Viridian academy

Ash was serenely sleeping in his bed when suddenly he was jolted awake by a giggling Pikachu.

"What the hell is wrong with you!" Ash exclaimed, running his hands through his hair which was now even messier then before.

"Your mom send me to wake you up for your first day at school." Pikachu replied his snickering dieying down.

"Yeah I remember that, today the Viridian accademy starts." Ash said in the most disappointed tone ever.

"There there bud, cheer up now I'll be there with you through thick and thin. And who knows we might find you another chick, for you to charm with your sky high Charisma stat." Pikachu said while patting Ash's back.

"What's a chick and why do I need to use Charm on them, when it's your move, yes there is a possibility that I'll be able to that move in the future but we don't need to pick fights needlessly." Ash said seriously.

"No matter how intelligent you get you'll always be dense." Pikachu face palmed.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Kirlia inquired.

"Who knows, let's play tag!" Eilie said, she was currently in a form of a red and black Kirlia with teal eyes.

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A few minutes later both Ash and Pikachu were decked out in their school uniforms.

Ash's uniform consists of a deep navy-blue blazer with a silver trim around the cuffs and collar. The academy's crest, featuring a stylized Poké Ball and two crossed wands, is embroidered on the left chest pocket. Underneath, Ash wears a crisp white button-up shirt with a gray tie, patterned with small Poké Balls. His trousers are a matching navy blue, tailored but comfortable, allowing for ease of movement. To add a personal touch, Ash wears his signature cap, modified to match the uniform's colors with navy blue and silver highlights.

Ash's bag is a sturdy, navy-blue backpack with silver accents to match his uniform. It has a large main compartment for textbooks, notebooks, and other academic supplies. Inside, there's a padded section for his tablet or laptop. The front pocket is designed to hold smaller items like pens, pencils, or snacks for quick access.

For extra practicality, the bag has an insulated water bottle holder on the side and a reinforced bottom for durability. The straps remain padded and adjustable for comfort, with an ergonomic back panel to support Ash during long days. Since Pikachu accompanies Ash, there's a small side pouch with soft lining, perfect for Pikachu to rest in during their walks to school or downtime.

Pikachu is wearing a miniature version of Ash's blazer, tailored for his small size. The navy-blue jacket has silver trim just like Ash's, with the Viridian Academy crest embroidered on the back. Pikachu's jacket has short sleeves to allow freedom of movement for its arms. Instead of a tie, Pikachu has a small silver scarf wrapped around its neck, styled neatly but in a way that doesn't restrict its mobility. The look is completed with a tiny navy-blue cap matching Ash's, with two small holes for Pikachu's ears to poke through comfortably.

"Mom, we'll be going now!" Ash called out, standing outside with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, while his mom stood in the doorway.

"Ash, wait! You do have your teleport pass, right?" Delia asked.

"Yep." Ash pulled a purple card with golden edges from his pocket.

This was the teleportation pass. After the increase in feral Pokémon activity, the League decided that civilians with weaker Pokémon were at risk of becoming food for wild Pokémon. So, the Abra Teleportation System was introduced.

Now, every town and city has a station called the Teleportation Station, where anyone can use the service for a price. It's the most convenient and fastest way to travel from city to city, especially if you don't want to travel on foot.

Ash initially wanted to walk, but Delia, being the thoughtful worrywart she was, had bought him a teleportation pass for the whole year—without even telling him. And Ash, the obedient son he was, went along with his mom's wishes, no matter how boring the situation might be.

Ash turned his back on his mom, naively thinking that was all she had to say.

"Are you wearing your lucky underwear?" Delia called after him as he walked away with Pikachu.

Ash facepalmed. "Why does Mom always have to do something like that?" he muttered in fond annoyance.

"So, what's this about your lucky underwear?" Pikachu asked, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face from Ash's shoulder.

"Just you wait until I get some blackmail on you, you yellow mass of pure power and surging lightning!" Ash shot back with a smirk.

"You say something? Sorry, I was too busy being absorbed in my pure power and surging lightning!" Pikachu responded, completely unconcerned.

"Damn you, fiend!" Ash exclaimed as he playfully tossed Pikachu off his shoulder.

Pikachu burst out laughing, rolling on the ground and getting his fur and uniform dirty.

