Pokemon: Helping Pokemon Pays Off

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Hoshino's expression was completely frozen at this moment. He had always thought people were joking when they talked about going to school, but judging by the situation, it didn't seem like a joke at all.

So here's the question: why do Pokémon trainers need to go to school? Weren't they supposed to start their journeys at around ten years old? What's the reason behind this?

After thinking it over for a long time, he still couldn't figure it out, so he asked. Upon hearing his question, Hala's expression grew even more serious.

"Start traveling at ten? What can a ten-year-old kid even do? Nothing at all!"

"Survival skills, Pokémon training and battle knowledge, methods to handle different situations… All of these need to be thoroughly learned in school before they can go on a journey!"

"…"

Hoshino was stunned. Weren't these supposed to be innate skills that everyone in the Pokémon world was born with? They actually needed to study them?

Perhaps noticing Hoshino's confusion, Hala continued, "Our Alola region started late. Due to its small size and population, we've been lagging behind in many areas and were considered just a vacation spot in the past."

"It was only a little over ten years ago, thanks to the tireless efforts of trainers who studied in other regions and then returned, that the outside world finally acknowledged Alola as a proper region, not some rural backwater."

"To catch up with other regions, we began focusing on education and built Alola's only Pokémon school in Hau'oli City."

"At that time, all four Island Kahunas took this very seriously. There weren't enough teachers, and we lacked educational resources, so we spent money to bring in experts from other regions. After several years, things finally stabilized, and the school began to thrive."

"Now in Alola, every child aged 12 and above is required to attend school. Unlike other regions, we don't charge tuition—six years of compulsory education are fully covered. So don't worry!"

This was the famous Hala's School Enrollment Speech.

Hoshino realized he couldn't escape. If he agreed, he'd officially be considered an Alolan resident. If he refused, well… he'd basically be treated like a wild Pokémon.

He didn't agree right away, instead letting out a long sigh. "I just want legal identification and to become a Pokémon trainer. Is it really that hard?"

Hearing his muttering, Hala suddenly laughed. "Want to become a trainer? Just go to school!"

"Huh?"

Seeing Hoshino's confused face again, Hala patiently explained, "Looks like you're lacking a lot of basic knowledge. That's exactly why you need to study! In the past, anyone could be a trainer, but that led to overconfident kids—barely ten years old—running into the wild with zero survival skills…"

"To prevent a population crisis, the education system and the Pokémon League Association introduced a rule: if you don't attend school, you can't legally become a trainer. Without a graduation certificate, you also won't be able to enter many places."

"…"

Hoshino was speechless. So school really wasn't optional? What a complete waste of time.

But if compulsory education starts at 12 and lasts six years, that means graduating at 18. For him, that's just three years away…

Perhaps noticing Hoshino's calculation, Hala added, "That's right, you'll graduate from Pokémon school at 18, and after that, you can go anywhere. But…"

"Hm?"

"But if you don't continue to university, you won't be able to take the exams to raise your trainer rank. This specialized knowledge is crucial. If your rank is too low, it'll be tough to become a civil servant or participate in major Pokémon League competitions."

"Wait, trainers have to take proficiency exams too?!"

"Haha! But don't worry—our Alola Pokémon school is a comprehensive institution. It includes university-level courses, so after your six years of compulsory education, you can seamlessly transition to college. No other region offers this convenience!"

"…What kind of Pokémon world is this?!"

Hoshino was dumbfounded. He already thought Kabukichō's weird Pokémon were bizarre enough, but it turned out humans were even stranger.

Didn't he cross into this world to travel around and meet Pokémon? Why did he have to go to school and take exams? He'd been tormented enough in his past life—now he suddenly didn't feel like studying anymore!

His mindset wavered a bit, but he managed to stay calm. Still, it felt like he wasn't talking to an Island Kahuna but to some school admissions officer. Was Slowking trying to trick him or what?

With these doubts, he curiously asked, "By the way, what's Pokémon school like? Are there morning and evening classes?"

"Normally, classes run from 9 AM to 12 PM, then 1 PM to 4 PM—six hours a day. No classes on weekends, though there are regular outdoor survival courses, ecological surveys in other regions, and interschool activities."

"Oh…"

Hoshino felt somewhat relieved. He'd thought it would be from 6 AM to 10 PM, but this schedule seemed pretty relaxed.

Then again, it made sense. It's a Pokémon school, mainly to train future trainers. Of course, they wouldn't lock you up in an academic prison.

This way, he'd have plenty of free time. He could just coast through three years, then college. School is all about coasting anyway.

"Well, in that case, I'll enroll. When can I start?"

"It's the weekend now. I'll help you get your ID sorted later. The rest is on me. Just show up for school the day after tomorrow. I'll have Slowking relay any additional details."

"Thanks a lot!"

Though he still felt something was a bit off, Hoshino couldn't pinpoint it. But honestly, this was pretty lucky. Aside from being in debt, everything else was handled for him. Alola really was a friendly place.

"Oh, right—I'm 15 now. I've missed three years of school. Is that okay?"

Hearing this, Hala burst out laughing. "Of course it's fine! You'll just start from the beginning—yep, first grade!"

"???"

Wait, that's not how the script goes! Hoshino was stunned. Shouldn't he start from, like, fourth grade? Does this mean he'll need six full years to graduate before he can travel freely?

"No way, absolutely not!"

He didn't have that kind of time. With a serious expression, he said to Hala, "Actually, I already know a lot about Pokémon. There's no need to start from scratch. Plus, I've been surviving in the wild—I'm well-prepared for any situation!"

"Oh?"

Hala glanced at Slowking, who didn't know much but still nodded.

After considering this, Hala looked back at Hoshino. "True. It seems you're already ahead in many ways, except for not being an official trainer. Starting from the beginning would waste your time…"

"Exactly!"

"Well then…"

Noticing something, Hala pointed to the side, where Cyclizar was playfully chasing a wild Yungoos. "Is that your Pokémon?"

"Yep!"

"But it doesn't seem like it's been officially caught. Even if it has, you're not a legal trainer."

"…"

Seeing Hoshino fall silent, Hala suddenly smiled. "How about this?"

"Huh?"

"Since you claim to have extensive knowledge, prove it with a Pokémon battle. If you win, you won't have to start from scratch—and I'll even give you a Poké Ball!"

"A gift too?"

"Of course! Giving beginners their first Pokémon is part of an Island Kahuna's duty. Since you already have Cyclizar, I'll give you a ball to officially catch it. How's that sound?"

"A battle, huh…"

Hoshino glanced at Cyclizar, still playing around. That would be his only Pokémon for the fight. But since Hala had already suggested it…

"Alright then, let's do it—a Pokémon battle!"