Moving Preparations

"What a delightful group of students."

Johan scanned the classroom, his gaze landing on students who had managed to stay wide-eyed and attentive through an admittedly tedious Pokémon psychology lecture. A satisfied smile spread across his face.

Compared to dealing with the various bigwigs outside the school, working with students was much more agreeable.

"Don't you think so, Gengar?"

"Ka-kah!"

Gengar laughed heartily, flashing its signature toothy grin.

As Johan and Gengar exited the classroom, a majority of the students slumped over their desks, utterly drained.

"Professor!"

Steven, Roxanne, and Flannery hurried after Johan in the hallway.

"Steven, you saw the message I sent, right?" Johan asked.

"Yes," Steven replied.

"So it's true?" Flannery's face lit up with excitement. "Trainers from Celadon University are coming to exchange experiences with us?"

She had been brimming with enthusiasm even during class, clearly itching for a battle.

Roxanne, on the other hand, was more reserved, her expression a mix of concern and contemplation.

"Celadon University is renowned for producing top talent…"

She wasn't wrong.

Legends like Professor Oak, Professor Birch, and Professor Cozmo were all alumni of Celadon University. Not to mention numerous top-tier trainers who had walked its hallowed halls.

Johan remained composed, his gaze shifting to Steven, who exuded calm confidence. Johan couldn't help but smile.

With Steven here, it didn't matter who Celadon University sent.

This was one of the reasons Johan had no qualms about accepting the principal's request.

Not just for Celadon's exchange visit—he felt assured about future regional exchanges too.

When in doubt, trust Steven. He never disappointed.

"Steven, I'll leave this to you. I need to... look for a place to rent."

Playing the role of a hands-off team leader had its perks.

"Of course, Professor," Steven nodded.

"Wait, you're renting a house?" Steven's puzzled look reminded Johan of something: the biggest property owner in Rustboro was standing right in front of him.

"What kind of place are you looking for, Professor?"

Before Johan could respond, Gengar eagerly started gesturing, stretching its tiny hands as far apart as possible.

"Big," Johan clarified with a chuckle.

He didn't bother holding back with his student. After all, he was planning to pay rent, not freeload. He explained his requirements succinctly.

"Give me a moment."

Steven stepped aside, pulling out his phone. After a brief call, he returned, looking slightly apologetic.

"Places that meet your needs are rare, but I've sent you the list. Take a look."

Johan opened the message on his phone.

He stared at the list.

A dozen or so properties.

Rare? Johan felt numb just looking at it.

Noticing his reaction, Steven added, "If nothing suits you, I could have the plans adjusted for one of our under-construction buildings."

"No need," Johan waved his hand. "That's too much trouble."

"What kind of house are you looking for, Professor? I could help ask around," Roxanne offered.

Her family's assets weren't on Steven's level, but they still owned considerable property in Rustboro.

"It's a pity," Flannery chimed in. "If this were Lavaridge Town, I could've helped."

Johan: "…"

He tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling.

What kind of students were these?

To avoid further mental fatigue, Johan quickly settled on a property closest to the academy.

The property Johan chose was near the academy but on the opposite side of his current residence, nestled beside a quiet commercial street.

While the foot traffic wasn't significant compared to Rustboro's busiest areas, it was conveniently close to the school and offered a serene, secluded charm.

The two-story building, painted white, had a small fenced area out front with a few trees and chairs, suggesting it had once been a shop.

Behind the building was a modest garden, roughly 40–50 square meters, with more trees and well-maintained greenery.

The main building itself covered nearly 300 square meters across two floors.

Johan envisioned the first floor as a café, with perhaps a third sectioned off for a small psychology consultation room. This would cater to people who genuinely needed help while filtering out those looking for idle distractions.

The second floor was residential, featuring a four-bedroom, two-living-room layout with a balcony and kitchen.

The only downside was the back-facing balcony, which received little sunlight.

"What do you think, Gengar?" Johan asked.

Gengar's eyes sparkled as it stared at the building.

"Ka-kah!"

Are we really moving here?

The garden had a small river running behind it, home to several wild Water-type Pokémon—a sight that immediately won Gengar over.

"Let's see what the others think."

Johan released Vulpix, Tinkatuff, and Dratini from their Poké Balls. If they were moving, it was only fair for everyone to have a say.

But it turned out Johan had overestimated their fussiness.

He was the pickiest one among them.

Since Johan was satisfied, the others naturally had no objections.

To them, the place didn't matter. What mattered was being together. Wherever Johan was, that was home.

Johan made his decision.

"This is the one."

He quickly called Steven to confirm.

"Professor, are you sure?"

"Yes. By the way, what's the rent?"

"Uh, rent?" Steven sounded surprised. "Professor, I didn't plan to charge you…"

Johan: "…"

"Steven, business is business."

"Alright… How about $10,000 a month?"

"That's too low."

"$12,000?"

"Higher."

"$13,000—final offer!"

"$15,000. Let's settle there."

$5,000 for housing, $10,000 for the shop—it was reasonable given Rustboro's market. While still a favor, it was a fair compromise.

"Fine," Steven relented with a sigh. "I'll send a construction team to help renovate."

"Renovate?"

Steven added, "We'll customize it to your needs. Don't argue, Professor. If I don't do this, my father won't let me hear the end of it."

A rental that came with free renovations? Johan couldn't argue.

Soon after, Devon Corporation's construction team arrived, quickly drafting blueprints based on Johan's preferences.

Fortunately, the building's original layout was in excellent condition, so the necessary changes were minimal. The crew estimated they'd be done within a day.

For now, Johan and his team could rest up and prepare for the move.

Johan also began planning his café. While the equipment purchase was straightforward—he already had his eye on a high-end coffee machine and grinder—hiring staff would be trickier.

As a teacher with Pokémon to train, Johan couldn't manage the café full-time. But it was his passion, and with the opportunity in front of him, he didn't want to miss it.

The next day, Johan and his Pokémon went furniture shopping.

"Buy whatever you like!" Johan declared magnanimously.

The Pokémon's choices were… unique.

Dratini picked a large bathtub.

Tinkatuff opted for a set of gym equipment.

Gengar wanted a 50-inch TV with casting capabilities.

The most bizarre choice came from Vulpix: an elaborate cat tree.

"A fox climbing a cat tree…" Johan muttered.

In the end, Johan's purchases were the priciest—a new bed, a comfortable sofa set, and, of course, a professional-grade coffee machine.

The coffee equipment alone cost over $50,000, even with a discount from a sympathetic shop owner.

Despite the expenses and challenges, Johan felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

Everything was ready.

The next chapter of their lives was about to begin.

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Powerstones?

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