"Hey, it wasn't that funny!" Ash said indignantly.

"Yes, it was! You're so easy!" Pikachu replied, still laughing.

"Oh, go to hell, you bastard!" At that, Pikachu laughed even harder.

"Now, what's this about?" Ash asked, his anger disappearing as if it had never been there.

"You... haha... you cursed!" Pikachu managed to say through fits of laughter.

"Oh, shit! Mom will be so mad if she hears about this," Ash said, suddenly terrified.

Delia Ketchum was a sweet and kind woman, but if you somehow managed to get her angry, not even a god could save you from her fury.

After a few more minutes, Ash and Pikachu managed to reach the Teleport Station.

The Teleport Station was a wide, gray building. Near the entrance, there was a signboard that read, "Welcome to the Pallet Teleport Station!"

Ash pushed open the glass door and entered. Inside were five trainers, each wearing the uniform of an Ace Trainer employed by the League. Beside every Ace Trainer stood an Abra, they look quite focused for Abras, seriously there eyes were opened as well show the most beautiful eyes anyone can have ever seen.

Ash showed his pass to one of them.

"Where would you like to go?" the Ace Trainer asked.

"Viridian City, please," Ash replied. In an instant, he and Pikachu were surrounded by the pink energy of a Psychic attack. A moment later, they found themselves in the Viridian City Teleport Station.

Ash sighed. "This is it, then. This is the start of our suffering, buddy."

Pikachu nodded with a look of resolve.

Behind them, all the Ace Trainers collectively thought with a sweat drop, 'Isn't that a bit too dramatic for just going to school?'

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Viridian Academy stands as an impressive structure at the heart of Viridian City, blending tradition and modernity. The building is a sprawling, multi-story facility, its walls made from sleek, pale stone with intricate green ivy crawling up the sides, giving it a timeless and dignified appearance. At the entrance, large double doors made of polished oak welcome students, with a grand arch above them displaying the academy's emblem: a Poké Ball surrounded by laurel leaves, symbolizing both education and achievement.

The academy's windows are large and numerous, allowing plenty of natural light to fill the classrooms. Above the main entrance, tall, elegant windows provide a view of the grand library on the upper floor. Surrounding the school, beautifully manicured gardens and paths lead to various sections, including battle practice arenas, training fields, and a small pond where Water-type Pokémon often swim.

Inside, the halls are lined with portraits of famous trainers and scholars from Viridian City, adding a sense of history and prestige. The classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, featuring digital chalkboards and learning stations tailored for both Pokémon and their trainers. The battle practice rooms are spacious and reinforced to handle the intense energy of Pokémon moves, with observation decks for teachers and fellow students to watch battles unfold.

Ash opened the door of his class, Class 1-A.

The classroom is spacious and well-lit, with large windows lining one side that let in plenty of natural light. The walls are painted a soft blue, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.

Desks are arranged in a U-shape, encouraging collaboration and interaction among students. Each desk has a standard chair with a small storage compartment underneath for books and supplies. The desks are made of polished wood, with each student's nameplate attached to the front.

At the front of the room, a large teacher's desk is positioned at an angle, facing the students. It's cluttered with various teaching materials, including books, papers, and a laptop. Behind the desk, a digital blackboard spans the width of the room. The board displays lesson plans, diagrams, and interactive content that can be easily updated and manipulated during lessons.

On one side of the room, there is a display case showcasing various Poké Balls, model Pokémon, and educational posters about Pokémon types and habitats. A projector hangs from the ceiling, allowing for presentations and videos to be displayed on a pull-down screen.

The classroom is adorned with posters of different Pokémon and motivational quotes about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. A bulletin board features photos of students and their Pokémon, highlighting their achievements and activities.

Nearby, there is a shelf filled with supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, and art materials for projects. A small table in the corner holds a few plants, adding a touch of nature to the room.

One area of the classroom is dedicated to Pokémon. There's a cozy corner with a soft mat for Pokémon to rest, along with a few toys and bowls for food and water, making it a welcoming spot for students' Pokémon to hang out while they learn.

Upon entering Ash's attention was caught by five students who already had their starters.

The Boy with the Pikachu, He sits at the front of the classroom, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed posture. His spiky brown hair catches the light as he grins widely at his Pikachu, who is perched comfortably on his desk, playfully sparking with excitement. Dressed in a blue blazer, white shirt, and grey trousers, he exudes a confident aura.

