Catch Feelings, Not Just Pokemon

Though it might sound a bit comical, Liko's outlook had changed drastically in just a short amount of time.

At first, she had simply dismissed Haru as a two-timing pervert—someone who, even with his "ex" right there, still had the gall to flirt with an average girl like her.

But now… how was that perverted? That was clearly the behavior of a noble soul!

Despite knowing so much, Haru hadn't taken advantage of her ignorance to steal the gem or snatch away a Legendary Pokémon.

Instead, he chose to help her—the very person caught in the middle of all this chaos—and even risked clashing with the Explorers to guide her.

And let's not forget: the Explorers was a criminal organization with influence that spanned the entire region. No one could say what might happen if you crossed them.

And she? She was just an ordinary student. She and Haru didn't even have any real connection...

Wasn't what Haru did exactly what those selfless "heroes" in the stories would do?

Not to mention, Haru had just revealed that he himself was being targeted by Team Rocket.

There's no need to explain what kind of organization Team Rocket is. Their infamy stretches from Kanto to Unova—no one doesn't know them.

Being hunted by them, Haru-sensei must have it rough too, right?

And yet, even with his own troubles, he was still willing to lend her a hand...

"But… why would you do all this? It's dangerous, isn't it?"

"You're being attacked by Team Rocket too…"

Once Liko realized the full extent of what Haru had done for her, her entire perception of him flipped on its head.

The flirtiness and frivolity she had seen before now felt more like selflessness and carefree bravery.

Even that time his hand happened to brush against Lillie's thigh… maybe that had a deeper meaning after all?

"Oh? Are you underestimating me, Liko?"

Haru gently withdrew his right hand, which Lillie had unknowingly grabbed at some point, and smiled with complete confidence.

"I'm the battle instructor at Naranja Academy. Protecting students is my job. A few members of the Explorers aren't worth worrying about."

"As for Team Rocket… how many divisions do they even have?"

"R-Right… is that so?"

At that moment, Liko suddenly recalled the strange tone Principal Clavell had used when he spoke of Haru.

According to Clavell, while Haru had only temporarily joined the staff at Naranja Academy, he was rumored to command exceptionally powerful Pokémon.

"Even against the strongest of the Elite Four, he wouldn't lose easily."

That's what the principal had said back then.

Liko hadn't thought much of it at the time—but thinking back now…

If Haru was so knowledgeable about Legendary Pokémon, did that mean he had one himself?

Maybe not a top-tier Legendary—that would be rare—but perhaps a second-tier one?

No wonder he was so confident. Even a second-tier Legendary was far beyond the reach of an average trainer.

Strong, kind, mysterious… what a perfect man!

"Haru-sensei, please train me!"

The girl glanced at her pendant, then suddenly stood up and gave Haru a deep bow, eyes sparkling like stars.

Yes, for her own sake—and so as not to let Haru-sensei down—she had to grow stronger, fast.

"…"

Off to the side, Lillie watched the scene unfold and suddenly felt like something was… off.

Wasn't she supposed to be keeping potential rivals away from Haru? So how had she ended up inadvertently attracting another one to him?

This wasn't right. Not right at all. She had come here for serious business, not to become Haru-sensei's wingwoman.

"Haru-sensei, it's getting late. We should get going."

"Wait, I still have something to talk to sensei about."

"Whatever it is can wait till tomorrow. Right now, Haru-sensei is coming with me."

"Why are you in such a hurry to take him away?"

"Why are you in such a hurry to keep him here?"

"…"

Haru looked between them, uncertain if he should step in. Somehow, he had a feeling that if he opened his mouth now, both sides might turn on him.

Even though—seriously this time—he was just trying to do a good deed. So how had things turned weird again?

---

In the Pokémon games, it's never clearly stated which region Kitakami belongs to. But based on the architecture and cultural elements, it strongly resembles real-world Japan.

The myths—like the ogre, Momotaro, and the Loyal Three—are clearly rooted in Japanese folklore.

Of course, in the original legends, Momotaro and the trio were the heroes, while the ogre was the villain.

Other aspects, like yukata and masked festivals, also scream Japanese aesthetics.

That said, myth is myth, and reality is reality. When Haru and his students arrived in Kitakami, he didn't feel it was that different from other regions.

If anything, it was just a little more rural compared to the big cities.

As Clavell had said, this time the Blueberry Academy delegation was once again led by Briar.

Clearly, just like in the games, her goal was to uncover the origin of Terastallization.

As for the students from Blueberry…

Haru had secretly hoped that, since this was a year earlier than the in-game timeline, he might run into a certain upperclassman whose name sounded suspiciously like his—and who shared a deep connection with Floette.

Unfortunately, she wasn't among the ones traveling with Briar. Instead, Kieran and Carmine had been chosen.

Haru had been hoping to discuss strategies for training Fairy-types with the future Fairy Elite Four member, but alas.

As for Haru's side, aside from himself, there were Lillie, Nemona, Liko, and… Paldea's very own "Batman," Arven.

Also, Ms. Iono had decided to crash the trip—calling it a spontaneous journey while secretly using it as an excuse to expand her streaming content. She even paid her own way.

Haru couldn't help but suspect the academy's so-called "random selection" process. He had a theory: maybe they just kept redrawing until they got the outcome they wanted.

Still, it wasn't all bad. At least everyone was familiar to him—if only Lillie, Liko, and Iono could get along more peacefully...

"Haru-sensei, what's this now?"

Just as they stepped off the bus, Briar looked curiously at Iono and Lillie, who were clinging to each of Haru's arms.

"Don't mind them… I'm just doing some weighted walking practice."

"Oh? Quite the popular one, aren't you, Professor Haru? Let's keep moving then. Our destination is just ahead."

"Right."

As he gazed down the concrete road that wound through the countryside, Haru let out a quiet breath.

Ogerpon awaits—just up ahead.

***************************

Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my P@treon.

P@treon/GodDragcell