Pepper

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Pepper (派帕)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Lighthouse Research Institute; Orange Academy
Occupation/Role	Orange Academy student; assistant to Rōmu on farm-related tasks
First Appearance	Chapter 5

Background

Pepper is the ten-year-old son of Dr. Jacq and Friede. He lives at the Lighthouse Research Institute with his partner, Master Dogue. He is initially lively and highly talkative, though his parents’ growing commitment to Great Crater research leaves him vulnerable to loneliness and resentment. 5 6 14 18

His parents arrange for him to attend Orange Academy as a boarding student and ask Rōmu to look after him there, trusting the new Battle Teacher to protect Pepper from possible bullying and support him while they are away researching. 7 14

Appearance

Pepper is a young boy of about ten with soft, light-brown hair. 5 6

• Often accompanied by Master Dogue. 5 14
• His embarrassment is conspicuous: after mistaking Rōmu for his father, his face and ears turn red. 5
• After his parents leave unexpectedly, he develops dark circles under his eyes from staying awake until four in the morning. 27

Personality

Pepper is curious, expressive, and talkative, readily asking Rōmu about unfamiliar Pokémon, farming, and Terastallization. He is also independent for his age: he travels through South Province Area One with Master Dogue to deliver Rōmu’s completed Terastal Orb. 6 14 15 23

Despite his outward energy, Pepper is deeply attached to his parents. Their repeated absences leave him hurt and confused; when they depart suddenly, he calls them “liar” and chooses to stay at Rōmu’s farm rather than return to an empty home. 18 26

He is compassionate and responsible when it matters. Although resentful toward his parents, he agrees to ask them about helping a struggling Pokémon Egg, recognizing that a life is at stake. 22

Abilities & Skills

Agricultural Knowledge

Pepper has read extensively and understands practical limits of using Pokémon in agriculture.

• Explains that powerful Pokémon such as Serperior and Swampert can overload seeds with excessive energy, causing them to crack rather than grow. 22
• Recommends ordinary Grass-type Pokémon for crop work, or a Pokémon capable of properly using Grassy Terrain. 22
• Assists with harvesting at Jones Farm and participates in its fruit-picking activities. 17

Pokémon Knowledge

Pepper shows strong interest in Pokémon and quickly learns from Rōmu’s guidance.

• Recognizes that Rōmu’s farmland is still unsuitable for normal cultivation before it is reclaimed. 15
• Watches Swampert’s Terastallization with excitement and hopes to Terastallize Master Dogue himself someday. 15
• Is unfamiliar with Hoppip and Whimsicott, but eagerly asks Rōmu about the rare Galar Pokémon. 23

Refereeing

Pepper serves as referee for Nemo’s first battle against Rōmu’s Growlithe, ending the match once Sprigatito can no longer continue. 42 44

Pokémon

• Master Dogue — Pepper’s loyal partner and guardian. It attacks Rōmu when Pepper mistakes him for an intruder, then accompanies Pepper on his journey to Pingdie Town and into the wilderness. 5 14 22

Relationships

• Rōmu — Initially mistakes him for his father and calls him “Uncle,” before switching to “Brother Luo Mu.” Rōmu becomes a trusted guardian and mentor figure, taking Pepper in when his parents leave unexpectedly. 5 6 14 26
• Dr. Jacq — Pepper’s mother. She is protective of him, but her research commitments repeatedly keep her away from home. 5 14 26
• Friede — Pepper’s father. His work with Jacq on Great Crater research contributes to Pepper’s loneliness. 14 26
• Master Dogue — His devoted Pokémon companion, who protects him, travels with him, and joins him during wilderness exploration. 5 14 22
• Nemo — A fellow Orange Academy student whom Pepper recognizes after the holiday; he referees her first Pokémon battle. 43 44
• Whimsicott and Hoppip — Pepper helps Rōmu search for them and later shares meals and farm life with them. 23 28

Story Role / Major Arcs

Lighthouse Institute Misunderstanding

Pepper opens the Lighthouse Research Institute door expecting his father, but finds Rōmu instead. Master Dogue attacks in defense of Pepper, causing a misunderstanding that is resolved after Pepper explains what happened to Jacq. 5

Terastal Orb Delivery

Pepper travels from the Lighthouse Research Institute to Pingdie Town with Master Dogue to personally deliver the completed Terastal Orb to Rōmu. He later witnesses Swampert’s Ground Terastallization and its enhanced Stomping Tantrum. 14 15

Farm Companion

Pepper accompanies Rōmu while he learns farming at Jones Farm. After the farm’s first potato seeds are ruined, Pepper identifies the cause and helps Rōmu seek suitable Grass-type Pokémon for cultivation. 16 17 22

Wilderness Search

Pepper joins Rōmu, Serperior, and Master Dogue in the wilderness. He helps search for Grass-type Pokémon, encounters the rare Whimsicott and Hoppip, and witnesses Rōmu treat poisoned Hoppip after a Stunky attack. His admiration for Rōmu’s reliability grows during the incident. 22 23 24

Separation from His Parents

When Jacq and Friede leave on urgent research business, Pepper finds himself alone at home and goes to Rōmu’s farm. Rōmu lets him stay overnight and encourages him to recognize that his parents’ note shows they still care about him. 18 26

Orange Academy

Pepper attends Orange Academy alongside Nemo. He initially avoids Rōmu at the opening ceremony, still conflicted over their earlier interactions, but is called upon to referee Nemo’s first battle. 41 42 43