyone can do the job."
Luo Mu understood. The Dean of Students was the sort who judged people by their appearance.
As a transmigrator with the freedom to do as he pleased, Luo Mu had no intention of putting up with this. He was just about to summon Dragonite and Ceruledge to prove his strength to the Dean of Students.
Just then, Mui, who'd been silent until now, spoke up. "Taro, Teacher Luo Mu is a Champion-level Trainer. Don't judge his strength by his age."
Before you continue