As they settled into Geeta's office, the chairwoman wasted no time in delving into the discussion. With Ash and Pikachu seated comfortably across from her, Geeta began to outline some key aspects of life at Naranja Academy.
"Now, Ash, as a special guest here at Naranja Academy, there are a few things you should know," Geeta began, her tone serious yet welcoming. "Firstly, we take the safety and well-being of our students very seriously. If you ever encounter any issues or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to myself, Rika, or any of the professors."
Rika, standing nearby with a watchful eye, nodded in agreement, her expression attentive as she oversaw the conversation.
Geeta continued, "Additionally, I want to ensure that your time here is not only enjoyable but also productive. We have a wide range of courses and activities available, tailored to suit every interest and skill level. Whether you're interested in battling, research, or something else entirely, there's something here for everyone."
"So...I'm a student?" Ash asked dumbly.
As Geeta chuckled at Ash's question, she nodded thoughtfully. "Yes and no, Ash," she replied. "While you're not officially enrolled as a student here at Naranja Academy, you're still considered part of our community during your time here."
Rika stepped in to elaborate. "Exactly," she affirmed, her tone matter-of-fact. "While you may not be following a traditional student curriculum, it's beneficial for you to engage in the academy's activities and classes. You'll have opportunities to learn new things, hone your skills, and interact with other trainers and researchers."
Ash nodded in understanding, the distinction becoming clearer to him. "I see," he said, absorbing Rika's explanation. "So, I get to participate in classes and activities like a student, but without the formal enrollment?"
Rika nodded in agreement. "That's right," she confirmed. "Consider it an honorary role, where you have the privileges of a student without the obligations of a full-time commitment."
With the matter clarified, Ash felt a sense of relief. Though he wasn't sure what to expect when he first arrived at Naranja Academy, he was grateful for the opportunity to immerse himself in the academy's culture and continue his journey as a Pokémon Trainer.
The knocking on Geeta's office door drew everyone's attention. Geeta's smile widened in anticipation. She had been expecting this visit. "Come in." With a graceful gesture, she granted access to enter, and the door swung open to reveal Clavell, the director of Naranja Academy.
Clavell stepped into the room. He wore a white wig, his goatee neatly trimmed, and his orange attire adorned with Poké Balls.
"Director Clavell, it's a pleasure to see you," the chairwoman said warmly.
"It's always an honor to see you too, Miss Geeta." Clavell returned the greeting with a respectful bow before turning his attention to Ash. With a kind smile, he approached Ash and extended a hand in greeting. "Ah, the esteemed Monarch," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "We are honored to have you grace our academy with your presence, Ash. Welcome to Naranja Academy."
Ash, taken aback by the director's formal greeting, shook his hand with a smile. "Thank you, Director Clavell. It's an honor to be here," he replied, feeling a sense of gratitude for the warm welcome he had received.
"Chairwoman Geeta briefed you, I presume?" Clavell couldn't resist asking, though he already knew the answer.
"Yes, Geeta brought me up to speed. I'm all set," Ash confirmed, his confidence shining through with a smile.
"Excellent. Let's get you settled in then, shall we?" Clavell offered to accompany Ash to his dormitory before his first class.
"Thank you, Director Clavell. I really appreciate it," Ash expressed his gratitude, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, ready for the journey.
Before leaving, Ash turned back to Geeta and Rika, offering a parting remark. "Thanks for everything. I'm off now," he said with a warm smile.
Rika waved goodbye with a smile, while Geeta quipped with a playful grin, "Try not to stir up too much trouble now."
Once they were alone, Rika couldn't help but express her concern to Geeta. "Do you think we should have given Ash his own private room instead of a small dorm room?" she asked, her brow furrowed with worry.
Geeta giggled at Rika's fretting, shaking her head affectionately. "Oh, Rika, you worry too much," she teased gently. "Ash will be fine in the dorm. Besides, a little humility never hurt anyone. It'll be good for him to experience life as a regular student for a while. Please don't spoil him."
Rika's cheeks flushed at the teasing, and she quickly denied any sense of spoiling Ash. "I-I'm not spoiling him!" she protested, though her tone lacked conviction.
With a knowing smile, Geeta placed a reassuring hand on Rika's shoulder. "Of course not, Rika. Let's trust that Ash will adjust just fine."
...
"Here we are!" Clavell announced as he led Ash into an unoccupied dorm room. Ash followed him inside, taking in the simple yet comfortable surroundings. "It hasn't been used for a while, but I hope you don't mind it too much, Ash," Clavell remarked, gesturing around the room.
Ash looked around with a smile, appreciating the cozy space. "It's fine. Thanks, Director Clavell," he said graciously.
Clavell nodded in acknowledgment before remembering something important. "Oh, that reminds me," he said, reaching into his pocket. "Miss Geeta wanted me to give you this."
He produced a set of clothes and held them out to Ash. "Since you'll be staying at the academy, it's our policy for everyone to wear the uniform, unfortunately."
Ash blinked in surprise before accepting the uniform from the director. "I see. Guess I'll try them on then," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Moments later...
