Pokemon: Helping Pokemon Pays Off

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"!!!"

When the new classmate arrived—severely injured—the other students were almost at a loss for words. They couldn't figure out what he must have done to end up so badly hurt. Even an attack by a wild bear wouldn't normally leave someone in such a state.

"And that's not even the worst part. You're injured like this—why aren't you at the hospital? Is coming to school really that important to you?"

"Uh…"

Professor Kukui was the first to recover from his shock. With a worried look, he said, "You… you're Hoshino, right? I'm not sure what happened on your way here, but let's head to the infirmary so we can have you checked out."

"Just battle scars—it's nothing serious."

Hoshino waved his hand dismissively and then raised his head so everyone could see him clearly. A bandage was wrapped around his forehead and he had a few band-aids on his face. They didn't do much to hide his good looks, although they did give him a somewhat softer look.

As soon as they saw him, A student named Hau suddenly recalled something and blurted out, "He seems to be the one I told you about before…"

A short blue-haired girl sitting next to him paused and asked, "You mean the one who sped, attacked a police officer, and then fled?"

"Exactly!"

Their voices were loud enough for nearly everyone to hear. At that moment, the red-capped, bob-haired class monitor remembered something else.

"Do you all remember last week's news? It mentioned that a student from our school was beaten up. Since the student was a minor, they didn't name him."

"Yeah, so?"

"Our school isn't large—I see everyone every day. I know all the students here. But after that incident, school went on as usual; no one was missing."

"Wait a minute… could it be him?"

The class fell silent. This was the biggest incident in Alola this year—aside from the Aether Research Center explosion two months ago, which thankfully had no casualties—and the person involved was right here!

At that moment, a sunny boy who looked a bit like Hala spoke up, "My grandfather mentioned this case. Apparently, the student was the one who started it all."

"As for why he's so badly injured, it was because when he commanded his Pokémon to attack, he accidentally caused collateral damage. But since he's a minor, nothing severe happened—and he even got a huge compensation. Just don't go spreading this around…"

Everyone had heard, and even those who had been excited to challenge the new student now felt uneasy.

"What a tough guy!"

He had not only attacked a police officer and fled, but he also provoked a strong trainer and let his Pokémon attack his opponent—even though it failed. Thanks to some "minor perks," he managed to get off with a big payout and left his opponent in trouble, while he himself walked away unscathed.

The only one who remained silent was the girl sitting by the window. She kept studying Hoshino, as if trying to remember something.

"Could it be that this is…?"

Hearing her mumble, the class monitor turned and asked, "Lillie, do you know him?"

Lillie nodded, then shook her head slightly. "This morning when I was rushing for the bus, I saw him collapse by the beach. I dragged him back so that Dr. Banette could take care of him. But after school, I heard that as soon as he woke up, he hurried off…"

"Really… rescued and then running off immediately. Something isn't right."

After a brief pause, the class monitor stood up and declared, "Teacher, I know this might sound rude, but I don't agree with having this new student in our class. He's too dangerous! As class monitor, I must ensure everyone's safety!"

"Even if you disagree…"

Professor Kukui looked troubled—he hadn't expected things to get so complicated. Although the class had its share of problems, no one had imagined that someone who practically embodied trouble would show up.

Before anyone could ask more, Hoshino scratched his head and, half-awake, said, "It seems like no one really welcomes me… maybe I should just go back…"

"Wait!"

Professor Kukui quickly called him back, then turned to the class monitor. "Selene, since Hoshino has already been assigned to our class, everyone should try to get along!"

[T/N: Class president is Selene/mizuki , player character from sun and moon]

He looked around the room and continued, "Besides, you all haven't really gotten to know him—it's all just hearsay. You can't judge a person solely by rumors; you need time to understand them."

The classroom fell silent—even class monitor Selene was quiet, knowing they hadn't given him a fair chance.

After a moment, Selene spoke earnestly to Hoshino, "I'm sorry for what I said earlier. First impressions can be misleading, but you can tell a lot by how someone treats their Pokémon."

There was a pause before she added, "So… come have a Pokémon battle with me!"

At her challenge, every student—Lillie included—was instantly surprised. Selene was known as the strongest among them, undefeated in both practice battles and friendly contests.

Professor Kukui smiled and said, "Hoshino, what do you say? Selene is really strong!"

Hoshino, caught off guard, replied, "A Pokémon battle? What a coincidence—I've never lost before (if you can call one battle a battle)."

Miyuki's interest peaked as she smiled, "Then I look forward to seeing what you've got. Let's head to the playground!"

"Wait!" Professor Kukui interrupted sharply. "It's class time now. We'll discuss the battle after class."

"Alright…"

Selene looked a bit disappointed, but it wasn't long until class ended.

Seeing this, Professor Kukui said, "Now, Hoshino, please introduce yourself so everyone can get to know you."

"Um, my name is Hoshino. Nice to meet you all."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"Then pick a seat. You can sit in any empty spot at the back. We'll have your textbooks ready for you shortly."

"Okay."

Hoshino, still looking listless, nodded and slowly made his way to an empty seat by the window.

All eyes were fixed on him—as if they feared he might suddenly come over. No one even responded to his brief introduction.

"Completely isolated…"

That's why he doesn't like school. Even in his previous life he was always alone, without any friends—and that continued into his current life.

But it wasn't that he disliked Pokémon. It wasn't shyness; it was simply his nature. Most people just don't click with him.

Hoshino settled in by the window and added, "I like sitting here so I can enjoy the view when I wake up."

The others were at a loss for words. Are you here to sleep at school? Of course, it was just an excuse—he had clearly been listening to every word while standing at the podium.

It also became clear that the "lady" Professor Burnet mentioned earlier—the one who rescued him from the beach—was none other than Lillie!

As he passed by her, for the first time since entering the class, he smiled softly and said, "Thank you."

"Huh?"

Lillie blinked, thinking she must have misheard. But by then, Hoshino had already acted on instinct—he quickly laid his head on the desk and went to sleep…