The Girl with the Ditto, Seated next to the boy with Pikachu, she giggles as she glances at her Ditto, which is resting in her lap, its form shifting playfully. With her long pink hair cascading over her shoulders, she wears a pink tie and a slightly unbuttoned blazer, radiating cheerfulness and energy.

The Beautiful Girl with the Cubone, In her seat, she maintains an air of elegance, with her long black hair flowing down her back. She rests her chin on her hand, casting a sharp gaze around the room. Her Cubone sits beside her desk, clutching its bone tightly. Dressed in a classic red tie and a well-fitted blazer, her beauty is paired with a sense of arrogance that she wears like a badge.

The Girl with the Eevee, This girl is seated a few rows back, her short pink hair framing her face as she giggles at her Eevee, which is curled up on her desk. Wearing a pastel pink tie and a vibrant blazer, she exudes joy and energy, her cheerful demeanor making her a bright spot in the classroom.

The Boy with the Sandshrew, Sitting quietly in the back, he has his green hair slightly tousled and a serious expression on his face. His Sandshrew is curled up on the floor beside his chair, peeking out cautiously. Dressed in a navy tie with his blazer neatly buttoned up, he seems focused, contrasting with the more lively energy of his classmates.

As Ash entered the classroom, he quickly scanned the room and noticed that most of the other students were quite uninteresting compared to the five who had already bonded with their starters. Spotting his desk next to the girl with the Cubone, he made his way over and settled into his seat. A memory flashed in his mind of ripping a mutant Cubone in half, and a sunny smile crept onto his face. That was quite fun! he thought.

"Hello, miss! I'm Ash Ketchum, and this is my buddy Pikachu!" he said, channeling all the politeness his mom had stuffed in him.

The girl turned to him with a confused expression. "Are you... talking to me?"

"Umm... yes," Ash replied, bewildered by her reaction.

"If that's the case, then know the name of Giselle, who will be the number one student to ever come out of this academy," she declared, her voice dripping with self-importance.

"Good luck! I'll be rooting for you!" Ash said, trying to suppress his annoyance at her pretentious manner of speaking.

"As you should. After all, if your starter is a mere Pikachu, your only option is to follow your betters," Giselle said, her tone sickeningly sweet.

A tick mark appeared over Ash's head as Pikachu's cheeks sparked in irritation. Who does she think she is, telling me to follow my betters? Ash could feel the effects of his trait, Ruthless Compassion, starting to kick in.

"Ash, hold me, or I might fry this cunt!" Pikachu exclaimed, jumping into his lap. Ash wrapped his arms around Pikachu, choosing not to comment on his crass language.

"We'll see about that," Ash said, forcing a plastic smile, but if eyes could kill Giselle would be nothing more then a maggot infested rotting corpse.

Soon, their teacher entered, and all the students stood up, greeting her with a cheerful, "Good morning!"

"Good morning to you all as well. I am Amelia Ainsworth, and I will be your homeroom teacher and math professor," she said.

Professor Ainsworth was a middle-aged woman with short, curly silver hair and sharp blue eyes framed by sleek, rectangular glasses. She always dressed in a tidy light grey blazer and a pencil skirt, projecting a professional yet approachable appearance. Her no-nonsense expression commanded respect.

At first, Ash wanted to complain when the lecture began, but as Professor Ainsworth delved deeper into the lesson, he found himself becoming more and more invested in what she was teaching. Perhaps it was due to his high Intelligence stat, but he was genuinely intrigued by the way she connected math to real-world Pokémon battles, making the subject much more engaging than he had anticipated.

Next class was taught by Mr. Eliot Darnell.

Professor Eliot was a tall, lean man in his early 40s with a calm, scholarly presence. His soft brown hair was streaked with a few strands of grey, neatly combed back. His sharp, hazel eyes always held a quiet intelligence, observing his students with thoughtfulness. He wore a simple, elegant dark green sweater over a white collared shirt, paired with brown slacks. His look was tidy but relaxed, matching his approachable demeanor. A pair of reading glasses hung from a thin cord around his neck, which he only used when reviewing student work or reading aloud.