As Jacq's classroom hummed with whispers and murmurs, the anticipation for the arrival of a special guest permeated the air. Nemona, sporting a smug grin, appeared to be privy to the secret, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
Jacq, the biology and homeroom teacher at Naranja Academy, addressed his students, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Class, we have a special guest joining us today. Let's extend a warm welcome and show our best behavior."
Among the students, Arven's frown deepened as he pondered the significance of the newcomer's presence. Meanwhile, Penny, a reserved girl with glasses and an affection for Eevee and its Evolutions, felt a spark of curiosity despite her initial disinterest in the new student.
As the whispers subsided, all attention shifted towards the door, where Jacq directed his gaze. "Please come in, Ash," he beckoned, inviting the special guest to enter the classroom.
As Ash entered the classroom, dressed in the academy's uniform but still retaining his signature accessories, a wave of surprise rippled through the students. Even those like Arven and Penny, who were initially indifferent, couldn't help but be taken aback by the unexpected guest.
"No way... why is he here?" Arven muttered, disbelief coloring his tone.
Penny remained silent, her attention now fully captivated by Ash as he stood behind Jacq's desk.
"Now, Ash, please introduce yourself to the class," Jacq instructed, his voice breaking the stunned silence that had settled over the room.
With a sheepish grin, Ash began his introduction, "Hey everyone, I'm Ash Ketchum. It's great to be here at Naranja Academy."
As soon as the words left his lips, an awkward silence descended upon the classroom, followed by an explosive eruption of excitement. The room seemed to come alive with a cacophony of voices as students clamored around Ash, bombarding him with requests.
As the barrage of questions and requests flooded in, Ash's eyes widened in surprise and nervousness.
"Can I have your autograph?" asked an eager fan, holding out a notebook and pen.
"How did your Pikachu get so strong?" inquired another fan, eyes wide with curiosity.
"You're so cute. Do you have a girlfriend?" giggled a flirtatious female student, her playful tone making Ash blush furiously.
Nemona's irritation was palpable as she watched the scene unfold, her eyebrow twitching in annoyance at the flirtatious comment.
Meanwhile, Ash found himself sweating nervously, feeling completely overwhelmed by the sudden flood of attention. He hadn't expected to be greeted with such enthusiasm, and now he struggled to find the right words amidst the clamor of his classmates.
As the chaos continued to unfold, Jacq raised his voice to address the class. "Class, we still have a lecture to get through," he announced firmly, his tone cutting through the uproar. "Please go back to your seats."
His words were met with a round of whines and protests from the students, reluctant to tear themselves away from the excitement of interacting with Ash.
An hour later...
After Jacq's lecture finally concluded, Ash found himself mentally exhausted as he strolled through the hallways, Pikachu riding comfortably on his shoulder. "To think I was this popular... How does Leon do it every day, Pikachu?" he mused, seeking his partner's perspective on the matter.
Pikachu shrugged its tiny shoulders, clearly pondering the same question.
"Ash!" Suddenly, Nemona's voice broke through the fatigue, causing the World Champion to come to a halt. He turned around to see the student council president rushing towards him with a bright smile.
"Oh, hey Nemona!" Ash greeted warmly as she approached.
"So, Mr. Popular," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "Did you enjoy your first day of lectures?" she inquired with a grin.
Ash scratched his cheek sheepishly before replying, "Well, besides the fans, it did remind me of Professor Kukui's Trainers' School back in Alola, so I'm used to it."
"That's good," Nemona remarked, her grin widening. Then, a mischievous idea crossed her mind. "Say, how about we have a battle?"
Ash's eyes lit up with excitement at the challenge. "You're on, Nemona! You ready, Pikachu?" he exclaimed, turning to his faithful companion.
Pikachu mirrored Ash's enthusiasm, fists clenched in anticipation.
Nemona giggled at their shared excitement but was equally eager for the impending matchup. "I expected nothing less from the World Champion than to back down from a challenge."
However, the academy's bell suddenly rang, signaling the start of the next class. Nemona's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I guess we'll have to postpone that battle for another time. Our next class is about to start, and I was so looking forward to our battle too," she lamented with a slight whine in her voice.
"Same here," Ash chuckled. "But we can wait. Let's go."
Before he could make his way to the next class, Nemona unexpectedly called out again, halting Ash in his tracks. "Just a second, Ash, there's something I want to ask."
Ash turned back to Nemona, his curiosity piqued. "Oh, what is it, Nemona?" he inquired, wondering what she had in mind.
The student council president scratched her cheek sheepishly before making her request. "How about we exchange contact information? You know, in case you need to reach out to me for something, or we can hang out when you're not busy, that is."
Ash blinked in surprise at the unexpected request but smiled nonetheless. "Sure," he agreed readily.
"Alright!" Nemona's excitement caught Ash off guard, but he chuckled in response. "Oh, I mean, thanks, Ash," she added with a nervous chuckle.
Pulling out their Rotom Phones, both quickly exchanged contact information. It was a simple and easy process. Soon after, Nemona flashed Ash another grin. "Alright, Ash, shall we head to our next class?"
Ash nodded. "Lead the way, Nemona," he replied, ready to continue their day at Naranja Academy.
Yup. I added the running gag of the academy's bell interrupting Nemona every time she tries to battle. Thought it was something that needed to be included in the story as a comedy aspect. Were you a little surprised Arven and Penny made a brief cameo? They will appear more later on.