"No, no, it's fine. You're too kind."
Pina scratched his head. Although he didn't recognize the Pokémon beside the new teacher, judging by its size, it couldn't have been hatched long ago. He saw no reason to be upset.
Taking a deep breath, Pina's face lit up with excitement as he slowly delivered the self-introduction he had practiced countless times at home during his vacation: "My name is Pina. I'm a student in class 5-G at the academy, and I'll be serving as the student council president starting this semester. Chairperson Poppy arranged for me to guide you, Teacher."
"Pina?"
Luo Mu blinked, trying to reconcile the boy in front of him, who looked like a model student, with the former leader of Team Star's second crew, who was full of swagger and dreamed of becoming a DJ.
What a drastic change!
And what about Pepper, who was so lively, and Nemo, who didn't want to be a Trainer? Has growth really brought about such significant changes?
Under Pina's curious gaze, Luo Mu employed his adult skill of remaining unfazed by unexpected situations. With a light cough, he composed himself and asked, "Did the Chairperson give you instructions on where to take me?"
"Ah! Yes." Pina nodded slightly and quickly replied, "The Chairperson was worried you might get lost on campus, so she arranged for me to guide you. She, Principal Mui, and Dean of Students Taro are waiting for you in the principal's office."
"Then I'll trouble you to lead the way."
"Okay!"
Opening the main gate and entering the academy, the first thing they saw was Orange Academy's massive main hall.
It was connected to the school's vast and well-stocked library. As soon as they stepped inside, a rich scholarly atmosphere and a profound sense of history washed over them.
Pina proudly introduced, "This is Orange Academy's pride, the library. Its collection is among the best in the world, covering knowledge from all walks of life. This library is also the foundation upon which Orange Academy cultivates outstanding graduates in various fields."
Luo Mu surveyed the area, thinking he could come here to cram some farming knowledge when he had free time. His current knowledge base was still too shallow.
Pina then led Luo Mu to the side of a spiral staircase, where several access control machines stood, blocking entry to anyone not affiliated with Orange Academy.
Pina explained, "Further inside are the teaching areas and student dormitories. You need to use facial recognition to enter these areas."
"However, since this is your first time at Orange Academy, Teacher, I'll take you in."
With that, Pina held his face up to the facial recognition scanner. The gate immediately opened with a swish, and Pina made a gesture for Luo Mu to proceed.
Luo Mu nodded slightly and, with his Growlithe, stepped through the gate.
Pina followed closely behind, continuing to lead the way.
As if a sudden question had arisen, Pina asked curiously, "Teacher, may I ask you a question?"
Luo Mu agreed, "Go ahead."
Pina inquired, "Which subject are you responsible for teaching? Seeing how young you are, could it be Home Economics or Art?"
Luo Mu's expression turned a bit strange. "No, I'm your Battle Teacher. Didn't the Chairperson tell you?"
"Ah?" Pina glanced at Luo Mu discreetly, a hint of surprise in his voice. "The Chairperson didn't mention it. She just said to meet a newly hired young teacher who landed outside the main gate riding a Dragonite."
"But since you've already raised a powerful Pokémon like Dragonite, your strength as a Trainer must be quite impressive, right?"
Luo Mu blinked. He wasn't surprised by Pina's question.
After all, his past year had been spent challenging Gyms or traveling and training in the wild. He hadn't been involved in too many major events, so naturally, he wasn't known to many ordinary people.
In most leagues, the challenges of the Elite Four and the Champion were protected by highly advanced security measures. Even Kofu's livestream was only approved through her Gym Leader privileges.
Furthermore, Kofu had very few fans at the time, and given the limitations of a livestream, the battle was barely known without the ability to record it.
Apart from those with access to such information, most residents of the Paldea region were unaware that a Champion-level Trainer had been added.
It was understandable that Pina would ask this question without knowing.
Thinking this, Luo Mu smiled, "Don't worry, in terms of strength, I'm quite formidable."
Outside the Principal's Office.
After escorting Luo Mu to the location, Pina bowed and departed. Standing before the Principal's Office, Luo Mu knocked on the door.
"Please come in."
Luo Mu pushed the door open, revealing a bright and spacious principal's office. On the sofa nearby, three people sitting together turned their gazes towards him.
There were appraising eyes, scrutinizing eyes, and friendly eyes.
The appraising gaze came from a middle-aged man wearing black-rimmed glasses. Luo Mu had checked his profile; he remembered this man should be the current Principal of Orange Academy—Mui.
The scrutinizing gaze belonged to a middle-aged man with a stern expression, his slicked-back hair held in place with hair gel. This was the Dean of Students Pina had mentioned—Taro.
The third, friendly gaze naturally belonged to Poppy.
She offered a perfectly timed smile, waved at Luo Mu, and said, "Luo Mu, come over quickly."
"Chairperson, it's been a while." Luo Mu nodded and walked steadily towards them under their gazes.
Growlithe also behaved admirably, holding its head high and trotting faithfully behind Luo Mu.
"You must be Luo Mu, the Battle Teacher introduced by the Chairperson. I've heard a lot about you!"
Mui stood up, a kind smile on his face, and shook Luo Mu's hand.
"Hello, Principal Mui." Luo Mu returned his warm smile. After exchanging pleasantries with Mui, he looked at Taro, who sat on the sofa without speaking, and blinked, extending his hand proactively. "This must be the Dean of Students, right? Hello?"
Taro remained silent for a moment, not taking the offered hand. Instead, he looked at Poppy, his tone laced with confusion. "Chairperson, are you sure you want to recommend this young man to be the Battle Teacher, a position that requires extensive practical experience?"
Poppy clasped her hands together and smiled. "Of course. He's a Trainer I have my eye on."
Taro stood up, met Luo Mu's gaze, and then sized up the small Growlithe at his feet, a deeply hidden disgust on his face. "If you'll excuse my bluntness, a Battle Studies teacher must possess outstanding personal strength. Not just anyone can do this job."
Luo Mu understood. This Dean of Students was probably the type to judge people by their appearance.
As a transmigrator, Luo Mu now had the capital to act as he pleased. He had no intention of being wronged and immediately decided to summon his Dragonite and Ceruledge to properly prove his strength to the Dean of Students.
At this moment, Mui, who had been silent, spoke up. "Taro, Teacher Luo Mu is a Champion level Trainer. Don't speculate about his strength based on his age."
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