Ash was already quite good at Kalosian, thanks to Serena, who had started teaching him a few years ago. She said she wanted things to be even since she had learned Kantonian before coming to Kanto, so she wanted to teach him Kalosian before he came to Kalos.

Ash had also picked up a few interesting thing from professor Eliot's lecture. One of them was that Johtonian was almost the same as Kantonian, with only a few differences. He also learned that Unova, the region he and Serena were currently journeying through, was very far away from the other regions. It was so distant that Pokémon like Pikachu were revered there.

The next professor to come into class was Ms.Claire Hawthorne, the Pokémon Care teacher.

Ms.Hawthorne was in her mid-30s, with long, flowing auburn hair that she usually tied up in a loose ponytail while teaching. Her warm, green eyes radiated kindness and compassion, always accompanied by a gentle smile when she talked about Pokémon. She often wore a simple yet practical outfit—a light brown vest over a pale green blouse and comfortable khaki pants, perfect for hands-on work with Pokémon. A few dirt smudges from working with different Pokémon only added to her approachable and down-to-earth appearance.

Just like with language, Ash already knew a lot about caring for Pokémon, thanks to his mom. She had been a former assistant to Professor Oak, so she had taught him much of what she had learned over the years. This knowledge came in handy, especially since Ash had to take care of two baby Pokémon by himself. He wasn't planning to hatch any more eggs either—taking care of kids while being a kid himself was more work than he wanted.

Ash really enjoyed the Pokémon Care class, especially since Professor Hawthorne praised him for keeping Pikachu in excellent condition. She was even more impressed when he mentioned that he made their food by himself.

The next class was maybe the one that intrigued Ash the most, it was Battle Strategy and Pokémon and Trainer Training, he wasn't excited as Pikachu could kill anyone lower then level 30 with one thunder shock, but he was still intrigued how noobs battled, was it as existing as a good battle to death? How different it is to battle for the sake of fun and in good sport, instead of battling to kill.

Mr. Gideon Waverly, the Battle Strategy and Pokémon and Trainer Training instructor, was next to teach after Ms. Claire Hawthorne. He was a man in his late 40s with a stocky build and a commanding presence. His short, salt-and-pepper hair was always neatly trimmed, and his dark blue eyes missed nothing as they scanned the classroom. Known for his strict but fair teaching style, Mr. Waverly demanded focus and precision in battle tactics. He wore a sharp, military-style jacket over a black shirt and trousers, reflecting his background as a former military general.

This class was held outside in the battle arena.

"For most of you, this will be your first taste of battle. Some of you may have already experienced it," Mr. Waverly began. "We'll start this lesson with a tournament-style demonstration. Will the six students who already have their starters step forward." Though he framed it as a request, the authoritative tone made it feel like a direct order.

Ash, the boy with the Sandshrew, the girl with a Ditto, the girl with an Eevee, Giselle, and the boy with a Pikachu all stepped forward.

"State your names!" Mr. Waverly commanded.

"Ash Ketchum, sir!" Ash saluted with a wide grin.

Mr. Waverly's eyebrow twitched, but before he could respond, the others followed Ash's lead.

"Just AJ, sir!"

"Ritchie Hiroshi, sir!"

"Duplica, sir!"

"Sakura, sir!"

"Giselle, sir!"

"Ketchum, your opponent is AJ. Hiroshi, you'll face Giselle. Duplica and Sakura, you will battle each other!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" the students echoed in unison.

Mr. Waverly's eye twitched again, and he shot Ash a glare. Ash simply smiled, pretending not to notice.

"You will not be using your starters in this battle, as some may be more experienced than others." He glanced suspiciously at Pikachu, who was mimicking Ash. "I will assign each of you a Pokémon. These will be your partners, and you will train with them alongside your starters during your time here."

Mr. Waverly opened a box that had been beside him the whole time, pulling out six Poké Balls and tossing them to the students.

Was that always there? Ash wondered as he caught his Poké Ball and examined it.

Ash caught his ball and analyzed it.

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Oddish (Temporary Pokémon)

Lvl: 5

Info: This Oddish is smaller and lighter than usual, making it more agile and better at hiding from predators. Its sensitive leaves help it detect danger quickly, allowing it to burrow into the ground with ease. However, its smaller size also makes it more delicate and in need of extra care.

