Pokémon: Check-In System

On the stage, the dojo master continued his speech with enthusiasm.

"Now, our Thunder Dojo will put on a little demonstration for everyone!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the curtain behind him was drawn, revealing a Pokémon with a yellow body, black lightning-shaped stripes, and two antennae on its head crackling with electricity. It strongly resembled a standing tiger.

Nero immediately recognized this Pokémon.

Electabuzz!

A fairly powerful Pokémon, known to evolve into Electivire. In Nero's memory, this was one of Paul's main Pokémon in the anime, a formidable opponent for Ash Ketchum.

A few of the dojo members carried a massive boulder onto the stage. From his vantage point in the tree, Nero was momentarily stunned.

Wait… are they about to…

Break a boulder with their chest?!

"Electabuzz, use Thunder Punch!"

Onstage, Electabuzz smirked, its muscles tensing as golden electricity crackled around its left arm.

A violent surge of electricity filled the air. With a powerful kick-off, Electabuzz propelled itself forward. Facing the enormous boulder, it extended its left fist and delivered a devastating punch.

Boom!

Without the slightest resistance, the massive rock shattered instantly. The elegant woman standing nearby then tossed five empty cans into the air, and Electabuzz became enveloped in electric light.

A thin bolt of electricity shot forth.

In mid-air, the single arc of lightning split into five, each precisely hitting a floating can.

The audience gasped in astonishment, murmuring amongst themselves.

"Wow! This dojo is incredible! The Pokémon have such raw power and can control electricity so skillfully! Do you think my son's Magnemite could become this strong?"

"This place is really impressive. Your son, Hann, is taking his college entrance exams this year, right? With his current grades, getting into a top university won't be easy. Why not consider this dojo? It specializes in training Electric-type Pokémon. The dedicated facilities here are excellent! Who knows, your son's Magnemite might even evolve."

"Evolve?"

"Yeah! I don't fully understand it myself, but evolution seems to make Pokémon change form and become much stronger. If Magnemite evolves, your son's college prospects are practically guaranteed!"

"Really?! Sign me up! Right now!"

As the crowd chattered excitedly, the dojo masters grinned from ear to ear.

"Our Thunder Dojo boasts decades of history, having competed in countless tournaments with great success. Under the guidance of our experienced head master, your Pokémon can gain incredible strength within just two months! Their mastery over Electric-type moves will become second nature!"

"Sign up today and enjoy an exclusive discount! Enrollment is only open for today—miss this, and you won't get another chance!"

Nero, still perched in the tree, scoffed. "This feels like some kind of scam…"

With that, he and Combusken leaped down.

As they walked, Nero pulled out his phone to look up information on the dojo.

In this world, dojos were somewhat similar to Pokémon Gyms, but with significant differences.

Unlike Pokémon Gyms, dojos didn't award badges. However, like Gyms, they accepted disciples and trained them in handling Pokémon.

Any trainer strong enough to be recognized at the Gym Leader level could establish a dojo—pending approval from the Trainer Association.

In Galas City, nearly thirty dojos existed, and every year, they hosted the Annual Dojo Tournament.

The primary participants were trainers under the age of twenty who trained within the dojos. Winning the championship title provided invaluable prestige for the dojo.

A champion dojo naturally attracted more students, allowing them to charge higher tuition fees.

Of course, despite the sky-high tuition, dojos provided genuine expertise.

Statistics showed that trainers who trained at dojos were generally more skilled than those who only attended regular Pokémon academies.

It made sense—it was like attending extra tutoring sessions versus not taking any at all.

"Should we try joining one?" Nero mused aloud to Combusken.

The Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon paused for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Since Combusken specialized in Fire- and Fighting-type techniques, the logical choices would be a Fire Dojo or a Martial Arts Dojo.

But when Nero inquired about the tuition fees, he was completely floored.

Two weeks of training cost over 10,000 credits.

"This is outright robbery!"

Was this the legendary Team Rocket & Team Galactic Tutoring Service?!

Nero could have asked his parents for money. When it came to education, most parents would gladly empty their savings for their child's future.

However, he didn't want to rely on them. While these dojos had great reputations, there was always a chance they were money-grabbing scams. Back in his previous world, Nero would only attend tutoring programs recommended by trusted friends.

At the very least, he needed to attend a trial lesson first.

Unfortunately, these dojos didn't offer trial lessons…

Sitting on a bench, Nero sighed as snowflakes drifted down from the sky.

The New Year season had brought snowfall to Galas City.

Looking up at the overcast sky, he felt a pang of frustration.

"There's only one disease in this world—being broke."

"Cha-mo! Cha-mo!"

Combusken seemed to sense Nero's distress. The feisty Pokémon stepped forward and performed a series of rapid, precise fighting techniques as if to say, "Even without expensive training, I can still grow strong!"

Nero chuckled, ruffling the feathered crest on Combusken's head.

Despite only being together for a little over a month, the bond between them had grown strong. Even though they often teased and challenged each other in daily life, their friendship remained unshaken.

"Machamp, Fire at will! Use Strength!"

"Machaaa!!"

Nero was about to leave when a loud voice caught his attention from the nearby park.

Following the sound, he approached the open training area.

There, a middle-aged man was sparring with a Machamp?!

Dressed in a traditional martial arts uniform, the man was built like a tank—broad shoulders, rippling muscles. However, compared to the hulking form of Machamp, he seemed somewhat lacking in size.

With a loud roar, the man threw a powerful punch at Machamp.

But Machamp's eyes glinted as its muscles swelled. Its massive chest absorbed the punch without flinching, and a spark of excitement flickered in its gaze…

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