Pokemon: Helping Pokemon Pays Off

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Originally, Hoshino was supposed to go to school tomorrow, but instead he ended up spending a week in the hospital—wrapped up like a mummy and unable to do anything.

The outcome of the case was announced on the third day. As one of the two main characters, he came out completely unscathed—after all, he's a minor—even though he was beaten so badly.

But Mihao's situation was far more serious. He deliberately assaulted a student at Pokémon School, causing severe injuries. That single offense alone was enough to warrant harsh punishment.

Moreover, the police uncovered additional evidence. In any case, this guy is definitely not a good person. Though he appeared normal on the surface, behind the scenes he had repeatedly ordered his Pokémon to attack other trainers, resulting in injuries.

As for whether any fatalities occurred, that has yet to be determined—since those incidents happened in other regions, Mihao's final sentence hasn't been handed down yet. But based solely on these charges, he's looking at a minimum of 20 years in prison, plus a lifetime revocation of his trainer license…

"Tsk, just like Meowth."

....

Hoshino watched the news report in the hospital room. As a minor, his privacy was protected - the report didn't specify which Pokémon School student had been attacked.

That night, he'd reacted quickly when hearing police sirens. Knowing he needed to pose as a victim, he'd collaborated with his Cyclizar in an act - though it was more of a one-sided performance. The dragon-type Pokémon didn't understand the plan, letting out heart-wrenching cries when Hoshino suddenly stiffened and fell.

Hoshino knew his Cyclizar, while appearing clumsy, possessed lightning reflexes. He could make instant U-turns at full speed; surely he could pull punches at the last moment. The risk was enormous - a mistimed pull could be fatal. Yet this was Hoshino's trust in his partner, forged in just days of companionship.

Treat Pokémon well, and they'll respond in kind. Though they'd technically lost the fight, as a Trainer, Hoshino felt he'd truly won.

"Time to discharge..." he muttered. The week-long recovery showcased this world's advanced medical tech - probably aided by Pokémon assistance.

Changing into his school uniform with lingering bandages, Hoshino bid farewell to roommates and exited. At the hospital entrance, his 1.5m-long Cyclizar waited - larger Pokémon weren't permitted inside human medical facilities.

"Cyc Cyc~" The reptilian Pokémon joyfully nibbled his head.

"Alright, alright. Waited long? Let's go home." Hoshino smiled, donning goggles to ride his mount. Though beaten up, punishing that scumbag felt satisfying. Maybe their Odd Jobs Agency could take more cathartic requests... like free NTR extermination...

Returning to the Drifter District after teasing chasing Meowths, they reached the izakaya. Unusually open during afternoon off-hours, they found Braixen in maid attire cleaning.

"Alola~"

"Brai~" The fox Pokémon waved her fluffy tail cheerfully. Since the incident, their friendship had solidified.

A system panel suddenly appeared:

[Braixen's Friendship Unlocked: Fire Stick (Can ignite flames in any environment through friction)]

"Such a niche skill..." Hoshino mused. Any Fire-type could do this, but he valued Braixen's potential to promote his agency during shifts.

His expression suddenly darkened. "Where's Slowboss? That guy swallowed all my compensation money! Trying to vanish quietly?!"

The victim act had aimed for hefty compensation, but Slowking - posing as his guardian's Pokémon - intercepted everything. News reports nearly gave him a relapse.

Slowking emerged, paws behind back. "Making noise already? Recovered fast, brat."

"Where's. My. Money?!" Hoshino grabbed the sage Pokémon's collar ornament.

"Medical bills. You should thank me for hiring Alola's best doctor - the legendary Dr. White Jack."

"Quit lying! Next you'll say it was Dr. Livesey!" Hoshino knew this schemer's tricks - keeping him indebted.

Slowking maintained his usual dopey expression. "Your temper needs work. A week hospitalized didn't calm you?"

"Whose fault is that?!"

"Even the all-knowing Slowking has mysteries." The Pokémon shrugged.

As they argued, Ceruledge glanced over from the bar counter before resuming work.

Suddenly serious, Slowking asked: "Will you keep helping district Pokémon this way?"

Hoshino paused. The previously disapproving boss's attitude shift surprised him. But his resolve never wavered.

"Absolutely. I'll establish an all-purpose agency here to solve Pokémon problems!"

"All-purpose agency..." Slowking murmured before breaking into a goofy grin. "Work hard, kid. You might actually shake things up."

As Slowking retreated, another notification popped:

[Slowboss's Friendship Unlocked: Not So Slow (Enhanced learning ability, better understanding of Pokémon speech - Trainer exclusive)]

"???" Hoshino stared. Why "Slowboss" instead of "Slowking"? This premium skill was exactly what he needed. Were friendship talents tiered by rarity?

Checking Slowking's status:

[Pokémon: Slowking]

[Type: Water/Psychic]

[Height/Weight: 1.95m/76.6kg]

[Ability: Oblivious]

[Moves: Nasty Plot, Yawn, Disable, Amnesia, Zen Headbutt...]

[Status: Dopey (Just being slow), Annoyed (Troublemaker brat), Happy (Best employee returned - should I lower rent? ...Nah)]

"LOWER IT ALREADY!" Hoshino shouted at the retreating figure.