HP: 22

Attack: 11

Defense: 10

Sp. Atk: 13

Sp. Def: 11

Speed: 9

Moves: Absorb, Tackle, Growth, Razor Leaf

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Ash released his new temporary partner.

"Hello there, Oddish!" Ash greeted as the Grass/Poison-type emerged from its Poké Ball.

The Pokémon looked at him with confusion, which soon turned into realization. "Hello, you too, human!" the small Oddish said cheerfully.

"This is my partner, Pikachu!" Ash introduced.

"Yo! Nice to meet you!" Pikachu added.

"Nice to meet you too! I hope to work well with you!" Oddish replied.

"You can sure try," Pikachu said, jumping off Ash's shoulder. "But I wouldn't get my hopes up." He spoke nonchalantly.

Oddish wanted to object but quickly fell silent as Pikachu seemingly teleported behind him, shocking him to his core. Only Ash, Pikachu, Oddish, and Mr. Waverly witnessed it.

"I'm not trying to be rude, but I'm way beyond your league," Pikachu stated, a gleeful grin on his face. "After all, a champion has confirmed that I'm an elite level pokemon. So, all you can do is support my brother from a human mother and listen to his every command without hesitation. Am I clear, or do you need more motivation?"

"C-c-crystal s-sir!" Oddish stuttered.

"Good," Pikachu smirked and jumped back onto Ash's shoulder.

"Alright, get into your positions! This is just a friendly spar for me to evaluate your skills and your position in the ranks!" Mr. Waverly announced.

Ash and AJ took their places, facing each other.

"You know that wasn't really necessary. What's this about being a brother from a human mother? My mom is as much a mother to me as she is to you," Ash whispered while facing forward.

"Sorry, but it sounded cooler for intimidating someone, and just look at his face—he was scared shitless! I know you as much as you know yourself. You'll pull an absolutely crazy tactic that'll definitely work but sound wild as hell. A random Pokémon you don't trust won't obey you, so that motivation was needed!" Pikachu explained in a whisper. Ash nodded, realizing replying to a Pokémon in front of everyone would be suspicious.

A shaken Oddish took its place on the battlefield while AJ released his Pokémon. Upon seeing it, he immediately cursed—it was a Poliwag.

"Hey, type advantages aren't everything! You still have a fair chance of beating me!" Ash said with an encouraging smile.

"Shut your trap, you goody two-shoes! You remind me of a shōnen protagonist!" AJ shot back, glaring.

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"Psychological tactics and the mindset of a trainer are also crucial in battle. It can make your opponent hesitate or become nervous, leading to mistakes," Mr. Waverly explained to the other students as the six trainers commenced their battles, all the other students were also familiarising themselves with their new partners.

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"Is that what you think..." Ash paused as his hat hid his eyes, "then you're absolutely right. I, Ash Ketchum, and my new friend Oddish will defeat you with the power of friendship and love!" Ash said with fire in his eyes, radiating purity, which might be because of his skill, Water of Purification.

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"As you all just saw, sometimes your taunts can have the opposite effect and encourage your opponent," Mr. Waverly said, a sweat drop forming on his brow.

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"Is that so? Then let me start! Poliwag, use any damaging move you know—it has to be strong!" AJ commanded.

Poliwag rushed at Oddish for a Tackle.

"Jump and use Growth!" Ash shouted.

As Poliwag approached, Oddish grew to twice its size. Just as the water-type Pokémon was beneath him, Oddish landed with a heavy thump, injuring and stunning Poliwag with a makeshift body slam.

"Now finish this with Absorb!" Ash ordered.

Oddish returned to its normal size and unleashed the vitality-absorbing move. The super-effective attack, combined with its prior injuries, was enough to knock out the water-type Pokémon.

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"Excellent! Although it was an unusual tactic, it was a brilliant use of the secondary effects of status moves. Many moves may seem to serve only one purpose, but if you really think about it, there may be more than one function that the a move can fulfill," Mr. Waverly praised.

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"How was that for a shōnen protagonist? Pretty neat, right?" Ash said with a mocking smirk.

"This isn't over! You only won because you have a Grass-type against my Water-type. My Sandshrew can beat your Pikachu easily!" AJ shot back, his tone venomous.

