Chapter 40: Welcome to Celadon University

Celadon University in Celadon City, the premier institution in the Kanto region, has always been known for its rigorous academic standards and innovative approach to exploration. Most students at the affiliated Trainer Academy are children of nobility with little substance, although a few exceptional talents do occasionally emerge. Although the current Elite Four doesn't particularly favor these academy-bred students, the prestigious reputation of noble academies remains strong due to their significant contributions to the league's funding.

In a lecture hall at Celadon University, a girl with short chestnut hair, dressed in a kendo uniform, was explaining advanced training methods for Grass-type Pokémon. This was Erika, the gym leader of Celadon City, a top perfumer, and an associate professor at Celadon University—a traditional woman embodying the spirit of a new generation Yamato Nadeshiko.

In the audience, the boys were dozing off, while the girls in the last two rows whispered among themselves. "Hey, have you heard? The senior teachers seem to be welcoming an impressive new professor," said a bespectacled girl with a round face, gossiping with her friends. 

"I know! They say he's Professor Oak's grandson, about our age, and he's a real heartthrob!" chimed in a girl with freckles, intrigued. 

"Hmph! He's about our age and somehow became a professor; he must have used his grandfather's connections. Just wait until he arrives at school; I'll definitely humiliate him!" scoffed a girl sitting in the center, flipping her long hair over her shoulder.

Perhaps she spoke too loudly, as Erika snapped her chalk in half with a loud crack. "Giselle!" Erika called sternly.

"Yes! Professor Erika…" Giselle stood up awkwardly.

"You students from the Trainer Academy have a rare opportunity to study at Celadon University. What are you daydreaming about during class?" Erika scolded angrily.

"Professor… I wasn't…" Giselle retorted defiantly. "We came to Celadon University to learn high-level knowledge and hone our skills as trainers. Some young people who rely on connections to become professors don't deserve to enter this esteemed institution!"

Glancing at the clock, Erika put away her teaching materials and looked disdainfully at Giselle. "I really don't know where your sense of superiority comes from—Is being the top student of the Trainer Academy supposed to mean your level is equivalent to that of a trainer who has earned six badges?"

Giselle frowned. "Isn't it?"

Erika shook her head with a smile. "I'm truly defeated by your naivety. Remember this: as long as I don't want to give you badges, you won't be able to take even one victory from me. Let alone from Gary Oak!"

"How could that be!" Giselle's face flushed red. "You're openly favoring Professor Oak's grandson; it's truly disgraceful!"

Erika calmly packed her things and glanced at Giselle. "A frog in a well isn't scary; what's scary is thinking you're right. Gary Oak may be young, but he published papers on the Alliance Academic Network when he was seven years old. If he had been an adult back then, based solely on his paper discussing Eevee's evolution possibilities, he could have directly obtained his doctorate. Not to mention academic issues; previously, Gary Oak had a friendly match with Elite Four member Bruno, and it ended in a draw! Do you now understand the gap between you two?"

(Gary publicly claimed it was a draw because he feared Bruno would challenge him again.) 

Gary pouted; they were evenly matched—right? 

Giselle, left red-faced, stood up defiantly to block Erika's path. "I don't believe what you're saying is anything but your biased opinion."

Even Erika's patience had its limits. She stepped forward decisively. "Do whatever you want; I'm going to welcome Gary Oak now. Step aside!"

The authority of a gym leader was evident as Giselle's face turned pale and she cleared a path. Erika shook her head dismissively; was this how sheltered students from the Trainer Academy acted?

Watching Erika leave, Giselle felt wronged, tears welling up in her eyes as she gritted her teeth and muttered, "It's all your fault, Gary Oak! I will expose your true colors!"

After lunch, Gary, who had just had a friendly battle with a few Mankey, was leisurely making his way toward Celadon City when he suddenly felt an itch in his nose. 

"Ah-choo!!" After sneezing several times in a row, he sniffed and said, "Strange, who's talking bad about me behind my back…?"

"Are you catching a cold, Gary? Should I ask Gothitelle to make you some ginger tea?" Caitlin asked with concern.

Coughing, Gary replied, "I'm fine; it's probably just a chill. It's not like I'm on my period or anything. You can keep the ginger tea for yourself," he waved dismissively.

"Gary, Gary! You're the best! Gary, Gary! You're amazing!!" 

Suddenly, a familiar cheer erupted from afar. Gary looked up to see Principal Monnet accompanied by several professors from Celadon University and a group of female students in cheerleader skirts, all waiting for him. 

"Good grief…" Gary couldn't help but cover his face; such embarrassing cheerleading lines didn't need to be shouted so loudly! 

As Gary approached the group with Caitlin, the old man stepped forward and grabbed him tightly. "Gary… my most proud disciple, you finally made it~" 

"Uh, Professor, this is Miss Caitlin, an Elite Four member from Unova. She'll be joining me for the seminar," Gary quickly introduced. 

Upon hearing this, Principal Monnet immediately turned his kind gaze toward Caitlin. "Hello there, Miss Caitlin! I'm Gary's university mentor. If you don't mind, you can call me Grandpa Monet." 

"Hello, Grandpa Monet," Caitlin said somewhat awkwardly.

"Yay~ That's wonderful! Welcome to both of you!" Monet exclaimed joyfully as his mustache seemed to lift with excitement. He winked at Gary and added, "Impressive, Gary! Your skills in charming women haven't diminished; your grandfather wasn't as good as you!"

Gary forced a smile; he was too lazy to comment on that—whatever floats your boat…

Noticing that Gary seemed unenthusiastic, Monet waved dramatically. "Let the music play!" 

A lively dance track began to blare as two rows of beautiful female students surrounded Gary and started dancing energetically. 

Monet grinned mischievously at Gary. "Isn't this well arranged? You're buying dinner tonight~" 

Gary rolled his eyes; how could this old man tarnish his reputation out of nowhere… 

Caitlin's cheeks flushed at the enticing dance moves as she covered her eyes but peeked through her fingers. 

Gary awkwardly scanned the area when suddenly he spotted the lead dancer and widened his eyes. "Erika?" 

Erika, blushing slightly as she danced the modern dance she had just learned that day, smiled and panted slightly. "Gary Oak! Long time no see~" 

"Uh… let's just talk normally for now. No need to keep dancing. Thank you for your hard work, ladies; let's wrap it up," Gary said helplessly while shaking his head.

After the embarrassing performance ended, Gary finally let out a sigh of relief. 

Having changed into a dignified traditional kimono, Erika presented a bouquet of flowers to Gary. 

He noticed that Erika's furisode was of medium length—quite formal attire for welcoming him. 

"Well then, without further ado, let's head back to school," Principal Monet directed. "This afternoon, I'll need you to give two open classes. You know how it is—go big or go home~" 

Gary thought about the materials on special evolutions and nodded with a sly smile. "No problem at all! But what about the props for class?" 

Monet waved grandly. "Whatever you need is covered by the school!" 

Gary raised an eyebrow. "Generous of you, Principal!" 

Monet puffed out his chest proudly. "Of course! That's why I'm the principal~" 

Erika stifled a laugh beside them; based on her previous knowledge of Gary, she figured that Principal Monet would have to shell out quite a bit for props again.