"We'll see when that day comes!" Ash replied with absolute confidence. He wasn't even mad at AJ; he hadn't insulted him or Pikachu. Ash was pretty sure that no one in this school could defeat him and Pikachu if they truly went all out.

Ash waited for the others to finish their battles, and soon enough, Duplica and Giselle emerged victorious.

"So who will fight who?" Duplica asked.

"You three can decide between yourselves, can't you?" Mr. Waverly asked rhetorically.

The three trainers looked at each other, and it was Ash who finally spoke.

"Look, ladies, I'm fine with battling both of you, at once." Ash said with pure confidence. Anyone who did not know him might mistake this for arrogance, but Ash was far from arrogant; he was just that confident in his abilities that he wouldn't mind taking on two opponents simultaneously.

"Just because you got lucky doesn't mean you've become this arrogant to think you can defeat me," Giselle replied, her tone dripping with superiority.

"Umm... I mean, dude, she's kind of right," Duplica added.

"It's settled then! Ketchum will take on both of you in a two-on-one battle!" Mr. Waverly declared, and Ash confidently took his position while the two girls did the same.

"Let the battle begin!" Mr. Waverly signaled for the battle to start.

Ash's Oddish stepped onto the battlefield as Giselle released her Spearow, and Duplica sent out a Pidgey. Both girls wore confident smirks, but Ash grinned, knowing that type effectiveness could only go so far.

"Peck!" they commanded in unison.

The two avian Pokémon rushed toward the seemingly helpless, weed Pokémon at high speed.

"Jump and use Razor Leaf on the ground!" Ash shouted.

Oddish leaped just before the two bird Pokémon collided, their beaks smashing into each other with a loud thunk. The impact intensified their momentum, causing them to take additional damage.

Still disoriented from their collision, the two avians were unprepared for the barrage of razor-sharp leaves that rained down on them. While the attack wasn't very effective, it still caused some significant damage.

"Drop down with a Growth Tackle!" Ash instructed.

Oddish grew again and fell directly onto the bird Pokémon's skulls. Both Pokémon fell unconscious upon impact, while Oddish remained scratchless.

"Wait, how did he do that?"

"He must've cheated somehow!"

"Yeah, no one could beat someone that beautiful!"

These were just some of the many hushed whispers Ash overheard. He wanted to show off his skills and tactics, but he hadn't expected them to accuse him of cheating. Ash opened his mouth to defend himself, but before he could, Mr. Waverly spoke up on his behalf.

"Quiet, all of you!" Mr. Waverly's voice boomed, silencing the murmurs. "Ash Ketchum has not cheated in any way!" His expression was stern as he scanned the students, clearly furious. "You've all been taught that Fire beats Grass, Grass beats Water, and Water beats Fire. But if you're skilled and have a sharp mind for tactics—like this boy, who I already consider an excellent Pokémon trainer—then type effectiveness can mean very little in an actual battle!"

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Get this into your thick skulls: Never rely solely on type advantages. And don't ever underestimate your opponent. No matter how weak a Pokémon may look, never judge a book by its cover!"

The students looked down, clearly ashamed after Mr. Waverly's reprimand.

"Now, look at the leaderboard," he said, gesturing to a large screen on the other side of the arena. The leaderboard displayed the rankings of the students based on their recent battles.

"We also add your scores from these battles to your grades. Defeating a Pokémon in a one-on-one battle equals 10 points, while defeating Pokémon in two-on-one battles earns you 50 points."

At the top of the leaderboard stood Ash and Pikachu, with Ash's normal outfit beside his image and a score of 60 points displayed proudly. Below him, tied for second place, were Giselle and Duplica, each with 10 points.

After Mr. Waverly finished the battles, he allowed the other students to begin their matches.

The next class was Science and Technology, taught by Dr. Felicity Stern.

Dr. Stern was a petite woman in her early forties, with short, sleek black hair and deep-set brown eyes that always seemed to be analyzing something. She wore a white lab coat over a casual outfit of jeans and a t-shirt with a geeky reference on it, often seen carrying a tablet where she jotted down new discoveries or notes.

In class, Dr. Stern explained the technology behind modern Pokéballs and how they could keep Pokémon in their minimized form for up to three days. She mentioned how the glowing light when a Pokémon is stored or released is just for aesthetics, designed to make the process more visually appealing.

As she continued explaining the effects different types of Pokéballs could have on the Pokémon inside, such as how Luxury Balls made Pokémon more comfortable and trusting of their trainers, she noticed Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder.

"Ah, Ash, I see your Pikachu doesn't stay inside his Pokéball," Dr. Stern observed with a curious smile.

Ash nodded, giving Pikachu a quick glance. "Yeah, he hates it in there. He says it feels too cramped, even though the technology is supposed to make the inside comfortable."

Dr. Stern nodded thoughtfully. "That's actually not uncommon. While Pokéballs are designed to provide a safe and comfortable space for Pokémon, some Pokémon just prefer the freedom of being outside. It could be a matter of personal preference or a Pokémon's natural independence. In Pikachu's case, he's probably so used to being out and about that the Pokéball feels more like a cage."

Pikachu nodded, crossing his arms. "Exactly. Why be stuck inside when I can be out here?"

Ash smiled. "It's been like that since the beginning. He's never liked being cooped up, or so Professor Oak told me."

Dr. Stern chuckled lightly. "That's something trainers should always respect—the preferences of their Pokémon. Even with all the advancements in Pokéball technology, there's no substitute for the bond between a Pokémon and its trainer."

The next class was Survival in the Wilderness, taught by Ranger Brent Hawke.

Ranger Hawke is a rugged, muscular man in his late thirties with messy brown hair and a bit of stubble on his face. He wears a dark green ranger outfit, complete with a utility belt and a signature wide-brimmed hat. His tan skin shows that he spends most of his time outdoors, and he has a kind, reassuring smile beneath his intense green eyes.

Most of what he taught Ash already knew and implemented, but it was still amusing to see his class fail at building something as simple as a tent.

'Why did they even want to become trainers if they did not even know what to do in the wilderness? Now I can understand why the League decided to send us to this school,' Ash thought, as they were outside in the grass field surrounded by a few trees.

Ash had completed his tent within the first few minutes, and now he and Pikachu were getting their amusement from seeing his classmates fail at the easiest task a Pokémon trainer has to do. "What will they do when it comes to berry collecting or hunting?" Ash asked Pikachu, who shrugged with a chuckle.

Ash felt that someone was approaching him. He looked up to see that it was Ranger Brent Hawke.

"So, you're that kid who Waverly was talking so highly about," Ranger Hawke said, crossing his arms and studying Ash with an approving nod.

Ash grinned, a bit bashful but also proud. "Yeah, I guess that's me! I'm just trying to learn as much as I can. It's a lot of fun being here."

Ranger Hawke chuckled. "Fun is good, but you know, being a Pokémon trainer isn't just about having fun. It's about survival out there. You've got to be prepared for anything." He gestured toward the chaos unfolding behind them as students struggled to assemble their tents. "Looks like some of them could use a bit of your knowledge."

Ash laughed, glancing back at his classmates. "I can't believe they're having such a hard time! It's just a tent! I mean, come on!"

"Trust me, Ash," Hawke said, leaning in closer, "when you're out there in the wild, you won't have the luxury of time. If a storm hits or you're attacked by a wild Pokémon, you need to be able to set up camp in a hurry. It's about quick thinking and knowing your skills."

"Yeah, I get that," Ash replied, looking serious for a moment. "I've had my share of wild encounters with Pokémon. You learn quickly what works and what doesn't."

"Exactly! It's great that you have that experience already. Not everyone comes into this school with that kind of background. Some of these kids are relying too much on their Pokémon to save them rather than learning how to handle situations themselves."

Ash nodded, understanding the importance of independence. "I want to be the best trainer I can be. I've always looked up to trainers who are resourceful and can think on their feet."

"That's a solid mindset to have," Ranger Hawke said, his eyes sparkling with encouragement. "A true trainer adapts to their environment. And those skills can save lives. Out there, it's not just about the battles; it's about understanding your surroundings and making the right decisions. Do you think you're ready for that kind of responsibility?"

Ash's expression hardened with determination. "Absolutely! I want to take care of my Pokémon and protect them, no matter what."

"Good to hear. With that attitude, you'll go far," Hawke said with a grin. "I can see that you've got what it takes. And if you ever need advice, don't hesitate to ask. I'm always around."

"Thanks, Ranger Hawke! I'll definitely take you up on that," Ash replied, feeling a rush of excitement.

"Now, let's see if you can teach these guys a thing or two about pitching tents. Maybe we can turn this chaos into a learning opportunity," Hawke suggested, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Ash laughed again. "Sure! Let's show them how it's done!"

Time skip.

When Ash and Pikachu returned home, the first ones to greet them were Kirlia and Eilie, who were waiting outside with wide smiles and sparkling eyes. The moment they spotted him, their faces lit up with excitement.

"Dad! Father! We missed you!" Kirlia and Eilie cried in unison, launching themselves at him with joyful tackle hugs. The force of their affection knocked Ash onto the grass, and he couldn't help but laugh as he fell backward, feeling the warmth of their love wash over him.

"I missed you guys too, but we'll have to get used to this," Ash said, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance. He sat up, wrapping his arms around them both and soaking in their enthusiasm. "But don't worry; I'll only be gone for six hours," he added, ruffling Kirlia's hair playfully.

"But six hours is too long!" Kirlia exclaimed, her wide eyes shimmering with a hint of disappointment. "Can't you take us with those ball thingies?" She gestured animatedly, her excitement bubbling over like a freshly shaken soda.

Ash smiled gently, knowing how much they wanted to be included in his adventures. "I could maybe do that in the future, but for now, we just have to wait. Besides, I'm sure Mom is taking good care of you while I'm gone," he replied, trying to ease their worries with his reassuring tone.

Just then, Delia appeared in front of them, her presence as comforting as always. "That I certainly am!" she said, her voice bright and cheerful. She knelt down beside them, her expression warm with love and curiosity. "Now, come inside and tell me all about what happened at school!"

As they made their way inside, Ash could feel Kirlia and Eilie buzzing with excitement beside him, their minds racing with questions. "Did you battle anyone? Did you make new friends? What did you learn?" they asked, each question tumbling over the other like a waterfall of curiosity.

Pikachu, who had been watching with a soft smile, chimed in, "We did and we won!" He nodded eagerly, his cheeks sparking with energy as he encouraged Ash to share everything.

"Well," Ash began, his eyes sparkling as he recalled the day's events, "we had a huge battle in class, and I won! Mr. Waverly said I did great, and we even had a science lesson about Poké Balls." His voice became animated as he recounted the thrill of his battles and the fascinating things he learned about Pokémon technology, painting vivid pictures of the day in the minds of his eager listeners.

As they settled around the dinner table, Delia served them a warm meal, her motherly instincts in full swing. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, wrapping them in a cozy atmosphere. "You know, I'm so proud of you, Ash. You're really growing up!" she said, her eyes gleaming with pride.

"Thanks, Mom," Ash replied, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "I just want to be the best Pokémon Trainer I can be!" His voice held a hint of determination that resonated with everyone at the table.

With laughter and chatter filling the room, Ash felt a sense of belonging wash over him. It was moments like these that reminded him of why he trained so hard and why he loved being with his family and Pokémon.

After filling his belly, Ash went upstairs, changed quickly, and eagerly called the person he was most excited to talk to.

Within seconds, the call was picked up by Serena, who smiled brightly upon seeing his face. Ash, too, smiled just as brightly, a wave of joy washing over him.

"Hey! I missed you!" he exclaimed, his heart racing with excitement.

"I missed you too!" Serena replied, her voice filled with warmth.

"So, to Unova then?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Ash nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! We also need to start our research on the Tao Trio," he said, holding up his trainer card, its edges glinting in the light.

At that moment, Serena's Snivy jumped onto her back, looking playful and eager. Ash's Pokémon all latched onto him, eager to be part of the upcoming adventure. The air around them seemed to hum with anticipation as they prepared to channel their mana into their respective cards.

"Ready?" Ash asked, a grin spreading across his face as he felt the familiar energy building around them.

"Ready!" Serena confirmed, her determination shining through.

With a collective focus, they channeled their mana into their cards, and in an instant, the world around them blurred. With a flash of light, they disappeared, leaving behind the cozy home filled with laughter and love, stepping into the unknown adventure that awaited them in Unova.

Thank you all, who Followed, Favorited, Reviewed, and who took the time to read my fic I really appreciate it.

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